My 2 year old has been attending for 3 months now and absolutely loves it here! All the teachers are amazing, loving and very involved with all the kids. The place is very clean, meals are homemade, playground is well staffed and safe (is was a concern of mine as it's close to street) I couldn't be happier with the decision to enroll my son here!!! read more

Smart Start Academy does NOT care about the children. Initially, I really enjoyed their atmosphere and cleanliness, but quickly realized that is really all that they had to offer... a clean looking environment. There is absolutely no communication between staff/management/owner to parent and NO CONCERN for the child's emotional needs. Furthermore, the disciplinary practices including, but not limited to, the "sad chair" or "relaxing chair" (time out), is not mentioned in the parent handbook, much like the teachers using their cell phones as televisions to play cartoons like cocomelon, is not. Having open lines of communication, with a team working alongside me to care for my child, is something I take very seriously. They lacked severely in this area. It was nonexistent. On a specific occasion, I was checking in with my daughter via the cameras the school gives parents to access... which most of the time aren't working properly. I didn't see my child anywhere, and got concerned, so I messaged the teacher... no response. So, I called the front desk. They then proceeded to tell me that my daughter had a potty accident and a big emotion ensued from this (lots of tears and vocal frustration), that they claim was "inconsolable." They proceeded to put my daughter in a chair, by herself, surrounded by her peers, isolated and shamed... while she "calmed down" alone. This didn't work, understandably, because in such a vulnerable and embarrassing moment for my 3 year old, she needed connection and empathy more than anything. Instead she got sent to another classroom where she knew no one. To sit, alone, in another chair. The fact that a 3 year old is expected to have to have the tools to deal with such new and complex emotions speaks volumes to this establishments lack of real and valuable child education training and knowledge. The lack of compassion, connection and empathy for my child was appalling, to say the least. I picked my child up early that day and politely emailed the school several times, for a week, requesting an IDT meeting to discuss my concerns. I never heard from them. Again, no communication, care or respect. I had to walk in and speak with the owner, Chad. Although he didn't give me the courtesy to speak privately, I was able to voice my concerns and at least get more information on the occurrences of that day. However, after leaving that meeting, I received an email from his wife, Melissa, whom was not present for my conversation with Chad... That they were proceeding with removing my child from the school. That they can't meet my "requests" they assumed I had, considering no one met with me to ever hear them. I was given no courtesy in being involved in this decision... no meeting, no discussion or involvement. It really hurt me for my daughter. She didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to her friends. How abrupt and sad. With this new understanding I now know that a school that is not willing to work with parents in raising children is not one that I want my child in. It appears that Smart Start has a hard structure and care not about each individual child's needs-which says a lot when child care professionals KNOW (should know) how unique each child's temperament is and that each child may require something slightly different from the standard practice. Also including occurrences that don't regularly happen that may require the same flexibility in care. Clearly their priority isn't the "whole child" as they have expressed they are not staffed enough to foster arguably the most important developmental domain- social emotional, needs of each child individually and specifically. For these reasons, I do NOT support SmartStart Academy. I hope parents think twice before enrolling their child here. read more

We had the best teachers here for age 4! Our daughter learned so much and loved each day at school! Highly recommend!

The best place to send your kid. if you're uncertain about "daycare" this is not a da vibe. it's a school where they teach, love, and care about your kids. it's a no brainer! read more

Well, I will tell the honest truth since all this is all about honest reviews At first I was so excited that our son was about to start here. He was so excited and all about getting ready for his first day. Well that day came explained to them and his teacher what concerns as a parent I had for our son and that he may need alittle extra help in areas. They understood and told me that everything will be ok and he will be just fine. So that day I go to go pick him up hoping and praying his first day went well, well it didn't. They were very unprofessional the way the talked to me explaining how Our son did not belong there. Wow my jaw dropped I asked why they gave me multiple reasons why he didn't. Also told me he couldn't hold a pencil correctly? Isn't that what you guys are for to help them? They didn't even give our son a chance. I was completely heartbroken and I will never ever recommend this place to anyone. Very unprofessional of them and how dare them push away a child who is starting off in this world! So heartbreaking! read more

This place has been such a blessing to our family! Everyone is always so friendly and helpful. We were very worried to start my son in ANY school But smart start has made it such an easy transition. My son (4) has been going here for 5 months full time now and we plan to Definitely continue. He loves going to school every day and even wants to go on the weekends. He is always coming home with amazing projects/ schoolwork and always feels proud of his accomplishments. Lunch menu always sounds so yummy/healthy and the building not only always smells nice but it looks squeaky clean. I also love that we are able to check in on him on the parent portal cameras through the day while mommy and daddy are at work! I looked into many schools for my little man before picking Smart Start and I most definitely strongly feel this was the best school for our family! read more

SMART START ACADEMY - My son Diego and his Teacher Ms. Tia. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Apple Valley, California

So sad to leave and graduate!! Hands down the best option for preschool in the high desert. So thankful for the staff and the owners. They are good people that actually care about you and your kids. I'm tempted to have another kid just to put them here lol! God bless this place. They did a lot to accommodate the children and parents during COVID and made it through. I wish them all the best! I wish we could stay forever! We love you guys! Thank you to Ms Bri and Ms Zendy for being with my son Damias, and a big hug to both Melissa and Chad for being so flexible, loving, and sweet! We will miss you guys! read more

My son graduated from smart start recently and I could not be happier with the experience he had. My husband and I are so thankful for the staff and how much they truly cared for our son. I was initially nervous about sending my son to daycare but the staffs interaction with him was amazing and made me feel so comfortable. My son was always happy and smiling when I would pick him up. My son is currently thriving in Kindergarten and I believe a lot of that has to do with smart start giving him the tools he needed to be successful. read more

In response to Seth, childcare is a necessity for the essential workers. This facility is extremely clean and has done a wonderful job to protect against the spread of COVID. You should be ashamed of yourself for attacking an essential business for being open. As for my review of Smart Start: I absolutely love this place! The teachers and staff are so caring! My son absolutely loves being in his classroom. He tells me every day about what he did and how much fun he had. I can check in on him through the parent portal cameras, which is great for any parent away from their child. Smart Start has done a wonderful job incorporating safety measures for the children and staff to protect against the spread of COVID. read more

My daughter just finished her smart start journey( brings tears to my eyes.) We were able to experience Ms.Candice, Ms. April, Ms. Marty and Ms. Rachel as teachers, ALL of them were amazing! One of the best decisions I have ever made. My daughter was 100% set up for starting kindergarten. Smart start gave her the tools for success!! Melissa, Chad, and Desiree are wonderful! So friendly and inviting! I really felt safe leaving my child in their care. They have cameras and healthy lunches. We miss the smart start family so much! And are grateful for everything they have done for us! If you are anything like me, very nervous to leave your child.... this is the place for you! Quality education, friendly staff and safe! read more

We are new to Smart Start Academy , but I am so glad that I have found this place! I was weary to start my daughter in school since she is only 2 1/2 but I really wanted her to start socializing with children her own age . I can't say enough good things about this school and the teachers . The environment is so warm and welcoming and everyone is so nice. The fact that they have cameras is amazing because I am able to watch her here and there throughout the day, and I can talk to her when I pick her up about the activities that she does during the day. My daughter comes home every week singing new songs and I can already tell it is making a positive impact on her . But most of all I can't say how sweet and caring the entire staff is ! read more

Love this school! Have had a great experience with both of my children here. The teachers are great and the owners are always nice/ accommodating. I highly recommend Smart Start Academy. read more

If you want your kids to be discriminated against and mistreated then choose this school. Desiree who claims to be the "director" which she is not! The class should be 12 to 1 but they are 22 kids to 1 teacher. Obviously the staff has not left their High School clicks because it carries over into their personalities and how they don't treat parents equally. No real academics taught here ... just finger painting and coloring. I'm sorry, for the price that they want it's only the upkeep and keep face for that school but other than that they need to get qualified teachers and a better front desk staff. Yeah they want to be voted best in the desert 2017 ha yeah right read more

My two boys love Smart Start Academy. They have gone to this preschool since 2015. Ms. Terry is a great teacher. She has over 20 years of teaching experience. She is very knowledgable, patient, and firm. I've seen such a big improvement in my kid's academic and social development. I also love that there are cameras in every classroom. Smart Start has healthy lunches that my kids love and they always have themed celebrations during the holidays. I would highly recommend this school to parents! read more

I started taking my 3 1/2 year old in December 2015. I love the place, everyone is so friendly and helpful. It is also very clean! My daughter has a hard time having anyone other than myself, my husband or grandparents watch her. It took quite some time but the crying is minimal if any now. She is learning new things every day and we love her Teacher Ms. Stephanie! She has been super understanding and very helpful with the process of getting my daughter okay with me leaving the classroom. They also serve healthy snacks and lunch daily which is a huge deal for me. She's trying new food and it's all good stuff I would serve at home. I'm overall very happy with the school and would without a doubt recommend it! read more

I'm not sure why people have anything bad to say about Smart Start Academy at all. We are new to the school but I have had nothing but a good experience so far. Desiree, the director, is so sweet and answers any questions I have. Every time I've gone in to turn in paperwork or when I call a man usually answers, I'm not sure his name I'm assuming Chad? because I see that name in a lot of reviews, he is very nice, professional, and was even talking to my son when I went in to turn in paperwork. His teacher is so sweet and you can tell she loves to work with kids. I love that the school looks and feels clean. They have cameras that allow you to see your child anytime you feel like it, this is amazing. I talked to Melissa today to reset my parent portal password and once again another staff member was nice and even gave me an update on my son. I'm so happy I found Smart Start! read more

I love this school! I sent both my children here (one child for 2 years). The staff is extremely nice, cooperative and always on point. Staff always greets you with a smile. I always recommend Smart Start Academy to my friends with younger children. And if I had more children- I would send them there too. read more

All three of my boys went to Smart Start and I can not say enough good things about this school. The building is all new and beautiful, very clean. The teachers are all very nurturing and friendly, they go out of their way to say hello and welcome the children. My kids all learned so much and when they went to Kindergarten they were beyond prepared. My kids teacher even asked me if my son went to Smart Start because they can tell which kids come from here because they are so well prepared. I completely disagree with the two reviews that gave negative comments. This place is amazing, and I would recommend it to anybody. read more

My son is 3 and is terrified of leaving me or Dad. I've heard great things about this school so we signed him up for the three days that I have to work. He cried the first 2 weeks when I left each time and they assured me this was natural to a new student. I felt awful, but sure enough they were right! He now loves school! It's been 4 weeks and I'm so happy he is in good hands. They have a camera so that I can spy on him from work ;) and they provide healthy lunches and snacks. Recently they've installed a slide on the playground and it's been the highlight of my son's conversations :) read more