StarChild Academy Winter Garden (SCAWG) is a great option for preschool; however, I strongly caution against enrolling your child in the elementary school. The overall positives of the school are cultural diversity among the staff and student body, a family feel, and friendly, caring faculty and staff, as well as building updates on the preschool side. Preschool Pros: curriculum Preschool Cons: Teacher retention; on average, children go through at least 2 lead teachers a year, and it's a revolving door for assistants. When our children were attending SCAWG, it was advertised as an advanced curriculum school; it's not. We withdrew our youngest child first because it's easiest to succeed in surrounding charter schools' lotteries when entering kindergarten. Youngest attended from age 2.5 - 5 (VPK). Youngest is testing above grade level in ELA (was even promoted to grade 1 phonics class at new school) on Florida's statewide standardized assessments (F.A.S.T); however, Math results were below grade level. Elementary School Pros: N/A Elementary School Cons: no technology in classrooms, teacher retention, no behavioral specialist, inadequate disciplinary action, unrealistic amount of at-home supplementing, ineffective curriculum, no positive reinforcements for academic achievement, no standardized test prep, combined 4th and 5th grade class Oldest attended from age 3-9 (grade 3.5; we withdrew after mid-year). For context, in kindergarten, first, and second grade, the oldest had all A's with 1 B for the whole school year. Q1 of third grade all A's, one B, Q2 of third grade all A's, one B. Oldest tested at grade level in ELA on F.A.S.T and below grade level in Math. At SCAWG, they introduce concepts and move on quickly without allowing the child adequate time to practice or retain what they've learned. While every institution has its pros and cons, we're most disappointed by what we now realize is a horrible curriculum and questionable teaching styles. There are better elementary school options in the area than SCAWG, and I urge you to exhaust them. SCAWG Elementary turned out to be a colossal waste of money for us - it shouldn't have to be for you, too. read more

This is a great location for day care and private elementary. My oldest is currently in 1st grade here and I can't say enough on the curriculum and how well she is learning and growing with her school work. Our youngest is now in Pre-K3 and has had a harder time adjusting, but the teachers are patient and kind with her. She is learning ahead of my expectations and has friends she is in class with now. There are also cameras there to peek in on them and give me a little piece of mind with the youngest having such a hard time adjusting. This is a fantastic place to bring your kids to grow and learn! read more

My daughter was at star child winter garden and I caught them in camera almost beating my child. So I called them to complain. They were pushing her head down to the floor, throwing a blanket in her face, and throwing on her back. Then the next day they obviously got in trouble and completely ignored my child like she didn't exist. Didn't help her in her chair to eat. For the price you can get better. Needless to say, we only lasted 7 days at this daycare. read more

I do not feel safe to have my niece or nephew here at this daycare. Despite the staff's utmost cleaning after hours, there is a insect problem. Which is truly disgusting and disappointing for, teachers see roaches crawling in classrooms, bathrooms, and the lobby. It seems to me the head of the establishment is unapologetic to the conditions and is truly horrendous. I would not want any children to stay here! read more

StarChild Academy Winter Garden - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Winter Garden, Florida

Terrible administrative. I went in with some concerns before enrolling my son and the owner told me to put them aside and allow them to show me that there isn't anything to worry about. The owner expressed how happy he was that my son would be going there and I told him that I am crazy. So if anything happens to my son, expect the worst. They made me run to the bank to grab the $100 since I didn't have it in cash. Few days before he was supposed to start. They Called me saying that my son wasn't a "suitable candidate". What the hell do they know About my son? They were upset because I posted about their academy to a Facebook group. A lot of moms also messaged me about pulling their kids out of there because they were manhandled and the owner didn't do anything but give them some money back. Terrible place. Look into other Starchild locations!! read more

Not typically a person who writes many reviews but I have to mention the experience my family and I had with StarChild. For starters we were highly optimistic as we were looking for a new daycare for our two young boys (3&1 years old). We came and toured the StarChild and were greeted initially by a very friendly front office which at that moment gave us a positive outlook. We expressed to them why we were looking for a new child care center and what was important to us and they expressed continuously that they would be able to deliver. But unfortunately, that was the furthest from the truth. For starters, my oldest child is very resistant to change initially and sometimes requires a little more attention until he feel more comfortable (which my wife and I expressed to the both the director and the head teacher). They indicated this was not a problem. fast forward a week or 2 and the calls started to come in from director and assistant director stating they were having a hard time with him listening or playing with other kids. Again, we informed them at the beginning he will be resistant to it, however, we gave them several pointers to both the teachers and our child during his transition. So we ask have they followed our recommendations. In short, the answer was no. They said that they have a particular curriculum and that the child must fit into that system. Now I am very aware that schools have their own systems , however, the problem is that we gave full disclosure on how our son listens and the best way to have him adapt into a new systems. They assured us they will follow what we recommended (how in 2 weeks that changes is beyond me). Fast forward an additional 1-2 months, no real progress was being made. The part that really bothered us was when we wanted to talk with the head teacher, it was as if she did not want to be bothered and each time we requested a time to sit and talk to help the situation get better, she literally told us that is not her job. Now at this point my youngest was just starting at StarChild, and honestly it was our biggest regret because we saw things going downhill already but we wanted them to be in the same school for drop off and pick ease for me and my wife since we work 30 mins away. Around month 3, my wife gets yet another call from the director on a Monday and my wife is told that that Friday will be my oldest sons last day because they felt that he was not fitting in well with his class and he was causing to much disturbance. This disturbance, is him crying because the teacher would refuse to listen to any recommendations on how to communicate to him and virtually isolating him from the rest of the class because she was fed up. How do I know this?, because when we would watch the cameras, my son would literally be by himself playing while the rest of the class was doing another activity. He was obviously rebelling because the teacher gave zero cares on how to tend to him and instead of the front office correcting this, their resolution is just to get rid of the student because it's easier for them. What made this even more frustrating is that my youngest son had just started at StarChild the month prior to them removing my oldest son with no warnings. Unfortunately the story doesn't end there. As my youngest had to stay at Starchild until we found a new place for both kids, we started to pay very close attention to his cameras in his classroom. We noticed on several occasions that my youngest who at that point was around 9-10months would be left on the floor crying with zero attention from the teachers. When we saw that, we pulled him from the school immediately and reported the school for negligence. I honestly do not know how this establishment can be labeled as a early childhood development school and they hire faculty and staff who legitimately doesn't care about development. Luckily we were able to find a better childcare center for both kids and they love it there. We have had none of these same issues. I will never in my life recommend this StarChild to anyone. read more

My son is currently enrolled in Infant Classroom A and we absolutely love his teachers and Star Child Academy. Our son recently missed a couple of days of daycare and he was SO excited to see his teachers when he returned to school this week...it was the cutest thing ever! It feels good leaving my child with people that truly love and care about him. We are so happy we chose Star Child Academy for our son! read more

Wonderful academy. My daughter was enrolled there since she was 1 year old till fourth grade. It wasn't t just a school it was family. I'm extremely overprotective with my child, I love her and want the best for her. Starchild academy has the same vision. It's clean, beautiful and great teachers. Administration is considerate and caring. In 9 years that my daughter assisted this school, she was treated with respect and love. Great way to start your child's education. Worth every penny! read more

Both my boys have gone here and I can't say enough good things about Star Child. Absolutely love all the teachers!

My daughter loves going to school and learns so much! She has a wonderful group of friends she has moved from classroom to classroom with. I love the fact that I have camera access to my daughter throughout the day and if I have any questions staff is more than happy to help. read more

Worst day care my one year old daughter was there unfortunately the carpet is dirty she was always sick the leave her crying all the day and the don't change her wet clothes they re horrible really the worst place to put your child read more

Such an amazing school. I am a true believer in the the accelerated academic process at this school. My son has been at this school since he was 9 months old he is now getting ready to start 4th grade. He excels in every academic area at least 1 or 2 grade levels above his current grade. I love how the school continues to grow, adding other activities and events for parents to get involved and for the students to explore things other than academics. This past year events like the Santa shop, the father daughter dance, the mother son event, are just a few events that prove that this school has a healthy balance of fun and academics. Miss Lisa and her team of Elementary school teachers have the biggest hearts and the most creative brains. They def get 5 stars in my book. read more

I just read some of the reviews on here, wow... I think that this is one disgruntled person pretending to be different people, maybe even a competitive child care center. My name is Jerome Robinson (you can verify who I am and that I am legit), and I had both my boys attend StarChild in Winter Garden & I currently have my step daughter attending there. I will tell you this, & you can meet my family if you would like: My oldest son is in the Advanced / Gifted Program & my youngest son is going into the Magnet program, thanks to StarChild. Neither of my sons were born this way, StarChild did. My step daughter needs a lot of work & comes from a troubled home and you will see that in a couple of years, she too will look like a genius and be in advanced classes. The best gift that I could give my children is teaching & coaching them. As far as diaper changing and other possible issues, I may have had similar experiences, (I don't remember), but what stands out is what they've done great for my family. I brag to all of my employees and extended family that I have the smartest kid and I owe it all to StarChild in Winter Garden. It works a lot better than me saying that I own a Porsche (people don't care). My one complaint is the food from all schools in Orange county, (I'm being unfair because I eat very healthy & want the same for my kids). I want healthier alternatives than what school systems feed kids these days. I met both of the owners and they have always been very nice & helpful to me. The admin staff, I have no complaints, they always say hi when I come & go. I'm a very critical & picky person. I was very fortunate to find a great school for my kids. If you want to ever ask me anything about this post / feedback, you can always email me at: Jrobinson@SelectChoiceTV.com read more

My son has been here for the Enrichment camp 2014 and my husband and I absolutely loved the fact that this was a camp to have fun, but also keeping them in touch with the classroom setting while incorporating learning with summer fun all at the same time. When I first signed up I thought it was a little on the higher priced side of the scale but once I saw how nurturing and caring the teachers and staff are, and also how much my child has learned in the past 2 weeks I am completely sure we made the right choice. The owner assured me in the beginning that their program is well worth the price, and in the end we realized that he was absolutely right. I know for sure that I will be saving up to bring my son back again next year. Oh and I especially love the fact that I can login from my computer or phone and check on via classroom and playground cameras at any point in time throughout the day and it gives me peace of mind, and that it PRICELESS !!! read more

Great Preschool! My child is almost three and has attended since 15 mos. old. Awesome owners and caring teachers! Love this place!

the teachers look miserable. they are not caring at all and are really missing that true teacher/kid relationship. the entire facility is run like a business, NOT like a daycare. the teachers do not interact with the kids AT ALL. it's very regimented, and while i like structure, it's too much. the two year olds do NOT get ANY freeplay. except recess. no free time to do play dough, blocks, or let their imagination explore. i realize this is the "philosophy" of starchild, but it is an outdated one. starchild needs to seriously reevaluate what century we are in and do the research on what is best for children. my son cried every morning going there and started having a lot of anxiety issues and he's only 2. read more