Calhoun vs Metropolitan Montessori vs West Side

It is for our 3 year old daughter this Fall. I have done quite a lot of reading on the web, especially on urbanBaby, regarding these schools. So far this is what I have gathered: - Calhoun: very progressive, very relaxed, kids can be "happy but ignorant", ongoing (could be a problem if we decide to leave for other elementary schools eg); - Metropolitan: strict, quiet, calm, very montessori,... [more]

It is for our 3 year old daughter this Fall. I have done quite a lot of reading on the web, especially on urbanBaby, regarding these schools. So far this is what I have gathered: - Calhoun: very progressive, very relaxed, kids can be "happy but ignorant", ongoing (could be a problem if we decide to leave for other elementary schools eg); - Metropolitan: strict, quiet, calm, very montessori, ongoing up to 6th grade (again could be a problem if we decide to leave for other elementary schools eg), the most expensive among the 3; - West Side: big, relaxed, loud & chaotic (not necessarily bad), not so montessori compared with MMS, streamlined eximission process, least expensive. What I am hoping to get some SE help on: 1. is there anything else obviously that we are missing; 2. really would like to know how well the teachers/administrators communicate with parents in these schools. This was a huge problem with our previous preschool where they got really defensive almost on anything and quickly became downright rude. 3. any other thoughts/views on these schools are welcome too. We are going to revisit them for sure but would like to see what the SE community has to say. Thanks a lot. [less]