Progressive Preschool: Open Door School Review and Current Enrollment Discount

If you’ve been in Charlotte awhile, the first thing you realize is that very few people are actually from here.  I mean, of the over 20-set, no one actually hails from the QC.  So, the standard question when you meet someone is “Where are you from?” With the understanding that they are not actually gonna say they are from Charlotte.

Next on the list from the “getting to know you guidebook” if you’re from Charlotte is: What church do you go to?  This surprises a lot of people, but it’s true.  Everyone wants to know what church you go to.  Apparently, it speaks volumes.  Don’t ask me.  I’m not a frequent church-goer and this tends to stump people.

That second question changes, however, if you have young children.  In this case, question number two is, “Where do your kids go to preschool?”  In this situation, I have an answer. The Open Door School.

There are a lot of options in Charlotte for preschool.  Most churches offer a preschool program, several YMCA’s branches offer the program, there are Montessori preschool programs, and then there are homeschooling options.  But most people don’t know about the Open Door School, which I think is a little secret that should no longer be kept as such.

I send my oldest child to the Open Door School for several reasons.  First, it’s really darn close to my house.  Like run-my-kids-in-the-jogging-stroller-to-school close.  But, regardless of where you live, it’s likely running to school is not an option to most people, so let’s put that aside for now.  I’ve got other reasons. 🙂

I love that the school is non-sectarian, so no matter what your cultural background or what religious beliefs you hold, when your kid goes to school, they are just there for school.  There’s no Easter, Yom Kippur, Valentine’s Day or Ramadan celebration.  Those traditions stay in the home.  At school, they focus on the routines of the classroom and playground which I find comforting and oddly balancing in a society that I think tends to over-do these things.

The Open Door School is a Progressive Preschool, and you can read more about that philosophy here.  But to me, it means that my kid is in a caring environment that allows him to discover the world on his own terms.   At the same time, he’s introduced to exciting things like woodworking, cooking, and sensory-play.

This is Graham’s second year at the school, and I envision sending Will, my youngest son there in the next year or so as well.  It’s not for everyone.  I understand that some families want their children to have religious instruction in the school.  And some families may wish to celebrate holidays in the classroom or send cookies in the lunchbox.  And that’s fine. But, if you’re looking for something a little different, I implore you to visit the Open Door School to learn more about their philosophy.

For those of you that are looking for a quick placement for your children, there are actually several openings that the Open Door School requested that I share with you:

As of 10/12/12, Open Door School has the following openings:

Since true progressive philosophy is not common in this area, Open Door School requires a tour prior to enrollment to ensure that the school will be a good fit for your family. Please contact the office to schedule one.  And, because they are looking to fill these slots quickly, they are offering a $25 registration fee discount to readers of the Charlotte Mom Favorites blog and South Charlotte Playgroup members.

Open Door School at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte
234 North Sharon Amity
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-364-1521

www.opendoorschool.org

*This is a sponsored post that I was compensated for, however I do not get a discount to send my child to Open Door School and of course all opinions expressed are my own.