Chinese Immersion Montessori Schools?
I'd like to put my twin boys in a Chinese Immersion school, and I'm pretty sold on the Montessori method (although I know each school has different interpretations and executions). They're 21 months now and will start either this fall at 2 yrs old (I think PRINTS may have openings) or at 3 yrs old next year if they have to be put on a waitlist. I am comparing AIM, PRINTS and GMIS. Can anyone provide recommendations between those three? There don't seem to be *recent* reviews on BPN, so I'm reaching out to parents who have kids enrolled now or within the last 3 years. I know AIM requires a 3-year commitment. Thoughts on this? Also, is it worth forgoing availability of one to take the chance of getting into another a year later? I know AIM has a long waitlist. Thanks!
Parent Replies
My older daughter just graduated from GMIS, and it was such a great experience. Vivi runs a very nurturing school, and my daughter (now 5) is fluent in Chinese, with a love for learning. I wish she could do her kindergarten year at GMIS, but we need to make way for my almost 2-yr-old to start in late fall.
The main teacher in the 2-yr-old class is the sweetest and will no doubt provide a smooth transition. A HUGE plus is that GMIS toilet-trains the kids starting on day 1. My older daughter was trained in just a couple weeks.
I don't know much about the other programs, but I love the small size of GMIS. It's a great community and we have become close with many other parents in the school. I know other parents I've talked to are also very happy with the school.
My daughter was at GMIS for four years. Starting at age 21/2 years old and she just finished her kinder year this past year. We were very happy with the program. The teachers and staff are so loving and nurturing. We chose GMIS because we could sense that this was a very loving place. We felt that at 2.5 years old, we were less concerned with the academics as much as the care that is given to her. It turns out that in the past four years not only was she nurtured but she was exposed to so many different experiences. She truly has thrived in the past four years. Her Mandarin is impressive considering we do not speak at home. But more importantly, she likes speaking Mandarin. The director, Vivi Teng, puts a lot of thought into the program and she has a special talent in choosing wonderful teachers. They are very attentive to each child's needs. The parent community has been great as well. We have made some good friends and the community overall is very welcoming.