I would never recommend this place based on the experience I had…read more I signed my son up in the summer of 2022. When it came time to make the payment, I attempted to pay twice, but both times I was told that the card machine was broken. At the time, I was eight months pregnant. Shortly after, I had to be induced early due to complications. Five days after giving birth, I suffered a severe hemorrhage and went into cardiac arrest. Doctors performed CPR on me for about 30 minutes, and I was placed in a coma for two weeks. When I woke up, I had undergone multiple surgeries and had to learn how to walk again. My entire focus during that time was on surviving and recovering. Because of everything that happened, the payments had completely slipped my mind and I had honestly forgotten all about it during my recovery. During that time, the owner contacted me regarding two missed payments totaling $2,700. She told me that emails had been sent, but I never received any communication. When I explained the medical emergency and everything I had been through, I was met with a very rude response and was told that I needed to pay the full amount immediately or I would be sued. I never said that I wouldn't pay what was owed. However, I was extremely disappointed by the complete lack of compassion and understanding given the life-threatening situation I had just gone through. I was given no time or flexibility to arrange payment, even though I had been unable to work for quite some time due to multiple surgeries and a long recovery. A little compassion and understanding during such a difficult time would have made a big difference.

What a great place to have a kids birthday! Unlimited amount of kids and adults. You have the…read moreentire building to yourself with an upstairs full of exploring options. The downstairs is more of a physical adventure with a bouncy house and other fun things to burn off that energy. There's sample seating and plenty of tables for a birthday party with a full-size refrigeratorfor all your treats and beverages

Beautiful school! Kids are so happy to go to school, they love learning. There is so much outside…read moretime, and they fit in Spanish and German from 1st grade on. The kids play music and sing all the time, they have huge smiles and seem so healthy. We love Waldorf.

As an active volunteer and parent at MWS, I was deeply invested in the school's success. However,…read moreafter witnessing faculty, staff, and board members dismiss and downplay credible concerns about child safety, ignore warnings from outside experts, and treat concerned families with open hostility, my partner and I felt compelled to disenroll our child for their safety. In our child's first year in MWS's mixed-aged kindergarten class, its pedagogy suited them well, and they thrived. We were deeply thankful for that experience. However with their second year came strict enforcement of a forced nap policy that caused noticeable emotional and behavioral struggles for them as well as multiple children who had outgrown naps. We eventually learned that this policy required all children to lie still and quiet in a dark room for up to 90 minutes a day, without alternatives for quiet play or reading in a lit space for those who could not sleep, while the teacher often left the room for the rest of the day. This had not been fully disclosed to parents previously. Seeking clarity, we consulted outside experts including a licensed child psychologist, who advised MWS that the enforced nap practice was developmentally inappropriate and potentially harmful, especially as most 5- and 6-year-olds will have outgrown naps by that age. We contacted other Waldorf schools which reacted with surprise and concern when told of MWS's nap policy. We also learned that, by contrast, WI state law requires licensed childcare centers (which MWS is not) to allow children who don't fall asleep within 30 minutes to move "off their sleeping surface and given a choice of activities in a reasonably lighted area". Despite bringing this information to the school in a good-faith and collaborative manner, our attempts to discuss this topic further were met with defensiveness and dismissal. Alarmed by the effects of subjecting children who have outgrown naps to this treatment, we voiced our worries to the school administrator and board. We were met with further dismissal and disparagement. After additional parents raised their own concerns, the board did eventually agree to an outside review -- but rejected calls to work with a licensed child psychologist in favor of hiring an "anthroposophical psychologist" instead. The school ultimately contracted a formal Waldorf teacher who lacked any training or licensure as a psychologist. During my meeting with this individual, whose role was to ostensibly serve as a neutral party and childhood development expert, they stated that while practitioners of "mainstream psychology" might be concerned with the appropriateness and safety of the current MWS naptime policy, Waldorf educators "know what's best" for their children, and that that should be sufficient to put any concerns to rest. Increasingly out-of-touch and aggressive communications from the school community followed. One individual, vying for the school's open admissions director role, urged the board and administration to expel us and another family for questioning the practices of a Waldorf teacher. Their memo also pressed for what was then an ongoing investigation into child safety concerns be quashed immediately. That individual was subsequently hired. My partner and I ultimately withdrew our child from MWS to ensure their safety and well-being, and in protest of how this and other issues across the school were handled. Subsequently connecting with other families who left MWS revealed a disturbing pattern of dismissal, denial, bullying and gaslighting -- including but not limited to concerns over naptime policy -- as well. I urge current and prospective families to be vigilant and to critically assess what type of environment they want for their child and family. Finally, it saddens me to anticipate that MWS might respond to this and other critical reviews with misinformation and personal disparagements. I encourage readers to weigh any such responses thoughtfully as they draw their own conclusions about which school is right for their family.

The staff are all warm and welcoming! We love bringing our children here. The new director (Robin)…read moreknows all the parents and children by name, and makes sure that we are always welcomed with a smile every morning and every evening. The infant staff make sure we get plenty of videos and pictures to make us feel like we are not missing out on anything.

Robin the new director is going to take this center to become the best of Verona! She is very…read moretalented and passionate about this job, her families and her staff.

Both of my children are attending Hickory Hill Academy and I could not be more pleased with the…read moreexperience that we have had. The beautiful campus provides a a safe and engaging environment for learning where children receive personalized care in a small classroom setting with two teachers who are able to focus on individual needs. At Hickory Hill, my children are both thriving academically, and offered opportunities through the curriculum that have far exceeded my expectations. From being on a campus that allows them to learn and grow outdoors (there is an old bus in the wooded area their team and amazing science teacher retrofitted into a classroom) to learning Spanish & Mandarin in the program, to expanding their love of reading through the classroom focus. I particularly like the way that HHA works to get parents involved in the learning process. They have a weekly community circle meeting that parents are able to be apart of that highlights school events, allows children to participate and shares thoughtful and encouraging messages for the week. The school also does a great job creating fun events outside of school like a Pumpkin Run in the fall and Mitten Festival during the winter. In the case of the Mitten festival the children worked hard on creative art projects that were extremely fun, but also encouraged them to present why they created what they did to their class and families. We have seen our children's confidence rise significantly and are extremely happy that our children our attending and would recommend this school to others.

Our family has been part of Hickory Hill Academy (HHA) since its founding in 2020, and we've…read morewatched the school grow and evolve. Starting a new school during COVID was no small feat, and while there have been occasional missteps--what school doesn't have them?--HHA's commitment to improvement stands out. Challenges are met with reflection and growth, ensuring lasting progress. The administration, faculty, and staff are deeply dedicated to HHA's mission. This isn't just a school for academics; it's a place that fosters character and community. My kids love attending, and the sense of belonging is incredible. From hugs shared during Community Circle to my daughter having besties in every grade in the school, it's clear HHA is building a kind, inclusive community. If you're looking for a school where your child can thrive academically and personally, HHA is an amazing choice.

We absolutely love King's Kids Academy! The staff are caring, attentive, and truly invested in the…read morekids' growth and happiness. It feels great knowing our little one is in such a safe, loving environment every day. Highly recommend!

From the owner: A Bright Future Starts at King's Kids Academy…read more Looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for your little one? King's Kids Academy in Madison, Wisconsin, is your answer. We offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. Our Programs: Infant Care: We provide personalized care for infants, ensuring their safety, comfort, and stimulation. Toddler Care: Our toddler program focuses on social-emotional development, physical skills, and language development. Preschool: Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten by introducing them to letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. Afterschool Care: We offer extended care for children up to age 12, providing a safe and fun place to unwind after school. Why Choose King's Kids Academy: Experienced and caring staff: Our teachers are passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child. Safe and secure environment: We prioritize the safety and security of all our children. Engaging curriculum: Our activities are designed to be fun and educational, fostering a love of learning. Nutritious meals: We provide healthy meals and snacks to ensure your child stays fueled throughout the day. Convenient location: We are located in the heart of Madison, making it easy for parents to drop off and pick up their children. Enroll Today!

Our experience as a family has been just wonderful. The level of staff experience here is the…read morehighest I have ever encountered. Many teachers have been with the preschool for more than a decade, and it shows.

Our family has been at ORNS for the last 7 years. The teachers, staff, and director are all caring…read moreand enthusiastic. Their play-based curriculum is ideal for early learners. ORNS has been voted Hulafrog's "Favorite" preschool in Madison. It's a great place to start a love for school.

My child has been going to kids junction since she was 5months old. She is now in the 1-2 classroom…read moreand is thriving. The teachers understand her and are so easy to chat with at drop-off/pick-up. They are effective at communicating any needs and follow protocol when accidents happen. It is very important to me that my daughter receives quality care that supports her physical wellbeing and emotional/social development. The staff do exactly this. We were recommended Kids Junction by friends, and I want to pass on my recommendation to you.

My daughter did the summer camp here and it was excellent! The field trips are amazing and my…read moredaughter always looked forward to going. Would definitely recommend!