We absolutely LOVE this school. It's a hidden gem, with experienced, kind, warm and engaging teachers. It has a neighborhood school vibe, very friendly and low key. The outside play space is amazing. Two play structures, a sand pit (currently not being used for covid-precautions), tricycle track, a Little Rock wall, outdoor painting space and lots of grass. The classrooms are large with a lot of natural light, and two doors (one on either side of the class), allowing for lots of natural air flow. The best part about the school are the teachers, director and staff. I can't imagine better teachers. They're nurturing, genuinely caring and kind, and very good at helping kids connect and relate with each other in a respectful, friendly way. A lot of their teachers have been there for a VERY long time. The kids are referred to as 'friends' when spoken to as a group. My daughter has learned a lot about how to treat others kindly there, and I also know without a doubt that the other kids at the school treat her with kindness and acceptance as well. That, in my opinion, is the school's best strength...and a very important piece of learning at this age. My daughter absolutely loves going to school. She looks forward to it. She loves her teachers, her friends, and all the activities they do. Although they are fully play based and non academic, the school is still definitely getting them ready for kindergarten. The kids sing a lot, do TONS of art projects, read stories with their teachers, build (with legos, blocks and such). My daughter is starting to learn how to write her name. I toured a lot of schools that market themselves very well, but at the end of the day, I think St. John's offers more than I could have hoped for. I was a bit worried at first that they are so play based, but I've come to learn that they have a lot of structure, themes of the week and expose the kids to a lot of the same things as other schools that go all out on marketing. They foster the child's self-esteem, independence and curiosity to learn. Re covid precautions: I have been very impressed with the precautions they have taken post-covid. Everyone (including kids) is required to wear a mask. The kids have their own desk space and physically distance. At first, I was worried that my daughter would not have fun under these new conditions, but the teachers are so incredible that they make it work, and the kids still love it. They talk to each other from their space, take turns outside...it's amazing how it works. I can't believe it sometimes. I thought my daughter would take her mask off, but we got her some cute ones and it's a total non issue. Some of the toys that were previously available are on hold during this time (no dress up, no sand pit, no toys that are hard to clean and or easily spread germs basically), but the school and kids have adapted and they still have a blast. For anyone worried about covid, they definitely are doing everything possible to be safe. My daughter has been there for over a year (minus the time the school was closed because of Covid). They're open again and enrolling. Good luck in your search!!