by Felicia, parent of two kids who attend(ed) Highland Park Preschool
Our journey with Highland Park Preschool started in September 2021. Due to COVID-19, and more flexibility to work from home, we wanted to move our oldest son from a downtown daycare to a preschool near our home. I started googling, “Best Preschools Near Me,” and came across a listing of The Best Calgary Preschools. Highland Park Preschool was at the top of the list, it sounded wonderful, and better yet, it was only a five-minute drive from our house. I contacted the school and there was room in their Monday, Wednesday, and Friday PM class for three-and four-year-olds.
My son started attending and we had a really positive experience. He attended for two years, first in the afternoon class, then in the MWF morning class. He is now in kindergarten, and I just asked him, “What did you like best about Highland Park?” And he said, “I liked all of it. But I really liked Chloe.” That was one of the main highlights for us. Within a few months, my son developed really strong friendships with some of the students in his class. They completed year one and year two of preschool together and are now in kindergarten together. Attending kindergarten was a seamless transition for the kids, as they already had friends in their class, and had developed so many social, speech, and motor skills from preschool. Everything from learning to putting on their own jackets and shoes, to cleaning up toys, to listening to the teacher and each other.
Other highlights included:
• The opportunity for parents to volunteer in the classroom once a month, as the preschool is a non-profit, parent-supported, cooperative preschool. There is usually one parent volunteer in the classroom, along with the teacher and teacher assistant. It was great to join my son one morning per month and meet his friends and see how and what he was learning. The day always included fun activities like circle time, gym time, snack time, and play time.
• If you can’t volunteer in the classroom, they have a variety of other volunteer positions available to support the school, which keeps costs low. Some of the balance is also covered by the Childcare Affordability Grant.
• The preschool is well run; and communication is very clear and timely.
• We love the end of the year graduation celebration where the kids perform a song or two, walk the stage and enjoy potluck food, face-painting and outdoor activities.
Now, my younger son is attending Highland Park Preschool. He says his favourite part is the games they play. We would definitely recommend this preschool.
Registration for September 2024 classes will open on January 22. Visit www.hpca.ca/preschool for details!
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