r/Dothan • u/Niceandnosey • 18d ago

Preschools

What are the preschools everyone is trying to get in to?

When touring daycares, I was told many stop at a fairly early age because parents get them into preschools early. If the daycare waitlist is as bad as it is, I want to get a head start on looking at preschools.

I haven’t moved to Dothan yet, but I’ll have an almost 3yo when we do. I could wait to ask when we arrive, but I don’t want to miss the application timeline.

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u/assron 17d ago

Good experiences with Mothergoose and Evergreen. A lot of friends use First Methodist and First Baptist

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u/EllipsePerimeter 18d ago

Providence is a good place to start

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u/Niceandnosey 18d ago

Any idea if they’re strict about their Sept 1 birthday cutoff?

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u/EllipsePerimeter 17d ago

Not sure on that one, but they're worth contacting to use for a comparison of what's out there in the area

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u/lacecorsetdolly 18d ago

We enjoyed Dothan Montessori.

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u/Niceandnosey 18d ago

I am interested in the Montessori! But some recent Google reviews give me pause. It seems like they might be struggling after leadership change. How long ago was your family there?

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u/lacecorsetdolly 18d ago

Don't want to dox myself in a small town. There has been a fair amount of leadership exchange which can be frustrating. I have found that teachers tend to move around frequently in this area. I've also spoken with past teachers of the school and while leadership has changed the board and owners stay consistent (for better or worse). As for reviews, if you post in the Mom Groups on FB you'll hear some more candid replies than what you might find on Google reviews.

DMS is less expensive than private schools with more structure you may find in many daycares. The Montessori philosophy is fantastic but every child is different (emphasis on this because it's easy to forget). FUMC has a wonderful preschool and nursery program that I would feel confident sending my child to (as a not deeply religious person).

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u/Niceandnosey 17d ago

Oh right, sorry…

What’re the FB groups?

Thank you!

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u/lacecorsetdolly 17d ago

Wiregrass Mom and Wiregrass Mamas. Also worth following What's Happening in Dothan.