Unfortunately, our experience at Countryside wasn't great. We learned very quickly that our 18…read moremonth old child (at the time) was constantly being restrained and the only child being restrained- which goes against the montessori philosophy. After 2.5 months, we immediately removed him of this institution, despite paying that hefty tuition.

Both of my children, who are now grown men, attended this incredible institution. They are absolute…read moregentlemen, intelligent with tremendous common sense, and extremely successful. I attribute much of what they have become to the foundation education they received at Countryside. It breaks my heart to read some of these negative reviews because that's just not what this institution is at all. People need to realize the damage that can be done to a person or institution with just their words.

I can't say enough good things about NCNS! My son started mid-year last year when a spot opened up…read morein the 2's and he really flourished. He comes home excited everyday in the 3's this year too. He's making friends, learning to share and is especially animated when he talks about the 'job' he has each week. Last week he was the Meteorologist and next he's in charge of the Mystery Box. NCNS really sees the value of creating a community for the families of the students, not just the students. We've met some really wonderful people at events put on by the school!

We moved to Northbrook in the middle of Covid with not much of an idea where to send our daughter,…read moreas safety precautions meant we couldn't visit and we didn't know many people. When we reached out for information, Gail was so welcoming and the experience with the play-based curriculum is everything we wanted. Our daughter has absolutely thrived since starting as a 2-year-old-- her language, imaginative play, and sense of responsibility have grown so much-- and Lunch Bunch classes give her an opportunity to experience other fun classes- like Yoga-- and spend a bit more time at school every day. She's made so many friends and we've had a ton of opportunities to meet socially with families and parents, as well. We're excited for our son to start in the young 2's class next year, and our daughter to move into Pre-K! Cannot recommend NCNS enough!

Our four year old is in his second year at Little Ones, and we are all very happy with his…read moreexperience. His teachers are warm but consistent. There are three teachers to 20 students, and their attention to detail with each child is impressive. Their curriculum flows with the seasons, but they also observe what the kids are into and that guides their thematic units. These four year olds are already journaling, answering a question of the day, and learning their friends' last names. Sheree Feldman, the director, is super organized and responsive. (My wife and I joke that she never sleeps.) She gets back to us very promptly, and validates our concerns. She is always looking for ways to improve the already great school with enrichments, lunch programs, and extra curricular outings. Our only complaint is that we feel the kids could go outside more, but I understand their reasoning. In the winter, we thought that they'd go outside if it were 20 degrees or higher, but if the windchill is lower than 20, they won't. And in Chicago, the windchill is lower than 20 quite often...but they do take them to the gym for gross motor on these days. All in all, we love our experience at Little Ones, and would highly recommend it!

I was really not happy with Little Ones and we ended up pulling our child out. He was being…read morebullied and miserable and they really didn't seem to want to deal with it. After several meetings with staff and director, nothing really changed. They wouldn't discuss things with the other child's parents. Teacher wasn't mean, just seemed to be mailing it in. The building and playground is really limited in space, everyone is just on top of one another, parking lot is a disaster.

Wonderful staff who instills in preschool what learning should be...inquisitive and FUN. My…read moredaughter loved her few mornings a week she went in. She got to make friends, go outside daily, make crafts, learn about the world around her, celebrate birthdays. When I would pick her up, she would sing songs, about what they were learning, over and over again. This place is incredible for kids. So loving.

When moving to the North Shore I had my work cut out for me to find a preschool that was both…read moreplay-based and offered full-time care. Banner was the answer. From the moment we visited the school, I knew it was the right place for our daughter to begin her preschool experience. "Warmth" is how I'd describe the environment at Banner both in appearance and culture. The classrooms are inviting, cozy, and creative. This is a school run by teachers who love what they do and create a warm, positive environment for children to learn, develop and thrive. Our daughter wakes up excited to go to Banner every day which is the best testimonial a parent could offer.

Irresponsible staff with lame excuses . My child came home with bruises . We tried to talk to the…read moreschool coordinator by taking an appointment. She was a total disappointment. We tried talking to her. She kept staring at her computer, never even once looked at us. Her response was-- everything is child's fault. Abhorrently rude and aloof staff. This place is a punishment for little ones.

This review is long overdue! I can't believe that I am the first person to review this fabulous…read morepreschool. The Park District's Early Learning Center is a play based program, but with a structure that provides consistency and predictability for children, preparing them VERY well for kindergarten at South School. The teachers are experienced, compassionate, warm and bright. The provide social-emotional coaching to the kids in their care, helping them learn to assert themselves, express their feelings, organize their thoughts and learn in a safe, comfortable environment. And they really do LEARN about so much while they are little students here. They do gross and fine motor activities which complement their weekly topic. Some examples of topics for 3 year olds: circles, mittens, community helpers, flowers, leaves....their acticities all touch back to that basic idea they are trying to help the kids understand (ie making a robot out of squares, making a leaf with clay, making and painting a mittwn and turning it into a lacing card). My daughter was in the 4s and they expand on this same structure but in more detail and learn about authors, illustrators, artists, animals, jobs.... and yet the children are also encouraged to play, relax, and enjoy their introduction to education. The teachers are trained educators who care about the children in their care and are passionate and patient. They take the time to help even the littlest kids with anybstruggles that come up along the way. I can't say enough good things. I encourage you enough to take a tour, meet the teachers, and see how happy these classrooms and children are. I have loved my children's teachers and I love this school.

I brought my daughter here for about a year. In this time she was abused by other classmates. She…read morewould come home with nail puncture marks and bruises. It took multiple children over the course of many months being injured by this student for the teachers to finally take necessary action. They also say they are Montessori, but are absolutely NOTHING of the sort. They have one teacher who is Montessori trained your child will rarely interact with her. The teachers your child does interact are classically trained. They allow them to watch movies often and regularly utilize iPads for activities which is entirely against standard Montessori practices. Don't waste your money on this school.

We moved out of state in May of this year. There were two things that kept me up at night prior to…read moremoving - leaving my family and Children's Learning World. I can honestly say I cried more on my kids' last day of school here than I did when saying goodbye to my own family. My husband put it best when he said that there are good schools and there are ones that are truly special. Children's Learning World falls into the second bucket. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the newer schools but to us, that's not what we find important. Our children were well-educated and loved by all their teachers. We visit every time we're back in town and to this day my daughter talks about her friends and teachers from CLW. I would like to again refute things stated by the previous poster because everything we experienced was the polar opposite, & it bothers me to see such a clearly one-sided and inaccurate review. The school wasn't a fit for them & that's perfectly ok. But to accuse the school of "close to torture" and to blame the other child when their son bit him/her shows that there's much more to the story that's intentionally being left out. Writing up a child for biting is a requirement as regulated by the state because first-aid (even something as simple as ice) was administered. They were just following procedure as well as properly informing the other parent of harm done to their child.

my children been at this school since 2024. Since changing principal's ive had the worse…read moreexperiences here. they have a policy that's states say you can make arrangements for tuition when unable to pay but doesn't give you the option. the moment you can't make a payment they kick your children out of school. I have lost my long term job because of this!!! They are rude. staff talks about each other. they change teachers every couple of weeks. they can't keep staff. the principal shouldn't be teaching in class rooms if there is enough staff. this past year and a half by far is the worst. we miss Mrs ferand. she actually helped her community and cared about her students education. ms Taylor cares more about the money than she does these babies education. ms Thornton don't get me started on her.

My daughters attended this school and it set them up for educational success. The teachers and…read morestaff are very caring and supported my daughters from Green room to kindergarten graduation. Ms. Soosan has run this school for many years and it's very special to the neighborhood. No other school offers extra activities like Piano, Ballet and Hip Hop. If you're looking for a great place for your kids education, you should start here.

Amazing school with fantastic and loving teachers. Wonderful, clean, happy learning environment. I…read morelove school's philosophy and approach to the kids. The teachers not only teach kids about knowledge but also help kids learn to be more independent. Along with the academic curriculum, students are exposed to geography, science, music, Spanish, and physical activities. The music class is outstanding with Spring Sing and Recognition Ceremony every year - INCREDIBLE!!!