Rethinking Public School in Montclair? The Private Pivot, Preschool Lottery & More #Slushiegate

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In this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young children are weighing rising pre-K costs, the Mini Mounties lottery, and what comes next for kindergarten and beyond.

We hear directly from families, admissions leaders, and new data showing a surge in interest from Montclair residents exploring private and alternative school options — and we unpack what a public-to-private pivot could mean for enrollment, funding, and equity across the district.

We’re also joined by tech founder-turned-educator Anand Sanwal, who’s launching a new private school in New Jersey and asking a bigger question: if we were designing school for today’s kids — and tomorrow’s world — would it look anything like what we have now?

Plus, we cover the rest of the week in Montclair: ICE presence in the area and the state’s response, snow removal rules, the closing of a beloved BBQ spot, a look ahead at the spring housing market in our sponsored Ask an Agent segment — and yes, we finally get to the bottom of #Slushiegate with a real review!

• Learn more about Forge Prep
• Learn more about Acton Academy
• Snow Removal: Read Councilwoman Susan Shin Andersen's update

• Sponsor: Order from Pendragon’s Smokehouse for the Super Bowl!
• Deal: Use code MONTCLAIR-POD for 10% off (Min order $100).
• Order Deadline: Thursday, Feb 5 at 10 pm ET
• Sponsor: Karin Diana, Compass

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