This is my opinion only and my personal experience with St. Vincent's preschool, it does not anyway reflect the school's own stand.
My son and friend's children attend this Makati preschool. Overall, I think it is a wonderful preschool with lots of potential for improvement.
There is a low teacher to student ratio per class, the classroom is not overcrowded and the teaching methods are often "one-on-one" sessions with the students followed by group activities such as singing and dancing.
On certain days the teaching method shifts to worksheets (so the child can be prepared for taking exams/entrance exams at the Big Schools).
My son has learned to socialize better and play well with other kids (sharing and taking turns is no longer a big issue with my boy). Personally, I find the teachers to be very caring and sensitive which is more than a parent could ever ask for. The teachers often engage the parent to be involved with the kid's progress at school, they do require you to have a talk with them especially if your kid is having trouble with school lessons or relating to other kids in class.
Preschool graduates from St. Vincent's Academy are taught to be ready for life in the "big schools". Most end up attending elementary schools such as Don Bosco Academy, St. Scholastica's Academy, Colegio De San Agustin and Hope Christian Academy. The place though small is accessible for parents who would like to easily drop and pick up their kids after work. We live a block away from the school which is a good thing as I do not need to subject my son to traffic and long commutes.
Now if you are looking for a fancy school with a big campus or a preschool with kids that do not talk the national language, then this school may not be for your kid. If you have a strict language preference, you may opt for the international preschools. The kids here are bilingual though there are those who speak English as their first language, still your child will surely be able adopt the Tagalog language within the school year.
The school is not a progressive-type school (e.g. Montessori, Piagetian, Waldorf, etc). It's just a straightforward regular preschool so expect lots of star stamping, paper pasting, dancing and singing from your kid.
St. Vincent's Preschool: A Makati Learning Center
Objectives:
To support the development of children during their early years.
To increase children's intellectual and language competence.
To provide them with the skills of self-expression.
To act as socializing agents, preparing the children for the world of elementary as well as for participation in society at large.
Subjects:
Language
Math
Practical Life
Sensorial Development
Cultural Arts
Levels:
Pre-Nursery - 2 to 3 years old
Nursery - 3 to 4 years old
Junior Casa - 4 to 5 years old
Advance Casa - 5 to 6 years old
Class Schedule:
7:30 am to 10am
10:30 am to 1 pm
1:30 pm to 4pm
Requirements:
Two 1x1 pictures
Photocopy of Birth Certificate
Administrative office:
Open from 9am to 7pm
Saturdays by appointment
Saint Vincent Tutorial Center
Lower Ground Unit 11
Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, Makati City
Phone number: 894-4498 / 0916 493 8554
We also offer tutorial and summer classes
We have fully-airconditioned classrooms
Security guards at all entrances of the building
There is a 711 convenience store inside the building for any refreshment needs
Tuition range: Php 25,000-30,000 (as of school year 2010)
Note: In the Philippines, the school tuition increases annually.
Landmarks and Accessibility:
Ideal for parents who are working in the Legaspi Village Makati area, Magallanes, Pasong Tamo/Don Chino Roces and Bangkal area
Located in front of Don Bosco Academy
Near Waltermart Supermarket and Starbucks
2 Blocks away from South Superhighway
2 Blocks away from Makati Cinema Square
1 short jeepney ride from EDSA Magallanes (Alphaland Mall and MRT station)
1 short jeepney ride from EDSA Ayala via Pasay Road (Glorietta, Greenblet and SM Makati)
