This school used to live up to it's claims of meeting the child where they are, educating the whole…read morechild, fostering their individuality, etc. In the past few years I have experienced a tremendous decline in their ability to hold true to this, sadly. I give it an average star rating because these days is just a costly version of any typical, yet capable public school with the addition of arrogance in their approach.

All three of our children attended The Orchard School. We are very pleased with the education they…read morereceived and so are they. I've often tried to sift through all our years and determine what they most learned/received at Orchard and if I had to pick one attribute (and there are many), I'd pick confidence. They are all confident public speakers. For example, when my daughter was a junior in high school, she won an award that required her to speak at a dinner with over 400 people present. I tried several times to get her to practice and review her speech in advance, knowing that the previous recipient had a professional speech writer. In frustration, one evening she said, "Mom, I went to Orchard. Don't worry." She delivered a flawless speech without notes. They are all confident about their ability to learn. Orchard likes to say they help create lifelong learners and they do. Each of our children knows how to learn and they like to learn. They are all confident expressing themselves to anyone. In high school, their teachers observed that unlike many shy teens they were not afraid to ask questions and advocate for themselves or for others. And, this has continued throughout their college and post-graduate years. Orchard invites and teaches children how to respectfully approach adults. At Orchard, education is not just about science, English, history, etc. While these are important, it's also about helping develop good people and preparing them for the future.

Where do I even begin with Meridian Hills Cooperative? My family and I love this little school so…read moremuch. This is going to sound overly dramatic, but it aint no lie: Enrolling my child into this school has probably been one of the best decisions I've made since moving to Indiana. We just finished the 4s class, which was our first foray into any type of schooling. Meridian Hills Cooperative is play-based, which means that the kids learn through exploring, building, creating, moving their bodies, and just plain being kids. The teachers do not push the kids to do anything (as in, they aren't receiving formal lessons in the 4s class) -- instead, the teacher invites each child to participate, and lets them join in whenever they feel comfortable. Each child is valued for whatever stage they're at in life. Similarly, each type of personality -- from super shy guys to boisterous kids to everything in between -- is cherished and respected. A huge plus about the school is that they value playing outdoors. They will tell you straight up when you go for a tour: We play outside in all types of weather! The only time the kids won't play outside is if the weather is dangerous, such as during thunderstorms, or if the windchill is in the single digits. Otherwise, kids bring their snow clothes, rain boots and other outdoor gear because they know they'll be playing outside, rain or shine! Meridian Hills Cooperative is a co-op, which means that parents participate in the classes on a rotating basis. I love this aspect of the school because you really get to know your child's classmates, and in turn, the other parents really get to know YOUR child very well. It's very much like an extended family, with everyone invested in each other's well being. One of the most unique aspects of Meridian Hills is the Kindergarten class. This school is one of the only in the Indianapolis area that offers a part-time Kindergarten. (It meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.) On Thursdays, the class spends all day outdoors in the "forest Kindergarten" area, which is basically set up to be an outdoor classroom. So the kids get to learn while feeling the cool breeze, hearing the birds chirping and feeling the earth under their feet. It is such an amazing space, and an amazing way for kids to learn. I feel like I could go on and on about Meridian Hills, but it's just one of those things you have to check out yourself. I'm probably the most jaded and cynical person I know, but whenever I talk to people about this school, I get super mushy and emotional recounting all the ways I love this school and how much my child has grown and blossomed because of it. It's truly been a blessing in our lives.

I searched high and low (aka Noblesville to downtown Indy) looking for a nondenominational,…read moreplay-based preschool for my daughter. After looking at multiple Montessori schools and not finding many other options, I was delighted to find MHCNS. As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found something special. The spacious outdoor playground is like no other I've seen in the area (and there are hiking trails, too!). Once inside, I was impressed by the "block room" full of wooden toys for building, the "art room" with easels set up and a table full of homemade play dough, and a third room where the children were enjoying board games and reading in little groups. And then I met the teachers. There are three, and they are all amazing. They have history with the school, an easy rapport with the children, and they believe in the power of play. I was also impressed that this school has a half-day kindergarten available. As a cooperative (and member of Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives), this preschool is run by parents. One of your child's caregivers will help out in the classroom once or twice a month and take on a "job" within the school. Your job could be anything from organizing the Fall Picnic to ordering the art supplies for your child's classroom or caring for the class pet. My daughter loves seeing me in her classroom, and it really gives me a better sense of what she is experiencing and what I can do to help her grow. MHCNS offers parent education nights and a two day training workshop. Since all of the parents are so involved with the school, you really get to know the other families and create lasting friendships. Overall, I feel that being part of this school has not only been beneficial to my daughter, it has also made me a better parent.

Our son just graduated from the STEM Pre-K program at CYC this past year. We were never less than…read morepleased with the quality of his care. His lead and assistant teachers were consistent throughout the year (no constant turnover and drama like we experienced at his previous center). The classrooms were spacious and well-equipped, and also serves as an instructional center for IUPUI students studying early education. We especially liked the STEM program as the class progressed through multi-week thematic units based on the children's current interests (e.g. simple machines, dinosaurs, castles, camping). Students use a blend of technology and tactile materials and toys, and our son was even able to read and comprehend short stories before leaving for kindergarten. There are a number of ways for parents to get involved as the classrooms go on numerous field trips and the center hosts family events and open houses. Class updates and pictures are provided via the Tadpoles app throughout the week. Parent conferences are held twice a year. The center is professionally managed by IUPUI and a friendly, new, hands-on director was just hired in spring of 2019. We would recommend the center to anyone working, studying, or living in the downtown area.

Center for Young Children Best preschool ever!read more

My little girl goes to this school and I can't say enough how polite and helpful the teachers and…read morestaff are there. This school is truly unique and really brings out the eagerness to learn and creativity in kids. They currently offer three languages (other than English) which are French, Spanish, and Mandarin (Chinese). The kids pick out one language other than English and are basically taught two languages during the school year. Children are awarded throughout the year in front of the school for specific traits the teachers notice and acknowledge. I'm proud of our little girl who does her very best that she can in such a wonderful and advanced place of learning! Jason Spangle Old Foundry Toy Works

The International School of Indianapolis located on 49th Street is an amazing Language School only…read more, as far as academics are concerned I think they rank near the bottom. It's my opinion that the teaching staff are language Specialists from their part of the world and not qualified to teach academics here in the US. I'm basing this review on the experience of my 3rd grader home achieve quite a bit from a language standpoint but suffered academically; my wife and I decided to remove our child after several meetings with the head of school David and principal at that time whereas we were told that ISI could not meet our child's Advanced academic level of learning.

St Matthew's has a great Pre-K program! We are not Catholic but my daughter goes here 3 days a…read moreweek. She loves it! She has a ton of fun and learns without realizing that is what she is doing. They have play based curriculum which is perfect for 4-5 year olds. The staff is fantastic and caring. My husband passed away during the school year and I know that the teachers have taken extra care of my daughter and really have given her a safe place to express her sadness and thoughts. I would highly recommend the program.

From the owner: Specializing in: - Catholic Churches…read more- Schools

We are in year 13 as a St Richard's family. Our two kids are different in terms of their needs and…read morestrengths, but both have found the support, education, and peer relationships they need to thrive, and both are caring, curious humans I am proud to send into the world - which to me is one of my foremost goals as a parent. Perhaps never did I feel as positively toward St Richard's as I did once our family embarked on high school. Our child has proven to be incredibly well prepared to excel in high school and has more competency in terms of discerning healthy peer relationships than I ever could've hoped for. I have had teachers and extracurricular coaches compliment my kids on their ability to advocate for themselves in a respectful manner, and also for the ways that they include and respect their peers. All of these are things that we foster in our own family, but I know they are also fostered at St. Richard's - and this is why we chose it. I have learned in my parenting journey that no school is perfect - but the great parts of St Richard's far outweigh the handful of areas that could be improved. We recommend St. Richard's wholeheartedly.

We are so thankful for St. Richard's Episcopal School and the experience it has provided our…read morefamily. The sense of community is exceptional, the education is thoughtful and rigorous, and the extracurricular opportunities are enriching and well-rounded. Above all, our children are happy, engaged, and excited to learn. It is a true joy to send them to a place that nurtures both their hearts and minds.

Visited this childcare facility and immediately knew I wanted my son to be out on the waitlist…read more Very professional and the facility is nice and clean.

We transition from an in-home daycare to pathways when they open in November. It's an amazing…read morefacility, brand new, top-of-the-line security and see my systems accessible to me and my husband to watch our 1 yr old who has recently transitioned from the infant classroom to the 1yr old classroom. I love the online application brightwheel where I get up to the moment communications on with my daughter eats, what she's eaten, when she takes a nap, and even when she goes potty. Highly recommend interested parents take a tour!

This place is AMAZING!!! I am so thankful for the wonderful care they give my child and all the…read morechildren in their care. We came here for a tour on the recommendation of a colleague whose child was here from infancy through preschool. Like them, we have had a wonderful experience. The teachers and staff genuinely seem to care about the children, their well-being, and their development. My little one lights up when she realizes we're here in the morning and is always happy when I arrive to pick her up - what a gift for a parent! And the teachers are true partners with parents, working with the children on skills for their age and keeping parents informed about how their child is doing. If you are looking for a wonderful place to care for your child, this is a fabulous option!

From the owner: IU Health Day Early Learning is located just north of the IU Health Methodist Hospital on 21st and…read moreSenate streets. Our location is convenient for hospital employees, university students and those who work downtown.