Run away! They charge fake fees, won't show you an invoice and no teachers just aids that get paid…read morelittle. Save yourself the headache they are a complete ripoff

I was new to the idea of Montessori when we enrolled my son in the AMA primary classroom this fall…read moreand his growth this year is beyond our wildest dreams. Our son has shown growth both in academic skill but also as a curious and self sufficient young man. It is fantastic to see the Montessori curriculum trickle into other aspects of his life and every day I love the stories he tells about his day. This really was the best place for him and I cannot recommend the staff and teachers more.

I can't say enough great things about PCEL!! My daughter has flourished so much since going there…read more The management and staff are very understanding, and treat your kids like their own. Mrs. Kelsy, Mrs. Rhabi, and my daughter's classroom teachers made me feel VERY welcomed, and it immediately felt like a family. My daughter learns a lot, and has fun while doing it (which is exactly the balance I wanted for her). They also send you pictures of your child so you can get updates - which provides some peace of mind, and it's so nice to see the great activities and lessons your child is learning. It's hard to find a great place to trust with your child, but this place is truly a GREAT place with loving staff!

We came to the Co-Op mid-pandemic, an unusual decision. But after a few years of mounting…read morefrustrations at another center and hearing about PCEL from a parent who had defected, we decided it was time to make the switch. Our 2 children (5 and 2) are now thriving there, in spite of COVID. We all adore the Center Director, Ms. Rhabi, who is everything you hope for in a Director: warm, caring, communicative, available for questions and concerns, etc. Our son claims she is his best friend. The teachers in both classrooms are wonderful and have done a great job keeping us informed about what the kids are up to on a daily basis, even without the chance for any face to face interactions given COVID protocols. We have been especially impressed that our 5 yo has picked up math concepts (graphing objects) and our 2 yo can identify all the letters in her name and even name some classmates whose names start with some of the letters she knows. Beyond the curriculum, it is clear that the school models and expects the kids to demonstrate kindness and empathy towards one another. We wish the kids were able to spend a little bit more time outside in the winter (on days w/ reasonable weather) and that it were easier to get to know the community during the pandemic. Otherwise, we highly recommend PCEL!

The school over-delivers on its promises. According to the website, there are services that…read moreCambridge provides, but never delivers on its promises. The afterschool program is suppose to have engaging activites like puppetry, gym time, arts and crafts. There is no budget for the program. The teacher has to purchase materials from her own pocket. Students become so frustrated with the lack of engagement. The school promises an individualized learning plan, Spanish, drama and art. Spanish was never offered. I never saw an individized learning plan. The students do lots of worksheets throughout the day. The school also engages in practices that are not listed in the handbook. They charged parents with infractions for their students not wearing the entire uniform. Yet, this "monetary infraction" was never stated in the handbook.

Honest review of Cambridge. This review is to provide you with info I wish I had when making my…read moreenrollment decision. There is both "good" and "not so good" at that school. There are some serious issues that I hope improves. But as a parent, do your research, ask prying questions, talk to current parents if you can. Teachers/Curriculum Great, our kids are challenged and growing educationally. Many of the teachers have a real passion for these children. Their hearts are in it and it shows! Culture Absolutely love the Christian component. You'll see kids praying at the start of class as well as weekly chapel with singing and praising Facilities/Staff Administration is lacking. School is largely unstaffed other than teachers. Many times I've shown up to school to pick kids up and have found them running through the hallways unsupervised. (Teachers go home at 3:30 sharp!) I know of at least one child that was seriously injured and knocked unconscious while playing unsupervised. Not secure/safe. The door has a buzzer and intercom but there is no way to verify who is entering the school. Press the intercom, they ask "who is it" and you can say almost anything, they will buzz you in. Not safe. A camera system should be added to the school, Amazon sells them for very cheap Gym Unheated in the winter time, uncooled in the summer time. VERY uncomfortable and there are no plans to correct the climate. Parents have voiced concerns about this for years but have been largely ignored by administration. In the summer time, the kids are walked to a nearby park (sometimes through an alley!!) where they were approached by dogs. Thankfully no one was injured Leadership (or lack thereof) There is no strong leadership presence at the school. Due to several scandals involving the current headmaster and inappropriate relationships with parents/staff, the board of the school is looking to replace him. Before the scandals, he seemed disconnected from the day 2 day anyway. Some days he's approachable, other days not so. It's unfortunate, because we're all paying for a private education and should feel comfortable in approaching leadership with questions and concerns. Even when concerns are shared, there is rarely any serious follow up, we don't even get an acknowledgement of "I have received your feedback" Just dead silence No lunch served You have to provide your own lunch - but there's no refrigerator for storage and no microwave for re-heating food. (Huh?!) This isn't 1984 Communication Issues Mid-year, rumors were spread regarding a large tuition increase. Parents sought out headmaster to find out if it was true. He avoided the topic and didn't address it for almost a month, forcing parents into the school's imposed re-enrollment deadline without information needed to make a re-enrollment decision. Then the headmaster held a meeting where he condescended and sniped at the parents, dodged questions, then ultimately confirmed the tuition increase. Apparently, the school is running a deep deficit. The "Cambridge Board" (consisting of the headmaster's dad, brother and cousin) were brought in to discuss tuition and integrity issues with school leadership and plans for the future. Tons of empty promises were given by the board, with no follow through or delivery Mass Exodus of current parents In talking with several parents in passing, communication issues, scandals, a disengaged headmaster who smiles on Mondays, condescends on Tuesdays, ignores parents on Wednesdays...is a bit too much. Many committed parents who have been at Cambridge for multiple years, have refused to reenroll their kids at Cambridge. Some parents have taken their kids out of school mid-year due to so many issues. The kindergarten class lost at least 4 students throughout the year Aftercare/Ambassador's club This is nothing more than a babysitting service where kids run around the gym, watch movies and sometimes do their homework. Many times, the homework is incorrect as the aftercare staff doesn't seemed equipped to help the children adequately. Overall, be careful of what's promised. Like the rest of the parents, you'll be told of all the grand things that will be offered to your child. Some of it will be delivered, but based on my experience, much of it won't.... Be careful, go in with your eyes wide open

We've done camps and many birthdays here and it's always for the kids. The staff all truly love…read moreworking with kids and it shows. We did the camp for the first time this year and they did some really fun but educational stuffy son loved. We'll try the other themes for camp next year for sure. Also there's a coffee shop in the same building where you can get your caffeine and a pastry without leaving the building.

Both my children have enjoyed KSL for years. Great interactive programming. This summer, however,…read moreI messed up and registered the wrong kid. KSL went above and beyond to work through the logistics. We could have managed alternate childcare for our 6-year-old, but it would have been difficult to soothe his crushed soul. Thank you, KSL!

We had two kids at TGS for 2.5 years. We had nothing but great experiences with the staff and the…read morefacility. We always felt a warm and familial vibe from the day we started. Ms. Angelina is a wonderful teacher in the 4 year old class. Her nurturing instincts and creative approach to teaching young learners provided an unforgettable experience for both of our kids. We also love Ms. Denise, Ms. Evlyn, Ms. Jessica and Ms. Cornesha (and many more -- too many to list here!) The administrative staff was always responsive and helpful. I appreciated the opportunities for enrichment classes on-site, and I felt like my kids were participating in curriculum that exceeded other daycare/pre-schools we have attended. I would recommend to anyone.

As a first time parent I was scared and hesitant to send my child to daycare, but I was needed back…read moreto work at my full time job. We started our daughter at 4 months and I was terrified. I cried in my car after the first drop off and watched my phone all day for the updates. Ms Kristine and Ms Lydia were our first teachers and they eased my worry after only a few days of starting at TGS. They were clear and honest about what to expect, what daily activities were, about this transition and they sent a lot of pictures that first week. Throughout our time in the infant room, these teachers answered my questions, treated my child with the utmost care and helped us ease into solids and out of breastmilk when we chose to do so. I honestly felt a jump in my daughters development after the first couple weeks and that continued during her time in that room. I have nothing but good things to say about those two teachers. We moved into the toddler transition room just after her 1st birthday and we were again met with nice welcoming teachers. In this classroom we felt our daughters development flourished- she sits at a table eating meals with her friends, doing crafts, participates in story time and songs and plays in the indoor playscape area so well. She weaned off the bottle, off the paci and transitioned to 1 long nap a day, even without her sleep sack! Besides the advancements, The pictures the teachers sent on a daily basis were clear indications our daughter was happy there. We moved out of state recently and sadly there is not a Gardner School where we moved, otherwise I would enroll my daughter immediately. I recommend this school, specially the west loop location.

Our son has attended Ivy Garden since 6 months old. He has now graduated from two infant level…read moreclasses and onto the toddler classroom! As first time parents, we were anxious about daycares and thoroughly researched all nearby options before landing here. We absolutely love this school/daycare! The teachers are so attentive, experienced, and kind. Our son loves each teacher he has had and enjoys going to school everyday. As parents, we trust they have his safety and development in mind. Since starting, he has been coming home with new sign language, words, and preacademic skills (e.g., shapes, letters) constantly. We especially love the academic and events programming. From weekly themes, science lessons, to holiday events (e.g. Valentine's Day dance, Easter egg hunt). I know the older kids go on field trips too. The school also offers organic meals that our picky eater actually enjoys! Personally, it was also very important for our biracial son to attend a school with diverse peers and teachers. He's class is made up of 80% mixed race classmates which is incredible! We couldn't have asked for a better daycare!

I can't say enough great things about Ivy Garden South Loop. I enrolled both my boys there starting…read moreat 2 months old. The care they received at every stage was phenomenal. The teachers were very warm. The curriculum is challenging and stimulating. The parent community is supportive. My kids really thrived at IG, and we will always be thankful for this opportunity.

I cannot recommend Green Beginnings highly enough. We've loved our experience here for so many…read morereasons. I've also convinced multiple coworkers to bring their children, and they are all also highly satisfied. While the outside of the building isn't anything special to look at, the inside is magical. To start, the directors Katie and Krissy are wonderful. Their communication is very strong. They are also highly accessible during the day if you have question regarding GB or your child's development. When our daughter was using potty words at home, Ms. Katie gave me advice that curbed the behavior in one day. They also helped make potty training a breeze. The schools curriculum and daily design really supports strong development. The days are purposeful yet fun and full of love. Our daughter is 3.5 and knows all of her letters, numbers to 20, talks in complete sentences (non stop) and knows basic math. This is all because of their intentional work at curriculum development. The staff is excellent. Our daughter loves everyone there, and is always so excited to go there. They seem to have pretty low staff turnover, and the people they retain are highly competent, professional and loving. The interior is super safe, clean and bright. They also go outside to a nice park daily. I would very highly recommend GB to any family. It is a magical place.

We were only at Green Beginnings for 6 months during the brief time we lived in West Town, but GB…read moremade a lasting impact on me and my family! Special thanks to Krissy who did a virtual tour with us via Zoom when we were still living halfway across the country at the time. Once we moved to Chicago, we really appreciated the first few transitional half-days before the official start date. This not only helped ease our child into a new routine, but also eased our minds as well (so helpful as parents who, at the time, were doing childcare for the first time). We loved the community that existed at the center. Krissy and Katie were great at hosting everything from themed events to monthly family gatherings. All the outings were a fun way to meet and connect with other families. Although we're in the Chicago suburbs now and at a different school, we still think back fondly to our time at GB. Thank you for truly being the first place to make us feel at home in Chicagoland!

If you are in need of wonderful childcare in the South Loop, then the Nook is the best place to go…read more Their staff is fantastic and our 10-month old son absolutely loves coming in every day. They are attentive to his needs and we trust them taking care of him. They post up to date reports of how/what he's doing each day from the naps he takes and food he eats, to when he goes to the bathroom. They post at least 2-3 pictures everyday of him doing various activities or playing with other kids. It's very calming and reassuring to know what he's doing during the day. It's a small place, so we know he's getting personalized attention. They use the "Brightwheel" app and if we ever have questions, we can send them a message and they'll respond right away. They also reach out immediately if they think something is wrong. One time our son was running a bit of a fever, so they were in contact immediately with us to let us know what was going on. There was another instance when Annette told us that she noticed he was wheezing towards the end of the day. Turned into a trip to the hospital that night, but she caught it right away with her watchful eye. Annette and her staff are doing such a great job at the Nook. We have already recommended this place to some of our friends who have recently had children and will continue to do so in the future.

The service was great. Lots changed when Sylvia relocated to another facility…read more My children required consistency and there was a time where teachers were changing too frequently. The price to pay for such a smaller childcare center is the same price as the large two story daycare center down the street; which has a rooftop playground, elevators, community events and nice sized classrooms. I would recommend but if you have other options, I would second this one due to pricing.

Choosing Maya's daycare has been one of the best decisions we've made for our daughter. Knowing…read morethat Maya is her caretaker provides immense peace of mind. The building itself is incredibly safe, with dedicated doormen and a truly wonderful community of people working within the complex. Having previously lived in this building, I can personally attest to its safe and friendly atmosphere, and it warms my heart to see my daughter now greeting residents who have watched her grow and develop since day one. Every morning, she's genuinely excited to see Maya and her friends, often saying, "Maya fun. Maya big hug. Maya friend." As a new parent, sending my daughter to Maya after eight months was a leap of faith that has been richly rewarded. Not only does my daughter come home happy every day, having eaten well, enjoyed a good nap, and sporting a bright smile, but Maya has also been an invaluable resource for me. She's offered guidance on parenting matters I was still learning, like recognizing suspicious coughs or unfamiliar rashes. On top of all this exceptional care, Maya's rates are the most affordable I've found for such specialized private daycare in Chicago. Working at the local high school, it's incredibly reassuring to see my daughter thriving under Maya's care, knowing she's building a strong foundation for a smooth transition into prekindergarten when the time comes. Inquiriesformayasdaycare@gmail.com

OVERDUE! WE LOVE YOU MAYA!!!!! Thank you for taking such good care of our little busy bee…read more Maya is the perfect place for a parent in need! Small group sizes, individual care for each kid, lots of dancing and fun for the littles! My baby didn't want to leave some days :) Parents: Maya is no bs! Listen to her! She knows best :)