Daycroft is a school unlike any other…read more The Montessori philosophy is the foundation of what makes Daycroft so amazing. The kids that attend Daycroft are genuinely some of the nicest kids I've ever met. There is a huge emphasis placed on the "culture of kindness" and it shows every day. Children are treated with respect, and therefore respect one another. When behavior issues arise, children are counseled through it by their teachers, not simply punished. There is an emphasis on understanding and empathy rather than control. A HUGE reason this is possible is the faculty to student ratio. Every grade-level classroom has two full-time, certified teachers. The class sizes are nearly always 20 kids or less, so that's a 10-to-1 ratio max most of the time. When they go to specials (music, art, gym, Spanish, library, and technology), each class is split in half (half go to music and half to art, for example, then they switch) to preserve that ratio- unless the class makes more sense to have more kids (such as gym or orchestra). Daycroft is a school where everyone knows everyone by name- students know and are friends with other students at other grade levels, teachers know students' names in grades other than just the ones they teach, and specials teachers get to teach the same kids for up to nine years. The bond that is created with such a close-knit community is special. Daycroft is a family.

Our family has been at Daycroft Montessori for four years and are starting our fifth year. We…read morehighly recommend the school. We annually renew our decision to enroll at Daycroft due to the following: 1. The Montessori philosophy: mixed-age classrooms, children work uninterrupted on learning activities that they freely choose from a teacher-created set of options, children primarily learn by working hands-on with a myriad of subject-appropriate materials rather than verbal instructions from an instructor, and work plans designed for each individual child to the point that, depending upon the needs of the child, work plans can range from daily to weekly in duration. 2. Two teachers in each Daycroft classroom. This translates into a ratio of approximately one teacher for every 10 students. 3. The extraordinary religious, racial, and ethnic diversity of the children enrolled at Daycroft. For those of you reading this review who are new to the Montessori philosophy, let me explain that Montessori means disciplined choice. There is zero chaos in a Daycroft Montessori classroom. There may be a quiet hum, or happy chatter, but no chaos. From their workplan, children choose which item to address when. They are taught how to effectively focus and not interrupt other children's work. Because workplans are individualized to best fit their learning style, the children become deeply engaged. Before they move on to a new activity, the children must clean up their current activity. So, classrooms are tidy, calm, and, at the end of the day, everything is back in its place. We particularly love the diversity of the Daycroft families. Because it's so diverse, children learn experientially about the many skin tones, religions, & ethnicities. The teachers invite families in to share their rituals, foods, and experiences. Parents have the opportunity to become as involved as desired. I've volunteered in the classroom and my husband has volunteered in after-school. (There are quite a number of after-school activities for the children.) Daycroft has two locations. The Zeeb campus is K-6. Our family's experience has been at the Zeeb campus, which is where I will focus my review. The building is in excellent condition; bright, clean, and well-designed. It includes the K-6 classrooms, a robust library, media center, well-appointed art room, music room with risers and instruments, multi-purpose room (used for lunch, spanish, and after-care), kitchen, gym/auditorium, science room, sickroom, and administrative offices. All classrooms have smartboards and other types of technology (computers, etc). All children at Daycroft have Spanish twice a week and upper grades learn additional languages, and the etymology of language. Musical instruments are introduced at an early age, and increasingly sophisticated instruments are added as the children progress through the grades. There is an orchestra, choir, and band, and the children perform a concert semi-annually. Annually, in the spring, there is an all-school musical that is amazing. Every child is involved - creating the sets, singing in the chorus, and/or being on-stage. At Daycroft, children have choices appropriate to their age and abilities. All subjects are taught extensively and deeply throughout the children's time at Daycroft. For example, geometry and algebra are introduced in pre-school; each year, a child's learning of such subjects advances in sophistication. Because the children have individual workplans and uninterrupted worktime, they progress at their pace (with the teacher's encouragement and guidance, of course). What the children learn at Daycroft is far advanced from what my husband and I were taught at the same ages in our own school experiences. The administrative and teaching staff are always available to the parents. Two years ago, our daughter hit a personal "bump in the road". We spent time with her teachers and the head of school to work through this and found the experience to be very gratifying. All of us worked collaboratively to help our daughter traverse the situation successfully. From a distance, I've noted this scenario repeated successfully with other children at Daycroft. All children, at some point, will need some extra attention and the Daycroft staff has the time and commitment to provide it. From a physical perspective, children have gym three or four times per week. Plus, of course, recess. At the Zeeb campus, there are two playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment - one for lower elementary and a second for upper elementary. Zeeb has a garden, pond, and wetlands for the children to use in their curriculum. Some classrooms also include yoga daily for the children which has been a wonderful thing. Check out Daycroft Montessori - you'll be glad you did.

Our family sadly only stayed in Ann Arbor for 3 months but my son settled into the discovery centre…read moreextremely well with the most fantastic staff support. We were worried, as we have moved around a lot that my son was suffering because of it, but the teachers in orange room made such an effort to give him time and attention that he loved it from day one! The rooms are self contained, as in restrooms, playgrounds etc and very well equipped and clean. They also have access to more toys/ equipment that they rotate weekly so your little one will never get bored. There is also a great room that they use for more physical fun if the weather is so bad that they can't get outside. I was so gutted when we learned we had to move again as I really hoped I'd found a preschool for the next 4 years for both my sons.

My child goes here and we couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this pre school for your kid. The…read morestaff is knowledgable and friendly. Lots of cool activities for the kids.

Green Apple is a gentle, progressive, and amazing daycare experience. The kids are treating as…read morethinking, authentic, and individual human beings instead of a collective. Care is individualized for each child and each child is given a chance to grow and learn in a respectful environment. The kids spend a good portion of the day outside so if you visit and the space seems small it is because they don't spend all day in the building. If it is over 10 degrees they are outside playing. Kids come home exhausted, happy, satiated, and wonderfully dirty. They are fed organic, healthy snacks, and they actually eat them. I almost choked on my coffee when I read the email that my son had asked for extra kale at snack time. Are you serious? It wasn't in chicken nugget form and he ate it? The administrators are working with kids and teachers all day so sometimes it can take a few calls to get questions answered. Don't get discouraged by this. It is worth the effort to get a hold of them and take a tour. As a foster parent I've experienced a lot of daycares and preschools in the area. There is no place in the county that compares to Green Apple.

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Ann Arbor Learning Community and attends the afterschool program…read morethrough Green Apple Garden. Jill and Eric are absolutely amazing people and always treat my daughter as an equal and not a "child". They refer to eachother as "friends" and take a very gentle and realistic approach to how they construct their afternoons. Jill and Eric plan activities that involve mostly items found in nature and encourage the children to utilize their imagination to create fun and educational activities. I'm super excited that Green Apple is offering Spanish Immersion at AALC and will definitely be enrolling my daughter in this awesome opportunity. Thank you Green Apple for providing such wonderful care to my precious girl.

If I could give negative stars I would. I wouldn't recommend this "preschool" to my worst enemy. I…read moremet with the assistant director, Regina, to enroll my child and inquire about a job, and she made some empty promises. My child is disabled and has special needs and I was told he would have a teacher there in his class to help him 1 on 1, if needed. On our first day when I walked in the building, she then said we were just gonna see how it went. Cool, that's fine. Then I stated verbally AND on paperwork, that he doesn't eat solid foods yet, but that we're working on it and to still offer the solid food first (because the provide it,) and if he didn't eat it, to give him the purees I pack. It was going great!! Until I picked him up and he literally hadn't eaten any solid food and all his purees were in his bag. Untouched. And when I confronted the director, Elizabeth, about it I was guilt tripped and later found out Regina never gave his paperwork to his teacher. Doesn't matter if you work there or not, your child won't get the care you'd expect them to get Side note: NOT ALL THE CLASSROOMS HAVE ALLERGY LISTS!!! AND IF THEY DO HAVE THEM YOU HAVE TO LITERALLY DIG IN THE CABINET TO FIND IT.

We've been enrolled with this program for years now. While we have been patient with the delay in…read moreopening with build out, lack of proficiency in staffing, nutrition, wild turnover, and lack of adherence to the signed contract while raising their prices? I cannot be silent over safety. My ex husband and I have had it, finally, when last week one of our twins came home with the entire front portion of her hair cut off. By another student. The remaining look was not the issue; a child had scissors an inch or less from the eye of another child. For several minutes, and no one noticed until the child got home. When I called. The response of the center was from the director, Miss Faith, who simply told me she'd "talked to the girls and they were playing hairstylist." When I pressed about safety she offered "Miss Cienna will move tables around". That was the total and sum of their response. When admin was called it was worse. We were told we were complaining and making a fuss. Must be more to this story... UPDATE: 6 months later, at Gretchen's House, in the parking lot this happens: Walking kiddos out, hear some GH staff call out my kindergarteners' names, asking if it's them, in excitement! It's TWO of their pre-k teachers from this KC location. We get to chatting. They, and I, am appalled at the circumstances that lead us all to leave such a deplorable environment for both staff and students. Safety is key, and I now know why such turnover occurred. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE. Pay the extra. Staff agrees.

My daughter attended preschool at Kidsland with Mehar Fatimah. She is now 20 years old and in…read moremedical school after graduating with honors from MSU at 19! Kidsland Montessori School helped her develop a genuine love of learning, curiosity about the world, confidence, and skills to get her where she is today!! For anyone looking to help their kids grow academically, I HIGHLY recommend this Kidsland

My daughter attended Kidsland for the last 2 years and I can't thank them enough for the…read moredevelopment she has achieved. She started right after her 3rd birthday and this was her first school she attended as we were lucky to be able to keep her home until then. I had high expectations when she started. Even though there were many road blocks such as the Covid pandemic, Maher, Ms. Jane, and the rest of the team blew the doors off my expectations. And it isn't just the education that she received, which I give them an A+ for. She has developed so much more creativity, curiosity, her social interactions, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and I can go on and on and on! I am grateful that my daughter is more than ready to start Kindergarden next week. Thanks again Kidsland!

Great school, teachers and leadership are exceptional…read more Excelente curriculum with great independence and emotional development for the kids.

The benefit of Montessori is that it fosters a love of learning for a lifetime, and Doughty is the…read morebest! It's hard to find a Montessori that is true to the philosophy of Maria Montessori, and this space is perfect. The staff is very caring and professional. They love what they do and they love the children they work with.

Very organized & efficient way to dispose of hazardous wastes - register before you go. Highly…read morerecommend to dispose of the oil-based paints & automotive fluids.

Glad Ann Arbor is a progressive city that believes in recycling toxic materials and provides a most…read morenecessary and easy-to-schedule service year-round. Aside from a few designated yearly recycling days where you can bring environmentally-toxic liquids for drop-off all day, and the monthly weekend drop-off times during the warmer months, you can schedule drop offs during the winter months as well. The information on dates and times is easy to locate on their website. On a week in early winter I was able to schedule a weekday drop-off a few days on advance. Upon arriving at your scheduled time, you need to check in at the front office before driving around to the back left corner of the parking loft where a staff member (God bless his soul that day) was working in bitter cold 20 degree temperatures to unload the toxic liquids from each vehicle. Since they are only partially funded by the city, they accept donations for the service at the front desk. Well worth it considering the important public service that they provide.

If diversity is what you desire for your child, I would say no. All my dealings have been negative…read more Athletics at this school should be examined on both the male and female side as I'm wondering the connection with the referees in the area in relation to the coaches and players. Especially the female coaches. Oddest interactions I've ever saw. Nevertheless won't go near here.

I would give no stars if I could…read more Don't send your kids here. Please. Send them to a charter school, homeschool them, try private school, online public school or even Washtenaw Community College's new high school. Nowadays there are alternatives. Whatever you do, just don't send your kids here. My experience with Dexter Schools was not the greatest. I guess that some of the goings on are pretty standard for high schools, but I found a lot of it outrageous. While I went to Dexter: 1) One of Cornerstone staff members let a 5 year old kid wander out into the street alone. 2) One of my high school teachers (also my coach at the time) joined other students in cyberbullying a teammate on Facebook. 3) This same coach also authorised us to stay in a motel that had a clear incident of prostitution in the parking lot where the jon tried to run over the woman with his car, which was followed by a drugs' bust. Following this incident the coach thought that the motel was safe enough to stay at again. 4) A male high school teacher bullied a friend of mine until she attempted suicide. 5) The same teacher bullied me, made comments about my appearance and conducted himself unprofessionally in a way that I could only consider sexual harassment, though at the time, I didn't know how to explain it. When I stopped speaking with him, he began openly attacking me in class. He attacked me by name, my religion, and even other students who tried to point out his behaviour wasn't acceptable. I complained but he was not disciplined beyond a light slap on the wrist and received tenure. He was never fired though complaints continued to come in, and moved to the middle school instead. (He has now left the school district, by his own choice.) 6) A Cornerstone teacher told 2 first grade classes that suicide was honourable. 7) My sister had two of her teachers discussing her medical issues in front of the class and with other students saying she was "probably just faking or on drugs," while she was absent. 8) Our bus driver taught the kindergarteners inappropriate words while saying they were acceptable. 9) I watched another student dump lighter fluid across the back seat of the bus and try to light it on fire. 10) Another high schooler tried to give elementary school kids sips of vodka on the bus. Other high schoolers kicked him out the back of the bus before the bus driver noticed. 11) A student stabbed another student through the hand with a pen in class. 12) There were at least a few suicide attempts inside the high school while I went. Since then there have been attempts even in Mill Creek Middle School. There's a noticeable culture around at least half of the teachers and most of the administration that does not take bullying, mental health issues or even crimes seriously. Nothing can illustrate this any better than recent events: one of the counsellors failed to report a rape, (which is a crime since school counsellors are mandatory reporters.) https://articles.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2017/12/dexter_schools_accuses_counsel.amp As to the quality of education, it is better than some public schools, but you could and would learn more at other are high schools. The younger grades have a particularly bad foundation for math which results in high schoolers failing chemistry because they were never taught to do math with fractions. The English grammar foundation is so poor most high school students struggle mightily with other languages because the lack the basic foundation in their own. The new curriculum that has been implemented caused several of my favourite teachers to retire and one even retired to pull his kids out of the school. I don't think that this is a place where kids are educated. It's more a waste of time, particularly once kids reach the high school. There are very very poor supports for students with autism and intellectual disabilities. The paraprofessionals are overworked, critically understaffed, poorly trained and even more poorly paid, which contributes to the problem. Even if you have an IEP plan for your child, do not expect the school to respect it. It is awful the way things are run. Early interventions and working with your child consistently can make a massive difference and it's sad to see how badly the school fails in this regard. This being said, there are a few absolutely five star teachers at the schools. I would mention them by name, but I don't know if they are still part of the schools. I graduated and moved on, but I've continued to keep up with the news about the school and it only seems to be getting worse. If you send your kids here, please be very aware and involved with them. Hope for the best, but be realistic. You need to be prepared for the worst.

We have had an excellent experience at Ann Arbor Co-op. My son began last year (Fall 2017) after…read morean abrupt move to Ann Arbor from Chicago. At this time he had never had a babysitter or been dropped off with a non-family member. I was definitely feeling apprehensive. Thanks to the warm, welcoming, gentle environment my son's transition was seamless. Seeing him cheerfully and confidently flutter around the classroom truly makes my heart swell. Not only is he academically and socially ready for kindergarten, but he has developed a real love for school and a thirst for learning. AANI was the perfect introduction to school for our whole family. We are looking forward to enrolling our younger son next year.

AANI has been a wonderful experience for our entire family! As a mom, I have enjoyed being a part…read moreof my kids' preschool experience by being in the classroom with them. I've also learned SO MUCH as a parent, and gained a lot of confidence by learning what is age-appropriate behavior for my kids, and by watching and learning from the other adults around me. I have also enjoyed the social aspect of getting to know other families- there are fun social events and playdates going on all the time. The curriculum is play-based, and within it, there are so many skills that the kids practice that will help them later in their education; kids work on lots of hands-on science, art, and pre-literacy skills, and they are having so much fun doing it. My daughter made a seamless transition to kindergarten after her two years here, and I expect my son will do the same. I would recommend this preschool to anyone who wants to be more involved with their kids' education!

Provides great opportunities for young people of all ages and all skill levels to participate in…read moretheater. Summer camps, dance classes, and full-scale musical theatre productions offer kids a range of opportunities. MainStage productions (which do require an audition) are well produced with top-notch sets and costumes, a live orchestra, and talented casts. Great family-friendly entertainment. A true jewel in the community.