We decided to put our little one into a daycare/school when he was about to turn 4…read more We looked around the beaches area for somewhere, checking out daycare options including several of the churches. Every one seemed average, and just like the rest. When we got to the Red School House, and took a quick tour, we were instantly aware of some, "above and beyond", going on. In the class our little one was going to be in, there were two tables full of very attentive boys and girls doing actual school work! Instantly we knew this was the place. Come to find out we had several friends/ and clients that rave about the school. The entire experience can be summed up into an observation that I made during the Christmas sing along. The staff was very into the whole process. Ambitiously singing in front of several dozen parents and relatives takes a lot of posture, but imagine the dedication it took for them to teach all of those songs to the kids. Our little one has been singing Holiday songs all month long. But the thing that got me was one of the children came late. As he walked up, one of the teachers while in mid song called his name, gave him a quick hug, and said, "I love you", in a very genuine way, then went right back into it. THAT.... is the type of people I want my child around.

Great teachers with an outstanding administration. If you want your child to get a Headstart for a…read moresuccessful education, this is the place to go.

Our son was one of the first children at this location when it opened. In those first few years we…read moreabsolutely loved the tight knit community and attention to detail the staff and directors offered. However as we now enter our child's third year at the school with numerous staff and leadership turnover we utilize this school more out of convenience than personal choice. There have been several instances of miscommunication from leadership with our family. Even more concerning, is the notable leadership turnover in such a short period of time. Unfortunately there is not a standard practice in place for routine class transitions which allow children of the same age an equal opportunity to access all learning tools which the school prides itself on. It's extremely disappointing to see such obvious stagnation and regression in our child's classroom engagement and learning for what appears to be the sake of appeasing incoming families on waitlists or special circumstances. I do hope moving forward the school is able to put in place more concrete class groupings so that all children are afforded an equal opportunity to engage and excel in their pivotal early learning years with the developmentally appropriate materials and tools the school has to offer.

My son went to LaPetite Academy in the preschool classroom. We love the center and the teachers! It…read morewas nice to check up on him through the cameras. The app they use for communication was great for messaging teachers, if needed.

My kids loved attending this center, the management and teacher are phenomenal! It was like a…read moresecond home for my kids and it was bitter sweet when they aged out!

Best learning center in town. Love the caring and friendly atmosphere and especially the quality…read morelearning experience. My granddaughter loves to go every morning! She is thriving here!

Smitty's Camp ROCKS! Daily my 7 year old would excitedly regale me of her day and all of the games…read moreor camp songs she learned. She even taught a few of those games to her parents! I particularly loved the "Bazooka Joe Bubble Gum" song she'd perform and sing. Smitty's is an "old school" summer camp. The kids get to swim TWICE a day! There's a nice pool as well as HUGE inflatable water slides! I typically sent my daughter in shorts, a bathing suit, and a long sleeve rash guard that would double as sun protection since they are outside ALL DAY! They also get to kayak, canoe, and go fishing! I love that even the little ones build confidence in learning all these new skills. My impatient daughter has *yet* to catch a fish but is wistful for that day to come. Every week is a new theme and they do games and crafts to compliment the weeks theme. My daughters favorite was Holiday Hullabaloo. "Monday is Christmas, Tuesday is Valentine's Day, Wednesday is Easter, and Thursday is HALLOWEEN!" My daughter joyfully informed me. The Minute-To-Win-It theme was also a hit. In between games there is also a playground and also a covered patio area where they can do crafts or read books. I have seen the older kids playing kickball on the baseball field in the mornings too. On rainy days they go inside and watch movies. Smitty's has such a FUN Summer Camp culture! I wish I had been able to attend something like this when I was younger myself. The main improvement Smittys needs is their front-of-house administration. Getting any resolution over the phone has been very difficult for me be it an emailed receipt or even a confirmation if could make a reservation for camp. You really have to go IN PERSON to get anything done unfortunately. TIPS: - Wednesday is Ice cream truck day so pack your little one some cash if they want some! - There is no on site food preparation for lunch BUT there is a water refill station as well as a Camp Store for snacks. - My daughter would carry a pound of sand home in her shoes so we had a rule that she would leave the shoes OUTSIDE! - Pack extra sunscreen for your child to apply after swimming or when needed. - They upload photos at the end of the week of all the fun the kids had to both their website and Facebook!

My son started VPK this week and whe. he comes home I ask how school was and he is always so happy…read moreand excited and yells Amazing. They have an app and daily folder so you can see what your child is doing and tells you their behavior while in school. I would recommend this place.

My first impression of this place I really liked. Seemed small yet welcoming. I came in with my 3yr…read moreold for a tour and he played with the class while I spoke to the teacher and owner. Everything went well and my son seemed to like it so I committed to part time only twice a week (since my son was strictly going for social reasons). The first day when I dropped him off there was a completely different teacher whom I had never met. She had no idea my son would be there but she was very nice. I went to pick him up and he was not in his classroom. It took me a while to find him which was scary for a parent during their first daycare experience. The second day was fine. The third day (week 2) he went to daycare I walk in to find again another teacher who I had never met. Miss Kathy ...who didn't know who my son was or that he was attending twice a week. Her first words to me were "who is this?" Talking about my son which I explained. The very next thing she said to me was "I do not play with the kids, I am their teacher!" And "I'm not mean, I just don't put up with their crap!!" I'm sorry, this is a class of 3yr olds ...it's mostly all crap at this age!! That is not something you say to a parent. If you are rude and talking to me this way, how are you going to treat my child? It was the first day I picked my son up from school and he grabbed his backpack and we left. He doesn't talk much still but spoke enough to tell me he didn't want to go back. If you're looking for a cheap place this is your best bet! However, the price wasn't worth their inconsistency, unorganized, and rude behavior. I want a child care provider who cares about my child and who i can trust and unfortunately it only took me 3 days to figure out, this is not the place for us!

Great place for your kids. Wow.....I was a little wary at first sight about bring my little one…read morehere, the building is small and old but once i was inside i noticed every square inch was used for the kids. The teachers have been there forever which is rare for a daycare. Staff is caring and understanding. No corporate excuses or changes. The summer program was packed with stuff to do. Bowling, Alhambra, Adventure Landing, Beach, Parks, Skating......Etc. The playground has everything.....and i mean everything from swings to a rock climbing tower, seesaws to little play houses. Oh yea and the price is great. Kristi

Both my sons went there. They were safe and happy. That is what matters…read more I felt welcome in all their classrooms and felt comfortable discussing any concerns with the teachers.

Good morning. I would like to share the letter that I forwarded to the Saint Johns school district…read moreso maybe one day things can change: "Good morning, we live in Ponte Vedra Beach exactly 2 miles from Ocean Palms Elementary School but to not lose my job (no after care) we were obligated to move her to Flagler Charter School and now I'm driving around 30 minutes to my daughter to go to school with after care available. We've tried all the private schools around our home without spots. Nicole was adapting well and loving the school and the After care and school administrators didn't bother even to answer Yes or No after 6 months trying waitlist and several phone calls and e-mails. The last time Ms Kim LaMondie answered "At this time we are on a waitlist. We will be sure to put Nicole on the list. I will reach out to you as soon as we open our waitlist." was on Jan/23/2023 and since then we didn't have any responses after several times trying contact. So, to not lose my job I was obligated to change my daughter to somewhere with after care. Now we drive very far every day for school. I don't think this is fair to us and our daughter always cries missing her neighborhood friends and the school - It looks like we are out of the social neighborhood now even though we live right there. We hope this situation can change because we are very unhappy to not be able to study around our home and to be excluded from the social around there for this reason. We hope Nicole can study again on Ocean Palms too."

This is a great family daycare. Anyone who says other wise either ran out on a bill or did not want…read moreto follow the rules of the daycare. They treat each child as if they were apart of their family. Would highly recommend.

I love this daycare!! The owner is so sweet and understanding to my situation and it's a really…read moregreat environment for my kids. I have an infant, a two year old, and a four year old that I have sent there for 1 year now and they love it. They have no problem waking up and being dropped off to daycare every morning and sometimes don't want to leave. This is a great daycare.