I would have never found this program without the recommendation from the director of the pre-school program at st. George's (near cherrywood, where we used to live). I am forever thankful for that recommendation. My son will be starting in the 4's class this fall, and previously attended the 2's and 3's class. I visited a few programs but this was the right one for my son. There is a variety of free play and play based learning. The teachers have a wide variety of activities to encourage age-appropriate development. The teachers really work their butts off here. No TVs, video games, canned workbooks, etc. They set up new, engaging activities every day. No gimmicks here. I love it, and my son LOVES it. I am excited that this school has made him EXCITED to go to school and has encouraged his intellectual curiosity. The teachers really do go above and beyond. For example, Ms Maryruth even brought in a Texas insect book to help my son identity bugs on the playground when she noticed he's into that. They really go above and beyond to engage childrens' natural curiosity. If I had to mention anything negative it would be the limited school year and hours (a challenge for working parents) and the lack of diversity (like most of west Austin). It's worth mentioning that we do not attend this church (or another) and not all of the families are Christian. It is a very open, welcoming environment. We absolutely love this school. read more

We love St. Michael's - the Reggio-inspired approach is amazing -- it's hands-on and lets the kids really explore and learn through play. The guides are incredible -- so kind, creative, and genuinely invested in each child. You can tell they truly love what they do. Our oldest just graduated and grew so much here, both socially and emotionally. Our middle child is there now and comes home every day excited to tell us what she did. We plan to have our youngest join school soon. The classrooms are beautiful and thoughtfully set up, and the whole environment feels warm and welcoming. We couldn't be happier with St. Michael's -- it's a very special place. read more

I spent a long time searching for a day school that felt like the right fit for my daughter - and then we found St. Michael's! We absolutely love it. The small student-to-teacher ratio allows for such personal attention, and every single teacher and staff member knows my daughter by name. The environment is incredibly warm and joyful - the kids always look genuinely happy, and most importantly, my daughter is thriving. Since starting at St. Michael's, she's come out of her shell, grown in confidence, and learned so much. As a parent, I also appreciate how involved we're allowed to be -- there are plenty of volunteer opportunities if you want to engage more closely with the school community. Couldn't recommend it enough! read more

St. Michael's Episcopal Day School has become an extension of our family. From the moment you walk through the front gates, you're greeted with warm smiles and happy faces that instantly make you feel welcome. The campus is not only beautiful but thoughtfully designed to create an environment where children can thrive. My two older kids have gone through this program since they were 2, and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. Nestled on the top of a nature-filled hill, this truly hidden gem offers acres of outdoor space where children can go on guided walks and spend most of their day playing outside. However, what truly sets this school apart are the exceptional child guides. They are the best I've ever encountered--caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in the growth and development of each child. The bottom line is that my children have been loved, cuddled, and comforted every step of the way. My only complaint is that my youngest is growing up too fast and will soon outgrow this incredible school as she moves on to kindergarten. St. Michael's has been such a wonderful experience for our family that it ALMOST makes me want to have a fourth child just to keep being a part of this amazing family! I couldn't recommend it more highly! read more

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St. Michael's Episcopal Day School has been the biggest blessing to our family from day one. If you want your children to feel loved beyond measure, to experience the joy of nature and imaginative play, and learn from the most supportive and well trained staff, this is your spot! They are the very best! read more

My two boys have been attending this school for two years, and it's been perfect for our family. Every teacher, not just their own, knows their names. It's a true community that puts the kids' needs first, with a genuine, down-to-earth atmosphere. This school is a hidden gem in the heart of West Lake. read more

I do not have enough positive things to say about this school. It is an absolute gem and I'm so lucky we found it through a neighbor. The teachers and administration are wonderful, each child is taught, encouraged, and loved as an individual, and the outdoor play spaces (of which there are FOUR!) are perfectly thought out for creative play. The kids get so much time to play outside, get dirty, be curious, learn, and to be kids. read more

St. Michael's Day School has felt like home for my family for the past 3 yrs. My oldest went there for 2yr for the 3yr and 4yr old classes. They really prepared him academically and socially for kindergarten where he is currently flourishing. My youngest son is currently in the 2yr old class. They really helped us work through my son's separation anxiety and now he loves school and hates to leave. I love that it is a play-based school and incorporates nature and the outdoors into their everyday activities. St. Michaels Day School is a Reggio Emilia inspired school where they really respect the child's interests and desires and let those dictate the curriculum so it's not this basic, contrived curriculum. Music and Art are also an important part of the school. This is a school where a child can explore, get messy and embrace their individuality. The classrooms have bright windows with lots of natural sunlight that opens up right into the playground. They have great afterschool programs as well where my son has done Yoga, Tennis, and Soccer and tons of other cool things. The director Rebecca is such a great resource and has helped me understand my boys better and how their minds are developing. It's a great school that I see as one of Austin's best kept secrets. read more

I can't speak highly enough about this program. I have had two children attend St. Michael's Day School, ranging from the 18mos. class to graduating from the 4's classroom. We initially picked the school based on the low ratio, and small, community-like feel. The teachers have all been just stellar- qualified, collaborative, welcoming, and they embrace and implement the Reggio Emilia Philosophy of child centered and led-learning throughout the classroom, both inside and out, incredibly well. Mornings were always welcomed with new exciting materials to explore, yet maintaining the familiar for comfort. Just exploring their natural play areas and playgrounds will give a sense of where their imaginations can go given the materials to create, build, and work together. I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the classroom while my son attended, which allowed me to observe Reggio, alive and well, and it was just amazing. The kids developed such a sense of community. There was always something new and exciting happening and my son LOVED going to school. The Parent support/participation was always welcomed, by the way. My daughter, who we worried might never transition into any program (well, willingly anyway- she is very much the attached child) also flourished at SMDS. Her teachers, as well as the director, worked with us for some time before the program started to bring her in to the class for small chunks of time. They also scheduled a play-date prior to school beginning for the class, and will complete home visits. The transition when school started was still not entirely smooth, as we expected for her, but she grew comfortable and felt safe, and the easy hugs and waves good-bye at drop-off came, largely due to all the support and care given in helping her transition. It also helps that, given the smaller size of the school, everyone was a familiar, friendly face. Definitely a program we would recommend to others. We loved our time there and were so grateful to find the program. read more

A few months back, I was going to send to my daughter to a fulltime school but worried that she would get sick very often during a flu season. So I called half a dozen half-day programs but they were all full. I eventually got lucky because there was an opening in this preschool. Initially, I was concerned because this is a new daycare and there is no review and no one I know send their kids to this daycare. I talked to the director Dana, she has been director for daycares for a long time and has tons of experience. I like their practice of home visits before kids' first day in the daycare, and they also let the kids and parents come to visit for a few times to get the kids orientated with the new place. For the home visit I can tell that my daughter's lead teacher really cares about kids. My daughter was two years and two months old when she started at this preschool. We braced ourselves for lots of tear and not letting go. But surprisingly, she was very happy to go to her daycare. She never cried when we say goodbye or when we pick her up. Every time when I ask her if she likes going to "school", she always says yes. She is picking up English in her daycare (we don't speak English to her at home) is obviously very happy there. After she comes back from daycare, she is always in a good mood and takes nice long naps. We are very very happy with this daycare. read more