So Hunter will be entering White Lodge kindergarten when he’s around 18 months.. which is when I give birth. He’ll start off with just 2-days a week, for a half-day session each time. I specifically wanted that because on the one hand, I want him to be able to still get the stimulation and social interaction after I give birth (when I’ll have no time for my daily playdates for awhile), yet I didn’t want a full-time kindergarten that I felt would be too much for him when his world already changes quite a bit with a newborn baby brother.

Why White Lodge? My girl friends and I viewed a lot of schools. And I mean, a LOT. We basically spent all our play dates school-viewing, over the period of 2 months! White Lodge is a little on the pricey side, but I feel it’s worth it because we liked the teachers, the school had nice facilities, and I like their curriculum.

His class has just 5 children, and 2 teachers. And that is an AWESOME ratio! It was one of our priorities when looking for schools, so we’re very happy with White Lodge 🙂

Our other option was Odyssey, which, frankly, had the most impressive campus. It looked like a sprawling resort! Hunter loved the place and fit right in, and all the kids looked so happy. Unfortunately, they have a waiting list (women actually enroll when they’re pregnant; can you believe that?! Geez), so Hunter won’t be admitted until he’s 3 years old. So until then, he’ll stay at White Lodge..

 

 

 

This is another White Lodge branch that we visited, in Dempsey. Nice central location, but we weren’t a fan because the classrooms were quite enclosed (not much natural light) and the place just seemed rather run-down.

 

 

 

 

The other contender was Mindchamps in Phoenix Park, which we liked as my girl friend knew the principal. The campus is impressive – spacious with a great outdoor play area. Didn’t go for this in the end though, because the location wasn’t ideal and they only offer 5-days.