Our son just graduated from the STEM Pre-K program at CYC this past year. We were never less than…read morepleased with the quality of his care. His lead and assistant teachers were consistent throughout the year (no constant turnover and drama like we experienced at his previous center). The classrooms were spacious and well-equipped, and also serves as an instructional center for IUPUI students studying early education. We especially liked the STEM program as the class progressed through multi-week thematic units based on the children's current interests (e.g. simple machines, dinosaurs, castles, camping). Students use a blend of technology and tactile materials and toys, and our son was even able to read and comprehend short stories before leaving for kindergarten. There are a number of ways for parents to get involved as the classrooms go on numerous field trips and the center hosts family events and open houses. Class updates and pictures are provided via the Tadpoles app throughout the week. Parent conferences are held twice a year. The center is professionally managed by IUPUI and a friendly, new, hands-on director was just hired in spring of 2019. We would recommend the center to anyone working, studying, or living in the downtown area.

Center for Young Children Best preschool ever!read more

This school used to live up to it's claims of meeting the child where they are, educating the whole…read morechild, fostering their individuality, etc. In the past few years I have experienced a tremendous decline in their ability to hold true to this, sadly. I give it an average star rating because these days is just a costly version of any typical, yet capable public school with the addition of arrogance in their approach.

All three of our children attended The Orchard School. We are very pleased with the education they…read morereceived and so are they. I've often tried to sift through all our years and determine what they most learned/received at Orchard and if I had to pick one attribute (and there are many), I'd pick confidence. They are all confident public speakers. For example, when my daughter was a junior in high school, she won an award that required her to speak at a dinner with over 400 people present. I tried several times to get her to practice and review her speech in advance, knowing that the previous recipient had a professional speech writer. In frustration, one evening she said, "Mom, I went to Orchard. Don't worry." She delivered a flawless speech without notes. They are all confident about their ability to learn. Orchard likes to say they help create lifelong learners and they do. Each of our children knows how to learn and they like to learn. They are all confident expressing themselves to anyone. In high school, their teachers observed that unlike many shy teens they were not afraid to ask questions and advocate for themselves or for others. And, this has continued throughout their college and post-graduate years. Orchard invites and teaches children how to respectfully approach adults. At Orchard, education is not just about science, English, history, etc. While these are important, it's also about helping develop good people and preparing them for the future.

Where do I even begin with Meridian Hills Cooperative? My family and I love this little school so…read moremuch. This is going to sound overly dramatic, but it aint no lie: Enrolling my child into this school has probably been one of the best decisions I've made since moving to Indiana. We just finished the 4s class, which was our first foray into any type of schooling. Meridian Hills Cooperative is play-based, which means that the kids learn through exploring, building, creating, moving their bodies, and just plain being kids. The teachers do not push the kids to do anything (as in, they aren't receiving formal lessons in the 4s class) -- instead, the teacher invites each child to participate, and lets them join in whenever they feel comfortable. Each child is valued for whatever stage they're at in life. Similarly, each type of personality -- from super shy guys to boisterous kids to everything in between -- is cherished and respected. A huge plus about the school is that they value playing outdoors. They will tell you straight up when you go for a tour: We play outside in all types of weather! The only time the kids won't play outside is if the weather is dangerous, such as during thunderstorms, or if the windchill is in the single digits. Otherwise, kids bring their snow clothes, rain boots and other outdoor gear because they know they'll be playing outside, rain or shine! Meridian Hills Cooperative is a co-op, which means that parents participate in the classes on a rotating basis. I love this aspect of the school because you really get to know your child's classmates, and in turn, the other parents really get to know YOUR child very well. It's very much like an extended family, with everyone invested in each other's well being. One of the most unique aspects of Meridian Hills is the Kindergarten class. This school is one of the only in the Indianapolis area that offers a part-time Kindergarten. (It meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.) On Thursdays, the class spends all day outdoors in the "forest Kindergarten" area, which is basically set up to be an outdoor classroom. So the kids get to learn while feeling the cool breeze, hearing the birds chirping and feeling the earth under their feet. It is such an amazing space, and an amazing way for kids to learn. I feel like I could go on and on about Meridian Hills, but it's just one of those things you have to check out yourself. I'm probably the most jaded and cynical person I know, but whenever I talk to people about this school, I get super mushy and emotional recounting all the ways I love this school and how much my child has grown and blossomed because of it. It's truly been a blessing in our lives.

I searched high and low (aka Noblesville to downtown Indy) looking for a nondenominational,…read moreplay-based preschool for my daughter. After looking at multiple Montessori schools and not finding many other options, I was delighted to find MHCNS. As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found something special. The spacious outdoor playground is like no other I've seen in the area (and there are hiking trails, too!). Once inside, I was impressed by the "block room" full of wooden toys for building, the "art room" with easels set up and a table full of homemade play dough, and a third room where the children were enjoying board games and reading in little groups. And then I met the teachers. There are three, and they are all amazing. They have history with the school, an easy rapport with the children, and they believe in the power of play. I was also impressed that this school has a half-day kindergarten available. As a cooperative (and member of Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives), this preschool is run by parents. One of your child's caregivers will help out in the classroom once or twice a month and take on a "job" within the school. Your job could be anything from organizing the Fall Picnic to ordering the art supplies for your child's classroom or caring for the class pet. My daughter loves seeing me in her classroom, and it really gives me a better sense of what she is experiencing and what I can do to help her grow. MHCNS offers parent education nights and a two day training workshop. Since all of the parents are so involved with the school, you really get to know the other families and create lasting friendships. Overall, I feel that being part of this school has not only been beneficial to my daughter, it has also made me a better parent.

Have you ever been someplace that just kept drawing you back?…read more After a couple of visits, I had ultimately checked Second Presbyterian Church off my list and written my solid, if not particularly stellar, original review of the experience. I've visited other area churches, most notably a nearby Unitarian Church that features wonderful worship services. However, something has sort of always drawn me back to this large North Meridian Church and historic Indianapolis congregation. If you know me from Yelp, then you already know that I value community highly. As an aging adult with a disability in Indy, I've largely outlived most of my supports and I value those places where I fit within a community structure. I'm kind of like the weird uncle at the family reunion that you don't know how to interact with but you still kind of adore. I first attended Second Presbyterian during a no longer existing 6pm on Sundays that appeared to be trying to weave together both traditional worship yet casual atmosphere in a sanctuary that is anything but casual. I mean, seriously. Have you ever been to Second Pres? Casual is not a word I would ever use for their sanctuary. Fairly new senior pastor Chris Henry came in along the time I first attended, though with a congregation the size of Second Presbyterian it has taken time for things to be evaluated and changes to be made. The Sunday evening services, both a 5pm and a 6pm, fairly recently became one service known as "Together@5." Instead of being in the sanctuary, it's now held in McFarland Hall, a 3rd floor room that is still formal yet appears to be more of a banquet space than a worship space. People are gathered around tables rather than in pews, while the entire vibe is much more relational. I attended the first one - I enjoyed it, but it was highly attended and a bit overwhelming. Last night, for Easter, I attended again and was just really blown away by the adjustments that had been made and by the relaxed, warm spirit in the room from the music to the children's time to the message and everything else. It was a perfect example of professionalism meets authenticity. I think a congregation such as Second Presbyterian Church requires multiple visits to fully catch the vibe of the place and to do an honest review. My original review was premature. To be fair, the armed security still makes me uneasy. It just does and that's probably not going to change, though to be completely fair they're remarkably discreet and have never been less than courteous. With a church this size, even I'll admit that it makes sense. There's also little disability challenges in terms of access given the age of the church, though I've seen multiple congregants in wheelchairs and this is a congregation that has worked hard to make their congregation accessible. I do wish disability inclusive language was used a bit more - "please stand" is just immediately excluding. "Stand as you are able" is acceptable, while something along the lines of "Stand in Body or Spirit" is even stronger because it's empowering language. They have a Friendship Group for individuals with disabilities that meets on Thursdays at 6:30pm and if you've ever been here you know that they have a large number of community activities. They have a simple yet beautiful labyrinth that I use regularly on my more challenging days, while there's pretty much a place for everyone here. In some ways, Second Presbyterian feels like a mega-church but without the mega-church vibe. I contemplated going 4 stars - after all, no church is really perfect, but truthfully I've come to admire the ministry here quite a bit and I have to admit that I always leave feeling better than when I arrived - even on my really challenging days mentally or physically. As someone with a ministry background, as well, I see this as being a place where you could likely grow into your gifts in a variety of ways. So yeah, I'm bumping this one up to 5 stars and acknowledging my initial review was simply prematurely developed. While a church this size may not be for everyone, they have enough options available and are so warm and welcoming that you'd be surprised, like I have been, at how much you keep getting drawn back to it.

The annual Kenya Carnival at this church is lively and full of culture. Hundreds of church members…read moreattend, as well as the general community. We were greeted enthusiastically at the door and felt welcomed immediately. People were grilling out, playing games, and making crafts to send to kids in Kenya. Global Gifts (a store who gives profits back to the countries) had a booth and were selling a large array of jewelry, gifts, and little plates hand-made by Kenyans. There were also bounce houses and families running around everywhere. I would definitely recommend going to this event, as it was a great place to meet new people and support an impoverished country at the same time.

My little girl goes to this school and I can't say enough how polite and helpful the teachers and…read morestaff are there. This school is truly unique and really brings out the eagerness to learn and creativity in kids. They currently offer three languages (other than English) which are French, Spanish, and Mandarin (Chinese). The kids pick out one language other than English and are basically taught two languages during the school year. Children are awarded throughout the year in front of the school for specific traits the teachers notice and acknowledge. I'm proud of our little girl who does her very best that she can in such a wonderful and advanced place of learning! Jason Spangle Old Foundry Toy Works

The International School of Indianapolis located on 49th Street is an amazing Language School only…read more, as far as academics are concerned I think they rank near the bottom. It's my opinion that the teaching staff are language Specialists from their part of the world and not qualified to teach academics here in the US. I'm basing this review on the experience of my 3rd grader home achieve quite a bit from a language standpoint but suffered academically; my wife and I decided to remove our child after several meetings with the head of school David and principal at that time whereas we were told that ISI could not meet our child's Advanced academic level of learning.

I had never heard of a cooperative school before I started my search for a local preschool for my…read moreson. I didn't even know this concept existed but I have since discovered it's an awesome way to run a preschool. I started out enrolling him in the parent's day out program which was awesome. I wasn't yet a member that needed to volunteer or anything so it was just a nice way to try it out and see if we liked it. It was like 4-5 hours (I forget) for a seriously small amount of money, especially compared to the babysitter I was considering hiring for $10 an hour. He brought his lunch and played with about 4 other kids, some younger some a little older. Everyone was aged 2-4 and the 2 teachers had great themed activities laid out each day. He was shy at first but by the time the program was over in the Spring, he was chatty and had made new friends. He was like a totally different kid. So after that, I officially joined the co-op. I was sold. I'm reviewing this as a "customer" and as someone who sits on the school board. The thing about a co-op is: you're both. I love that I get more than just a small say in the stuff my son is learning. I love that I get to help out with the running of a school and sit in on his class about once a month. I think if I had gone the traditional preschool route I would never know what I'm missing by not spending a whole day in class with him once in a while. It's great to watch learn and interact with other kids. OK so one thing you're wondering is: what am I going to do with my baby while I'm helping out in the classroom? This crossed my pregnant-lady mind when I first found the school too. Turns out I'm not the only mother of a preschooler with a baby (who'da thunk it?). We just swap baby sitting days in a toy filled room at the school. I tell you, my babysitting day is my favorite day of the month. Just this week I snuggled a wee baby while my 15 month old zoomed cars around on the floor with a 2 year old and it was an overload of adorableness. Way too much cute packed into one room. My son has blossomed since starting school and he has learned SO much. I am amazed at his social development too. He loves his teacher, so much so that he has a teddy bear at home named "Miss Marlo". I love that there's a focus on learning through play, a large focus on science, healthy snacks and lots of outdoor time. There's a huge outdoor play area with so many activities. I honestly feel like I've become a better parent because of what I've learned from my experience at this school. That sounds incredibly cheesey but cheese or not, it's the truth.

This school changed the way I thought about early childhood education and gave us exactly what we…read moreneeded - play! As a parent who really values the attachment that I share with my kids, I didn't want to send them into a school on a regular basis not knowing anything about their day, their peers, or their teachers. I had made that choice initially and realized quickly that it wasn't a good fit for us :). This school, on the other hand, welcomed my whole family through its doors and encouraged all of us to approach learning together. We took a tour, registered, and fell in love. I only wish we had found it sooner :)!

We sent all 6 of our children to KCS from pre-K through 8th grade. 2020 was our last of 25 years at…read morethis school. Education was excellent preparation for high school where all excelled or are excelling. Spiritually love that all subjects taught from Biblical worldview. Teachers are dedicated. and love their students. Inter scholastic sports are competitive. All but one of my college kids were college varsity athletes in their respective sport. I pray that my local grandchildren all get the same blessing.

This a wonderful school. The teachers truly care about the students. It is a Christ centered…read moreschool. The academics are challenging.