St Michael’s Episcopal Day Preschool

My daughter attends St. Michael’s Preschool and has been there since she had just barely turned 2. I did a completely neurotic amount of research (online, making phone calls, and visiting about 15 different preschools in the area) before determining this was the best preschool for her. We are so impressed by the care she receives there, the extent of her learning, and the children, teachers, and other staff she’s surrounded by. We couldn’t possibly be happier with St. Michael’s Preschool and we’re excited to send our twin sons there in the not so distant future.
My chaotic days prevent me from posting reviews on Unilocal,but I’m horrified by Melanie R’s review, so I had to take the time today. By total coincidence, I was at Mateo’s Dream Park on the day she refers to. I was playing with my 20-​month twin boys and I was happily surprised to see the St. Michael’s group arrive. The staff member Melanie R. refers to in her post greeted me instantly and yet never took her eyes off the kids. (You can imagine that I would pay attention to such things since my child goes on similar field trips and I want to be sure that she’s properly supervised and looked after!) I hadn’t met Dan M. before, the chaperone parent who also posted a review, but he introduced himself to me so that I would understand why he had posted himself at that particular part of the park, and to make sure I knew that he was part of the St. Michael’s group and not just a random/​creepy guy hanging out and watching the kids. I could tell by the staff member’s presence, Dan M, and the other chaperones that they had their bases well-​covered, which isn’t easy to do considering no kid ever stands still at a park.
My boys are small, young, fearless, adventurous little climbers and they love to run all over the park, so we were with the St. Michael’s kids in the «big kid» area the entire time we were there. (I remember the St. M’s staff member announcing to the children that they had to stay in this area and not play in the little kid section, so it was obvious that she was entirely aware of and looking out for other children not in her group.) Not a single time did I see any of the St. Michael’s kids acting like brats. Sure, they run fast and make some noise but they did everything I would expect children that age to do, and I was completely comfortable allowing my boys to play right in the middle of it.
It’s unfortunate that Melanie R. had such an unpleasant experience at Mateo’s Dream Park that day, but I can’t see how any of it was related to St. Michael’s Preschool. I WAS THERE and I didn’t witness a single issue she reports. Honestly, there’s a BIG MAMA BEAR in me that would have brought it to St. Michael’s attention immediately if I did, especially since I’m counting on them to provide my child with the best possible care and experiences.
I didn’t realize how protective of and proud I am of St. Michael’s Preschool until reading Melanie R.‘s post, which I find entirely blasphemous. St. Michael’s is a wonderful institution. We feel that our daughter is fortunate to attend their school and we’re thrilled with the level of care she receives there. We love the teachers just as much as she does. She’s quiet and shy, and yet she never leaves school without hugging her friends AND the teachers goodbye, of her own accord. I think that speaks volumes, and it’s a much better-​educated review than Melanie R.‘s.

I am updating my review after my son attending to St Michael’s for the past 2 years. I can’t thank enough for all the teachers in St Michael’s. They are professional, loving and caring. My big boy is ready for K school and we will be back with my little guy when he is ready.
It’s unfortunate to see a bad review of this great school from someone who only judged from a narrow angle. If you are looking for a preschool for your little ones, please check out St Michael’s in person. Take a tour, sit-​in a class, talk to the teachers… This is a gem of our neigborhood!

We love love love St. Michaels! Our son has been here for two years now and we are getting ready to start a new school year as a frog! He can’t wait to finally be in Ms. Alicia’s class. I can’t say enough great things about this school and the staff. It’s actually more like a family. From the great loving staff to all the awesome families and the way everyone pulls together to make it the best it can be! I can honestly say that I know the teachers love our son and have his best interest at heart. He has had some struggles adjusting and they constantly are there to encourage him and support us as his parents. I feel so fortunate that we found them and this special relationship with each and everyone of them. We love all the events and get together a they have. We love the parent participation requirements. It keeps everyone hands on in the classroom and what is going on with each class. Our son can’t wait to get to school everyday and his progress week by week amazes us. I have recommended this school to many close friends and will continue to even after my son graduates from preschool. Such a loving environment, fun and special time at St.Michaels. I speak for many parents I’m sure when I say, we are so blessed to have these amazing teachers! :-)

After researching and visiting several other preschools in the area we were referred to St. Michael’s from a friend of a friend. We are so glad that we looked into the referral. Our oldest son has been here for a year now and our middle son just recently joined him. My husband and I could not be happier with our experience here. The staff is so caring and attentive to all of the kids. I love that all of the teachers interact with all of the kids even those who are in different age groups and classes. It really feels as though the teachers love our kids. The school décor is cheerful, fun and appropriate (this sounds obvious but after touring other facilities it’s not). It is clean and above all safe. Its impressive that they are able to make the school so amazing and that parents and grandparents all come together to contribute time and skills to keep it up. Its an incredible community to be a part of. We are excited for our son to begin the Pre-​k program this fall. We recommend this school to everyone we know.

For all of you parents that are trying to figure out what school to put your children in, this is the school! My daughter has been going to this school before she was potty trained and that was at the age of 2. If it was not for St. Michael’s my daughter would most likely still in diapers as we speak and she is 5 years old now. These teachers are patient calm with all of our children and I have never met such understanding and loving teacher in my whole life. I am so glad that I was able to find this school and put my child through such amazing schooling. Isn’t that what being a parent is all about… Knowing that your child is ready and ahead in school for kindergarten?.. Before I found this school my daughter was in a day care and all they did was play all day. I also would walk in and I had caught her yelling at a child because they sat on her couch. Her brain was also not being exercised to where if I didn’t put her in the amazing school she would know her, colors to her shapes, her ABC and to top it all off she knows how to write her name. I love this school and I wish they had a grade school because my child would stay here. I am now Pregnant with my second child and my child will be going to this school.
Now I am a little Offended about the «ONLY» negative comment on here for this school. For one our children are not BRATS… You can’t expect all of our children to not want to run around and have a good time at a park. They are children they are supposed to run around, let their steam out and have a good time. And two. she was not the only teacher that was there. I was there and so many other parents. That Woman is a married Christian woman and if you would really like to know what she was talking about… was a field trip that we need more parents to go on so our children can go on. I am sorry if laughing and smiling to you is flirting. You really need to get out more and maybe go take a nap. Hey better yet get your kids signed up with our school and maybe they will teach you some manners… Just saying!
PS. Next time you take your kids to the park keep and eye on your kids and stop worrying about everyone else.

I write this as a response to the Unilocal posting by Melanie «Dr. Mel» R. I am one of the three parents who volunteered their time to ensure the safety and security of the children who were on the field trip from St. Michael’s Preschool in Concord. We were also accompanied by one of the teachers who is referred to in the post by Melanie «Dr. Mel» R. Due to my busy schedule, I do not have time to normally post Unilocal (or any other) reviews; however, I strongly believe in integrity and justice and felt I had to respond to the inaccurate and exaggerated negative posting of not only the staff but the children of such a great center, St. Michael’s Preschool, of which I am very proud that my daughter attends.
I will justly and accurately respond to most of the derogatory comments given by Melanie «Dr. Mel» R.
1) «No one was watching them…”-There were eight (8) students who were chaperoned by four (4) adults (1 teacher/​3 parents). The ratio of chaperones to children for this specific trip to Mateo’s Dream Park was one adult to every two children. The school takes great measures to ensure that the children are properly attended to and cared for and my time given was a response to a request for chaperones put out by the school. Upon our arrival to the park, I assessed the area and determined that I should be posted to the rear of the playground where I could have a visual of the entire fenceline and Grant Street side. I spoke with the teacher and informed her that I would be posted there while she and the other 2 parents would observe the remaining 2 sides. This was done to ensure the safety and security of the children, not only from strangers but also their conduct and well being while they were playing within the play structure.
2) «…and they were all acting like horrible brats… I would be pissed if my child was allowed to run around like that, being rude to everyone in the park. I had to intervene a few times to prevent their kids from hurting themselves and hurting my child.» — It is important for one to know that Mateo’s Dream Park is a public park and not all the children present were from St. Michael’s Preschool; hence, it is unfair and inaccurate to place blame on St. Michael’s for the behavior of all the children who were playing at Mateo’s Dream Park. The philosophy of St. Michael’s is one based on respect of others with the foundation on sound Christian principles. If at any time there was any dangerous behavior observed, we would have immediately intervened; there was none except the normal play expected from young children of the age of approximately 5.
3) «There was a woman wearing The St. Michael’s shirt… flirting with some man the whole hour I was there.» –The staff at St. Michael’s is highly professional and responsible to the extent that I trust them with the well being of my only daughter. This accusation is malicious in that A) the St. Michael’s staff member in question is a highly respected member of the school and B) at no time was she flirting with any man at Mateo’s Dream Park. The staff member is highly protective of her students and a person of integrity.
The «some man» Melanie «Dr. Mel» R is referring to is me. I take time out from my occupation to ensure that the children from the school are safe as they go on fieldtrips. I have been a member of the law enforcement community, in good standing, for eighteen years (still serving/​patrol) and have worked as a professional bodyguard in four continents specializing in high-​risk protection for govt, private, and high-​profile persons for almost 20 years. I also am the CEO of a highly-​reputable protection firm that services both the govt and private sectors including training for SWAT and military units. I approach being an «escort» on these fieldtrips as an important duty to ensure the safety and security of those in my presence. I do not «flirt» or become distracted when I have an important responsibility such as the day we were at Mateo’s Dream Park on this field trip. Furthermore, I believe in setting an appropriate example to our young.
4) «Clearly they do not take care in the way this preschool is run.» –It is truly a shame for Melanie «Dr. Mel» R to make such a judgmental and inaccurate statement of such a great preschool such as St. Michael’s. «Dr. Mel» has never been to the school and perhaps she should spend some time reflecting on what type of example she sets for her children when she clearly exaggerates and makes false assumptions against positive organizations such as St. Michael’s Preschool which have a great and positive impact on children. I would expect more accuracy and fairness from an educated person such as the title «DR.» denotes. «Dr. Mel» should reconsider using words such as «NEVER, no one, all, never, and everyone”(all aforementioned words used exaggeratedly, in that order, in her Unilocal posting). St. Michael’s Preschool is an excellent preschool which helps form a good moral base from which to grow

My son has been going to St. Michael’s School for the past year and we love it. Everyone there is focused on building a loving, nurturing, and positive environment. I am happy with the engaging and fun way they approach education. My son comes home eager to teach me what he has learned.
With that said, I was shocked to see a review which portrayed the school in a negative light. The school does many fun field trips for the students in the summer. I was one of the three parent chaperones at Mateo’s Dream park with St. Michael’s School and the children were playing in a manner expected of good 5 year olds (running, sliding, laughing,…playing). Melanie R said she was there with her 2yr old, I am wondering why she wasn’t in the area which was designated for children 5 yrs and under!!! This may be why they have a separate area, children 5 yrs and older may be a little too dynamic for a 2 yr old. Melanie R seems like one of those people who doesn’t want to follow rules which are put in place for the safety of everyone. Then complain about a bad situation which she put herself and child in.
When I see a negative Unilocal review I go check the persons other postings to get a perspective. Melanie R has given 8 of 10 of her last reviews 2 stars or less. WOW!

I am on maternity leave, so I took my 2 year old and baby to the park near our house for some playtime. There was a group of children from this preschool there playing. From what I saw, I would NEVER want my kid to attend this preschool. No one was watching them and they were all acting like horrible brats. I had to intervene a few times to prevent their kids from hurting themselves and hurting my child. There was a woman wearing the St. Michael s shirt, so I assumed she was supposed to be watching them, at least somewhat. Well, she was over in a corner flirting with some man the whole hour I was there. She never even looked up and these kids were doing some dangerous things. I am trying to call the director right now, but the line has been busy. Clearly they do not take care in the way this preschool is run. I would be pissed if my child was allowed to run around like that, being rude to everyone in the park.
I got a hold of the director who was very receptive and concerned about this problem, so at least that is good.

My son attends St. Michael’s Preschool and my daugher will when she is old enough.
I can’t say enough great things about them. The staff is kind, caring and professional. My son is hugged if he needs it. Sometimes he prefers not to join in on circle time and his teacher lets him read a book in the coolest reading cubby ever. I get a new «mommy I made this for you» artwork every day and a report on how he did.
St. Michael’s has great rates, feeds my son yummy hot meals each day and provides an array of structured activities for him that I just couldn’t possibly give him. When he came to St. Michael’s he didn’t enunciate very well and said certain phrases that could have been improved upon. For instance, he didn’t say «no thank you» and he said «OK» instead of «yes». Within a week his phrases improved and other people could understand him better. Since then he is working on manners, sharing, asking politely, personal space, etc.
My son’s 2-​year old class teacher has a theme for each month and encourages parents to work together with her and their child. She’s been amazing at pinpointing areas we think my son could improve upon and offered suggestions that have worked (I saw results in just one weekend).
I get owie reports, daily notes, a newsletter, and a monthly calendar. There are always opportunities for parents to be involved in extra activities like Mom’s Pizza Night or Father’s Day Picnic in the Park (or the Teddy Bear Picnic!).
For anyone worried about the religious aspects, you do not need to be Christian to attend this school. They don’t even ask. Chapel Day, once a week, is filled with boisterous singing and «prayer» (well wishes) for family and friends. The kids get a quick lesson on being kind/​ethical/​morally good, which I think transcends any religion. I’m not Christian and I am not at all worried about indoctrination of my son. It just won’t happen.

Both of my daughters attend St. Michael’s and LOVE it there! The teachers are loving, caring, and patient. My youngest daughter (who just turned 2) started 6 weeks ago and has become so much more independent and has been talking more and more everyday. My oldest daughter has attended St. Michael’s since she was 2 and will be graduating in a couple of weeks. She is completely prepared and so excited to start kindergarten! I have a much better day knowing that when I drop them off in the morning that they are safe and taken care of when I leave. If you’re looking for a preschool, either full time or part time, call St. Michael’s to schedule a tour!