Our family has been part of the community at Cadence Smithfield since 2022 and we currently have…read moretwo students enrolled. We feel fortunate to have a place to bring our kids where they are safe and have fun. Teachers come and go, which can be frustrating, but it is somewhat expected in this industry, and we have always felt that the various teachers truly cared about our children. There was a period of high turnover where the director and assistant director left that we considered going elsewhere, but by the time we could get in anywhere, things settled down and the school got a new director. Since Jason has been at the helm, the school has never looked better and we have seen lots of improvements. We feel confident about the school under his leadership. The only other drawback about this school is the co$$$t, but it sure is nice not to have to pack a lunch or snacks which are included. I am always impressed with the arts and crafts done in the toddler rooms and also appreciate how often the children get out in the fresh air when possible. I have hundreds of adorable pics I have gotten in daily updates through the years but there were very few I could share while being mindful of privacy.

Revised review as of 8/23/2024: We were heartbroken after…read morelearning the truth about what was happening at this daycare behind the scenes; children being verbally and emotionally scared into cooperating, instances not being reported to parents (even when it was a medical/safety issue), teachers who have little to no training, and teachers told to feed children food that is moldy or undercooked. The only solice we had after learning what was really going on at the daycare was our child being in Miss Alicia's classroom. Miss Alicia and Miss Michelle genuinely care about the kids in their room, provide structure and safety (yes safety) for their kiddos and any additional ones they can take in their room when able to. Knowing that the Regional Director was well informed about what was and had happened at this location and felt it was okay and appropriate to argue with parents and teachers about what was happening at the school has made us lose faith with all Cadence schools.

School one has been life changing for my daughter. It is truly an environment where students can be…read morewho they are unapologetically. The staff is insanely supportive and the curriculum is extremely engaging. I consider our decision to send our daughter to School One one of the best parenting decisions we have ever made.

Small, student centered. A great place for a creative individual to learn. Nurturing communityread more

Nicole and her team are amazing! I can't recommend The Nurturing Nook enough. I have seen two…read morechildren through TNN, one in the preschool program and the other from 3 months old in their infant program through the toddler room and loved our experience from start to finish. The classes are small and personalized. The staff is very friendly and so good to the kids. My oldest has some special education needs and they were also very flexible in working out a schedule with us so that he could attend a specialized program in the morning and then attend the center in the afternoon. They send daily updates about activities and hold special programs and events for the kids to make their experience extra fun. Both of my kids loved attending, and we loved knowing that our babies were extremely well cared for. You can't go wrong with TNN!

My husband and I are *so* grateful for the Nurturing Nook! Miss Melanie and Miss Christiana helped…read moreour daughter (2 years old) go through so many adjustments and adapt to a new schedule. Extraordinarily patient and helpful staff that just blew us away. Thank you all!! :)

Worst management I have ever experienced. Never picks up a phone call making me wonder how parents…read moreget ahold of anybody during the day. Rarely responds to emails. Seems like waitlist is run in order of preference. Management no show for tour. How can you trust them with your children under such unprofessional management? Do not send your children there!!!

My daughter loves going to school! Everyone is so friendly and you can tell they really love their…read morejobs highly recommend

My child thrived here! The small class sizes are magic for many students. Parent teacher…read morecommunication is great.

Homework Does this…read moreschool have an effective approach to homework? There is no homework. I don't have a problem with this if there were clear communication channels around progress. There is not. Teachers Are teachers at this school effective? The school admits students with clear identifiable needs without putting in place the proper supports for them. As such there are strong behavioral outbursts that are a consistent distraction from learning and create unsafe environments for peers. Teachers are left dealing with behavioral issues instead of teaching. Character Does this school develop strong character in its students? Our son was relentlessly bullied by a student who is still there. When the student moved into another classroom the following year the same situation began with those students. Half the board pulled their kids out of school as did we. This child was threatening to bring a gun to school and was pointing at who he planned on shooting. The administration was notified and he was back at school the next morning as if nothing happened. That was one of many incidents. The fact that 5 families pulled their children, families who were active board members and large donors should tell you enough. Save yourself the aggravation. When you are looking for a quality private school I encourage you to pass this one over. Leadership Does this school have effective leadership? The leadership accepts students as they apply. They are looking to fill seats as the school itself is under financial strains. They have combined classes and eliminated "specials" to attempt to remedy this. The multi age classroom will be sold to you as a model they stand behind but I assure you it is simply because enrollment is down because of its reputation and they have had no choice but to combine classes. Learning Differences Does this school effectively support students with learning differences? They will admit students with any learning difference but that is where it ends. No supports are put in place that are specific to any need. The lack of supports leads to frustrated students and distracting behavioral outbursts that are not only distracting to other students but they detract from the learning process. Bullying Does this school effectively deal with bullying? Please see my above statement. It is outrageous what happens in this school around bullying. Children were staying home and missing school because of the severe anxiety that was induced by the behaviors of other children that were explained away and minimized. It has been 2 years since we left and I am still working to undo the emotional damage my son went through while attending that school. The other numerous families that left are all in the same boat. Systemic bullying changes the fabric of who you are. School should be a safe space. Particularly a private school that states clear guidelines around bullying. The issue is they don't stand behind them.

When it comes to our children, we all want the best. This place is the best! I have two children…read moreenrolled here and my only regret is I didn't enroll them sooner. Staff are lovely, supportive and knowledgeable and go above and beyond to create engaging and fun lesson plans. Tie dye teeshirts, s'mores, beach bags, water play, art weeks - this school does it all in a loving, safe and beautiful environment. Parents are kept updated throughout the day with photos and summaries there is even a school nurse! Amazing, amazing, amazing.

I am writing to thank the folks at ACU for the most amazing early learning experience any child and…read morefamily could imagine. The owners, director, nurse and teachers are all kind and professional. The entire staff are attentive and friendly toward the children and each other (the best example for children.) Any and all concerns are addressed immediately. The building is spectacular and has a warm, inviting feeling. As we arrived each day, I would hear from the back seat: "there's my school!" Our little guy learned to work/play with friends, how to line up for outdoor time, bathroom/ hand-washing and how to listen quietly during story time, etc. Teachers constantly encourage kindness and the use of good manners. They also provided countless learning activities daily. We will forever treasure this wonderful experience. Thank you to our ACU friends!

We absolutely love Ocean State Montessori! Both of our kids have thrived here, the teachers are…read moreamazing, the environment is calm and welcoming, and the learning feels joyful. It's such a kind and connected community of families and educators.

Once children reach school age, they spend as much time in school as they do at home--if not more…read more We couldn't ask for a better environment or better people for our child to spend these formative years with. Our child has attended OSMS for two years and is truly thriving. It's amazing to see how deeply she understands math, reading, and science. The staff is dedicated--many have been with the school for over 10 years--and they take a genuine interest in both the children and their families.

I would recommend Cadence to anyone! My son went through Pre-K here, and we loved it so much that…read morewe decided to enroll our daughter in the toddler class. All of the teachers and staff are so understanding and really work with your child to make them feel comfortable. When my daughter started last September, she was extremely timid and shy. Thanks to the patience and care of Ms. Michelle and Ms. Jen, she now loves going to class and playing with the other children. As an anxious parent, I was nervous to send her anywhere, but Cadence has completely put my mind at ease. They keep me updated throughout the day with diaper changes, meals, any concerns, and even photos of what they did. It's wonderful to see how cared for and happy she is every day.

Excellent daycare. My son has been in their program for over a year…read more Teachers are excellent and take amazing care of the kids. They always give extra effort and attention. Health and safety is taken very seriously there. They clean the toys and surfaces constantly to prevent as much illness as possible. We could not have made a better decision enrolling in their programs.