I was very dissapointed in this daycare. I signed up while still pregnant with my son to start 5…read moremonths later and paid the 1/2 month deposit. We planned on 3 days a week and the rate was very reasonable. The caregivers seemed very gentle and caring and I was excited to have a place that I would feel comfortable leaving him starting at 3 months of age. A couple of months later however, I noticed on the website the rate went up $200/month and I was not notified. I emailed the director but did not get a response then called and left a message but still did not receive a return call. The director changed and I met with the new one who was very understanding and helpful, however after deciding to no longer use Happy Valley due to the cost change and poor responsiveness of staff, she thought I would be able to get my deposit back ($400+). After 3 plus months of back and forth emails and calls, I received an email that no, you cannot have your deposit back. I understand it is non-refundable however I think the way it was handled was very poor and due to the change in tuition rate, an exception could have been made. Very frustrated by the entire process. To clarify, this review is only regarding administration and not the actual caregivers. I spent many months researching daycares then last minute had to find an alternative so that I felt more comfortable in the care my son would receive.

As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessings to the staff at Happy Valley Children's Garden every…read moreday, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance they receive. The teachers and director look at each child as an individual, with their own strengths and needs. My daughters have been blessed with awesome teachers who understand there challenges, and handle them with grace. My children have learned so much and continue to share with me the great activities that go on each day at "school!" Thank you to the Happy Valley Children's Garden for an incredible early childhood curriculum that engages and teaches at all steps of the day, and a special thanks to Nicole and her staff; they continue to do amazing works of "heart" with all children.

Our shy daughter began attending LHGS a few months ago, and she absolutely loves it! We had…read moreattended a coop in the past, and she had a hard time being dropped off, so we were cautiously hopeful that her first foray into preschool would be a positive one for her. All of the teachers at Little Hands are so sweet with her, and take her into their fold as soon as we get there. Any clinginess she has dissipates within seconds of arriving. When I come back to pick her up, she's all smiles, hugging and kissing her teachers. The half day schedule is 4 hours long, which is perfect - long enough that I don't have to turn around right after dropping her off to pick her up again. And they feed the kids snack AND lunch so I don't have to worry about packing a lunch on top of trying to get everyone out of the door in the morning. BONUS. The space is sweet - a large backyard with lots of play structures and toys, as well as chickens and bunnies. The kids help feed the chickens and sometimes collect eggs to use for lunch. They also have a plot at the community garden a few blocks away that they'll go to sometimes for a picnic lunch. Best of all, this is a place where my kid can get MESSY. I'm too anal to do those kinds of projects at home - the ones involving glue, glitter, paint, mud, gack... But I don't want my kid to be anal like me, so I'm very happy to see her little feet and face covered in dirt and what-not at the end of the day. Huzzah for Erin and her wonderful teachers at Little Hands!

Our family has had the most wonderful experience at Little Hands Garden School. My older son…read morestarted in 2022 and will soon be heading off to kindergarten with so many beautiful memories and a strong foundation, thanks to the nurturing environment at this school. My younger son joined this past year, and we are so grateful that he, too, gets to grow and learn in such a special place. The teachers at Little Hands are truly exceptional--kind, conscientious, warm, and confident. They approach each child with genuine care and respect, creating a safe space where kids are not only encouraged to explore and express themselves, but also gently guided to be thoughtful, kind, and responsible members of their community. It's clear that the staff is deeply committed to teaching children how to be good humans in our complex world. We especially love the play-based learning approach, which allows the children to learn through curiosity, imagination, and joyful discovery. The time they spend outside in the beautiful garden is a highlight--planting, playing, and connecting with nature in meaningful ways. It's the kind of early childhood experience every parent hopes for. Little Hands has been such a gift to our family. We're constantly in awe of the heart and intention that goes into everything they do. Thank you to all the amazing teachers for helping our boys grow with confidence, kindness, and joy!

This is an amazing community of teachers and families who genuinely want to give children the…read moreopportunity to grow and learn through play. Prior to Mud Pies, we were sending one of our children to a different daycare full-time where our older child did really well, but our younger child was struggling and acting out as a result. I was getting fairly regular phone calls about our younger child's behavior, and it was hard to not feel like I was failing as a parent. We were referred to Mud Pies by a friend and could not be happier. Two weeks in, I tentatively asked the lead teacher how our child was doing. They expressed that our child seemed to be getting the hang of the scene at Mud Pies, and that there was no need for alarm, then summed up their thoughts with, "We're just really glad he's here. He's a great kid." The model is not for everyone. These kids won't be trained to learn how to read before kindergarten and there likely won't be any reports about academic progress. But as far as I'm concerned, WHO CARES? My son is cared for deeply and he wakes up saying he's excited to see his friends. Communication between the leadership/teachers and parents is incredible. It's a beautiful, cozy space with an incredible outdoor area (where kids spend the majority of the day). My son also eats almost EVERYTHING he's served here-- and it's good stuff! We feel so lucky to have found Mud Pies.

I adore the mud pies community! The teachers are zen masters. I don't know how they remain so calm…read moreand levelheaded all. the. time. I really feel like my son is learning how to solve problems, work as a team, be a leader, and work out interpersonal conflicts. To boot, I've had nothing but pleasant interactions with the other families. If you're looking for a play-based program (as opposed to academic) this is the place.

We moved to the area from out of state and feel so fortunate to have found Rising Stars. It's a…read moresweet little school. Our oldest was there for 2 years and our baby for about 6 months - now I am home with our children due to some changes in work. I was very pleased with the school and the staff. Our boys were happy and enjoyed their time there. The owners are friendly and accommodating. I really appreciate the care they provided and their flexibility over the years with my changing schedule. I would love if my youngest could return later should we need care in the future.

Love the teachers and owners. Not very often do you find a school that has such great hands on…read morelearning. The owners make a great effort to keep the kiddos happy and the teachers happy too.

Here is a haiku about Puddletown: Perfect, wonderful…read more and exciting just as well you should join right now! I joke, but it really is an amazing school. I have attended for 9 years and the community, the experiences and the curriculum are all great. Please enroll in the middle school program there so I am not a lonely 8th grader next year... - A Puddletown Student

My daughter joined the Elementary program at age 6 after enjoying several years at another…read moreMontessori preschool. The transition was very smooth and now in her 3rd year there, she's still doing wonderfully. The community (parents, administration, teachers, support staff) are all relaxed and intelligent people that clearly love and value children. The Montessori philosophy and learning environments are authentic and beloved by the children. There's plenty of interaction between the children and the outdoors, with fun interactive garden experiences and an interesting outdoor play area. Tuition is the same as most other Montessori schools, and they offer before and after care, and plenty of opportunities for parents to volunteer. Good times!

So many feels to share about this beautiful little school…read more I believe we have hit the preschool jackpot!! The teachers are everything, they are parents themselves and exude calm and loving leadership. I love that there is an imaginative and playful energy mixed with the value of learning through tasks like folding or tidying up. My little one comes home singing and is excited about going to school. The school itself is residential home that is fully devoted to the school and has a lovely outdoor play area with swings, slide and sand! They children do crafts and make bread, they make soup together...it's just so darn sweet. I feel so completely at ease while my kiddo is in the care Mr Shay and Mrs Heegew, can't recommend Roswood school enough!

This is a new preschool, and I'm so grateful we discovered it! What a sweet, nourishing environment…read morefor young hearts and minds. We are thankful for the gentle transition from our daughter being cared for exclusively at home, one-one-one, to this enriching home-like setting with an intimate group of other children. My two-year-old is now flourishing as she learns through imaginative play/art, "work" (e.g. helping bake bread or prepare soup), and observation of the natural world around her. Between them, the teachers have deep and broad experience in both Waldorf and public education and connect strongly and intuitively with the children. I appreciate the lack of technological distractions in this space. It truly is a lovely and inspiring place, and I wish my own preschool as a child had this natural, homey vibe instead of something more institutional. My daughter comes home every day happy and brimming with expressions of beautiful new experiences and development. Highly recommend!

I didn't know anything about Montessori before enrolling my kids at Sunstone. I am now a…read morefull-fledged convert to the Montessori method. This school has been fantastic for our children--not only are they learning but, more importantly, they are developing a love of learning. They have gone from feeling indifferent to school to doing long division at home for fun, or begging us to sign them up for after school classes.

We didn't know much about Montessori before enrolling our son at Sunstone Montessori four years…read moreago. We've appreciated the wealth of parent education nights that have informed us about the absolute brilliance that is Montessori education. Wow, Maria Montessori. Each time we're at the school for parent education or some sweet gathering for families, we feel starry eyed and grateful to be able to have our kids at a Montessori school. On top of that, Sunstone is a great community of compassionate people. The year is full of sweet community events and seasonal gatherings. My kids look forward to school the great majority of their days and come home proud of the research/math/knitting or other awesome things they've done. The guides are all excellent, committed and caring, and clearly like family with each other. Truly my only complaint is that I wish we could walk there! And I wish they'd start a high school!

Roots and Wings is the best preschool I have ever experienced! Jill, Laura & Sarah are AMAZING. My…read moredaughter started here in the fall of 2021. We were nervous, because Covid, but Jill and Co always kept us feeling safe and my daughter stayed healthy. The community at this school is unlike any other. I love the friendships we have made over the past year! My daughter learned so much about her social/emotional skills, following direction, imaginative play and how to be a good friend. I one million percent recommended Roots and Wings!

Roots and Wings Preschool has been an incredible foundation for both of my children, who attended…read moretwo years apart. My eldest started just as we were emerging from the challenges of COVID lockdowns, and I was drawn to the school's emphasis on play and socialization. It was exactly what my children needed to reconnect with peers and learn essential life skills. While at Roots and Wings, my kids learned so much beyond academics--they learned how to make friends, share, follow a schedule, and become more self-sufficient, all within the nurturing environment provided by the kind and caring teachers. Jill, Jennifer, and Erin were the perfect first teachers for both of my children, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. My daughter, now in second grade, and my 5-year-old son still talk about their preschool teachers with such love and nostalgia. The half-day schedule was the perfect introduction to school life, providing structure while still allowing plenty of time for family and play. Roots and Wings has also gifted us lifelong connections--my daughter met her best friend there, a friendship that has grown into something like sisterhood. On top of that, I made a mom best friend who has been such a source of support and joy as we navigate motherhood. Even though my kids have both graduated, I still stay in touch with all of their teachers, which is a testament to how special they are and how much they care. I cannot recommend Roots and Wings enough to any family looking for a warm, supportive, and play-focused preschool experience. It's a truly special place that fosters a love for learning and community.