Wilton Readers' Choice Preschool: Zion Hill

The “Readers’ Choice: Preschools” post emerged as one of the most discussed articles in Wilton this week, drawing dozens of comments, ratings and reviews from town readers on why and how they chose their preschool, and what they love about the people to whom they’ve entrusted their children.

The reader’s choice winner of this  week’s poll for favorite preschool is which received a dozen 5-star comments on their listing page since the poll came up. However, even disregarding the ( possibly-skewed) poll results of over 7,000 votes for Zion Hill, the comments speak for themselves:

“I have three children and all three attended different preschools. It took 3 tries to get it right! Zion's Hill was by far the best of the three highly ranked preschools that my children attended. (The other two were Ridgefield Academy and the Nature Center in Westport) My daughter had a much better experience here than my other two children had at their schools, and it was closer to home! Miss Monica and all the staff at Zion's Hill are caring and warm, and they teach the kids so much while they play with them. My youngest is in kindergarten now and she was well prepared by ZIon's HIll for the things she is learning this year. I wish my other two children had had the opportunity to experience this wonderful school!” said .

“My daughter has spent the last 3 years at Zion's Hill and has enjoyed every minute of it. It has a warm nurturing environment that has allowed her to learn and grow as well as socialize with her peers. I believe that it has given her a great foundation with which to begin Kindergarten in the Fall. My thanks and gratitude to the teachers, staff and Director Monica Sommer.”, -said

“Their programs are very creative. The teachers are caring and dedicated. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. We have had a great experience here for the past 2 years and recommend the school to anyone who is searching for a preschool”. said

“All three of my grandchildren have attended Zion's Hill preschool. The youngest is still there & having a great experience. The older 2 have moved on to grade school & were well prepared.” Said

Runner-ups:

• picked up some strong comments as well.

“I highly recommend the Wilton YMCA Nursery School! All three of my children have been through the program. They have all had great teachers who helped to prepare them for Kindergarten both socially and academically. A very caring staff! Lots of great aspects to the program including swimming, fitness, music, and field trips! Swimming is a great bonus! My kids really enjoyed it!!” Said

“I've had 4 kids go through the Wilton Y preschool. Two are out and doing great in the elementary school and 2 are still enjoying the Y. It is a friendly, down-to-earth environment with lots of space and lots to do... swimming, playgrounds, soft-play gym, "nature-walk" trail, fun field trips and the big basketball gym give the program variety and it doesn't feel cramped like some other places. (And it also makes it very easy for mommies to get that workout in!)” said

• As did the :

“CNSW is a very special place for little ones and families. The school is very nurturing. Life long friendships are made at CNSW between students and families. Because of the schools cooperative philosophy, clean-up days, Pumpkin Festival, art show and other fun events, parents have the opportunity to really get to know one another and develop strong bonds. Our in-town location is conducive for field trips to the post office, Village Market and Library. Our beloved, little red school house is town gem. I have had 3 kids graduate from CNSW and they have all been kindergarten ready academically and socially. And each child had friends from CNSW in their kindergarten class which made the transition even easier. The focus on music, art, animals and play is fun and the kids thrive at this school. Our teachers are knowledgable, know how to manage a classroom and prepare the children to be independent and resourceful. I highly recommend it!” Said

“My four year old has been at CNSW for almost 2 years; we've had a great experience there and he loves it there. He's got the usual extras mentioned in other preschool reviews such as field trips and music, but there are other things that have made his experience special. His teachers know him so well and will give me as much time and communication as I need if we have an issue or concern. The teachers also customize the curriculum to the interests of the children, and it adds a level of excitement to the learning process for my little one. Underlying everything is a tight knit community of parents that has contributed greatly to the creation of a truly unique culture for our children. Highly recommend!” Said

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s Readers’ Choice. Next week’s Readers’ Choice category: Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Until then, Slán go fóill!