This is a long-overdue review for Bright Start, as they have been an incredibly supportive, safe,…read moreand loving place to send our son (and soon to be our newborn daughter). As two full-time working professionals (and an educator myself), Bright Start has given us peace of mind that our children will be nurtured academically, socially, and emotionally. They are truly our village and partners in helping our children thrive--and in this season of life, that kind of partnership is invaluable. We began the process of finding daycare for our son when I was still pregnant with him. From the get-go, it was clear that Bright Start was head-and-shoulders above every daycare we visited in the area. We loved that it struck a balance between being a small, intimate center, while still providing structure and intentionality to the day--even for the infants. It's a place that feels like home, while still offering the routines and enrichment of a high-quality early childhood program. Ms. Nikki eased my concerns as a new mom through the entire registration and waitlist process, giving me a thorough tour of the facility and patiently answering all my (many!) questions about what daily life at BSLC looks like. She didn't just sell the center--she made me feel confident that my child would be seen, known, and cared for. We were so thrilled when we secured a spot and began sending our son when he was 6 months old. My son started in the infant room, and has since grown into the toddler room, and now the twos room. Every teacher we have interacted with has been professional, kind, and deeply attuned to my son's personality and needs. It's clear they prioritize relationships and connection just as much as they do routines and curriculum. Through every major early childhood milestone--introducing solids, sleep regressions, potty training, social-emotional growth--the teachers have gone above and beyond to partner with us and meet our son where he's at. It feels collaborative in the best way. The communication with families is top-tier. Caregivers are kept in the loop through newsletters, memos, and daily updates. The Procare app is a fantastic tool--they update it in real time with info about meals, naps, bathroom trips, and even share adorable pictures of your child throughout the day. It's the kind of thoughtful touch that goes a long way when you're juggling work and parenting and just want to feel connected to your little one's world while you're apart. Most importantly, our son is thriving. He's happy every time we drop him off and even more excited to tell us stories when we pick him up. His language has exploded, he's developed empathy and problem-solving skills, and he's constantly curious. We know that a huge part of that growth is thanks to the intentional, caring environment BSLC provides. If you're a parent searching for a place where your child will be loved, supported, and encouraged to grow in all the right ways--look no further. Bright Start is not just a daycare, it's a community. And we're endlessly grateful to be a part of it.

We absolutely loved our time at Bright Start Learning Center (BSLC). Our son was here for 3 years,…read morejoining when he was still in diapers. We felt that he was well cared for and that all of the teachers were passionate about caring for the children and providing them an excellent experience. We just began Kindergarten and he is incredibly well prepared for it. The policies and communication are very clear - we had explored other daycares that were not organized at this same level.

I can't say enough about the excellent level of care that Academy of Creative Thinking has provided…read moremy son over the past 2 years. It is always difficult to entrust your child's care in the hands of strangers, but Hector and his staff made our son a part of their family from the beginning. Unfortunately, my son is starting pre-school elsewhere, but our experience at ACT was fantastic. We cannot wait to go back next summer and see everyone. Very highly recommended!!!

Not LGBTQIA affirming…read more Let me say, first of all, though, that the staff at the Academy of Creative Thinking were wonderful with our 4-year-old and he loved it (especially how often they get to play outside). However, we are a two-mom family, and recently, Mr. Hector (the owner/director) made it clear when he returned a book about diverse families, saying it was "not on the curriculum" because he "disagreed" with it,  that our family would not be acknowledged - let alone affirmed - at the Academy of Creative Thinking. I do not know if Mr. Hector read the book ("Love Makes a Family"), but it simply describes ways all families love each other with pictures of a wide range of families, including single parents, grandparents, and two mom or two dad families. I was shocked and disappointed that this was considered offensive. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but to quote James Baldwin, when your opinion "is rooted in . . . denial of my humanity and my [family's] right to exist," then we choose not to associate with such views and will protect our child from them too.

Positive: Clean daycare, some friendly staff, some useful feedback but mainly geared towards…read morecomplaints about your children. Negatives: Lack of followup from the owner on multiple occasions, exaggerates normal child behavior to create a sense of immediate need for therapy (maybe there is a $$$ relationship there), video system not working in case you need to check something. They are a business first and foremost and not a daycare. If you are looking for a more traditional, not soldier building machine, steer clear. If your child is docile and low level of energy, great place.

My kids went to Casa Dei Bambini for years. We absolutely loved the experience. The teachers are…read morelovely and truly care about the children. They treat the children with respect and provide a calm, supportive environment. When one teacher left, I cried. The new teacher the following year was just as wonderful, though. Oana is the director/owner/primary teacher in one classroom and she's just wonderful. I can't recommend it highly enough.

My daughter absolutely loves this school. She've learned so much in just few months that I'm…read moreimpressed! Everyday they have different activities, and a huge outdoor playground. The teachers are the best, very caring and attentive. I can't say enough good things about Fairyland! Highly recommend!

We looked at several places in the area for our daughter to start preschool and we could not be…read moremore pleased with Fairyland. I am a teacher and I really love the way they are much more than a daycare facility. Ms. Eva is great and always accommodating as well as the rest staff. They use a curriculum that aligns with CPS, so the kids are getting well planned and thought out activitiesand lessons that will prepare them for kindergarten. It's clean and organized, and very reasonably priced. I would recommend Fairyland to anyone looking for a reasonably priced daycare/preschool in the portage park area that really is above the rest. And most importantly, my daughter loves it.

My daughter and son attended 30 years ago and Ms Kristie was there teaching and caring for them,…read morenow my 3 yr old grandson goes there 5 days a week ad he absolutely looks forward to it everyday. Its a small group and they give the kids individual attention. They build social skills and the kids make friends. I highly recommend this school.

I hope everyone is lucky enough to experience this incredible program! SSYY is an absolute treasure…read more- which is all thanks to the Program Director, Mrs Kristie. Despite preschool being the first "away from parents" experience for most littles, Mrs Kristie makes children feel safe and comfortable, and does an amazing job building community among the students. The curriculum is fun, creative, and focuses on social and emotional skill development and academic learning. Over the course of 6 consecutive years, all 3 of my kids went through SSYY and I continued to be more impressed year over year! We love Mrs Kristie and are forever thankful for the foundation that she created for our children!

Outstanding staff Outstanding programs…read moreThis is defiantly a place you can send your pre-k or Kindergarteners to help prepare them for the real big schools. Miss Samantha, Ms. Schaffer, Miss Cathie, Miss Dawn and the aides are wonderful and were great with my daughters!

Sending my son to this school was one of the best decisions I've made for him. He's so happy here!…read more I feel super lucky to have found such a great team of teachers and staff. Everyone is so nice! My son is learning so much and comes home every day so excited to tell me about his day. I'll be sad when it's time to move on to another school (we still have a few years here thank goodness!).

This review is specifically for the "Montessori" preschool. My son attended St. Bart's Montessori…read morethis year. I had heard nothing but rave reviews from fellow parents about the preschool. Unfortunately, my impression of it does not match their enthusiasm. Although his teacher (Ms. Sarah) did follow some Montessori practices, it is just way too Roman Catholic for me. As I understood it from parents of preschool alums, the preschool is run separately from the K-8 school. Unfortunately, that was not my experience. As a non-RC, I was put off by how much religious education/indoctrination my son received. The school pushed The Church's political agenda to preschoolers!

I went to St. Bart's from Pre-K (Montessori) all the way through 8th grade. I wanted my son to have…read morethe same educational opportunities that I had growing up. Enrolling him at St. Bart's was an easy decision. He feels at home and I am at ease knowing he is in good hands. My son looks forward to school each day and family and friends continually marvel at how much knowledge he has. I know St. Bart's has made all the difference! The environment is nurturing and motivating. A+

The best preschool in the area. My 3 children went here from 2006 thru 2011. Very warm and…read moreinviting. Teachers are nurturing, you cannot find that at many places. Their curriculum is great. I remember my daughter marching around my dining room and counting in French. She was learning this from preschool! They have so many cute programs. Was always sad when Mother's Day tea comes--because it meant it was the end of the year. All 3 of my kids were well prepared academically and socially for kindergarten. They have a waiting list---so inquire early.

Love this preschool! We moved from Utah where my son had attended a fancy academy since age 2 that…read morehad Chinese, yoga, martial arts, etc. We took a chance on this school since he was 4 and needed one final year of preK and this was down the block. So glad we did. It is the perfect preschool. It is play based and the kids had so much fun. The teachers truly care and it is obvious in every interaction you have with them. The classroom is clean and very large. They have a great outdoor play area as well. My son literally loved it since day one. Can't wait for my younger two to attend!

I was referred by a friend to this daycare. This was my son's second daycare and he absolutely…read moreloved it. Maria is amazing we are absolutely grateful for her and her caring staff. Kids get to be kids and just be happy in a safe environment. My son no longer there, but he still talks about Ms. Maria and Dobbs. .

I am about to graduate with a Masters degree. Started my education here and I could not be more…read moreproud! Thanks to the staff! Love you all!