I write this review to spare other families from having the experience…read morewe had with this school. A week into our move to Westport, our son started at Saugatuck Nursery and the experience was so upsetting that I felt compelled to share this review. Considering we are in the middle of a global pandemic, which resulted in us having to leave our community of over 15 years and our son's school of 2 years, with no access to immediate family or other children to socialize with (all while both of us worked full time), you would think any person, especially educators would be more compassionate and equipped to help a child transition into a new school and community after months of relative isolation. At SNS, the expectations was for my child to immediately adjust. After 2 days of attendance (~8 hours of observation) we were taken aside and told their were troubling signs about our son and presented with a laundry list of negative criticism. We were honestly taken aback by the speed with which they rushed to judgement as well as the manner in which they delivered the feedback. The feedback over the subsequent two weeks was not provided in a professional or solution-based way; it was curt, critical and complaining in tone. I would never provide feedback to a professional colleague, let alone to a 3 year old in the way they communicated and delivered feedback. The staff were short, condescending and quick to point out if any mistakes were made either by us at drop offs (the way families stand in line and sign in) or by our child. The school does not seem equipped or experienced to handle any situation or child that does not immediately conform to their rigid mold which speaks to their lack of positive, solution-based teaching. When they perceived he was having a hard time acclimating (again - within a week) rather than offer advice or a transition plan, they criticized him for not immediately adopting to the new routine and told us that they had asked children to help correct our son when he did something they deemed wrong, as if they were pitting the rest of the class against him (we had never heard of such an approach!). Even tiny details from the way he painted to his interest in Star Wars were diagnosed as troublesome behaviors. In our experience with our previous school, feedback was always given in a professional, solution-based manner and in a way that supported the child and family. When we asked if we could unenroll if it was not a good fit, we were told verbatim "that he would have the same problem wherever we go" as if after two weeks they had determined that our child was destined to have problems forever. Of course, this was not a professional or helpful, nor was it consistent with any feedback we had ever received from our son's original school (which he attended for 2 years) prior to the pandemic. After two weeks, we pulled him and enrolled in a new school - A Child's Place - and wow - what a difference! The school has been amazing and welcoming. We are so happy to find a more professional, positive, and supportive environment and our son is thriving, learning and growing each day. The teachers and staff are friendly and communicative. Their teaching philosophy and education approach are much more contemporary and up-to-date. SNS may have 30 years of business experience but they need to catch up on current childhood education and also revisit their school culture. Their lack of empathy and rush-to-judgement of a small child in the middle of a global pandemic was shockingly tone-deaf. I would not recommend this school at all.

We're so happy to be sending our son to SNS. He has had a wonderful experience with the other kids…read moreand the teachers there. They have really helped him grow and develop. He loves the routine of school, plus the fabulous enrichment activities they provide, from music to science. The school, recently redone, is beautiful, and the playground under the trees is picturesque and lovely. We have nothing but praise for the hard working staff.

I highly recommend TBC over many other daycares in the area. Other daycares pride themselves on…read moreplay with no curriculum. TBC does an amazing job incorporating fun and play into structured, educational activities that help child grow socially, cognitively, and mentally. They have interactive activities all day in and outside the classroom. The building is immaculately clean and safe. I know my child is cared for by the amazing staff who are so friendly and personable. The owners are so kind and educated in early childhood development and education, I can trust them with my child and have no worries. The tuition is worth every penny to ensure my child is ready for kindergarten.

After 7 years and two kids, I'd say I'm pretty happy with the value and quality of care my two…read morechildren have received. In the little kids building (Greenfield Hill), 9/10 teachers were attentive, considerate and patient -- both my sons learned a lot and made lots of friends. The in-school field trips were awesome, and I appreciated the time to volunteer. At Villa, we had the same positive experience. The owners and managers responded to concerns I've expressed about safety on numerous occasions, and both kids learned to potty train pretty much because of the head teacher at Villa (Miss Emily). Would I change anything if I could? That's a hard question to answer because I haven't been to any of the other daycares in my area (other than tours). It would be nice to have a smaller student-teacher ratio, but for what we're paying, we really can't complain. I'd recommend TBC to any working parent in FF or surrounding areas.

Both of my toddlers went to Nitzan nursery school for summer camp and they loved it so much we are…read moresending them for preschool as well. The days are active and fun, the staff is engaged and very accommodating. I highly recommend this school!

My daughter has attended Nitzan for the last 2 years. She has had an extremely positive experience…read morethere and we plan to send her for the remainder of pre-school . Her teachers have always been extremely warm, welcoming, calm and reassuring. My daughter had previously attended a different school and would cry at every drop off and while she cried at first at Nitzan, I always knew she was being well cared for and she quickly became excited about school. She has learned so much while there. The play-based program is ideal for learning and exploring. My daughter is allowed to explore through art, reading, singing, dancing, building, and outdoor play. I love that all her art is 100% her (not a teacher created project)! Yes, this meant when she was 20 months, it was often scribbles on paper but now at 3.5 years old it's amazing to see the transformation. It is great to watch her being nurtured in a way that encourages her develop her own skills and own interests in a natural way. I am impressed at how her exposure to things at school through play has led to retention of so much. In addition and extremely important to me, my daughter, who is a bit more of an observer, has developed friendships and organically has developed her social skills without pressure through the positive, nurturing environment that Nitzan provides. I would highly recommend Nitzan for anyone looking for a warm, positive learning environment for their children!

Amazing teachers and facility. Could not recommend more. Amazing value and 1:1 attention from the…read moreteachers. My son loved going there every morning. We loved the pictures they took and the feedback they gave from him time in school.

My daughter has been fortunate enough to attend Norfield for the last few years. I feel so lucky to…read morehave these loving teachers right in town! All the women @Norfield are truly special. They really care about the kids. Norfield is a true gem of the community providing a nurturing, safe and fun environment for our kids.

Bright Horizons is a money hungry, corporate entity (owned by Bain Capital). Teachers are very…read moreunderpaid and unhappy so the turnover is very high. Notice all their teachers are either really young or "older". I think I spent more time in the doctor's office with 6 ear infections in a year, RSV, you name it and so if you do the math, the time lost from work does not justify the cost. My child would come home with other children's clothing, bottles, utensils, etc. I can only imagine what he was being fed onsite. One child was stabbed by another child with scissors and it took a very, very long time and appeals to corporate headquarters to get this child (with a history of violent tendencies) kicked out. So also if you have 2 children, there was no sibling discount. Director was stalking me to send the 2nd child (almost 4K a month). I took it up to the Regional Director and it took ages for them to even get back to me. Finally they got back to me and said it was 5%. Insult to injury. If you do the math, it was equivalent to private college tuition. Hmmm, considering I lose a week a month to illnesses, I think it's not worth it. Then 2 more moms having second children left. After I left, I heard they lost a flurry of teachers plus their director. Not surprised. They need to really do something to make the Wilton community trust them again. Wilton moms have more negative things to say than positive. You'll pay a premium to send your child there but you will not get premium care. What they need to do to improve is to slash overall tuition for everyone and hire a director that really cares about the children and the teachers. Help the teachers love their jobs and then they will love the children. Hire detail oriented teachers. Sanitize the facilities better. Stop being so harsh on their teachers and show the parents that they are not greedy, corporate entities but a daycare that really cares.

I've experienced MUCH better and for less the tuition cost that this center asks you to pay for…read moreapparent quality. The presentation of this school is good at first until you really start to familiarize yourself with how it operates. You walk in and in amazement see all the colors, the framework of the facility, all the big smiles and happy hellos... and if you are lucky you may actually see their Director there once in a while. I have only been there about 6 months and I have already withdrawn my child from this "school". The teachers, though seem loving of the children, complain constantly about their management and how they are treated. They make mistakes, not small ones, big one regarding safety of the children. One fed a baby milk with a bad milk allergy, another child was exposed to a stranger visitor without parent consent, they do not check licenses when someone picks up a child (even though they are good about needing a form). One family left abruptly while there, one teacher did, one regional manager as well and now myself along with two families are in the process of looking to transfer our kids. I cannot tell you how many countless times my child came home with someone else's clothing on. There are some things you expect from day cares and other things that are simply not appropriate in nature... the fact you are told y ou can give feedback and ask questions only to be countered with stories/excuses etc is the worst customer service Ive ever seen! Do yourself a favor and save the additional $600 a month and apply it to your child's bank account for college. Paying more and having a branded name of BH, most definitely does not guarantee you quality of care. Their lack of overall leadership at the center level and at a regional level when you file complaints is an outrage and utterly disgraceful. It's a very very sad situation when you are a parent and come to learn what the atmosphere is actually like there when they spend over 6 hours a day with these people.

Our infant (8mo) son was enrolled here. Although he was there for only a month and we've since…read moremoved on to another daycare closer to home (similar in price) this is easily the best daycare in the Stamford area for infants. They leverage technology to provide updates on all food/diaper activity along with providing multiple pictures daily of the class room and kids through their app. Well run and took great care of our child

We have now been at RMS going on 2 years with a second child entering next year and we are so happy…read moreand grateful to have found it. We looked into every Montessori w/in a 25 mile radius (Wilton, Ridgefield, Danbury, Newtown, Washington) and the Toddler/Primary programs here are second to none. The school is not too big, so you feel you're part of a family. There is something so special here and you feel it as a parent the moment you walk in, but your child experiences it, too. We saw this during observations and we're experiencing it now as parents. It's important to know several things about Montessori schools. 1. Not all are created equal and each is independently owned/run. This means some adhere more or less to Montessori values/principles. RMS is a beautiful balance, adhering to the principles while making room for modern needs and allowing each child to grow but also, to be. 2. As in any school setting, the teachers make or break it. The Teachers in every room/program here are beyond plugged in, nurturing, warm and caring. AND, they work very collaboratively while still minding their individual programs. This means a holistic approach for your child as they grow through the years. My daughter embraces each of them and speaks so highly of them outside of school. She looks up to them but doesn't view them as simply 'adults' or teachers. These are her guides and she is so thankful for her relationships with each one of them. I did see a review from several years ago mentioning 25 students to a class/teacher. Not only is that not the Montessori method, but it has never been the ratio at this school (nor do I believe it's allowed by the state in these settings, but I could be wrong). For interested parents: In each Toddler room (2), you're looking at about 10-12 kids with 2-3 teachers/class (depending on enrollment each year) so usually a 1:4ish ratio and the Primary room (used to be 2, is now 1 large room broken up into 2 sections to follow core Montessori method) you're looking at about 30-36 kids total with 4 Teachers and the class is somewhat split into 3s/4s Section and then 5s Section w/2 teachers focused on each at any time. You're still at a 1:8 ratio roughly, so not sure where the 1:25 ratio came from. In any case, we're active and present and have seen this school from all angles and truly, couldn't be happier. The physical space itself is also beautiful, pristine and built for kids (bathrooms in the Toddler room, bathrooms right outside the Primary class). The biggest issue we're facing is what comes after RMS as we've yet to find anything in the area that is suited to follow. We hope others will take the time to come see for themselves what makes this school, the teachers, the program and the students so [truly] magical. These years should be spent exploring through play, not rigid curriculum, and RMS has made good on that every step of the way while still exposing these littles to the world around them in a way that engages them and lays a foundation for a true love of learning. Thanks you, RMS

I was recommended Ridgefield Montessori School by a friend when my son was just a baby. I am so…read morehappy she did! My son went to the school from when he was 1 years old when they used to have an infant room all the way until Kindergarten. My son is now in public school and misses RMS very much. It was like a family to him and the relationships he made there were wonderful. We loved how independent and creative he became all due to the Montessori way of teaching. He is currently thriving now in public school because of the foundation he was taught. They also have very flexible hours for working parents which was very useful. He loved the after school activities like cooking and science. He would beg to stay late. The staff and teachers are the best! You won't regret your decision to send your children here!

I think anything that can go wrong , went wrong at this school. Lack of communication between not…read moreonly teachers, but also the director. No organization to the point my son is stuck in a class I have continuously said he is not enriched in due to a rotation of teachers in it, and no updates throughout the day on my sons activities or curriculum. Was quoted the wrong tuition from the start and my concerns expressed along with other family members were ignored. If you want a school with a classroom that truly enriches kids without rotating teachers (I've seen up to 6 teachers in my sons class periodically) , active communication and detailed curriculum activities in the app they use..do not go here.

My worst nightmare happened at Tutor time in Norwalk when my daughter came home with unexplained…read moreinjuries. When she started, she would cry unconsolably when we dropped her off. When I watched her on their video app, I noticed she wouldn't be comforted. I also noticed that she spent hours in the crib despite only napping for an hour. The teacher was cold towards her and my daughter seemed specifically scared of this teacher. There was a lot of neglect and isolation. When she was picked up by this specific teacher, it was without empathy. I saw my daughter fearfully retreat into the crib when she was approached by her. I saw my daughter swat at her face and the teacher then took her to an area of the room that isn't visible on camera. When I tried to screenshot or record what I saw, it disables the app. I called the assistant director and spoke with him about my concerns. That evening when I went to bathe my daughter, I noticed multiple abrasions on her chest, armpit, back and puncture wounds on her hand. I sent an email to the assistant director and met with him and the site director in the morning. When I undressed my daughter and showed them her injuries they stated they felt they occurred by the teacher picking her up and being scratched by her long nails accidentally. There was never an incident report made. It's impossible that my daughter was scratched harmlessly with her clothes on leaving a total of 9 marks on her left side and two on her right hand. There is no way that my daughter scratched herself nor another child. I am a ER physician and their lack of concern is appalling. This was not an accident. I believe Tutor time is not naive to instances similar to what occurred with my daughter based on their response. They are not a safe facility for any child to attend and I definitely would warn anyone not to do so.