my thoughts

Pink,

My dd is at our local Catholic school. She went to K there and there were a lot of people in our town that sent their kids there and then switched to the local public school (which only had 1/2 day), so it's a pretty common thing to do, if you are worried about that.

I hear you on the lack of facilities at the Catholic schools, but I don't think this is the most important thing, it's really all about the teachers. I wonder if you can meet them or talk to someone that goes there and find out.

I don't know much about montessori but I did visit one and was impressed. My only problem was that I feel like in some ways it can be a unrealistic environment for sone kids who then need to transition to a regular school that has different expectations. Also, they are pretty expensive.

Frankly, as a science professor I wouldn't be too concerned about the amount of science they learn pre grade 8.

jkl