I chose PNS for my children because there is no other school in the area like it. In my initial search for preschools I found that most of the other schools out there are a day care situation and that’s not at all what I wanted. I like how it’s running as a structured school, with set schedules and classes. I also love the curriculum, how it’s centered on what preschoolers need for learning. I’ve never found that they needed to be doing worksheets; I’d rather have them learn from the projects and activities. My sons were all prepared for kindergarten academically, emotionally and socially when they finished PNS. Whenever I talk about it I just gush. I love the curriculum and the teachers, and have had nothing but good experiences.

On my oldest son Sage’s first day, he had major separation issues. Mrs. Gadzjis was welcoming everyone into the classroom, so Mrs. Farry came in to help out by holding him and comforting him, while I was in the Muscle Room across the hall with Mrs. Chidichimo. They made me see that he would be fine and that I would be fine, and they were right. He calmed down and never had another problem for the rest of the year. It’s such a caring and loving environment; you feel like it’s a family. I’ve never felt lost in the shuffle. They remember the names, the kids. When I came in with my second son after 3 years of being away, they greeted me and him by name and I knew that they remembered us.

My 5 year old, who is bright and articulate and curious, would have been miserable in a school which required memorization and worksheets. At PNS he was given choices that fit his learning style and his abilities, and he loved going to school. He was allowed to develop according to his talents and is fully ready to begin kindergarten, both academically and socially.

One incident stands out as an example of the wonderful things that happen at PNS. When I was a classroom helper, Mrs. Farry had foam letters out in a basket and casually mentioned that they could be played with. A group of students began to play on their own—without direction—and soon were spelling words—their names, family names, “cat,” “dog,” other simple words. If they needed help they would ask and I would say, “You need an A,” and they would put it in the right place. They were having so much fun. The children who came in after doing other activities would see what was going on and join in. They were all working together, learning their letters and phonics, and having a great time.

The fact that we are so involved because of co-oping is wonderful. In elementary school you feel like you are helping, but at PNS you are involved, connected, and well-informed. You have so much more information about what goes on everyday.

The pre-school years are such a short time in a child’s life, it’s great to know and feel involved in this precious period of my children’s lives—as well as mine. Time passes too quickly.

Kelly R.