Pre-Schools in Area

My 5 year old is in a 2 day program at the Roane School (8;30 - 2 T and TH). Other than the drive into Destin, it has been wonderful- fantastic staff, great facility, good curriculum. Their phone number is (850)650-0137. They have a waiting list for most options, but we got lucky with the 2 day programs, since they are not as popular. Like you, I did not want her to go to school more than 2 or 3 partial days a week, but wanted her to have the social interaction more than anything.

Good luck- this was the biggest PIA of our move to SoWal, and if anyone out there is a parent of a preschooler and moving here in the next couple of years, I strongly encourage you to make phone calls TODAY. Your options (within a somewwhat reasonable commute) are Montessori and Roane, plus a few church based preschools. St. Rita's has a waiting list that will never go away- your only chance is attending the church and getting your unborn child on the list!

I, too, ran into an issue regarding the preschool options in the area. It is unfortunate that the availability is so limited. The lack of adequate pre-K preparation in both South Walton and Destin was enough for me to delay my move to the area. As a mother of 3, ages 6 and under, preschool availability is of utmost importance. Here in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, there are a number of opportunities. Hopefully, the South Walton area will realize the importance of providing such programs.

Perhaps an active effort similar to the Play Park needs to be started for pre-school. It is a huge lack.

We have the same thing with our three year old. When we moved here last fall, she suddenly had a baby brother, her big sister was in school and we were in a new location. It has been rough with her. She's begging to go to school and has been on waiting lists.

I think the 2 day program would be good for her at the Roane school. I had only heard about it once before (at least when I was conscious enough to comprehend!) from River's kindergarten teacher.

Thanks everyone for this info!

Good News church is planning on opening a preschool when they get settled in their new building. There is probably already a waiting list! Point Washington church is going to be building a family life center. I'm not sure when it will be done, but it has received the required approvals. When that is built, the plan is to have a preschool there too. It doesn't help you today, but there is hope for the future that things will be a bit better!

Gateway Academy (Destiny Worship)has a great program. Our son went 3 days a week and we couldn't have been more pleased. Excellent.

It is located across the street from Silver Sands Outlet Mall.

Curtis

Thanks for all of the great info. I will definately check into all of the good leads you have given. Does anyone know of any playgroups for kids aged 2-4in SoWal? My daughter LOVES people and especially other kids. Right now we go to the beach and try to find someone with kids who want to play. Sometimes we are lucky and sometimes not. She is so disappointed when we don't find anyone, or when the kids we do find don't want to play with her. She is an only child so I'm sure that being with me 24/7 can get old!

I don't have an only child (a house full of them!), but I have a 3 year old begging for friends because her big sis has all her friends at school. I feel terrible during the day when I am working &/or taking care of baby and hubby is busy and we aren't playing with her. I'd love to start a playgroup up. There is a Santa Rosa Beach mommies group on Meetup.com. They are truly lovely. I see them at the library on Thursdays... they have a lot going on, but my brain doesn't wrap completely around schedules very well..... and so I don't "meetup" with them very often.

My son went to Roane School also and loved it. He was full time, and had a lot of friends.

Thanks for the info on meetup.com mommies group. I have signed up and requested information. I really appreciate all of the help from everyone.

i suggest the Good news church as well. they are planning so many great things and it is so affordable considering. the staff is very caring and really there for the children. :clap_1: our son just loves going and he's not even in the pre-k untill next season!

Is this a five day program? and is it available to people other than church members? When i inquired last year, I was told it was only for members.
Thanks

waiting list for non-members and it's a two or three day school. $ 1530 for the 2 day and $2160 for the 3 day....(per year) respectively

Do you have a contact person I can call. I called the Church main number and was told there was no one there who could talk with me about it, but the lady would not give me another number or a name of anyone to call. She was not helpful at all.

Zoe was on the waiting list for Pre-K for next year and we got a call earlier this week that she's in!:clap_1: They only have a 5 day pre-K program, but are meeting today about a 2 or 3 day program. It will be from 9-2. It's $395.00/month and with a $350.00 supply fee. The registration is May 1st with $100 registration fee. You need to call Dana at 622-9191.

I am glad because it's only 1 1/2 miles away from us and driving into Destin daily was going to be a downer.:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

This is the Good News contact person? Thanks

My sons all went to Jacobs Ladder in Destin located in Destin United Methodist Church. It is an awesome program....definitely worth the drive. My 4 year old goes there 3 days a week. I am in a carpool which helps. It is less expensive than St. Ritas or Roane School. They offer a parents day out program and then preschool. Let me know if you need any further info.

Thanks. My son and daughter-in-law will be moving here in August and my granddaughter will be 4 this June. She has been in a wonderful school and we are hoping to find something comparable. Would prefer not to drive to Destin, but looks as though that may be the best option.

Where is Jacobs Ladder located (street address)?

Thank you.

This is the Good News contact person? Thanks

Yes, it is. Did you have a chance to call? Did they have any open spots? There was a lot of talk about Good News today at the library story time with moms of children between 3-4 years old.

Yes, it is. Did you have a chance to call? Did they have any open spots? There was a lot of talk about Good News today at the library story time with moms of children between 3-4 years old.

I tried calling this morning and was told that nobody there could help me and that I'd have to call back on May 1 when the school director started. They would give me absolutely no information and would not even take our name for the waiting list.

yeah, that's what happened to me too.

I tried calling this morning and was told that nobody there could help me and that I'd have to call back on May 1 when the school director started. They would give me absolutely no information and would not even take our name for the waiting list.

yeah, that's what happened to me too.

I think I got the info because I had called in January in regards to programs now. They said they are making sure the ones on the waiting list have a definite spot, that's probably why they are very closed mouth to anyone wanting info now. They are going to have a 3 day program for pre-k, btw. Dana called me this afternoon to let me know.

That poor director, who is going to get 100 calls about this on her/his first day.

It sounds stupid to people who don't have kids, but the preschool song-and-dance is one of the hardest things I've dealt with yet!!

I agree that Director is going to get swamped...it would just be so nice if the person who answers the phone would sound as though she cared that you were calling to try and find a place for your child. A little sensitivity would go a long way for people who are so desperately trying to find a place for their children...and, especially from a church! Guess I expected a bit more.

and it seems unfair to put all that on the Director of the school on the first day!.

Okay. Now, my rant is over.