I couldn't be happier with the foreign language education my son is receiving at Global Minds. It is everything I looked for in a pre-school (warm, small, passionate teachers, consciousness) and more.
My son started there 1 year ago at age 2.5. He was already bilingual (Spanish & English) and we were happy to find a place where he could continue school in Spanish, as we were new to the area. The fact that they offer the flexibility of also spending a few days in the Chinese class was an added bonus! We started out trying the Chinese class almost accidentally, as the Spanish teacher was away, but I soon saw the added value. My son's mind was already exposed to foreign language, why not add another? Plus the teacher is fabulous. So he splits his week between both classrooms. And no, this is not confusing for him! At age 3.5 he has a pretty good understanding of different languages, countries and cultures. He knows when to speak Spanish/Chinese/English and with whom, etc. Sometimes he even comes home saying a few words in French, that he has learned from a French classmate. I love that he has exposure to this. Scottsdale is not always diverse, but this school is truly international and I love that.
My son is eager to teach his family the words and songs he has learned in both classes and to show off his daily art projects. The small size of the school affords parents a chance to get to know the teachers, director and other families. It is great to support a small business, because the director and his wife (who teaches) are passionate about their wonderful school and about immersion education. There is no disconnect between the ideals behind the school and the way it is run.
Also, they give you, as parents, a lot of flexibility to choose the schedule and hours that work for you. You can mix languages, or do how many days a week you like, also choosing from different pickup times. As a parent of a toddler I obsess over how much or little school I want my son in (juggled with my needs for him to be in school) and I love this flexibility.
I look forward to another 1.5 years at this school.