My son has been at Chalk for over 2.5 years now. He started at the Dayton location two days a week 1/2 day when he was two years old. When he (actually when I) was ready to go full-day, we moved him to the Lakeview location which is all full-day because it is closer to home. We had heard good things about Chalk through friends of friends, but the reality is we chose the school because my son has an October birthday and their rolling admissions policy allowed us to enroll him once he turned two rather than wait an entire year. We figured if it wasn't a fit, we could move him anywhere when he was three.
Not only was it a fit, my husband and I feel like it is an outstanding preschool with a perfect balance of play and learning in a truly loving and nuturing environment. Both the teachers and administrators care deeply for the children. They create a casual, fun atmosphere in all of their classrooms at both locations we've attended - it is not an overly-structured curriculum. We are thrilled not only with what our son has learned, but how he has learned it through their play-based design. They make everything fun. They instill a love of learning and respect for curiosity in these tiny people.
They absolutely let every child develop at his or her own pace. If a child in the class is experiencing difficulties of any kind, the teachers are on top of communicating with the parents daily so it is a coordinated effort to help the child overcome those challenges. Both the teachers and administrators make themselves available any time if you have questions or want to discuss an issue. You can even place a phone call into the classroom if you need information more urgently.
Each class is a little different, but you will get some sort of feedback on how your child ate, slept, and even their demeanor at pick up. They place a healthy priority on exercise and physical activity time. Each location does this differently based on the neighborhood. The Dayton location uses Pump-It-Up. The downside to this is that they don't go outside. The upside to this is that the kids have access to this preschoolers paradise all year! That means they are running, climbing, sliding and jumping their little hearts out even in winter!! Thats a lot of days when most schools must play inside the classroom or halls.
They serve catered, organic lunches and the children are taught to clear their own plates. In the older rooms, the kids get jobs each day which is a highlight for my son. I also LOVE how the school is year-round and I don't have to come up with summer camp options. The kids really prefer to stay in their own environment with their own friends at this age.
Our son is headed out of Chalk into junior kindergarten at the school he will attend going forward. I definitely have anxiety about him leaving our beloved Chalk environment. But my two year old daughter will begin at Chalk this fall and we are so excited to continue our experience there with her! I cannot recommend this school enough to prospective parents! read more