Our experience at Notre Dame Academy was deeply painful and rooted in racism and bias. From the…read morevery beginning, exactly our third month at the school, we received warnings from former parents about the school's issues with racism. Sadly, those warnings proved to be true. My daughter, who was in second grade, experienced repeated instances of discrimination--not just from peers, but from teachers and the administration. In Kindergarten, she was told by another child that her "skin was not good" and was excluded from playing with other girls because of her skin color. In 2nd grade, she developed anxiety around lunchtime and was yelled at by her teacher in the cafeteria instead of being supported. When I emailed the teacher to explain her anxiety and ask for patience, I received a dismissive response claiming that my daughter's "behaviors are becoming intentional." Despite never having a history of behavioral issues, her anxiety was labeled as intentional misbehavior--something I firmly believe would not have happened if my daughter were white. A white child would have simply "had anxiety." My daughter was criminalized for hers. Our pediatrician even wrote a letter urging the school to support her with more understanding. Still, no empathy was shown. After I addressed her anxiety and asked to be updated with any further issues during our teacher conference and offered support--as both a parent and an education professional--I was met with defensiveness. During our Zoom teacher conference, I professionally and calmly provided suggestions on how to create a more inclusive environment for all students. I was a former instructional coach and thought it would have been helpful for the teacher if I shared some strategies. Rather than take this in good faith, the teacher immediately made herself the victim--a pattern we've seen throughout Black history, where people of color advocating for themselves are painted as threats. The teacher then went to the principal, Julie Derucki, cried, and claimed she felt "attacked." The principal sent an email to me requesting a meeting and expressed her concern that her teacher "felt attacked" by me in our conference. That word--"attacked"--is heavy, loaded, and racially coded, especially when used to describe a person of color. It was incredibly offensive and dehumanizing. I raised my concerns about this language, how it was offensive, and the dangerous implications it carries, but I received no apology or acknowledgment. I requested a meeting with the teacher and principal to understand how the teacher "felt attacked" in our Zoom call. Instead, I was asked if I needed help "finding another school." The remaining few weeks of the school year became unbearable and extremely uncomfortable. The principal greeted us with sarcastic tones, rolled her eyes at me during mass when I asked where to sit, and the teacher who once greeted every car at pickup pointedly ignored ours. What little support was offered for my daughter's mental health turned out to be performative and disorganized, with no follow-through. Before departing the school, I did speak to a board member and the president of the school to express my concerns with racism. The president was very aware of this ongoing issue at the school that has caused a turnover of both staff and families throughout the years. In my opinion, Notre Dame Academy is not a safe or supportive environment for students of color. The school is not inclusive (although it is promoted on the website), does not put all students first, and does not hold its staff accountable when clear bias and harm are at play. If I could give zero stars, I would. I share this review in hopes that no other child or family experiences what we did, especially those of color.

I just dropped my child off at NDA this morning where I saw the principal standing outside in…read morefreezing temperatures to greet incoming students. She helped a black child who was struggling with a backpack over his winter coat. Then, she did the laughing "chilly" dance with another much younger black child, perhaps a kindergartener or first grader, who was racing inside to escape the cold. Mrs. Deruki greeted two Asian sisters on their way in the front door and waved at a group of Hispanic siblings trekking down the sidewalk. Everyone was smiling, children and adults alike. As I witnessed all this from my car, I couldn't help but think about the review complaining about NDA's lack of diversity. This is not an all white school like so many other private schools in Georgia. In my child's class alone, there are Hispanic families, Asian families, mixed race families, and black families. I want my child in a school that welcomes all races and ethnicities, and honestly, that has been my experience at NDA. I cannot speak for other parents who may feel differently, and I feel sad for the mom who felt like her daughter's needs were not met. But, there must be more to that story that was not shared here on Yelp. My fear is that negative reviews calling NDA racist will scare away the very families that NDA wants to welcome to its community. Please don't be afraid. My daughter's experience at NDA has been wonderful. The academics are rigorous and the expectations are high. She has not loved every single teacher, but some teachers are adored, deeply. And that's life, isn't it? Persevere, learn, grow. Notre Dame Academy is not a perfect fit for every student, but my Colombian American daughter loves it, and she is thriving.

This school uses the title of Montessori to overcharge for basic day care administration, and its…read moreprimary focus seems to be towards making money. Despite having a tedious number of intake forms asking for dietary restrictions and allergy/medical information, this school will feed your child whatever they want and completely neglect dietary restrictions. I hope your child likes sugar and dairy! Despite the law requiring immunization records for school attendance, this school will neglect the intake of these records until 2-3 months in to your child attending their facility. I hope your child DOES have their vaccines though, because they'll still contract every viral or infectious disease the moment they walk in to this school. And don't worry, this administrative team will promptly communicate absolutely nothing about these known illnesses. Even if you communicate that your child will be out sick for a few days, no one else will be the wiser!! This includes the HIGHLY contagious pink eye as well. Did you pay your tuition in full? Well I'm sure this school appreciates the money! Because it comes with absolutely 0 guarantee that your child has a spot in the class they will hopefully attend for months and months. The moment they decide to give your child's spot away to someone else, you'll know by showing up to check them in and they'll deny you at the door. Thanks for paying in full! Seeing as the principal has no shame in sending her own children around school events to ask other parents to leave reviews so she can raise more money for this school - and that's a direct quote when being handed a QR code to leave a review - - despite the abundance of children and families who all pay to attend - it seems clear this organization is a thinly veiled cash grab hiding behind the Montessori name. I would highly recommend you consider other schools in the area. This one has been 3 months of wasted money. I've either been taking care of my own child due to these sick policy failures, my child's spot being given away and the "class is already full today", or because the school is literally closed for a full week like once a month.

I sent my two kids to this school. The teachers have been always very good, and the current…read moreprincipal, Miss Z, is making a positive difference. I definitely recommend this school.

I am mother of 3 year old daughter, from past two months i have been contacting them for…read moreregistering my daughter in this school as its near to our residence, we recently moved from NJ to GA. Every time when i call i had to give all of my information and they do not save the details of the child, finally they agreed to give an appointment to talk about the registration process. When i went alone to the school to discuss further and register my child, the management was so rude and racists , she asked to bring the child to assess her and then only we can register in the school and asked me to leave the premises. As a mother of 2 kids, i have never seen such discrimination in any preschool/ daycare center to assess the child first and then register for the spot in the school.

We can't recommend this school enough. My son loves coming here every day. The teachers are gentle…read moreand caring and provide an amazing curriculum and thoughtful discipline. Everything is done with love. We wish we would have found this place sooner.

Gosh, I don't even…read moreknow where to begin. Relocating to John's creek was a task in itself but finding the perfect school for my son was a breeze. We are pleasantly greeted every morning by Ms. Sheema, Ms. Rissa, Mrs. Gayon and the owner which makes my son so eager to come to school. Special mentions for the schools chef Ms. Jojo she prepares healthy fresh food daily that smells delicious everyday. It can be a task to feed the little ones and she does so with grace. Lastly my son loves his past and present teachers shy, Savanah , sidley, Norma, Cyrstal and Kendra ! I highly recommend this school not only for the academics but the hospitality!

Since we joined Ivy Kids, we have absolutely loved our experience! The teachers have been…read morewonderful--caring, patient, and truly dedicated to helping each child grow--and the staff is always so organized, kind, and attentive. Their curriculum is engaging and thoughtfully designed, and I have full confidence that it will prepare both of our kids for elementary school and beyond. The owner, Karim, and all of the staff clearly have a genuine passion for their work and for the children, creating an environment where families feel welcomed and supported. We would highly recommend Ivy Kids to any family looking for a warm, nurturing home away from home!

This school was truly an answer to my family's prayers! Our First grader was in public school and…read morehad an IEP. The public school did not implement his IEP in anyway. We found Majestic Preparatory Academy and was amazed from day one! Teachers and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They are always willing to spend the extra time needed with my child or to answer any questions we may have. Student to teacher ratio is 10 so the teachers have the ability to take care of individual students needs. My child not only caught up but exceeded his education requirements for the year! His confidence level increased 100%. They went on field trips and enjoyed many activities throughout the year. This place has been a blessing and we are looking forward to the summer program as well as a new school year in the fall.

Within 5 days of my 1 year old daughter attending this school she had 2 injuries happen. The first…read morewas a bump on the head which was also her first day and the second was her two front teeth being completely broken. When her teeth were broken on the property I was not informed by the school and learned of her injury on my own after picking her up. At some point my daughter was not being fully monitored despite the school telling me the teacher was watching her and that she never showed any signs of distress. A one year old would have a reaction to having her two front teeth broken so to hear otherwise from the people I trusted to care for her is disheartening. After trying to communicate with the school they are refusing to take any accountability for their actions and even lied upon further investigation to avoid any repercussions. I don't think my child was hurt purposefully but there was clearly negligence that needs to be addressed if they will be caring for children of all ages.

This school has been my first pre-k experience and I can absolutely say it has been an amazing…read moreexperience. They're so welcoming and the staff is sweet and caring. My daughter has been attending here since summer of 2025, and she really looks forward to going to school and seeing her teachers! They really care about their students.

The school is very clean, well organized and friendly staff. We switched to Legacy from another…read moreschool and could immediately tell the difference in quality of care. we have one child in after school and another in GA PreK there. Their summer school camp is really excellent with a lot of activities for the kids. my only complaint is the car-rider lane situation. they have 2 car rider lanes but don't use either of them the way they are meant to be. they allow parents to pull up in the lanes but they require you to walk your child in and sign them in. this creates a backlog of cars in the morning for PreK and the afternoon pickup and has become quite dangerous for the little ones and their parents weaving in and out of cars in the lane to get into the school. It's also very inconvenient for the parents as it takes more time and creates more separation anxiety for the kids at being dropped off. i recommend to institute a real car rider lane with decals and a staff member or 2 getting the kids out of the car and taking them inside.

We truly cannot say enough wonderful things about this school. From the genuine engagement with…read morefamilies to the deep sense of connection with the church community, every part of our experience was exceptional. Our family was part of this school for nearly three years, and during that time my daughter thrived. She made lifelong friends, learned so much, and came home happy every single day. She genuinely loved her school, and that meant everything to us as parents. Leaving was incredibly bittersweet, and this school will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for the love, care, and foundation you gave our child--we will forever be grateful.

We ADORE this preschool for our son. Our kiddo started school here just 2 days a week (based on…read moreMary, the director's recommendations) at the age of 1.5. The first few weeks was (understandably) a bit tough for my kiddo as he adjusted to not being at home and the center of attention. Within two months, my kid started LOVING this school, and looking forwards to going in the mornings. Now, at 2.5 years old, he goes 5 days a week and he still loves it. He has made friends, and chatters so positively about all of his teachers. I love that whenever we drop him off or pick him up, all the teachers know and greet him by name, and her recognizes all of them as well. The teachers really make an effort to get to know all the kids, even ones not in their class. I love the community feel of this school, and I love how much all the teachers really care. The curriculum is great - there are a TON of extra activities that are organized by the school (firefighter and policeman visits, carnivals, egg hunts, holiday events etc etc etc). The school itself is a half-day program (9-1) with additional 'afterschool activities' (1-2) that you can sign your child up for. They do follow the Gwinnett Public School calendar for school holidays/closings, but they do offer some weeks of 'summer school' programs as well. I literally cannot say enough good things about this school!