Our experience at Charlottesville Waldorf School has been an absolutely wonderful introduction to…read morelearning for our child. The teachers create such a peaceful, loving environment where children feel safe, seen, and truly cared for. We've been especially impressed by how thoughtfully the teachers nurture imagination and creativity through play and storytelling. The seasonal celebrations and daily rhythm bring a sense of magic and consistency that our child looks forward to. The extensive time spent outdoors each day is a huge bonus. We heartily recommend the early childhood program to Central Virginia families.

The Waldorf School has been an incredible experience for our family. What stands out most is the…read moregenuine care for each child--not just in terms of schedule and directed learning, but as a whole person. There is a strong emphasis on human connection, creativity, and meaningful interaction, which feels increasingly rare in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. I deeply appreciate how the school encourages children to step away from "machine life" and instead develop a true sense of self. Rather than focusing solely on productivity or outcomes, the approach nurtures curiosity, imagination, and emotional growth. While inspired by Waldorf principles, the school does not promote any specific ideology of Steiner, but instead captures the essence of holistic childhood development in a thoughtful and inclusive way. Equally wonderful is the sense of community and support among teachers, students, and families. It's a warm, thoughtful environment where children are truly seen and valued. We couldn't be happier.

Both of my kids started at Bright Beginnings when they turned 2, and we've had a wonderful…read moreexperience. The teachers are caring, patient, and truly invested in the kids. The facility is clean and well organized, and the playground is a big hit with both of my children. Most importantly, my kids are genuinely happy here. They have fun every day and have learned so many new things. It's been great to see them grow socially and academically in such a positive environment. We're very grateful to have found this preschool and would highly recommend it to other families.

Both my kids go here. The older one graduated last year and loves to visit when we pick up his…read morebrother. Two years ago we moved from another pre-school that we had bad a experience. Here we immediately noticed the difference. Communication is great. I felt my older got a lot from it and was well prepared to transition to Kindergarten.

My daughter attends FUMC Child Development Center. We have visited and my son has attended other…read moreprograms in the area. This preschool loves my daughter and she loves going! I haven't found another program where I trust my child is being well taken care of. She is learning and will be ready for school. I highly recommend the Child Development Center. It's just the best. Thank you FUMC!

I highly recommend this preschool! They provide a great atmosphere for the children.read more

We have been so happy with the quality of care at WCCC. Besides the huge bonus of providing healthy…read morebreakfast, lunch, and snack, we have found all of the teachers we've had to be kind, supportive, and patient. The emphasis on play-based learning provides for lots of outdoor time (they even have an outdoor classroom!) and art projects. Also appreciative of all the field trips. Our girls are excited to tell us about the fun things they do every day.

The staff at Westminster are second to none! I am so, so appreciative of the high level of…read morecommunication I get from my child's teachers - I always know what's going on and really trust them to care for my child. In addition, having such experienced teachers + staff means they are ready to make developmentally-appropriate recommendations for my child (e.g. - making suggestions about when to drop a bottle or switch to one nap). As a person with no prior experience with raising a child, I really value their perspective!

We enjoy Bright Beginnings for our child. She has fun daily and we like the reports they send each…read moreday. It has been a positive environment.

If zero was an option I would have chosen it, this place is extremely understaffed and everyone…read morelooks exhausted out of their minds. The place has this fish/ paint smell and the ceilings are peeling and have a stain on them, I went with my friend who has a child in this school, and the ceiling was leaking. If you want your child to have proper childcare DO NOT take them here because there are too many kids and not enough teachers and so much burnout is shown on everyone's faces. Not to mention the owner just seems to not care about any of the staff who are nice people who deserve more than being underpaid and having to deal with so many kids in one room.

Tassia was warm and welcoming from the start. Her passion for child care certainly shows in every…read moredetail at Playful Learners Preschool. Tassia is empathetic, transparent, always open for conversation, and a parent herself. She employs a staff that also models those qualities. Playful Learners Preschool is very well kept, and cleaning is noticeably a priority. Healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided each day. The playground is wonderful, and there is even a small wooded area to explore. The app allows you to easily connect to what your child is learning (and it's always nice to receive cute photos to brighten your work day!) I could go on and on about all the things I value about Playful Learners Preschool, but most importantly, I don't have to question what type of care my children are getting. I know in my absence they are being loved, nurtured, comforted, and encouraged to grow, learn, and explore in a caring environment every day.

It may be a fine place, however, they took a non-refundable deposit about a year ago, and never…read morecontacted us about placing our children. I would not put in a deposit unless you knew there was a space available.

Our daughter has done nothing but absolutely thrive here. The entire staff treats the children like…read morefamily, and my daughter simply adores her classmates and teachers. Not only has she learned a TON, but she has so much fun every day. We feel blessed to have found SMLP!

The school and all staff are amazing! My daughter went here the last two years and has grown in…read moreevery way!

We searched high and low for the right preschool for Miles and finally found it at Chancellor…read moreStreet. The play-based curriculum is just what he needs and the hands-on aspect of a co-op gives us insight into every aspect of his day. We love the focus on music, art and books and that the kids play outside daily, rain or shine. Miles LIVES for Heather and Pam, telling us daily that they are his favorite part of school - high praise, considering his love of play dough! :)

As a mom who has a masters degree in early childhood education I was reluctant to send my daughter…read moreto a preschool. A friend told me about her incredible experience with this particular school and it sparked my interest. After touring the school I just had to apply. I love that it is a play-based curriculum and really focuses on social aspects that kids need to learn. My daughter raves about the two amazing teachers and is genuinely sad when it's not a school day. We love that they incorporate arts, music, and reading into each day. The outdoor play area is full of opportunities for different play scenarios and they go outside no matter what the weather is. I also love that I get to be a part of the school by holding my own job as well as being a "helper" once a month. It makes it feel like you become part of a family. I can't wait to send my son there next year. This is an incredible school and I strongly recommend anyone who is looking for a play based school to take a tour!

What is represented in the tour is NOT what we experienced. Our experiences over 3 years included:…read moreHigh teacher turn over year to year and sometimes mid-year, to include 5 different heads of School in 4 years plus a rotation of office staff and other admin support... Rude and defensive responses when problems arise or questions are asked Low opportunity for meaningful parent involvement which decreased over years. "We know best" attitude toward parent (handbook touts "partnership"...this is NOT a partnership) One grade per class is typical. In lieu of hiring 2nd teacher they will create a big class. Curriculum is Abeka. The teachers do not use all components. Extracurricular offerings vary year to year and also mid-year - seem to struggle with staffing. Sports are limited and begin in middle school. No science labs. No library. Teachers rely on youtube videos for "brain breaks", "down-time" and "enrichment". The admin has no real concept of how often this is happening.

I love this place!!! Great structure for the kids. My older daughter goes there and my son will…read morestart in the fall. Great place and growing

I don't see how Brooks Family YMCA can have a negative reviews…read more This is an outstanding club in every possible category. My grandkids love the summer and school holiday camps. They're the best run programs I've seen. I love the gym, the weight lifting facility, the treadmills, and most notably the 13 great swim lap lanes. The grandkids love the family pool too. This is a great facility, membership at a very reasonable price.

We loved going to the YMCA. Swimming laps became something that became a part of our senior…read morefitness routine. We experienced a class or two here and there throughout our years as members. In October of 2024, after swimming laps for 20 minutes, our Chevy Tahoe was stolen from the parking lot of the YMCA. Wallet, phone, (all credit cards etc......) The police were called and they came and worked with the people at the front desk and my husband. We are taking COMPLETE responsibility for this careless mistake ( the thieves taking of the keys from the POCKET of the pair of my husbands workout pants hanging INSIDE the locker IN the men's locker room at the YMCA). Our house keys were on the car key fob that was stolen. (We had an attempted break in at our home the same week as the stolen car). Co-incidence? That being said here is my concern. Being that this is the "Young Men's CHRISTIAN Association, - is there NO compassion, concern, empathy with anyone from the YMCA front desk or upper management that was part of this interaction with the police and my husband on how we are? My husband used the Y phone to call me as his was stolen. SOMEONE at the front desk now knows that at least his phone is gone. Is there not a report at the Y and concern within the YMCA team "meeting" about theft and what they are going to do about the members involved (to support them for a minute? I thought there would be some kind of follow up phone call to see how we were doing. Maybe that is the mom in me coming out. To be so violated at a place that you FULLY trust, because you KNOW they watch WHO comes through the front door and make certain ALL MEMBERS are scanned, then a member, it can be assumed, stole the keys -- is VERY VERY unnerving. Certainly they checked all the video to help us/police find the persons who ENTERED the Y, checked in, entered the mens locker room, left the mens locker room, got in OUR car, in the YMCA parking lot, exited the parking lot etc. (?) I called after one week to ask why there wasn't a phone call to check up on two members of several years, who had their lives turned upside down at their facility? How we were doing? Were we ok? Here is what I heard. They were very sorry they didn't call us. Ironically, I did get an email reminder that our credit card wouldn't go through for our dues. Hmmm. I called and reminded them that this was the first outreach from them since the theft. The credit card on file had been in the stolen wallet that was in the stolen vehicle. I cancelled that stolen credit card. Oh sorry! Placing reminders in the newsletters about locking car doors, lockers in the locker room are all very helpful. We bought a lock for our locker for our next fitness center. What needs to be added to that little bit in the newsletter is this: "We will always be here to support our members if you are in need of us here at the YMCA. We will check on you, our valued members, if you are robbed at our facility and have your lives totally disrupted. We care about OUR MEMBERS and want only the best for them." A large part of a fitness facility if feeling safe and secure. Even without using the woman's locker room myself, (very often) I would find myself always looking over my shoulder. Needing to always make certain my car was locked. The Tahoe WAS locked. Locker - not. Probably needing to shorten my swim to leave and check that my car was still in the parking lot. I am not certain what it would take to feel safe at this facility. For now, I am still nervous. How can a person pass through the "security at the front" and then get away with taking property from the facility.