See what our families are saying about Families Together in these testimonials
Most people hear about Families Together via word of mouth – a family member, a friend or someone on the playground! Our school has made a big impact on the lives of many which continues even after you leave the school. Following are testimonials from former family members and caregivers that show what an impact being a part of Families Together has made in the lives of their families.
“We had a terrific two years at FTCNS and although we graduated a year ago, I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t think of the school and miss it. My son thrived so much under the love and care of the teachers there. The self-directed learning and play-based centers were a delight and his first introduction to school was such an enjoyable one. The emergent curriculum meant that there were weeks when the theme was anything from spaghetti and meatballs to space, but is is amazing how much art, music, math, reading, and writing managed to creep into those themes!”
“Families Together is more than just a school. . . It is a vibrant learning community. The teachers at Families Together are experts at creating a dynamic learning environment while also nurturing social skills, friendships and character qualities like kindness and respect. The school is a cooperative nursery school which means that the parent base is not only supportive, but actively engaged in classroom activities and committees that bolster the school’s mission.
Administrative communication is friendly, open and clear. We really appreciate the sliding-scale tuition and lottery-based enrollment resulting in a diverse student population. At Families Together our son is gently and joyfully challenged to explore new ideas. The emergent curriculum takes into consideration the students’ interests and honors their natural sense of curiosity. Our son is also learning how to work with others, advocate for himself and peacefully work through peer-conflicts. But, best of all, he wakes up every day excited to go to school!”
“We are going into our second year at Families Together and we couldn’t be happier! The teachers really get to know each child and work with them where they’re at. They helped my daughter become more self-assured and advocate for herself more easily. Though she only did 1 year of preschool, she is ready (and very excited!) to start Kindergarten at our neighborhood CPS school. The play-based, emergent curriculum was eye-opening, but the best part was getting to volunteer in the classroom. It’s so neat to see kids playing and interacting in a way different from (but complimentary to!) the way they act at home. In my opinion FTCNS was worth every penny and then some!!”
“This preschool has it together! They are so organized and on top of everything, and it is run extremely well. The teachers are also lovely, kind, and very patient with every type of child in their classroom. My son had a wonderful year there, and has more love for learning than before. The kids were taught how to navigate conflicts with each other in a reflective and thoughtful way. The school is a real gem.”
“Every experience at this wonderful school has been near to perfection. I had no idea a pre-k experience could be so wonderful. It has exceeded all of our expectations and made our elementary search challenging when comparing future endeavors to the experience we’ve just had at FTCNS. Bravo to you all.”
“I truly feel like my child has been met where he is and encouraged to be his best self; allowed to establish his comfort zone and then enticed to leave it. The care and thoughtfulness of all the adults at FTCNS creates such lovely authentic opportunities and avenues for learning.”
“I loved the hands on experience and being integrated in my son’s education. There’s nothing that can replace that. Laura, Mary, and Salena made us feel part of a community, rather than watching from the outside in. I know my son was cared for, educated, and welcomed to a safe, inclusive environment that enabled him to grow into a person all his own. I’ve seen so much growth in him, how he interacts with other children and the world around him. FTCNS nourished his sense of curiosity and imagination, and I feel truly comforted knowing he had this experience and will continue to grow in a terrific environment.”
“Mary and Salena are constantly engaged, aware, and never condescending, short, or snippy no matter how busy they get or what happens in the room. They encourage creativity and gently nudge students in the right direction when behavior gets out of hand, encouraging them to make good choices rather than disciplining them harshly. When students are tired/sick/sad they are able to show them warmth and affection while still attending to the class at large. It’s all incredibly impressive.”
“How would I describe this school? Creative! Authentic instruction. They seize every opportunity to create a learning experience for children. Dana and Deadre have a terrific dialogue; their back and forth, asking and answering questions, making observations, investigating, debating is so rich.”
“The teachers are very adept at making sure that each child feels comfortable and safe in the classroom. I remember one time during a story that one of the kids was scared, and Deadre paused the story, took him on her lap, and continued. I was impressed that she was so attuned to his feelings. There is so much respect going on in the classroom. They also are so incredibly patient and good at modeling conflict resolutions for the kids. I’m so grateful that my daughter is learning this important life skill at a young age.”
“Both teachers Dana and Ellen are loving, supportive, engaged and funny. We love that they bring such fun and enthusiasm to their teaching experience.”
“Great Community and amazing play based and age appropriate approach to early childhood education. We love being able to be involved in our child’s first experience with education and we feel that the school is setting her on a path for a lifelong love of learning.”
“I am so glad that FTCNS exists!!”
“The teachers and staff are fabulous, as are the inclusive, sliding-scale tuition and play-based education.”
“Amazingly gifted staff, play based curriculum, sense of community, communication, wisdom about child development, joyful place.”
“The teachers and administrators, the feeling of community, and the love and joy that most everyone seems to have in their hearts.”
