A great childcare! My three kids went there. The best infant care classes around. And my sons…read moreloved the summer camp. Mary, the owner is the best!

They get one star for some of the nice people there but overall I can not even express the level of…read moredisappointment I have. My children were constantly sick, it was disorganized, they couldn't follow directions about my children. My son was bitten and NO ONE told me about it until I asked what happened. Also, the camera system network was overloaded and had serious blind spots that the teachers would hang out in. Even though we are no longer with them I can still access it which says a lot about their security. I probably would have just parted ways and quietly went on our way, my son did learn some things there and did make some friends. However, they informed me two weeks after we left and over two months after the fact that I had missed a payment. The owner refused to return any phone calls to my husband on the matter and they sent it to collections adding over $100 in additional fees to the original balance. After I found the receipt for the week in question they supposedly rectified it with the collection people however they had previously told my husband they couldn't do anything about it once it was in collections. So we can just add lying and misdirection to the heap. No one has offered an apology and instead of addressing my complaints they just deleted my review on Facebook. Both of which would have gone a long way in rectifying this situation and leaving my husband and I with a more complacent view of them.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the STEP-UP CAREER ACADEMY CENTER From the moment I…read morewalked through the doors, we felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere that immediately put us at ease. The staff is professional, nurturing, and genuinely cares about each child's well-being and development. The children have thrived in their care throughout the years--socially, emotionally, and academically. They also offer a great variety of activities like music, art, Storytime, and outdoor play that keep the kids engaged and excited to come each day. I absolutely love his company, thank you for all you do to help, grow, and prepare our children for their future. Review from Alisa D. Wimbley Chicago, IL.

I have nothing but positive things to say about this daycare/school. The staff and owners are very…read moreprofessional and are very nice people. The teachers are great. Ms. Shawny is a sweet person. She keeps this place going. If you want your child to attend a school where the staff and taechers care and actually teach your child and focus on development and social skills as well personal growth, this should be your choice . The extra activities is a plus.. always learning and stepping up on another level at A Step UP Career Academy.

I was watching a relative of mine graduate today and I was told that they weren't allowed to toss…read moretheir caps at the end of the ceremony. I was also informed that they weren't even allowed to wear personalized sashes or caps as well, threatening with the students diplomas being withheld. Whoever is in charge of this establishment never had a childhood.

Marian catholic is a joke of an establishment they have poor air conditioning and heating in the…read morebuilding, most the teachers there don't really care about their jobs and teach only on slide shows and don't have as much passion as they should the janitors are nice and take good care of the school but the higher ups at Marian only care about money they don't take good care of the sports parts except football, basketball, cheer, and band everything else they don't care this school is not a good school they have a better chance of going to rich township that this place

I have had wonderful experience with this school. I have an 8 year old who came through this…read morepreschool. She is currently in the Gifted/Talented program at her elementary school. There is a high proportion of children in that GT program that were from this preschool. Coincidence? I wouldn't bet on that. My 5 year old is currently in his 3rd year there. This is a NAEYC certified preschool, I believe the only one in Highland/Munster/Merrillville area. The teachers are warm and educated. The staff turnover is extremely low. They take the time to get to know you and your children. They know your child through his entire spectrums of development: social, emotional, cognitive, motor, etc. They educate holistically. They have after school care a couple days/week until 230 as well as TumbleBears, Dance class, sports, and other enrichments. Leaving my children there, I have never felt "guilty" or doubted for a second that they were in very capable and loving hands. For some people, the only negative might be your child will learn Hebrew words, prayers, and about the Jewish holidays as this school is a Jewish preschool. I see this as an advantage in today's multicultural society. I have learned to make challah with my son, and enjoy that even at their young ages, they realize that our world view is not the only one. In fact, the class make-up is highly diverse with all ethnicities and religions represented. If you are looking for a quality preschool, look no further.

Maria Montessori would be gravely disappointed! My early education began with Montessori, which is…read morewhy I was excited to have my three year old son attend this year. I have always believed the Montessori methods and the philosophy of the program; however I was completely unimpressed with this particular location and the head mistress in specific. It turned out to be no more than an intolerant day care facility at best; they should not be allowed to call themselves educators. After three days, they informed my nanny when he went to retrieve my son from school that he wasn't welcome back and it would be his last day. The head mistress made no attempt to contact a parent to discuss with them personally what the particular issues were, what they were doing to attempt to rectify internally, and what we as parents could be doing at home to reinforce. Very disappointing after day three; are you kidding? When asked to make an appointment to speak with her further about the situation my request was denied stating that my check and some of his belongings were in the mail... Let me add that my son attended another pre-school prep program successfully the year prior (his teacher and her aides were disappointed to see him go when we moved) and is in week two of a new program without any issue. If you are looking at educational facilities for your preschooler be certain to research other Montessori facilities in the area and pass this one by!!!

Miss Karen & crew are legendarily extraordinary at what they do. The proof is in the kids. On…read moremore than one occasion my son has asked me why I don't bake with him as much as Miss Karen does. And, why don't we make homemade butter at home like they do at school. The teachers are "co-learners" at their best. You can tell they love what they do, which is why kids are so successful after they leave their school. Hands-down the best choice I have ever made for my little family.

I highly recommend Calvary Academy as an excellent choice for parents to send their children to…read moreexperience high quality Christian Education. I have been connected to the Calvary Academy community since August 2013. I am the husband of a former Calvary teacher, and I am the parent of a current eight grader and fourth grader. In my 13-year experience with Calvary, I have witnessed the school's continuous commitment to providing academic excellence with a sound Christian education. Calvary has remained true to prepare students to live as Kingdom leaders in a fallen world. The faculty and administration are outstanding. The school is moving in a great direction. There has been increased engagement with families with heightened transparent communication between educators and parents. Many opportunities for community development amongst students, parents, faculty, and staff have been implemented. Clearly, GOD's hand is on Calvary Academy. One final note, I believe the fact that the school's student body is predominantly African-American is not a weakness but a strength. No where else in the Chicagoland south suburban region have I heard of another predominantly African-American Christian School. I think that should be celebrated. It places Calvary in a unique position in the Body of CHRIST to fulfill a specific mission to the African-American community that no other Christian school has dared to take.

My experience with Calvary Academy is a little different. I am an alumni of this school. I…read moregraduated 20 years ago. As a student, my experience was great! I can remember every teacher I had and I learned so much and took away so many things, but one thing I will forever be grateful for is being in a culture and community that taught about Jesus Christ. It may not be a big deal to some, but as an adult, I'm soooo grateful for that foundation! Fast forward, my kid has started here and I have no regrets. The teachers are very compassionate and desire for the students to succeed. The administration is AMAZING! I have seen firsthand, how the Head of School (Dr. Page) and Principal Dr. Collins do their best to put the students first and to collaborate with the parents. They actually listen to the concerns of the parents and desire to make things new and fresh at Calvary. I can breathe knowing that when my child walks into that building, that one: he's been prayed for by the staff, two: he's safe, and three: he's growing in education and in the Lord. I mean, what more could you want? Will everything be perfect at a school? Of course not. You won't find perfection anywhere, but can you expect growth in your children, to be heard as a parent, and feel supported? Yes, yes and yes!

The atmosphere of the facility feels like home. You are greeted upon your arrival. Your concerns…read morefor your child are very important to them and addressed immediately. The genuine compassion and patience from the staff with the children is heartwarming. Your child feels more confident from the moment of walking in the door. I am very happy having my child attend this wonderful learning center.

My overall experience left me with the impression that this is an overpriced and underperforming…read moreprogram. I was very apprehensive initially and shared my concerns with the program director after the initial testing and results. She assured me that my concerns relating to phonics would be addressed and added to the program. She also stated that our 7th grade daughter is at 6th grade reading and comprehension level. After nearly two weeks completed, 4 classes per week scheduled at the latest possible time to have as few students present, none of the items we discussed were accomplished. I made a phone after the first week to the education director (the person responsible for the individualized program for our daughter and who worked with her at least once per week) to inquire as to why the Sylvan site showed her starting with 7th grade level material when she tested for 6th and why phonics was not introduced as promised. Her response was one of encouragement, give the program time to introduce the phonics, and that she would look into the level at which she started. The next week went without the introduction of phonics again but they did manage to load that aspect onto the website as an area to cover at least! Overall, we pulled our daughter out of this over promised and under delivering program after 8 classes in which the best thing our daughter remembers is earning candy as a reward/recognition. I was very leary reading all the online reviews and was repeatedly told by the program director, "this, in no way, reflects upon individual learning in Merrillville, Schererville, or Valporaiso." She maintained that everyone may have different experiences with various regions/states, but the three centers associated in NW Indiana do not have these issues. I beg to differ hence why we no longer attend. I strongly encourage you to contact your school guidance counselors for resources and to avoid this institition, well at least the Merrillville location (closest to us in Crown Point).

I could give it 0 stars if I could. Do NOT get trapped into this job. It is completely career…read moreruining! They simply made up a lie to get me fired and tried to ruin my career. They have their own little cliques... they gossip and are so unsupportive and unprofessional. This was by far one of the worst jobs I've ever had in my entire life. I have always worked at schools and I have never had an experience like what they tried to do to me at ELIM. They not only made me miserable everyday.. but they also tried to ruin my career! There is evil people out here! Stay away!!!

I started going to Elim in 2016. I loved it and I still do. I love the staff. They are always…read morelooking out for there students and there parents or guardians.