To Canddsmom:

Just out of curiosity, where are you planning to send your kids to Elementary School?

We have been at Kendall United Methodist Church Pre-School in Pinecrest for 5 years. It is a wonderful and truly unique school with a family feel. Our two kids have been so happy there. The staff is wonderful and caring and they do so many special events and programs for the children and parents - it has made our years there so memorable.

The director is very experienced and has an excellent reputation in the community. We feel certain that our children are learning in the best environment possible to nourish both their academic and social development.

Friends that have left because of the convenience of having their younger children in the same school as older siblings have admitted regret. There is no school out there like KUM. You don't realize and take it for granted until you go somewhere else and see the difference.

We have been happy with Banyan Day School in Coral Gables. It isn't perfect but it is one of the best in the area for the amount we pay. I feel very safe with my son there and they have an outstanding academic program that feeds kids into into the best schools (albeit mostly private). They also have a full time after care and summer program so very working parent friendly. My son has been very happy there. It is very small and and goes thru Kindergarten. Unfortunately, this will be his last year there.

If you like Montessori, the BEST preschool in Miami IMO is La Prima Casa in Brickell. It is the ONLY "international" certified school in this area and is true Montessori inside and out. Unfortunatley the hours and location did not work for us but I highly recommend the school.