I can't say enough about this school! I shopped all over the area for a preschool for my son. I finally realized there was no way I would be able to pay for private preschool and enrolled him at Clark. And honestly, I was really sad about it.
But I couldn't be happier! His teacher is amazing but I've met a lot of teachers over the year and they are ALL wonderful. The aides are fun and friendly with the kids, but also know how to lay down the law when necessary. All the aides know all the kids in all the classes, not just their own. They also go out of their way to say hi to me and my other son when we're there for drop off or pick up. We've had interactions with the school nurse and she is caring and amazing as well.
My only complaints are: the office staff can be rude and lax at times. I've sat for LONG stretches with a toddler in tow just waiting for someone to acknowledge me. But having said that, they get things done when necessary. I've never had any issues with any administrative business.
This is not a "pull up and drop off" set up. I don't know how most preschools work but you have to get out and walk your child into the classroom, which can be inconvenient with other children.
Full day is only offered if your child will be entering kindergarten the following year. If your child is 3 s/he MUST be half day.
There is no transportation provided unless your child has an IEP. This is really inconvenient for a lot of parents I've talked to and keeps a lot of kids from being able to attend. (And especially in my case, since one of the buses goes down our street and I literally follow it to the school every day.)
Clark merges special needs students with mainstream students so every classroom is inclusive. My son's class has children from 3-5 who are all over the learning spectrum, as well as some ESL students. There are some physically disabled children in other classes as well. But I love that the kids all learn together and learn to help and accept each other.
I'm so glad I "settled" on Clark. It turned out to be the greatest decision I could've made for him at this stage. read more
