My oldest graduated from here, and my youngest is going there now. Its a wonderful environment with…read morewonderful teachers. The community of families there is incredible and supportive. We've made wonderful friends there with the other parents.

We have had two of our children go through Green Earth with the remarkable Miss Renee. It's…read morepriceless to find someone to trust your children's development with. When my son entered at age 3 he was throwing tantrums left and right. Within a month they taught him to identify and name his feelings and he's been tantrum free ever since. They are so loving and caring and it has been a joy to be a part of the magical world they provide. I HIGHLY recommend Green Earth Academy!!! Provided an invaluable foundation that changed the lives of our children for the better.

There is no better place for children to start out their educational and social/ emotional journey…read morethan Jean Lyle. My family spends nearly an hour in the car every day to get to Jean Lyle and we would gladly spend twice as long to go to this incredible place. Our daughter has blossomed under the expert and loving care of teachers many of whom who have been teaching here for decades. The student teacher ratio is amazing and the community of parents and kids is the kind of inclusive and welcoming space we all need and deserve. I don't write google reviews but Jean Lyle is pure magic and every parent should be lucky enough to be able to send their child here and watch them take flight.

Jean Lyle is a stunning gem of a school targeting children ages 3-6yr old. There are three areas…read morethat set this school apart from the rest for me: (1) Play-based philosophy: fundamentally, this is a SCHOOL not a daycare, with extremely low (like 1:4) teacher:student ratios often with student teachers and parent helpers on top of that. Children get to PLAY while they learn. With 45 years in business, this school was originally Macalester's "lab" school pioneering a caring and play-based learning philosophy that has continued, at its core. Curriculum if often driven by children's interests (oh you want to learn about sharks?) (2) The people: you know that one friend you have that makes you feel warm and heard? ALL the teachers here are like that friend. They really, individually, understand and love your children. (3) The facilities: many of the competitors i had toured sit in a small room most of the day. Jean Lyle has a huge gym and one Sunshine room dedicated to Art. Take a tour!

Minnehaha Academy is a traditional college preparatory school that offers pre-K to grade 12…read moreeducation. MA has two beautiful campuses on the bluffs of the Mississippi River with spacious grounds, with about 12 acres each. MA, like many east coast prep schools, was founded by Protestants from Europe. Opening in 1913, the school is affiliated with the Covenant Church (a historic branch the Lutheran Church that is now a separate denomination). MA has a strong commitment to faith with weekly chapel services and taking a traditional approach to teaching religion by having specific religious classes and bringing the topic of religion into other classes as well. This is done with other subjects as well, since many of the humanities and sciences overlap--for example you could have a discussion in history class about science or literature; in this way the student is able to understand the whole story from multiple angles and gain a deeper understanding of the world. The schools commitment to academics is extraordinary, boasting one of the best AP programs in the state, and if the class doesn't have an AP test then the school offers alternatives such as the College in the Schools program where students take a class from the University of Minnesota from one of their teachers and earn college credit. The school has also partnered with various scientific institutions to send a project to the International Space Station each year, joining only two other high schools in the nation that have this honor. The language department is also very excellent offering French, Latin, Spanish and Chinese; all of which start out at high school levels (open to middle school students) and go through college levels. The teachers are highly educated and care very deeply about the students and for many, remain mentors throughout their time at the Academy and their future. Most of the teachers hold masters or doctorate degrees in their area of study. The community of students is kind and caring for each other, and many long lasting friendships are formed. The school also has excellent food and offers breakfast and lunch. MA has a head and sous chef who create healthy and delicious meals and snacks for the students. Breakfast generally has cereal, scones, sandwiches, eggs, pancakes, bacon, et cetera. Lunch offers a salad bar, made to order options, homemade soups and various options including fresh carved pork, turkey, pastas and chicken. The chefs are friendly and take student suggestions seriously and work hard to make the best food possible. The school is also very devoted to the arts and has a entire fine arts center that includes a woodshop, dark room, art room, pottery studio, band room, orchestra room, private practice rooms, art gallery, scene shop, costume shop, concert hall/theater. The school features several performance ensembles including a Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Men's Choir, Women's Chorale, Concert Choir and Madrigal singers. Each ensemble has earned top marks at state. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir go on tour, alternating year to year. The tour locations have included: Prague, Slovakia, Salzburg, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Washington D.C., Chicago among other locations. In the year the ensembles are on break from the tour, they put on variety shows: the bands perform the pops concert and the choirs perform a medieval dinner. The school puts on three plays: musical, play and student run show; each has one various state and sometimes national awards. The school also has top notch athletic facilities including separate soccer and football fields, a full size ice arena, two full size gyms, wrestling room and a weight room. MA's athletic teams have won a combined 4 state championships in the past decade alone and provide very supportive C, JV, and Varsity teams. The school also has many organizations and academic teams. The Debate team, which I captained during my time is one of the state's best, being the only school to have a pair of debaters go to the varsity finals back to back (my partner and I), bringing home a state championship and a 2nd place trophy. The school also offers clubs centering around the environment, music, literature, journalism and writing. The school newspaper and yearbook have won various national awards for journalism, photography, layout, overall achievement, etc. MA really helps students achieve and builds a strong foundation for college through curriculum, advanced academics, supportive staff, and graduation requirements that are similar to most colleges. Many of the students attend private 4 year institutions including St. Olaf, Carlton, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Boston College, Vanderbilt, University of Chicago, Northwestern and more. Minnehaha Academy has nurtured the minds of some of Minnesota's best students. MA goes farther than the other prep schools in Minnesota: it truly is the place where youth meet truth.

From the owner: The original incorporation from 1905 stated: "The purpose of this institution shall be to furnish…read moreyoung men and women with the essential elements of a liberal education, and to foster the development of character under the personal influence of Christian teachers." On Monday, Sept. 15, 1913, Minnehaha Academy welcomed its first class of high school students. Grades 7 and 8 were added in 1972. In 1981, the land for the South Campus was purchased and a chapel was erected. By 1982, the Lower School served students in Grades 1 through 5. Kindergarten was added in 1985 and preschool in 1995. Students graduate from Minnehaha Academy prepared to excel in any number of fields. Some of our alumni include inventors, a Supreme Court Justice, Authors, War Veterans, an Olympian, Musicians, and many others in notable careers.

I adore The Little School! My son has been going here for about 1.5 years, first in the older…read moretoddler room and now in the preschool. My 7 month old also just started in the infant room. The teachers here - and owner Erin! - are absolutely the warmest, kindest, and most genuine people. I'm constantly amazed at the creativity they put into each day for the kids: from building forts, to the dramatic play station, to themed crafts and working on letters and counting, they do such a wonderful job at providing an environment that is fun and safe. And the ratios! You truly can't beat them. The fact that there are only 3 (!) babies in their infant room and 4 toddlers in each group (younger and older) is something you just don't see anywhere else. I also love the parents here, several of whom have become "real life" friends! It's such a joy hearing all the stories of his day from my preschooler, it's obvious how much he loves his teachers and this school. Highly, highly, highly recommend!

The Little School came highly recommended from a close family member who had her two children…read moreattend. It seemed to be fate that there happened to be an opening that came up when my daughter turned two and a half, just in time to start the preschool program. The philosophy and teaching methods that this school bases itself upon are far superior from absolutely every other preschool that we looked in to. The staff consistently maintains an overall higher level of expectation for these kids. Which was so impressive to me because at such an impressionable age these young kids are being held accountable for themselves. They take such pride in the work that they accomplish either by themselves or in a group. They are respectful of not only the boundaries of their peers, but more importantly of themselves. As a result they are rewarded by having more freedom in their choices. From science lessons, to music class, yoga, art classes, dramatic play (my daughters fave!), weekly sharing day, to hearing what creative game they made up that day while playing outside. The amazing staff, conferences & daily progress reports, the ever so anticipated Halloween party, and sincerely wonderful families and parents, I could go on forever. Overall the three years at The Little School was a tremendously positive experience for our whole family. We now have a first grader who is reading at a fourth grade level with impressive comprehension skills. As well as going above and beyond her schools curriculum in math and science. I'm so proud of her, and I attribute so much of her early successes to her time at The Little School.

Our son has been at Jardin Longfellow since he was an infant, and we have nothing but the best…read morethings to say about their incredible care team and facilities. As a first-time mom who struggled with postpartum anxiety, I was so nervous about sending my baby to daycare. But right away, I could tell Jardin was a wonderful place for him to be. Ms. Maria, Laila, Melizza, and Minny in Infant Room B were so incredibly loving and caring. I could tell from the start that my son was getting so much love and attention throughout the day, which brought me so much comfort. He's now in the toddler room with Marisol and Dianna/Julia, who are equally amazing teachers. Even now, when he sees his former infant teachers, they all light up -- it truly feels like one big family filled with love and connection. We've also been so impressed by how much he's learned, especially his Spanish! He was saying "hola" and "agua" before he turned one, and now at just two years old, he can count to ten in Spanish and knows so many words -- numbers, letters, colors, shapes, animals, and body parts. It's incredible to see how much he's grown in their care. I also love the app they use to share updates throughout the day. The teachers are so good about posting photos and noting naps, meals, and activities -- it really helps ease any anxiety and allows us to see how happy and engaged our child is. The directors are also amazing and always available to help with translation when needed. I don't speak Spanish and my husband only a little (and he's rusty!), so I was initially worried about communication. But it has never been an issue -- there's always someone ready to help, and everyone is so kind and patient. The enrollment team has also been fantastic -- prompt, organized, and easy to communicate with. We love Jardin Longfellow so incredibly much. It's such a nurturing, supportive, and loving environment, and we feel so grateful to have them as part of our family's village.

Absolutely love this location. The staff are wonderful and communication is prestige.read more

The U.S. may have had a revolution on its hands were it not for Children's Village Montessori…read more As a new mom I felt absolutely wronged by the laws of this nation that do not allow for extended paid maternity leaves. So when I had to look for a place that I could trust with my firstborn when he was 10 weeks old, I was pretty particular, to say the least. I also needed a place that was convenient to my commute and was reasonably priced. It's been 10 months now and I am so happy I found this place. First of all, Pat, who works in the infant room, is an absolute baby-whisperer (or a Godsend, depending on your religious affiliations). It is such a joy to leave your child with someone who makes him flash that adorable toothless grin. She takes excellent care of the babies; my child is always is well-rested, well-fed, clean and - most importantly !happy! at the end of the day. The toddler room also seems to be a happy place. All the ladies have been almost like co-parents to us. They are baby experts! and will give you helpful tidbits about your particular child. I don't expect the moon - it is a daycare center, and it is tucked in a place that has crazy construction going on right now. Also it's not like they offer a fully organic menu or baby reiki or anything, but at least they are willing to work with you. They've also been flexible with our unpredictable work schedules, which is huge.

I can't believe I'm the first to review CVM!…read more I switched my now 5-year-old son to this preschool/daycare when he was three years old, after a disastrous experience with another child care. I was frantic and desperate for childcare, and when I walked in and saw Mary (the owner) wearing a cheery green leprechaun hat for St. Patrick's Day and calling each child by name, I knew I was in a good place. I only have a few (minor) complaints about this place, and I'd send another child here in a heartbeat. My son is starting kindergarten soon, so I'm sad to say we'll be leaving CVM soon after nearly 2 years. I'll get the cons out of the way quickly: (1) Parking is a little rough, since CVM is smack dab in the middle of a swath of auto-body places, and it's in an urban neighborhood right next to the University of Minnesota. Often there are no parking spots and parents have to idle their cars in the middle of the lot. (2) The staff could probably use a dress code. Their clothing is sometimes a little off-putting... there's something to be said for looking neat and tidy and well-groomed, and CVM staff occasionally are lax in this department. The pros: (1) CVM accepts childcare assistance. You'd be astonished how many places don't. This was a major factor for me. (2) The location is very convenient -- RIGHT next to the University of Minnesota, which is great for people like me who are students, staff or faculty at UMN but couldn't get in off the waiting list at the university daycare. (3) The mix of kids is healthy. The kids almost uniformly come from good homes, and many are the children of grad students and university employees. The racial balance is well-distributed and diverse, not skewed in any one direction, and my son has playmates whose parents hail from countries as diverse as Ethiopia, Somalia, Laos and Norway. Having playmates whose parents are involved, serious about parenting and affectionate is so important. Parents often bring treats for all the kids. (4) Mary, the owner, has been at CVM for almost 30 years -- longer than I've been alive. That continuity is so good for the children. There is less turnover at CVM than other childcares I've used. (5) I have never felt anything less than completely secure leaving my son in the care of CVM. Even when they bring the kids to the park (a few blocks away) or walk them to the playground, I know they're keeping a good eye on him and taking good care of him. You can't put a price on that.

We have been so, so happy sending our daughter here. My daughter looks forward to going to school…read moreeach day, and has formed great friendships here. The teachers are so invested in each child and have created a wonderful, engaging environment for learning and play. My daughter particularly loves the imaginary play area, which rotates it's theme every month-a post office, a hospital, bakery, etc. This aligns with topics each month for learning-such as body/health. The teachers have decades of experience, and are always available to chat. We get updates each day on what was covered, along with pictures, which can help facilitate chatting about what happened that day over dinner. So grateful to have found this gem and very highly recommend.

Learning through play and helping children develop their social/ emotional skills is the focus at…read moreMacalester Plymouth!

We love the JCC! Great offerings for a great value. We signed up to use the fitness center and…read morepool. They offer a very large fitness area with all the usual equipment. They have a lap pool, fun kiddy pool with water slides and a hot tub. They offer many fitness classes that are included in your membership. The locker rooms offer saunas and steam rooms. I'm sure you may be wondering; you don't need to be Jewish to be a member. You are also invited to attend special programs they have going on at the center, including the changing art installations, concerts, etc.

Stopped in on a whim to see what services they provide and was very pleased with the customer…read moreservice. I was able to do a quick tour and shown the available classes and amenities. It's way bigger than it looks. It was quite busy with people finishing playing pickleball and swimming. Would be interested in going again if was in the market for a new fitness center