Initially I wasn't sure what the best options for my children were heading into preschool, but I…read moreknew that the teacher to student ratio was a key indicator giving children the possibility of individual development and excelled learning. It was important for me to do the research all the schools and even talk to parents that had children in the school before I could make a good choice. There are a number of preschool options in this area, including public, Christian, and places like KinderCare. None of these options provided optimal class sizes, and through my investigation I came to see that the methods developed by Dr. Maria Montessori were critical to the development young children. I was thrilled to find Children's House Montessori School where my children received specialized made-for-them scholastic development. While my children are both still very young, other parents with children that have gone through Children's House Montessori School explain that children leave with above average skills and the confidence to use them. Very grateful for the school, program, and exceptional teachers that love their work and their students.

Children's House is a nurturing and encouraging school. The teachers are some of the best I have…read moreever known and class room sizes are perfect for the individualized care our children need. I highly recommend setting up an appointment to view the school and talk to Donna.

Oh Primrose- where to even begin? I will start with my biggest regret- not having my children…read moreenrolled here sooner. This is a school. This is not a glorified daycare. This is absolutely an environment that fosters learning, growth, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Our oldest child went through the private Kindergarten at Primrose and the impact this singular decision will have on his future far exceeds anything we could have hoped for. He got more than a foundation at Primrose- he got a solid education and a skillset that will have a lifelong influence. Upon graduating from the Primrose private kindergarten program, he went on to public school where he is in their kindergarten (we didn't want to push him ahead to 1st grade as we wanted the transition to elementary school to be easier on him). We have learned that he is not at a kindergarten reading level- he is at a SECOND GRADE reading level! Not only that, but we have been informed that of the 10 children that graduated from Primrose last year (either from the pre-K or Kindergarten program) and then went on to attend our same public elementary school, ALL TEN children are above grade level for reading. They are advanced enough that they are having to be pulled from their regular classroom reading time to work with a teacher that can teach them phonics/reading at the level these children are already at. There are only 2 non-Primrose children in their elementary school that are also being pulled for advanced phonics/reading skills. Furthermore, we have been informed that our son is also advanced in his math skills, and he will be pulled from his regular kindergarten math coursework to focus on more challenging math curriculum that more closely meet him where his skills lie. Now I would LOVE to take credit for his achievements. I would love to tell you that mom and dad taught him all that he knows. But that would be dishonest of me. We owe all of this development to Primrose- to the curriculum that they employ, to the safe and nurturing environment that they provide, and especially to the teachers and staff that work day and night to give these children a head start in life. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience at Primrose- they go above and beyond for their students and the community in everyway possible. THANK YOU PRIMROSE!

My daughter has been attending Primrose South Elgin for 7 years. The owners and staff here are…read moreabsolutely amazing and always act with integrity. As a parent I feel confident dropping my daughter off here every morning and feel lucky to have been able to have her here for so long. They have a wonderful curriculum for younger children and a great summer camp program.

Our two girls go here, and we love it. Our older daughter has already learned some kindergarten…read morematerial, and she is only 3. The teachers are very engaging, and it is very well run. We have been very impressed with the open communication, and with the care that our girls have received. Our girls will continue to go there until they leave to begin kindergarten. Definitely recommend!

We absolutely love Streamwood Montessori and would recommend it to anyone. My husband I can tell…read moreevery single day that our children love going to Streamwood Montessori from the smiles on their faces going in at the beginning of the day and also leaving every evening. The care that the children receive is top notch. The educational curriculum provides such a wonderful foundation for your children as they begin elementary school. The teachers and staff are so loving and nurturing. The care you offer to your children is a decision not to be taken lightly but I promise you will not be disappointed if you choose Streamwood Montessori for the care of your children.

The centre of Elgin preschool program is ridiculous. Don't ever try leaving messages for teachers…read moreor preschool director. You will NOT get a call back. I understand there are due dates for tuition, however after trying several times to get a hold of someone to let them know it'll be late and no response it's frustrating. My child goes to school and her teacher will keep the lights off because she has a migraine. So now my kid is on the dark playing and learning. Then the director tells me well it seems like your kids been coming here for free. Um no, a late payment is still a payment. Baffling. I highly recommend your child go elsewhere. They don't even take the time to see if the students are learning what they are supposedly teaching. Spend your money and time somewhere else. I wish I didn't have to give a star at all.

Looooove this preschool!!! Absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a great school for their…read morebabies. Teachers are great! Location is secure and has a warm, welcoming feel.

I just started my daughter here a couple weeks ago and I couldn't be happier…read more We have had a rough couple of times trying different home daycares. Nothing wrong with those specific ones but she just never really adjusted. Big Barn has been so understanding and helpful. She comes home every afternoon with a smile on her face. She's learning and making friends. Couldn't ask for more. They're very communicative and flexible. I wish I would have found them sooner. They are super affordable if you are looking to get your child into daycare and preschool. Definitely a hidden gem. Couldn't be happier.

Great school with dedicated staff that care about the children. Lots of good learning material and…read moresocial interaction for kids.

We removed our child from the Bethlehem Lutheran CDC. Our almost 4 year old (at the time) child…read morehad been a great "big potty" user for over a year. Only once in a long while would they have an accident. My husband and I began to notice that when our child felt the need to use the bathroom, every time without fail they would begin crying and screaming "I HAVE TO GO!! I REALLY HAVE TO GO!!!! BUT I CAN'T!!!! OWWIE!! IT HURTS!!! I CAN'T!!! HELP ME!! I CAN'T GO!!!!!" Our child would hold their privates and run back and forth from the bathroom to our hallway, finally wetting their pants. It was incredibly disturbing and we mentioned it several times to the teachers and staff at CDC. They all gave the same surprised response and said they would pay attention for any odd behavior. It's fair to mention that I had recently spent almost two weeks in the hospital for a serious (life threatening) surgical procedure, so we were thinking the potty problems were in relation to that. Our child then began having accidents at school and regularly during the night. One afternoon, while picking up my child from school, I overheard my child's teacher talking to a student during class time. "You think I'm supposed to make everyone stop what they're doing just to take you to the bathroom? Not a chance. Guess you should learn to go when it's time to, like everybody else... I'm so so so terribly sorry that you have to go, but guess what?? You can't. Too bad... That's a shame... See what happens? [My child's name], don't ask me again..." This is happening in front of a group of 3 and 4 year old's for goodness' sake! The teacher went on for a good 2-3 minutes with her sarcastic taunting before I was able to get into the classroom. The teacher was very surprised to see me and her entire tone changed into a very pleasant one. She did say that my child mentioned needing to use the bathroom. I had little interaction with the teacher. My child is normally a very active, happy, energetic person, but they were sitting on the floor, looking down, "lost" in playing with a toy. The teacher kept saying "I have no idea what's wrong, they've been like this for the last little while now. Other than this, it's been a good day." My child wouldn't look up at me and it took almost 5 minutes to get any acknowledgement. I looked at the teacher and she just gave this clueless, "I'm innocent," expression. I told my child that the teacher said they needed to use the bathroom. That's what made them look up. I said that when our body tells us we need to go potty, we need to listen to it and go. :) There was my happy child again. We removed our child that day from CDC. All potty issues have resolved and things are back to normal. Ironically, their mission statement says they view each child as a gift from God with his or her own pattern for development. I guess that doesn't include bladder development. Several times I've witnessed teachers yelling in the faces of children. I remember very well one morning when I witnessed a teacher berating, very loudly, two little 2 year old boys, telling them how bad they were, etc. for not making it to the potty in time and how disgusting they were for messing in their diapers. Her tone was mean, angry and very loud. I couldn't believe other teachers were just walking past, ignoring it. These were little 2 year old kids in DIAPERS! I pulled my child off to the side and addressed the situation, in front of another teacher and her class waiting to use the bathroom. That teacher was able to get the other teacher's attention and signaled her to back off of the boys. The director does not hold her staff accountable for their actions. All of these teachers are only given verbal or written "reminders" of how they ought to conduct themselves. The menu items for the children are cheap and sub-par at best. Froot Loops for breakfast? That's not even FOOD, much less a sustainable breakfast. And yet, their mission statement claims their goal is to help children develop the skills they will need to succeed in school and throughout life. Teaching young, impressionable children that their needs don't matter, that it's ok to yell and cut others down, and that Froot Loops, canned ravioli, and Rice Krispy Treats are part of a healthy diet is not exactly setting the next generation up for a successful future. If I were able, I would give this place zero stars. Consider this your warning. Enroll at your own risk.