My 4 year old started stepping stone in March of 2024 when I decided to return to work. It was the…read moreonly daycare with availability I felt comfortable sending him to in the area. When I came to make the initial payment and the director asked if I wanted to meet his teacher I of course said yes. We went outside where the kids played and I was excited to see who he'd be with all day. Mind you, this was to be his first time ever being away from me. His teacher was young, and looked super uninterested in talking. She said hi with what I couldn't even consider a smile, and didn't say much to my son. At drop off his first day the morning teacher didn't say much either. She didn't really offer any assistance when I was trying to leave and my son was visibly scared and upset. This went on for the weeks he was there. I did not like the staff member who hung out with the kids until his teacher showed up. She said good morning and that's about it. Towards the end I think she could tell I was irritated and offered my son things to keep him occupied while I left. My overall feel was these "teachers" don't like being there. I did not like this environment. When The lighthouse opened we made the switch and it was night and day! My son was SO EXCITED for daycare because the staff is AMAZING! I got constant updates, I don't have to ask for his meals to be updated through the day, he was engaged, the teachers are engaged and happier. I would never suggest Stepping stone to anyone.

ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! We toured several daycares before making our decision and once we toured…read morethis establishment, we knew it was the best one in several ways. Each team member was so polite and knowledgeable. Ms Alice is the sweetest most kind hearted individual. You can truly tell she cares about each and every child there. As a first time mother, she immediately gave the reassurance that I needed to feel comfortable and confident with leaving my baby there. My baby started at just 8 weeks. The gigabyte classroom and all their teachers including Ms Dorthy, Ms Jackie, Ms Kiana, and more, showed so much love toward Jackson immediately. They surprised us with crafts and daily photos. Every day, pick up and drop off was efficient and welcoming. The monthly cost is truly worth it for the value and time that each team member bring day after day. I cannot recommend this place enough. I know Jackson is still growing and may not remember these days but, as his parents, this place and staff will hold a deep place in our heart.

We are loving Country Day. When touring childcare facilities the highest item on my list was plenty…read moreof outdoor time and a nice outdoor space. We ran away from childcare centers with concrete playgrounds or those that said they never went outside. Then we found farm house on 5 acres with goats and we knew it was the place for us! My son started in the infant room at 12 months old and he's now starting his second year in the pre-primary class. Every day at drop off he's welcomed warmly by everyone. Students yell his name, teachers and staff give him hugs, a couple older students took him under their wing to look out for him (I think they just love cute toddlers lol) And to comment on the older kids in the elementary program, in my brief interactions with them, they all seem so confident and friendly. Everyone seems happy to be there. I really feel like my son is loved by the entire school and treated so well. He comes home sweaty and shoes filled with sand most days, which is exactly what I wanted. My son has really bloomed since starting school, it's so exciting to see. He's made so many friends, he's doing art all the time, he loves P.E., I put him in their elective dance class last year, he's learning his numbers and singing the alphabet. He gets a lot of outdoor play time (heat index permitting). He loved water Wednesday's during their summer program. My son gets to do so much, he has a ton of fun and he's learning a lot. Most importantly he seems happy to be at school. This is setting the foundation for his education and we are so happy with how it's going.

We are in 2026. Reviews from previous years praise the school. Yes, it was a fine school once! BUT,…read moreand this is a BIG BUT, it is no longer Montessori! Everyone BE AWARE of this fact!!! Country Day Montessori of San Antonio TX was sold over Summer of 2025, because the previous owner was diagnosed with cancer and they needed to sell the school because they needed the funds. The new owners are NOT INTERESTED IN MONTESSORI EDUCATION and are NOT USING THE MONTESSORI EDUCATION SYSTEM! This IS NO LONGER A MONTESSORI SCHOOL! Most qualified Montessori teachers left because the school switched to traditional education and is leaving Montessori behind. They hired traditional teachers who have NO IDEA what Montessori education is! Beware that Country Day Montessori of San Antonio TX is NO LONGER using Montessori!!! Country Day Montessori of San Antonio TX is now a HORRIBLE school! This may sound harsh, but that is the truth and reality: IT'S HORRIBLE! Most committed, dedicated parents are aware of these changes, and some, who have had their children at Country Day Montessori for 3 and 4 years have decided to leave, and put their children in other schools! They are charging top prices for Montessori education and provide NO Montessori education! This is FRAUD! STAY AWAY! Look for another school! If you want Montessori education, THIS IS NOT IT!!!

Both my children have attended First English CDC and we absolutely love it. My child asked me…read moreyesterday if the school week could be 10 days long instead of 5, I think that sums it up nicely! We love the small school feel of it, with community and teachers who know the children well. The school is an establishment in the community, and I meet many people with grown kids who attended there. My kids love the shady playground, and my older kid who is no longer there still maintains that it has the best swings in Austin. There is also a nice open indoor hall for rainy or hot days, as well as activities like Soccer Shots they offer. There is a healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack cooked each day by the school chef. The school is play based and focused on learning through play, which I think is perfect for this age. Thank you First English.

Both our children have attended First English since they were 18 months old (they're now 3.5y and…read more5y) and we couldn't be happier. The staff provides a caring, safe, supportive and educational environment for the children, with a bonus of prioritizing social-emotional learning and Montessori-esque methods. Our kids have been excited to go to school every day (huge win) and I'm so grateful not to have to pack a breakfast, lunch or snack because it's all offered by the school (and included in the tuition!). Highly recommend.

I was extremely nervous about sending my little ones to daycare, especially since I had planned to…read morebe home with them and am not very trusting of people. However I had to go into the work field again and needed to find a place that I was comfortable with. I toured TONS and i mean TONS of daycares/preschools and I was at the point where I just decided I would keep my son with me and try to find a way to work with him. I came across Heaven sent, and it was an absolute miracle! The moment I stepped inside for a tour I felt at home! The other little ones were so polite, and cheerful! I lnew this was the only place I would feel safe sending my son too! Ms Yolanda has the biggest heart and the sweetest time with them! My son loves going and it's blown me away the amount of times he's learned things I never taught him and retains it! He wasnt talking very much when I first sent him and now he speaks in full sentences and understands SO much! He counts past 20 and I had no idea he could even count to 5. He sings songs and is learning so much! if You're like me and aren't feeling great about the options out there, look further!

My daughter went to Heaven Sent Preschool for the summer and it is such a wonderful, loving place!…read moreShe learned so much in her time there. Yolanda and her daughter, Duran, are both great, caring people! If my daughter didn't already go to a Montessori school, she'd be at Heaven Sent! Actually, her current school gives many days off during the year and I'm hoping that Yolanda can fit her in on some of those days. Thanks to a great summer and we'll hopefully see you soon!

Thanks to The Learning Experience Staff in Buda for providing excellent care…read more They were extremely warm, responsive, and welcoming us with an empathy They have a curriculum that is followed and emailed. You can check on your kid via phone application which comes super handy, and it is always great to see them smiling. Healthy breakfasts and healthy lunches are provided each day, along with snacks in between. They have a nice playground that the kids love playing on when it is nice outside. Along with the day-to-day activities, they are always doing special things like his first day was a reptile show :) Wednesdays are splash days. Pick-up/Drop-Off is extremely easy I never waited more than a minute. This is especially amazing when you compare it with public schools Pick-up/Drop-Off process We were sad to leave The Learning Experience Buda, but it will be always a great memory. As every parent will want the best for their kid, don't think twice. This is your spot. Tina, Leo, Ms Deleasha , Ms Paris, Ms Hilda, Ms Maddie , Ms Renee , and the names I could not remember;I sincerely thank you all.

As my daughter's momma and Grandmother to TLE's recent graduate, Waverly my heart continues to be…read morewarmed by the love and care you've always shown us. The Learning Experience Buda stood by our family through the most devastating chapter of our lives--My daughter's heartbreaking brain cancer journey, which ended a year ago. My daughter's greatest concern was always her little Waverly. She was the BEST MOMMA! TLE wrapped Waverly in love, stability, and unwavering support, helping her feel safe, cherished, and encouraged every step of the way. I have never encountered a school community that radiates such deep compassion, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to every single child. Waverly has truly flourished because of your nurturing care. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being there for our family. We will miss you as Waverly continues her journey in Kindergarten--confident, joyful, and well prepared for whatever comes next. With extreme Gratitude and Love to a special school TLE Buda.

Had a great experience getting my headshot done with Kevin!…read more He was quick in responding when I inquired about getting a professional headshot for work. After my initial call, he had sent a form to get my appointment booked for the next weekday. I arrived about 15-20 minutes earlier than my expected appointment and never brought it up, nor did he make me wait. He also offered to wear a mask if I felt more comfortable and offered me a bottled water. I never felt rushed, and he made it clear he could take as many photos as I'd like until I was satisfied. Highly recommend.

I just returned from Kevin's "Fall Photography Fundamentals Workshop" and it is the best class I…read morehave ever taken, and I have taken a lot. He was so prepared to the point he provided the class with binders that included all of the information he was showing on the screen. All we had to do was make a few notes if we wanted which allowed us to pay attention to what he was showing and saying. He is extremely patient and goes out of his way to be sure every student understands what he is saying. I don't care how long you've been photographing, I'm pretty sure you'll learn something new. If you're a beginner this is definitely the class to be in. I cannot recommend his classes enough. They are not overpriced and you get a lot of bang for your buck.

We love First Step School and their teachers. We love the…read morefact that they actually have a curriculum to teach the kids and prepare them for school. I appreciate being able to go onto the Parent portal and see pictures of our girls activities throughout the day. The portal also lets us know what to work on with her at home. This is exactly what we were looking for...not just a daycare but a preparatory environment to set the foundation for her learning and development. She loves her school and is happy every day we take her. This gives me peace of mind during the day.

I have been so amazed with first step school from the very beginning. They are the sweetest people…read more I love the structure that they have. It's not just a daycare it's a school. My son is excelling in every aspect. And it's because of first step school! Best decision I ever made was starting my son here. I have no complaints. It's such a positive and fun environment. From outdoor fun, to dance parties in the gym, to weekly assessments, the lunches you purchase are perfect and they provide bibs if you need them too! My son is happy there and even runs to the his teacher. Which for me brings me comfort knowing my son is safe and happy. 10/10 experience and I recommend first step school to anyone looking for a full time place to send your child too. You will not be disappointed. Best school/daycare in San Marcos! Go see for yourself! You will not be disappointed!

Mr terry is awesome my family and I love her she's been great!!! Our experience with her has been…read moreamazing and we couldn't be more grateful

On July 15, 2026 -- Between 10:30 and 10:50 AM, my wife and I were on a tour at Children's…read moreLighthouse of Kyle with our 19 month old. What we witnessed during that tour was extremely concerning, and I feel it's important to share. We were observing the 1-2 year old classroom through the window while our tour guide, Amber, explained how each room has cameras, two staff members at all times, and rovers who assist during breaks. During this explanation, I noticed a staff member named Kiara open the door to the 2 year old classroom while using the staff phone, looking down the hallway, and then closing the door again. Since our child will soon be moving into the 2 year old room, I asked if we could observe that classroom as well. As we looked in, I saw Kiara interacting with a little girl wearing an apron. I couldn't see exactly what she was doing, but I did see her pick the child up by her arms, not under the armpits. It looked uncomfortable enough that I asked Amber, "How do you pick up the children here?" She answered, "Under the armpits." Right as she said that, Kiara placed the same little girl into a chair at a table. The child was upset and resisting having her apron removed. Kiara then tried to push the chair toward the table. The child pushed back. Kiara forcefully pushed the chair again -- multiple times -- and at one point pushed her all the way into the table. The child pushed herself back out again, still upset, and Kiara walked away. Moments later, Kiara approached a little boy. Again, she picked him up by the arms. This time, when she set him down, he immediately began crying and holding his arm like he was hurt. My wife saw it, I saw it, and Amber saw it. I told Amber she needed to intervene and get Kiara away from that child immediately. She looked unsure of what to do. I insisted. She went inside and used the staff phone to call someone, but Kiara remained in the classroom for another three to four minutes next to the boy. During that time, two other staff members stepped out of nearby classrooms -- not because of the incident, but to discuss something unrelated. I told them what was happening, and they also looked unsure of how to respond. One appeared to be a rover. When Kiara finally left the classroom, I told Amber they needed to check the little boy's arm and possibly take pictures. When the coordinator arrived five minutes after Amber got off the classroom phone, they had the boy outside the classroom and were looking at his arm. I pointed out a red mark. Amber said he had eczema. The coordinator reminded us they cannot disclose information about any child, which is true, but the lack of urgency from the staff was alarming. As we were leaving, the coordinator said, "I guess you guys don't want to finish the tour then?" I told her the tour was over. My wife remained polite as we walked out, but I was upset -- not just by what we saw, but by how casually the staff responded. There was no urgency, no immediate concern for the child's safety, and no clear understanding of how to handle the situation. All of this happened while we were on a tour with our own 19 month old child. What was even more concerning is that after witnessing all of this, the coordinator never followed up with a phone call to ask what happened or to clarify the situation. Not even a simple check in. For an incident involving a child potentially being hurt, the complete lack of follow up speaks volumes about how seriously they take these matters Parents deserve to know that their children are being handled safely, gently, and professionally. What we witnessed today did not reflect that.