Beautiful school! Kids are so happy to go to school, they love learning. There is so much outside…read moretime, and they fit in Spanish and German from 1st grade on. The kids play music and sing all the time, they have huge smiles and seem so healthy. We love Waldorf.

As an active volunteer and parent at MWS, I was deeply invested in the school's success. However,…read moreafter witnessing faculty, staff, and board members dismiss and downplay credible concerns about child safety, ignore warnings from outside experts, and treat concerned families with open hostility, my partner and I felt compelled to disenroll our child for their safety. In our child's first year in MWS's mixed-aged kindergarten class, its pedagogy suited them well, and they thrived. We were deeply thankful for that experience. However with their second year came strict enforcement of a forced nap policy that caused noticeable emotional and behavioral struggles for them as well as multiple children who had outgrown naps. We eventually learned that this policy required all children to lie still and quiet in a dark room for up to 90 minutes a day, without alternatives for quiet play or reading in a lit space for those who could not sleep, while the teacher often left the room for the rest of the day. This had not been fully disclosed to parents previously. Seeking clarity, we consulted outside experts including a licensed child psychologist, who advised MWS that the enforced nap practice was developmentally inappropriate and potentially harmful, especially as most 5- and 6-year-olds will have outgrown naps by that age. We contacted other Waldorf schools which reacted with surprise and concern when told of MWS's nap policy. We also learned that, by contrast, WI state law requires licensed childcare centers (which MWS is not) to allow children who don't fall asleep within 30 minutes to move "off their sleeping surface and given a choice of activities in a reasonably lighted area". Despite bringing this information to the school in a good-faith and collaborative manner, our attempts to discuss this topic further were met with defensiveness and dismissal. Alarmed by the effects of subjecting children who have outgrown naps to this treatment, we voiced our worries to the school administrator and board. We were met with further dismissal and disparagement. After additional parents raised their own concerns, the board did eventually agree to an outside review -- but rejected calls to work with a licensed child psychologist in favor of hiring an "anthroposophical psychologist" instead. The school ultimately contracted a formal Waldorf teacher who lacked any training or licensure as a psychologist. During my meeting with this individual, whose role was to ostensibly serve as a neutral party and childhood development expert, they stated that while practitioners of "mainstream psychology" might be concerned with the appropriateness and safety of the current MWS naptime policy, Waldorf educators "know what's best" for their children, and that that should be sufficient to put any concerns to rest. Increasingly out-of-touch and aggressive communications from the school community followed. One individual, vying for the school's open admissions director role, urged the board and administration to expel us and another family for questioning the practices of a Waldorf teacher. Their memo also pressed for what was then an ongoing investigation into child safety concerns be quashed immediately. That individual was subsequently hired. My partner and I ultimately withdrew our child from MWS to ensure their safety and well-being, and in protest of how this and other issues across the school were handled. Subsequently connecting with other families who left MWS revealed a disturbing pattern of dismissal, denial, bullying and gaslighting -- including but not limited to concerns over naptime policy -- as well. I urge current and prospective families to be vigilant and to critically assess what type of environment they want for their child and family. Finally, it saddens me to anticipate that MWS might respond to this and other critical reviews with misinformation and personal disparagements. I encourage readers to weigh any such responses thoughtfully as they draw their own conclusions about which school is right for their family.

Both of my children are attending Hickory Hill Academy and I could not be more pleased with the…read moreexperience that we have had. The beautiful campus provides a a safe and engaging environment for learning where children receive personalized care in a small classroom setting with two teachers who are able to focus on individual needs. At Hickory Hill, my children are both thriving academically, and offered opportunities through the curriculum that have far exceeded my expectations. From being on a campus that allows them to learn and grow outdoors (there is an old bus in the wooded area their team and amazing science teacher retrofitted into a classroom) to learning Spanish & Mandarin in the program, to expanding their love of reading through the classroom focus. I particularly like the way that HHA works to get parents involved in the learning process. They have a weekly community circle meeting that parents are able to be apart of that highlights school events, allows children to participate and shares thoughtful and encouraging messages for the week. The school also does a great job creating fun events outside of school like a Pumpkin Run in the fall and Mitten Festival during the winter. In the case of the Mitten festival the children worked hard on creative art projects that were extremely fun, but also encouraged them to present why they created what they did to their class and families. We have seen our children's confidence rise significantly and are extremely happy that our children our attending and would recommend this school to others.

Our family has been part of Hickory Hill Academy (HHA) since its founding in 2020, and we've…read morewatched the school grow and evolve. Starting a new school during COVID was no small feat, and while there have been occasional missteps--what school doesn't have them?--HHA's commitment to improvement stands out. Challenges are met with reflection and growth, ensuring lasting progress. The administration, faculty, and staff are deeply dedicated to HHA's mission. This isn't just a school for academics; it's a place that fosters character and community. My kids love attending, and the sense of belonging is incredible. From hugs shared during Community Circle to my daughter having besties in every grade in the school, it's clear HHA is building a kind, inclusive community. If you're looking for a school where your child can thrive academically and personally, HHA is an amazing choice.

Teddy's Place is a great daycare. Mrs. Crystal is so nice and very patient. The owner is very…read morehands on and will chat with us at pick up and drop off. I love that they use the Procare app to let me know how my daughter is doing during the day. They will send me photos and updates on meals and potty breaks everyday. They take the children on field trips regularly during the summer and always have fun educational activities planned to stimulate the children minds.

We have been thoroughly impressed with Creek. Our daughter is learning how to be independent, to…read morelearn with and alongside others, and building a strong self-concept as a result of her time at Creek. There is a 5:1 child to provider ratio and a spacious outside play area. Homecooked meals are provided for lunch and breakfast. Our daughter divides her time with mix-aged groups and same-aged groups -- giving her an opportunity to learn from older children and to practice modeling for younger children. She interacts with children from an array of different backgrounds. The teachers are caring and devoted and don't hesitate to provide feedback when asked. And it says something about the quality of a place when the shortest-tenured teacher has been working at Creek for 10 years! Creek -- though certainly more affordable -- stands out alongside higher-priced preschools in Madison.

This place is awesome! Beautiful outdoor play area, home cooked lunches, amazing teachers,…read morereasonable rates, lots of learning, and happy kids. My kids always complain when I pick them up that they need to stay a little longer and "play just a few more minutes" or "just until the end of the story". The teachers at Creek Day Scool are also the ones who really potty trained my boys and got my super picky eaters to try different foods.

Monona Kindercare is one of the best! I love their program & how well the teachers & staff work…read moretogether. This was my child's first time experiencing any type of child care and she has enjoyed every moment of it (She started Kindercare when she was 6 months old) She has been in the infant class and will be moved to the toddler class in just a month! The teachers are very patient, attentive, and very sweet. I would recommend this school to anyone in the area, they truly are amazing! I have peace of mind knowing my little girl is safe and she is getting an education I could not provide to her while working full time.

After two half days at kinder care in Monona WI (that cost 133.00 dollars!) my son became extremely…read moresick, in turn getting me sick. Other babies in the same room (he's 9mo old now) had snot running down their faces with no one even wiping it up. We dropped him off today just for a few hours and were told since we did not let them know last friday (my girlfriend gets her work schedules on saturdays) that we were not going to have him there for two half days again this week we would have to pay for it anyways... another 133.00 for two hours of baby sitting! HIGHWAY ROBBERY PEOPLE! I will be reporting these jerks to the better business bureau. DO NOT bring your children here if you care about them at all.

Love the staff. My children ages 8 weeks and 3 years old both go here and we have been very happy…read morewith our services! Affordable, life the daily notes home and friendly environment!

Simone Frame is an excellent clinician. She is reliable, professional and very friendly. Kids feel…read morecomfortable with her right away. My daughter was struggling with reading-decoding and comprehension skills. By the time she was in third grade, she was behind. Simone worked with her diligently and brought her up to grade level. With Simone, Ellie jumped from learning to read, to reading to learn. I can't thank her enough. Today, Ellie is getting ready to take the SATs and apply to competitive universities across the nation. I truly believe that Simone's help in literacy changed Ellie's academic trajectory. Thank you, Simone! Ellie still talks about the birds that poop seeds on the mountain.

This place has made my mommy heart very happy. I can focus on work without worrying about my child…read more The staff/teachers/daycare providers here have been fantastic. There is nothing more that you could ask for in a group of childcare professionals. The create a home life feel in a daycare center. Also everyone here clearly loves their job and what shows the most is there collaborative love for children!