Allison Murray
“As we embark on our sixth and final year at Morrow Memorial Preschool (MMPS), I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey my three children have had. Moving from San Francisco, I was understandably anxious about my firstborn starting school in New Jersey for the first time. However, my worries quickly faded when the Director reached out to me. We spoke for nearly an hour, and it felt more like a chat between old friends. I was reassured and excited for my daughter to join the 4's program that fall.
Being a new parent, I appreciated that the school is run by parents and offers in-class participation, allowing me to stay involved and connected. From day one, I fell in love with the teachers and the inviting, clean classrooms. The classrooms are bright and stimulating, filled with colorful artwork and engaging materials that inspire creativity and exploration. Each space is thoughtfully organized with designated learning areas—from reading nooks to art stations—making it easy for children to find their interests and dive into various activities. The overall atmosphere is safe and nurturing, allowing children to feel comfortable expressing themselves and socializing with one another, fostering strong connections and friendships. I always felt my children were safe and happy there. The village mentality at MMPS is truly special; by the end of the year, you know all the kids and are affectionately referred to as "[Child's Name]'s mom." It's heartwarming when the children run up to you for help (or to hand you their trash haha) treating you as an extension of their own parent!
During the particularly challenging COVID years, especially the harsh winter, MMPS truly rose to the occasion. They created heated outdoor spaces for our kids and endured many snowy days to ensure they could continue going to school. I know that was a tough time for the teachers, but it turned out to be the most fun my child had! By the end of winter, the knees of her snow suits had to be duct taped because she played so hard. Amazingly, they kept the school running without a single COVID outbreak during the entire pandemic, providing a safe place for our children to learn and grow.
Now, my oldest is 9 years old and thriving in third grade. Thanks to her preschool teacher, we identified some speech delays early on, which led us to a wonderful speech therapist who was invaluable in diagnosing her Auditory Processing Disorder. We chose to have her repeat the 4's program, and the school encouraged us to trust our instincts—one of the best decisions we've made! She is now flourishing and to this day remains best friends with a little girl she met in preschool.
My son, now 6 years old and in first grade also made a lasting friendship with a boy from MMPS, and my youngest, who initially struggled with adjusting to school has blossomed under the care of Mrs. Hicks. She patiently provided the space and encouragement my daughter needed to feel comfortable, always sending reassuring texts and photos to keep me updated. I was never left wondering or worried if she was okay. Now in her second and final year at MMPS, she can't wait to go to school and often tries to stall at pick-up time because she doesn’t want to leave!
The teachers at MMPS genuinely love our children as their own. The sense of community is strong; all the teachers work as a family, and I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of this experience. Serving on the board for the past three years has connected me with lifelong friends and the supportive mom group I craved. Our kids have played T-ball together and maintain friendships, even as they've moved on to different elementary schools.
Writing this review is bittersweet, as I am immensely grateful for our time at MMPS but know this is our last year. I wholeheartedly give Morrow Memorial Preschool a 10/10! If you have any hesitations, rest assured that your children will be well taken care of and genuinely happy at Morrow. If you're looking for a home away from home with a village-style approach to teaching and raising kids, where teachers truly love their jobs and believe in play-based learning, and you don’t mind your kids coming home exhausted, a little dirty and happy, then MMPS is the perfect place for you!”