Words can't express how grateful I am to have found Earthshine, we are coming up on a year that my…read moreson has attended here and he couldn't be happier! He has grown so much over this last year and it has been so exciting to watch. All of the staff is amazing, if your looking for a great place for your little one this is it!

After reviewing many preschool options for my 3 year old boys, we started out at a fancy, expensive…read morecenter that had an amazing campus. My boys weren't very happy there and, although the center was amazing, the classrooms seemed overcrowded compared to what we were told the ratio would be. My autistic son has an aide who remains in the classroom with him and she reported to me that sometimes the room would be stuffed with children beyond the official capacity. We received a lot of behavior reports concerning my other son and, again, my aide reported that the classroom spent way too much time sitting at the table instead of letting the kids move around the classroom. The time spent outside was minimal, even though they had very beautiful playgrounds. I've spoken to several early childhood education experts who say that in this age range (under 5), you should look for centers that have more open play space than tables. You should also look for places that are less academically focused, since what's most important for kids this age isn't in memorizing facts, but learning how to get along with others, developing self-sufficiency, and enjoying the process of learning. Earthshine's Center isn't the prettiest of places, but don't let that fool you. My boys both absolutely love it and my one son's 'behavior problems' completely disappeared when we switched schools. My boys were never really happy to separate in the old school, but after about a week at Earthshine, they were eager to bound away from me. I think the format of Montessori - where the child leaves the parent instead of the parent leaving the child - helps tremendously. The best thing about Earthshine is that, if the weather is good, they are outside. Playing, eating, learning, is all done in a space that's big enough for the kids to really run around and burn off their energy (which makes bedtime easier for me). Inside the classrooms, the tables take up a smaller portion than any other center we toured. Children are encouraged in self-directed learning, but unlike many other Montessori centers, this one isn't as hands off as some are, which can cause some children problems in that they aren't given ANY direction. When we were considering this school, my son's behavior therapist warned us that Montessori schools can be either really good or really bad. The really bad ones basically have no structure and, while some children are motivated and interested enough in learning to complete their basic education on their own - many, if not most children, are not. This school is one of the really good ones. There's enough structure that my boys know their general plan for the day (lunch and nap happen in the same order), but enough flexibility to keep learning fun. Like any good Montessori school, they have 'observation stations' where you can watch your kids through a one-way mirror and observe them in the classroom. I see my boys select a playmat and toys, play with the toys on the mat, and then clean it up themselves. They've become much more independent since starting the school. Their special needs knowledge and accommodations are top notch and the best I've found. My autistic son has really benefited from attending. There are many schools that turn down an aide. We toured a lot of places and many refused to let my son's therapists in the classroom. To me, this is suspicious at the 2-5 year old age. A aide is trained to help the child inside their environment and it isn't like the other children will be distracted by another adult, who they see as just another teacher. It speaks volumes for the transparency of Earthshine that they allow aides provided they meet the state requirements with detailed background checks. We are moving soon and I'm going to miss Earthshine. I'm sure my boys will too.

Came here to check out the school for my Niece. Very nice school . We received a very friendly…read moregreeting from many people. The principal was awesome!

What an amazing atmosphere for our future leaders to create & participate in. This non-profit…read moreorganization is well staffed and dedicated to bring out the excellence in each student.

I cannot say enough good about First Impressions Academy and this awesome staff. My stepson has…read moreattended FIA for seven years, starting in preschool and is not in the 5th grade. I am fortunate enough to have transitioned my career and I now work with the most awesome people. Everyone cares for each other and it can be felt! My students are incredible, they are very smart and super kind. You will never find any bullying or any type of things that you may find at other schools. I highly recommend this school for your children. Ms. Christy, Ms. Teresa and Ms. Kelly are ALWAYS available for everything, I am very fortunate to be colleagues with them!

This school is a joke. Inconsistent punishments are handed out regularly, rules only apply if…read moreyou're not a favorite. Teachers and office staff openly favor girls, borderline sexist against boys. Beta Club is mainly girls, even when qualified males get ignored. Zero male teachers and little diversity, zero role models for boys. Classrooms have exposed wires which is a real electrocution risk. Drunk/high people wander near the school. Hot lunch is barely edible slop, undercooked and gross. Janitor tries hard, but the place is still filthy, especially the male bathroom. Teachers often use AI-generated lessons they clearly don't understand, all while the school greedily pockets tuition for this mess. Save your money and your kids' sanity. Run the other way. Would give 0 stars if I could.

I have never in my life felt so bad for my child before.Today was my three year olds first day and…read morehe was soo excited about going to a new daycare.Honestly I wouldn't recommend this daycare to anyone.My child ran down the hall (it was his first time being in this daycare).My child was told that he was not a good fit for this day care in front of my grandmother.After speaking to the director on the phone she explained that my son was hugging the teacher and students and that was not acceptable.I will never make my child fell bad for being a nice child.This day care is a joke to me now.I read another post about a child being racially profiled and I think the same happened to my beautiful boy.This daycare should be ashamed of how my son was treated .I read the handbook the daycare gave me and this was not followed.

The staff is very friendly- it's a shame they are understaffed. It took me 3 months to realize the…read morestaff/student ratios were questionable (rooms are often combined right up to the 1:15 that NC allows, especially in the mornings) and my 1 year old never really adjusted to being dropped off in a different room with different teachers each day. Other things to ask about in your tour: additional fees for seasonal activities ($75 "summer fee", $150 "fall fee"), student staff ratio (ask questions when they cite 1:8!), and menu substitutions (spoiler alert: it's always pop tarts). If your little one is small, ask about frequency of diaper changes- the overcrowding sadly leads to soaking wet diapers and, for us, severe rashes. Plan your visit around 8 am to see exactly what I mean about combined rooms and questionable ratios. I was attracted to this center because of the Christian curriculum, but it is NOT 5 star care. There are much better options in the area and my Son now goes to one of them.

My oldest daughter spent 2 of her preschool years at St Andrews and now my son has started his 1st…read moreyear here! We have been beyond pleased with the professionalism, patience, and love the school, teachers, and staff offer all the families at the school. My children have far exceeded any of my expectations or preconceived notions on what they might learn and enjoy in preschool. St Andrews incorporates a wonderful curriculum, along with much needed physical activity and play to provided a safe and warm environment for my children. Highly recommend this preschool!!

From the owner: St. Andrews Academy Preschool is a half day preschool for children ages 1 - 4. Using Creative…read moreCurriculum as a guide, we focus on developing social skills and behaviors, and kindergarten readiness in a Christian environment where children feel loved and safe.

This is a really great daycare. My daughter no longer goes because we moved out of state :( She…read morestarted at 9 weeks and went till she was almont 1 year old. Never had any issues, the infant 1 and 2 teachers are wonderful. I wish we could have kept her in this daycare longer.

This daycare is so much more than just a daycare. They are phenomenal. My son has been going since…read morehe was 6 weeks old and he's 2.5 years old now; my daughter started when she was 8 weeks old and she's now 1. The way the center functions is beyond anything I could ever imagine or dream of in a daycare. Everyday the kids come home and I see how much they've learned and grown, all credit due to the teachers. They have an amazing menu for breakfast/lunch/snacks. They not only teach about colors and ABCs but manners, social skills, all the way down to how to learn to drink from a cup. I am constantly bragging about this center. I was very hesitant, I'm sure as most moms are, to drop off my kids with strangers; but I have no concerns or worries when my kids are there. This center celebrates random holidays such as hot dog day or national ice cream day and is constantly involving families with treats. The center celebrates Mother's Day and Father's Day with the cutest hand made gifts. The center is clean and of course the live feed cameras you can check on your kids throughout the day with. If I could give this center 10 stars I would!

Was able to help register my child with such small time notice, when went in interview they were…read morevery clean and sanitary

(REQUEST A DAY IN THE FACILITY TO SEE WHAT THE CHILDREN DO PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING)…read morePrefer not rating this anything. The head director ignores parents concerns. This place is crawling with germs. (Sanitation is not a priority here) It is also over priced. Parking is a nightmare. Over crowded classes. The staff has no concern for children's well being. Education programs here are a joke. (They go over one topic which is usually just drawing a coloring page and the rest of the day is playing. They believe children should lay down in the dark for 2 hours straight. "Not to make any sound." If a child hits another child parents aren't called rather its written down on a piece of paper with little explanation. This place should be reported to BBB and SMART PARENTS/Guardian(s)/grandparents etc. should reconsider this place before visiting and enrolling. Your child will learn nothing more then BAD HABITS and DOCTOR VISITS!!!

*** IF YOUR CHILD IS A LATE BLOOMER OR HAS SPECIAL NEEDS LOOK ELSEWHERE***…read more I called ahead and scheduled a tour after being told they had openings for my child's age group. Before scheduling, I specifically asked whether my child being unpotty trained would be an issue and was assured it would not. When I arrived, I rang the doorbell and waited for over five minutes. Another parent had to tell the secretary to let me in, even though she was sitting right next to the door. Once inside, she explained she had a toddler with her in the waiting area. That wasn't an issue for me--it's a daycare. She then asked my child's age and whether she was potty trained. When I said she wasn't, the entire conversation changed. I was told they do not enroll children over age two who are not potty trained. When I explained that I had specifically asked about this before scheduling the tour and was told it wouldn't be a problem, I was then told they don't have space in the classrooms for diaper changes. I left feeling frustrated and confused because I had asked these questions in advance to avoid wasting everyone's time. This policy is especially concerning because it can exclude children who are late to potty train, including children with developmental delays or those on the autism spectrum. Families deserve clear, accurate information before making the time to schedule and attend a tour. ***UPDATE*** After my experience at the center, I spoke with the district leader, who explained that they "strongly encourage" children over the age of two to be potty trained. However, based on my interaction at the center, my child was clearly not eligible for enrollment because she is not yet potty trained. When I expressed my concern that this policy and how it is applied can be discriminatory, especially toward children with developmental delays, disabilities, or those on the autism spectrum, my concerns were not meaningfully addressed. Not every child reaches milestones on the same timeline. Many perfectly healthy children are simply late bloomers, while others have additional needs that require more patience and support. Families in these situations deserve understanding not to feel excluded. I am extremely disappointed with the responses I received from both Jodianne and the district leader. Their lack of empathy and consideration for children who develop differently was discouraging. If your child is a late bloomer, has additional needs, or is not yet potty trained, I would encourage you to carefully consider whether this program is the right fit for your family before investing your time.

director and dl is rude and don't listen go parents or family members. my nephew went there and he…read morecame home in dirty diapers. we talked to the director and she made excuses and was not understanding. always had an attitude or tried to be a kiss up when she was caught in the wrong. worse daycare ever !