We enrolled at Academy of Play with high hopes and thoughtful intention. After leaving a program…read morethat did not align with our values we sought respect based Montessori informed care that would support our daughter's emotional growth and autonomy. Despite promises from Evelyn, our experience did not deliver what was communicated or expected. Our daughter had seven different teachers in six months with no immediate notice. Teachers appeared without warning and we would arrive for pickup to find an unfamiliar face while our daughter said we have a new teacher. These frequent transitions made it difficult to build secure relationships or consistency. Although the school markets itself as Montessori based, the teachers lacked Montessori training and often even basic familiarity. We were told staff were in Montessori training six months into their hire (which should have been done BEFORE they were even hired), yet their actions contradicted this, which led us to lose trust that training was occurring. These inconsistencies conflicted with our parenting framework and created confusion for our daughter. We often had to reteach core values at home. Our child now threatens both us and her dolls during play in addition to behaviors that go against everything we have worked for years to instill. Practices included forced apologies, bribes with toys or treats, threats of privilege loss, and gender shaming language i.e. "boys dont like pink, thats for girls." Children were also told not to cry, which was meant to be comforting, but is developmentally inappropriate. These practices do not align with Montessori or respectful caregiving. We were told a curriculum would be shared, but was never provided. The only time we had insight into our child's learning was when we scheduled meetings with Evelyn ourselves, where information specific to our child was also limited. A teacher said the children only work when Evelyn is present which made her input unreliable since she was not there often. Evelyn's expertise was a key reason we chose this program and when she was present it made a difference. However she was rarely in the classroom often just one or two days per week for a couple hours. Each day our daughter would ask if Miss Evelyn would be there and staff replied she is working in her office. Eventually our daughter stopped asking and said she is probably in her office working when she saw Evelyn's car. We later learned she was opening a coffee shop. This led us to believe the children were no longer her priority. During pickup we observed teachers on their phones or disengaged which was troubling for a program that emphasizes connection and observation. We were also told the school would be screen free, but a teacher showed a video. While the content was not inappropriate the use of screens contradicted stated values and eroded trust. Throughout the year we raised concerns calmly and directly with Evelyn. She was reassuring that change is coming but there was no follow through. When we asked why a curriculum still had not been provided since our child started attending, we were told the children were focusing on outdoor time due to summer and that teachers were focusing on Montessori training, though threats and bribes continued beyond that point. Evelyn also sent a parent survey but no follow up or next steps were communicated. Despite repeated efforts to engage nothing changed in a meaningful way, which broke our trust. Strengths included fresh organic meals, consistent outdoor play a meaningful friendship and Evelyn's knowledge when she was present, though her time with the children was limited. We gave this program every opportunity to meet the expectations it set. Our decision to leave was not based on one issue, but the cumulative impact of repeated inconsistencies and misalignments. In the end, we had to prioritize our daughter's emotional well-being and learning environment. Families deserve clarity, consistency, and integrity. Children thrive in environments where those values are not only stated, but lived daily.

Academy of Play is a phenomenal Montessori daycare program. Our oldest child (age 3) has attended…read moreAcademy of Play for almost two years. Ms. Evelyn (the owner/founder) and her staff have taught our child so many skills, both academic (colors, shapes, letters, numbers, etc.) and practical (jacket on and off, shoes on and off, handwashing, toileting, etc.), and our toddler is meaningfully more capable and independent as a result. We love Academy of Play so much that we jumped on the chance to send our younger children (twins, age 1) there as well. Both twins are happy at Academy of Play, but one of our twins, who needs support for developmental delays, is thriving and has made huge leaps forward since attending. Ms. Evelyn and her teachers obviously care for the children and there's very little staff turnover. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem of a daycare!

My kid started at 3 at this place and WOW this place is amazing!…read moreThis place provides the perfect setting for kids to develop and grow! On top of that we REALLY LOVE the TEACHERS! YES every single one! They love the kids and treat them with love!. Our kid have developed so much from this place. It was the best decision that we have made for our kid! We are really thankful to all the teachers that helped our kid grow and we are going to miss this place alot! Highly recommend this place!

Our daughter is thriving at The Treehouse! She adores going to school where she plays with her…read morefriends, engages in dance and gymnastics, and gets to express herself through a wide variety of arts and crafts activities. It's been really wonderful seeing her express herself more clearly and forge lasting friendships with her classmates. The teaching staff is warm, friendly and genuinely has the best interests of the kids as their top priority. Their interest in getting to know our entire family and the kindness they show our younger son (who will soon enroll at The Treehouse himself) is truly heartwarming. I cannot recommend The Treehouse enough to families who are looking for a welcoming community and play-based learning environment.