St. Matthew's Cooperative Preschool is not your regular preschool. Six years ago, after visiting 14 schools of different types: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, traditional, and even Waldorf, I chose this one for my first child, who attended all his 3 years of preschool there. Four years later I chose it again for my second child, who is now about to complete his preschool stage. Not to say that I didn't like any of the other schools I visited. We are lucky in Miami to have so many great choices for preschool. But this little gem spoke to my heart. It truly is a place where families experience learning together. As a cooperative preschool, parents work along side the teacher, who by the way has been there for about 20 years and is truly dedicated to her mission. The children learn, and learn to love learning, by doing a lot of what they do best: play...inside and outdoors. They also have daily structured art, math, science, reading, pre writing, and writing activities. Because of the class size, the teacher is able to assist each child at their own level, and there are about two field trips each month!!!, so as a group you also get to know Miami and what it has to offer the community quite well! You get to truly meet the parents of the other children, since it's not just a drop off place, and your family finances don't suffer, because it costs a fraction of what all other schools in Miami cost (plus VPK4 year is completely free!). My second child graduates in less than a month, but my entire family will carry this little place forever close to our hearts. We all are better people because of the five years spent at this little treasure we found. read more