As a non-Catholic family who has sent two older children through public schools, we approached the…read moreidea of sending our youngest to Assumption with some apprehension. It became clear, and has remained clear for the last two years, that Assumption is an inclusive environment focused on academic success for all students. The teachers and staff work hard and are dedicated to the individual successes of the students and to creating a supportive cohort in each grade. Students develop academic discipline and lifelong friendships. And they benefit from an enriching atmosphere that allows the students to try diverse activities in a supportive, safe learning environment. Assumption school is filled with committed parents who volunteer, after undergoing training in creating a safe environment for children. We could not have asked for a better environment for our child, and we appreciate the efforts the Assumption community makes towards his success and the success of all students.--Kristina and Matt Daheim

Stay away from the Madrona School. It is not morally run. They play favorites and are dishonest in…read moremoney handling. There are many better places to take your children in Bellingham.

The childhood every kid deserves! This place is magic. While they encourage students to grow in all…read moreareas, they also honor how and when each child is ready. Each thrives in their own way. True play based learning (which is sadly rare) throughout every day. Tree houses, sand pits, mud pies, dolls, books, cozy nooks, rope climbing, sewing, carrot peeling, daisy chains...all the best parts of the old days. As a child development specialist, my heart grows every time I observe teachers interacting with students. They are "gardeners, not carpenters". Love, empathy, curiosity, and firm boundaries all shine here. They are as engaged with social emotional teaching as they are "academic" skills. The world would be a better place if every child experienced this kind of early education.

We feel so lucky to have found A Loving Space school. All of the teachers and staff are so…read morewelcoming and caring, and truly make school a home away from home. They are amazing!

This is a great school! Teachers here are so wonderful they truly care about the kids here.read more

From the owner: At Bellingham Childcare & Learning Center we know that quality early learning experiences matter…read more We believe that regardless of income, it is of critical importance that children in their earliest years develop in an environment that is safe, loving, and stimulating. BCLC is grounded in the belief that children are competent, curious, resourceful learners. The child's role in the classroom is to construct their knowledge and develop skills through exploration, self-expression, and collaboration with their teacher, parents and peers. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has recognized BCLC as an accredited early learning program since 1999. It is a true validation of the quality of the program and the dedication of the staff. The heart of NAEYC accreditation focuses on the child's experience. The process carefully considers all aspects of a program including health and safety, staffing, staff qualifications, and physical environment. The greatest emphasis is on the children's relationships with the staff and how the program helps each child grow and learn intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Unlike other childcare facilities, BCLC calculates tuition on a sliding scale, based on a family's ability to pay. BCLC is the only Center in Whatcom County that offers this unique sliding scale program empowering parents to work and gain higher levels of education while providing essential early learning opportunities for their children.

It kind of sounds like AP and CP had a run in with the old principal. If I was rating this school…read morewhen he was there JUST on him, it would have been a 1/2 star. He was really really bad at his job. It got so bad I had to tell him he wasn't allowed to discipline my daughter without us present and he was not to have contact with my wife regarding school issues. NOW, so you understand I was these guys in 2014 as well, you should also appreciate that the new principle is EVERYTHING the other wasn't. He is kind, patient, parent friendly, respects women and is leading the school in a wonderful direction! I am an alumni of BCS, my daughter went there from 1-8th grade and my son will probably do the same. AGAIN, we were leaving this school before they fired the other guy, SO glad we stayed!

This is a small private school and unlike a public school they are not required to provide…read moreadditional resources to vulnerable populations such as ESL or special needs students. This, in combination with small class sizes, allows for a certain level of increased academic rigour. That being said, any of the legal provisions which protect students at a public school, such as rights to privacy and anti-bullying laws or teacher professionalism and credentials processes, do not have to be observed at this or any private school. At BCS in particular, these rules are not independently supported either. Furthermore, the school's administrator is punitive and capricious in his discipline tactics. He shows little regard for parent input, and is particularly dismissive of women in general. He is terse and stern with the older students, and often selects one or two students to malign as the class parriah. He does this in a very personal and calculated way. As an alumni of BCS as well as an educational professional who is invested in this community, I do not recommend this school.

My daughter absolutely loves this place! It's been so great with my other kids learning Spanish in…read moreelementary school and her learning it at A Step Ahead. Craig and Margarita are incredibly caring people. My daughter actually says she's her best friend. She's extremely happy at the end of every day when we pick her up. We love A Step Ahead and couldn't be happier! The staff is always very friendly as well and really helps me if she's ever clingy in the morning. She always wants me to stay to play with her friends and is disappointed when I pick her up early!

My daughter loves going to school here. The teachers are warm and welcoming and Craig is a great…read morecommunicator. We looked at so many different options and this was the only place that took 2.5year olds that we liked. The busy road outside did kind of make me hesitate at first, but the covered outdoor play areas out back and the interior of the building are wonderful. They have handled the Covid-19 pandemic so professionally and I'm impressed by the way they teach, nourish, and care for my daughter everyday. Gracias!

We had our son in a childcare center while we were on waiting lists around town. The center he was…read moreat was less than par but we were in a pinch. When we got the call from Blossom to come tour we were excited. Our son has been enrolled since the fall and we couldn't be happier with the staff and facility. Our son used to cry before school and now he is so happy. Every staff member we have had the pleasure to interact with clearly loves and wants the best for each child. I have no thoughts or worries about leaving our son each day.

Great, friendly staff that make you feel comfortable leaving your children in their care. The…read moreowners are very professional and have an amazing curriculum. Beautiful 2.5 acre campus with plenty of room for your child to run around. My favorite part is how they have a massive playground, as well as a field, and a wooded area.