Parent Review - Please Read Carefully Spanish versión in…read moreimages. Update: This review has been updated to include additional factual details for clarity and completeness. I am sharing this experience so other parents can make informed decisions before enrolling their child. I wish I had seen a review like this beforehand. My intent is transparency, especially for families who rely on childcare subsidies and may have limited options. My daughter attended this school briefly. During that time, we experienced ongoing issues with communication and transparency. The most concerning situation involved my daughter being injured on more than one occasion--twice by the same child within a matter of weeks. When I asked why my child was hurt more than once in such a short period of time, the Director became defensive rather than responsive. On both occasions, I was not notified immediately. After the first incident, a vague incident report was placed in my daughter's backpack for me to discover after arriving home. The report was written on Mt. Tahoma letterhead, which was confusing and concerning, as my child does not attend that school. During the second incident, I arrived for pickup while my daughter was still crying and visibly distressed after being struck on the side of the head by the same child. The teacher who brought her to the gate did not know what had happened, and the Director also appeared unaware. My daughter was initially handed to me as if nothing had occurred. Only after it became clear that I was upset and would not leave while my child was crying, red in the face, and hurt did a staff member offer an ice pack. When the Director arrived, she was unable to explain what had happened. When my daughter identified who hit her, the Director stated, "No, it wasn't him," without clarifying who was responsible. Although my daughter clearly stated she was hit, the school insisted she had been "pushed onto bark." Bark would not cause a bruise on her ear or the contusion later diagnosed by urgent care. The conversation with the Director and owner was brief and uninformative. Neither acknowledged who hurt my child or clearly explained what occurred. Instead, the incident was repeatedly described as "normal child behavior," and it was implied that my daughter's actions caused her injury. Some children at the school are as old as six; my daughter is only four. No apology was offered, and no prevention plan was discussed unless I specifically asked. An incident report was not offered. I requested one and was told it would be provided, but it never arrived. After following up, I eventually received a report that lacked key details, including staff names and a clear explanation of how the injury occurred. Most concerning, the report focused heavily on my daughter's behavior in a way that implied she was responsible for being hurt, while also stating that a teacher witnessed the incident and did not intervene to prevent injury. In a follow-up email--after I continued requesting a corrected incident report and additional details--the Director suggested that I consider withdrawing my daughter and placing her in a private in-home daycare, stating that my concerns reflected "very specific needs," rather than addressing how the school would ensure my child's safety. Beyond the physical injuries, my daughter showed signs of emotional distress while attending this program, including difficulty playing with peers and fear associated with school staff. Since leaving the school, these reactions have continued. I have not been able to return to work since November, as attempts to transition her into other childcare settings have been unsuccessful due to her extreme distress and refusal to enter facilities. The emotional impact on our family has been substantial. What troubled me most was not just the incidents themselves, but a pattern of delayed communication, limited transparency around supervision, and dismissal of legitimate safety concerns. I have since withdrawn my daughter and am sharing this to encourage other parents to ask detailed questions about supervision, injury reporting, communication practices, and how children are supported emotionally. This review reflects my personal experience as a parent.

My oldest son has been enrolled here for nearly two years, and the growth we've seen academically,…read moresocially, and emotionally, has been extraordinary. He came in shy and hesitant, and he has blossomed into a confident, curious child who loves learning and communicating with others. He now problem-solves on his own, initiates conversations, and brings home life skills he proudly teaches his younger brother. Because of the trust we've built, I recently enrolled my youngest son as well. One of the most meaningful parts of our experience has been the genuine care the staff has shown our family. When my father passed away unexpectedly about a year and a half ago, the teachers and administrators surrounded us with warmth and compassion. They checked in daily, supported my son through his big emotions, and made sure he felt safe and loved during an incredibly difficult time. That type of care comes from people who truly value the children they work with. Communication has always been clear, consistent, and responsive. The staff is proactive in sharing updates, answering questions, and making sure parents feel informed and included. Over nearly two years, any small hiccups that naturally happen in childcare have been handled with transparency, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. My son has developed strong, trusting relationships with his teachers, both under the previous ownership and the current leadership. He talks about them with so much affection, and it's evident that they genuinely know and appreciate him as an individual. They celebrate who he is, encourage his interests, and guide him with patience and respect. The sense of belonging and stability he feels at school has been a major factor in his growth. Every family and child is unique, but I can confidently share that this school has been a nurturing, communicative, and supportive environment for both of my children. We are grateful every day for the foundation it has provided, and I am thankful for the teachers who care for my boys as if they were their own.

My daughter has been attending school here and is thriving. I have constantly been impressed by the…read morework she brings home, the wide range of topics they cover each week on top of her improving vocabulary. The teachers are kind, but also discipline when necessary and keep the class in order. I was looking for an environment with structure and somewhere to begin a solid foundation for learning. I highly recommend this school.

I absolutely LOVE this Montessori school! When I was little I attended a Montessori and wanted my…read morekids to have that same experience. This school offers children love and kindness along with structure and practical teachings that will give them strength in real life. The school is not far from Maple Valley and Covington but is technically located on the Black Diamond/Kent border not far from Ristrettos! Not sure why there are not posts yet as it is maybe a best kept secret- teachers Carolyn and Nicole are amazing!!!

We are thrilled with our experience at Montessori Time. What a find! Our daughter is growing and…read morelearning so much, and we feel we have found just the right environment for her, full of warmth and caring. The teachers are experienced, and their approach is very thoughtful. The classroom is prepared just right for the students, and there's so much for her to explore and learn with. I feel I've learned as well about how to support my daughter's education. We're excited about sending our second daughter to Montessori Time once she's old enough. Some notes: They have an excellent music curriculum and Spanish instruction once a week. They also offer summer day camps focused on specific topics. This was a great way to help our daughter (and ourselves) feel comfortable with being in preschool.

From the owner: Lake Meridians Montessori Preschool where learning can be wild!read more

Our daughter has gone here for a year and she loves it so far. 3's program on a farm and she's…read morelearned so much. We are excited for her to do her 4s program this year and even more so that she has a friend wanting to enroll also. They teach the kids so many skills I didn't know a 3 year old could perform. The self learning discovery style has been great. Teacher Cheyanne left and we will miss her. Nonetheless we are still excited for our daughter to have her next year here. Her little brother will also attend here when he's old enough.

Our family has experienced two Montessori schools and two public districts between three boys…read more Dancing Pines is by far the most personal education between them all. The teachers are so mindful of how each child develops, it really does make you stop and think why it doesn't happen this way everywhere. I should also point out that our son is autistic and simply learns and interacts in his own way. The way he learns with the teachers and class mates is so organic that it doesn't even seem like he's being treated differently. And in reality I don't think he is being treated differently, which is exactly how I want my son treated. On top of the great staff, agile curriculum, and hands on learning... it's affordable. I'm sure you can find cheaper if you really look, but you will not find a better early learning experience for the price. Or for that matter, even more expensive options would have a tough time competing with this team. My child is currently 5 years old and autistic. Performing math at a 1st-2nd grade level. Reads at a 2nd-3rd grade level. And as a bonus, knows how to tend goats and chickens. Thank you so much Dancing Pines!

My daughter attended Evergreen Christian Montessori for 3 years. The teachers are committed to…read morefostering independent learners and the development of children who care about each other. The facilities are focused on the Montessori method of learning. The classrooms are well maintained. The children are involved in gardening. And, the playgrounds give them lots of freedom to play and explore. I am so thankful for evergreen montessori and for the faculty. My daughter will be prepared for kindergarten and has made special memories with her class.

My daughter has been attending ECM for 2 years now and she has progressed so much compared to when…read moreshe fist started. ECM uses traditional Montessori methods where everything is hands-on and the students are given the freedom to choose which work that interest them with the teachers' guidance. They note down what the students work on each day and keep track on their progress throughout the year. My daughter is now reading at between 2nd and 3rd grade level while doing double digit additions/subtractions, and have started learning multiplication at 5 years old. Her maturity level has also blossomed since they have multiple ages in a classroom, I have observed her helping the younger students. I highly recommend Evergreen Christian Montessori if you are looking for a high quality montessori preschool for your child!

Great daycare & preschool for your little ones. My son has been there over a year & loves it. Great…read moreclassroom & play space as well as field trips & other fun, creative activities keep the kids entertained while they're learning. Dara & her staff is amazing! All around A+ to Journeys!

My son and daughter have been going to this place for a couple years now. In the past we've had…read moreissues taking our kids to different daycares due to the teachers not caring for the kids enough or willing to work with us--or even have a set schedule. We just adore what Dara is doing at Journeys. My kids come home with paintings, crafts, stories, handwritten worksheets. The teachers are always so nice and helpful. Every month there's a new schedule with new programs. The teachers are always so helpful in keeping us up to date on where the kids are and their learning skills. The classroom is small so the ratio is small--which we love. If you're considering sending your kids to a preschool I'd suggest Journeys, we love all the Montessori tools and always look forward to all the holiday activities. Parents are always allowed to join in on the fun for the day, lots of fieldtrips and lots of pictures!

This is a wonderful Montesorri program. Both of my kids attend. My youngest started at 18 months…read more The program has been great for their motor and language skills. They incorporate learning through activities that are fun for the kids. The teachers are so kind, they really dive in and care for the kids and families. They go above and beyond with a teaching the kids dancing and singing and helping them develop independence. My kids typically don't want to leave their friends at the end of the day.

Don't trust them! They like to punish children and yell at them. They act nice but they are mean to…read morekids. My child still tells me stories of what it was like being in their care and how awful it was. Little kids can't explain the bad experience bc they are so young but my child is older and is able to put words to his bad experiences with them.

Simply put, a breath of fresh air. The owner and every staff member has a long relationship at the…read moreschool, one of the teachers, Ms. Katie was even a student there herself. They are wonderful. Attentive. Great at communicating what your child needs, how they are growing, and how to help them grow. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her days at Lake Tapps Montessori and if not for our relocation she would still be a student there. I have recommended it to every parent in the area that I know!