The Newcastle School

06/10/2008 Posted by lisab0728

During my first exploratory visit last spring, I sensed immediately that Newcastle School was absolutely extraordinary! It was that same intuition that propelled me to bypass numerous other preschools that I toured and countless other educators and/or directors whom I interviewed while shopping around for a nurturing, enriching, safe, and fun-filled environment for one of the most precious people in the world--my first-born, Kate. Before leaving that first tour and after conferring with my husband by cell phone, I immediately enrolled Kate because Newcastle exceeded our extensive criteria. Starting with their nurturing mission statement in their foyer, to the assurance that there was a mechanism in place to screen staff members during their hiring process, to their Love and Logic behavior management philosophy of instilling responsibility and respect, to their convenient drive-thru drop-off and pick-up procedures (my 3 year old twins and I stay in our car seats in all types of weather), to their organized, clean, indoor and outdoor facilities and happy climate that was evident in the beaming faces of students and teachers alike, to their openness of welcoming unscheduled parent participation and observation, to their Summer Fun Camp programs and Computer Classes, to their focus on art and music and play, to their low ratio of teachers-children in each class, I just felt that I could entrust Kate to their care; and, that confidence alone was a HUGE deal to me because she had never left my side. I guess you could say that I picked Newcastle School as much for me as I did for her.

Pros: Outstanding staff and director, Love and Logic philosophy

Cons: None

05/02/2008 Posted by CarolAskew

I give the highest recommendation possible to Newcastle Preschool. My son has attended for the past 2 years. He has thrived at Newcastle. He is excited to go to school every single time. I would summarize my description of Newcastle with “well-rounded”. It has everything the perfect preschool should have, in the right amounts. My son has learned a very good foundation of academics and is well-prepared for kindergarten, but everything is taught through a wonderful variety of songs, creative arts and crafts, floor-time – engaging all the child’s senses. Kathleen and Larry Jensen know preschoolers. They know they need a cheerful, nurturing atmosphere. They have a wonderful outdoor play area and make sure the kids get fresh air and activity. They are also amazingly organized and efficient. The school feels like a very clean, loving home. The Jensen’s experience shows - from the lesson plans, to snack time, arts and crafts, recess, drop-offs, pick-ups - everything functions so smoothly and is thoughtfully prepared. We love the two musical programs each year that the kids perform for family. We love the progress reports that are sent home. We love the complimentary pictures sent home periodically of my son at school. We feel that every staff member loves and cares for each child. That loving, yet disciplined, routine at school has helped my son to mature so much. As he goes off to an academic charter school this fall for kindergarten, I know that I made the right decision to send him to Newcastle School. They have helped him to learn and mature in every way to help him succeed.

Pros: Newcastle Preschool is amazingly organized and efficient.

Cons: NA