Melrose offers my 3 year old son the most wonderful experience possible. It is an amazing school…read morewith a play-based learning philosophy that teaches children to be happy, creative, confident individuals. My son grows everyday through art classes, gardening, tending animals, reading, playing, drama, dancing, yoga, and so much more. It is the BEST preschool/kindergarten in Jacksonville and we are so blessed to have such a wonderful school in our neighborhood!

I don't have much experience with day care as this is my only child. From the few we toured this…read morewas the one that definitely seemed to care most about the child. We're about 6 months in and very happy with our decision. The hours aren't the best but we tried another one we didn't like as well but that had better hours and that lasted all of three days.

We enrolled our son at age 2 and on the first day, the director said "we just couldn't get him to…read morefollow directions". I was surprised that anyone would make a negative comment about a 2 yr old on day one! That should have been a sign. Things were fine once he acclimated, but then we had two incidents involving injury, and at one of the pick ups, he was alone crying by himself with a bloody nose. The teacher seemed more interested in sharing that he had thrown mulch on the playground rather than consoling him or making sure he was ok. After several attempts to get details about the accident, we met with the staff, it was revealed that the director, Ms. Quarterman, had instructed the teachers NOT to talk to us about the incident. Absolutely unacceptable for us. We never returned. Poor communication, they deter parent involvement, they have rigid expectations about compliance in young toddler aged children, very dismissive to parents concerns, and have a "convenience over compassion" mindset.

I thought long and hard about posting this review, and I've waited a year to do so, but I really…read morewould have appreciated if I'd known this before I made a decision that so deeply affected my child. This is based solely on my family's personal experience. 1. SJKP offers curbside drop off and pick up. If this is convenient for you, great. If, however, you are like me and enjoy walking your child into his/her classroom and getting them settled before hugging and kissing them goodbye for the day, you will be discouraged from doing so. Although I was told during my tour that "parents are always welcome in the classroom," I was asked by the teacher to say my goodbyes outside the door and not come in (this was also later formalized in a memo from the director to all parents). When you pick up and drop off your child this way (in a rush at the curb with a line of other parents waiting), you get no feedback from your child's teacher(s) about his or her day and no real opportunity to communicate your own questions, concerns or comments. I felt alienated and found it very dismaying and distressing. 2. Nap time policy is that children do not have to sleep, but if they do not sleep, they are expected to rest quietly on their mats with no toys, books, or other distractions for approximately two hours (I don't know any adults that could do this with no phone, book, tv, etc, let alone a two-year-old). My child is not a napper. We struggled with this the whole time he was there. If I didn't ask if he napped, no one told me. They waited until it was so bad (he was yelling, kicking walls, and causing a major ruckus) to tell me on a Friday that he would not be welcome back for naptime starting Monday. There is no alternative available to a non-napper. 3. During summer session, they rotated teachers every couple of weeks so leadership was very inconsistent for my child. They were loose on the "rules" so when the school session started in August, we had to overcome two and a half months of letting certain things go, then backtrack to reestablish what would be expected of him. 4. Because I was discouraged from entering the classroom, I had no idea who my child's classmates were, and I rarely had the chance to meet any other parents. 5. This school's philosophy is very centered on obedience. When a child is "disobedient," he/she is sent to the director's office. My son told me once (and remember, this is a two year old!), that "Mrs. [director's name] was very angry to me." I found this attitude to be very unrealistic for such young children, and that it limited creativity and independence. I removed my son from this facility after approximately four months.

Punkin Place is Outstanding! I have been going to Punkin…read morePlace for over 4 years. They take care of the children there better then any other childcare center I have experienced. The office staff and teachers are always friendly. When you walk in it feels like home!!!

From the owner: Child care for infants through 12 years. VPK and Before and After School. Summer Camp.read more

If i could give this daycare 0 that's what i do. The staff is horrible, rude, the owner is very…read moreunprofessional. Make sure to get a feel of the center before taking your child.

Ms.Toya the director is amazing l!!! She potty trained my son in just one day and I have been…read moretrying to potty train him for a year. He looks forward to school every day and is learning a lot as well. I appreciate all the staff and the owner. They treat all the kids and parents like family. Thank you Brown Bear Learning Center!!

Gosh, I love this school! If you let me, I will rave and gush about it all day. My daughter (3…read moreyears old) started out with their summer camp program and then graduated into their PreK 1 class with the other 3 and 4 year old's. Every time I walk my daughter across the campus I am FLOORED that every employee we encounter knows her name and greets her with a wide smile! St. Mark's Episcopal has hit the mark on everything I was looking for in a school: 1. The Playgrounds are awesome, well kept, and there's three different playgrounds depending on the age group. 2. Communication is lighting fast! You get *immediate* responses from the enrollment director, the teachers, and any other staff questions you may have! They also upload photos from all the fun the toddlers are having throughout the week! 3. The Community you feel is amazing. I was floored when they invited me to a party for *JUST* the parents of the kids in the class. They really want you to know other families and create a bond that lasts for years. 4. Education has been awesome. Only half of the year has gone by but me and my daughter play a game where I'll name a word and she will tell me what letter it starts with. She was unable to do this before the fall started. The lesson plans are so clever, interesting, and I'm jealous I don't get to do all the fun stuff too! 5. The classrooms doesn't look "sad." Everything is bright, polished, CLEAN, and loads of stimulating activities for the children to interact with and play with. I really feel loved, my daughter is excelling, and I get the warm and fuzzies every time I arrive. I really cannot recommend this school enough. I love you St .Mark's Episcopal!

From the owner: St. Mark's Episcopal Day School is a parish day school that instills Christian values, builds a…read morestrong academic foundation, encourages personal achievement, stimulates creative expression, and fosters a heart of giving in a nurturing environment in children age one through grade six.

Great educational programs for our kids. You would think our kids were twins the way they act--not…read moreeasy to handle and the friendly staff @ The Discovery Tree Academy make everything so much better THANK YOU SO MUCH

This place is very horrible, the director Jen left my kids at school and came up with a thousand…read moreand one excuses as to why she did what she did. I pay them for before and after school care and that ***** decided to leave my fucking seven year olds. What sense does that make. Yall run far away from this hell hole of a daycare

Our child has been in the care of this facility for about 4 years. They love going to "school" each…read moreday and attending camp. Caring and friendly staff. And we will continue to be a part of this community for before and after school care as we enter kindergarten. Child Time has provided great development to get our child prepared for entering elementary school. Love them!

From the owner: Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK). We provide nurturing day care and creative learning in a safe,…read morehome-like environment. Our School Readiness Pathway was designed to empower you with educational options to create the most fitting path for your child and to address each child's specific developmental needs. We offer specialized curriculum in our infant care, toddler care, early preschool, preschool, Pre-K/Pre-Kindergarten, junior Kindergarten and private Kindergarten programs. Learn more about our educational daycare for infants and above, plus before- and after-school care, enrichment programs, summer camp, and Flex Care.

Probably not for everyone, but our daughter hated the chaos of a typical daycare. A Child's Place…read morehas provided her a structured and safe learning environment where she is free to express her emotions. The staff has expectations of the parents which requires an adjustment period, but it is intended to provide the children consistency throughout their day. This school promotes a pacifist culture rather than an aggressive one. The curriculum leverages a student's interest to cultivate their natural abilities. For example, students interested in art can spend more time doing art while students more interested in math can focus on math. This allows the children to define themselves. Conflict resolution is also built into the culture and no staff member ever raises their voice at the children. The facilities do not have a commercial feel to them like most daycares. Operations are very transparent and not governed by corporate policy. COVID-19 created some hurdles but those were widespread. I can't imagine sending my child anywhere else.

Our child is in her fourth year at A Child's Place Montessori and she loves it. We are so happy…read morewith our decision to send her here! The school environment is enriching, with a huge variety of learning and creative opportunities, and very true to the Montessori method. Our child has benefitted academically because she loves learning and loves going to school. All she wanted to do for her birthday was stay at school ALL day until they closed, and she once told me that Friday is her least favorite day because she doesn't have school the next day. We enjoy reviewing her weekly work log to get a glimpse at what she is currently working on and what her goals are, and the work she brings home is high quality. The staff is supportive and accommodating. Any issue or concern we have had has been addressed and resolved quickly and to our satisfaction. We enjoy the scheduled teacher conferences twice per school year, where we are able to discuss our child's progress and see her work. Outside of conferences, the teachers have made themselves available and accessible for any questions. During normal times, the school offered plenty of opportunity to volunteer in the classroom, and we have delighted in spending time helping -- I wish I could go to school here! If you are looking for a unique, nurturing environment for your child, we strongly recommend A Child's Place Montessori.

My 2 children go here!! I have a 3 year old as well as a 1 year old. they are learning very…read morequickly! the teachers are amazing. my children are extremely comfortable with them and that says a lot. They are also great with communication about the kids and their needs I highly recommend kids city 8720 Collins Road

I would just like to say, I absolutely LOVE Kid City Oakleaf!!!!! My child has absolutely…read moreflourished since being enrolled. The staff is welcoming. The building is super clean. I couldn't ask for a better daycare. The owner, Mrs.DeSiree always has a smile!! After talking with her, I felt at ease about leaving my child in the care of her team. I would highly recommend enrolling your child into this terrific school.

3 years ago I was looking for a VPK for my daughter, who had stayed home with me her whole life…read more It was a big, scary decision. A mom from my daughter's dance class recommended "A Little Preschool" to me. Knowing she was a teacher herself and her daughter had attended VPK there the previous year, I didn't look any further. I couldn't be happier with my choice. The first thing I noticed upon walking into the school is how happy the kids were. They all greeted my daughter and me with smiles and giggles. Mrs Grimes showed us around and gave me a great explanation of their policies and curriculum. When we showed up on the first day of school, Mrs Grimes remembered us and our names after only meeting us once, about six months prior. That really meant a lot to me. She is so kind and nurturing with the children. Her assistant of now going on 10 years, Mrs Strickland, is upbeat and loving with the kids also. My daughter loves her teachers and her school. The entire staff have provided a loving, nurturing and safe environment for her while developing her social skills, confidence and preparing her for Kindergarten. My daughter has learned so much there. She comes home every week with new songs she has learned. She is always sharing little tid bits of current events, history, & science she learned at school. Her penmanship and art skills have improved significantly. I truly can not say enough good things about "A Little Preschool" and it's staff. Knowing my daughters heart and mind are in good hands made the first year of school a great experience for both of us. My daughter is now wrapping up 1st grade. In both her Kindergarten and 1st grade class, she has been one of the top students. She is a strong reader. Her kindergarten teacher was so happy with how prepared she was during the first weeks of school. My son will be starting VPK in August this year & I am really excited for him to attend A Little Pre-School. I feel confident that he will be well taken care of & will have just as a successful year as my daughter.