When I began looking into preschools for my son, I started with people I considered experts: teachers. We live in a neighborhood full of teachers - all of whom are also parents. I asked them (individually) where we should sign my kiddo up when it came time for preschool. Their answer? Six Acres. Unanimously. It was the easiest research I'd ever done. I didn't even consider other preschools. We toured my Six Acres and enrolled my son immediately. And it's one of the best decisions we've ever made.
Located in Medford, Six Acres has classrooms for kids as young as 2.9 years old to kids up to 5 (basically kids who miss the cutoff for kindergarten). Kids are grouped into age-appropriate classrooms where their days are led by a teacher and a teacher's aide. And, parents can choose from a variety of scheduling options. The school day is 8:30-1, 8:30-2 or 8:30 to 3 and parents can opt for 2, 3, or 5 days/week. For people who became parents during COVID, this flexibility was amazing, as it helped everyone (us and our son) ease into a whole new routine and schedule.
What to Expect
Throughout the year, kids learn new letters every week, participate in hands-on activities, enjoy performances by special guests (including the very popular Big Joe the Storyteller!), and equally hone their socialization and independent skills (I'll admit it, I was NOT the one who taught my son how to successfully zipper his coat, but I'm forever grateful for his teachers who did). My son made lots of friends and would often ask if he could go to school more often and for longer days!
Enrolling for Fall
If your little one is 2.9 and you think he or she is too little for something like preschool, I'd encourage you to think again (and explore some of the smaller scheduling options!). My daughter had such FOMO when we'd drop her big brother off at school, she'd beg to go for the ride with us, then cry when we made her leave. She could tell just how much fun they were having - and she's not yet 2.9! My son THRIVED at Six Acres and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who asks. They still have a few spots available, so this is a public service announcement to fellow parents - call Six Acres before those last few spots fill up!
