I'd recommend I'd you're in the area and need a pump. Only cons is odd hours on Saturdays, closed…read moreat 2 P.M. Had a wedding nearby so I popped in for a $10 day pass for the gym. Front desk was super helpful and got me on my way. The gym is a mixture of outdated but classic lifting equipment and some newer machines and free weights. Great mix for people who love to actually lift heavy things and helps you feel like your lifting in a Dorian Yates style dungeon gym in Birmingham or Ronnie Coleman's metroplex. Makes you want to scream "Light Weight Baby" & "Yeah Buddy" as you slam down the rusty iron dumbells and the locals look at you like you're a mad man. I'd recommend wearing a cut off flannel shirt snd maybe sunglasses as they have large windows with a great view of the Mississippi River from the cardio section.. at least I think it was a nice view.. who does cardio these days.

Stopped by the Y while I was in town and the ladies at the desk were helpful with setting up a day…read morepass. Day passes used to be $10, but now are $15. The gym has everything you need to get in a solid workout, and the other patrons were courteous.

Our two sons attended Heartland Montessori in the early years of the school's history; they are now…read morein their 20's, and I can say that the Montessori education they received at Heartland made a large and positive impact on their capacity and confidence which they have carried forward to both academic, work and personal activities. Unlike passive learning methods, Montessori helps children learn how to think, expand their ability and interest to do so, and how to translate this into real world actions. I really think that this sort of education helps create future leaders in our society.

From the owner: A private, nonprofit school offering quality Montessori education…read more in the St. Croix Valley since 1994 Heartland Montessori School is dedicated to preparing children for lifelong learning by teaching cooperation, challenging intellects, nurturing the desire to learn and engendering self-confidence. This happens in an environment that is fun, rewards curiosity and where the teachers care deeply about the development of the whole child. You may have many choices for childcare and day care, but Heartland is the only AMI-accredited Montessori preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school in this part of Wisconsin. This teaching method has been used for over 100 years and is now supported by the latest research. We're proud to inspire both academic and personal growth in children.

This is truly the best daycare and preschool I know. Before enrolling my child at Paidea, I toured…read moreand interviewed 17 daycares in the surrounding area. Paidea stood out immediately for so many reasons. The staff is loving, caring, and deeply hands-on with the children, creating an environment that feels warm, welcoming, and like a second home. The school is clean, safe, and stimulating, with thoughtful activities that keep children engaged, learning, and excited to come each day. The teachers are kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in every child's well-being. What makes Paidea especially special is that every staff member is involved--it feels like a true community that is nurturing, helpful, and fun, always going the extra mile to support not only the children, but the whole family. My child has truly thrived here, receiving educational, emotional, and social support, and I feel complete confidence knowing he is in the best hands. In addition, my older son attends the summer program and absolutely loves it. It offers the same strong sense of community while giving him the chance to learn so much and have a wonderful time. I wholeheartedly recommend Paidea to any family looking for a place where their children will be cared for, supported, and encouraged to flourish.

Best place ever for our child. She is loved, safe, and learning SO MUCH. Everyone here is so…read morewonderful and you can tell they LOVE THEIR JOBS! And love all the kids. We are so thankful to have found this place. Highly recommend checking them out!

Our son attended Casa de Corazon Kingfield on Nicollet for almost 1 year, starting in Infant A and…read moreending in Toddler B. I wanted so badly for Casa to work for us, unfortunately, we just never were able to make that happen. I know that this review is in stark contrast to every other review, but I'm hoping to give one perspective so that people can make a truly informed decision. The benefits are pretty clear: organic food, multicultural curriculum, Spanish language immersion, and for us, it was close to home. Here are the downsides and why we chose to move to a different childcare center: 1. The program is not only Spanish immersion for the children, but also the parents. The teachers speak little to no English which makes communicating about very basic things like how our child's day was, did he eat, how is she sleeping, etc. impossible. The directors do speak English, however, they are always running around highly stressed talking on walkie talkies and do not have time to communicate. I understood when we chose Casa that it would be Spanish immersion for our son, I didn't realize communication as a non-Spanish speaking parent would be so incredibly challenging. It's entirely possible that if we, as parents, spoke Spanish, we would have had a very different experience. 2. They take the maximum number of children to teacher ratio allowed by the state and always seem overworked and very stressed - especially the directors. Voicemails and emails went without response for days - sometimes not responded to at all until I emailed or called again. The app that they use to communicate to parents about their child throughout the day is perfunctory at best. While it gives a general overview of what the kids are doing, you will get no specific feedback on your individual child and any message you want to send to the teacher through the app goes without response. 3. The parking situation is a nuisance at best and incredibly dangerous at worst. There is only parking on Nicollet Ave with zero crosswalks to the school. Parents jaywalk, block traffic, and are ridiculously aggressive for parking spots. I was almost hit multiple times by other parents swerving into or cutting me off for parking spaces - imagine Hunger Games but with over caffeinated, under appreciated and sleep deprived caretakers to little Id driven beings - it's not pretty. 4. Lastly, the teachers are inconsistent. It's luck of the draw if you get a kind caring teacher. Our infant teachers were amazing but his morning toddler room teacher was a bit of nightmare - cold, defensive, never once said even an "hola" to me when I dropped off my son. Coincidentally, my son started screaming in the mornings on school days and would latch onto me when I brought him into his classroom shortly after he transitioned to this teacher's room. Thankfully, the other teachers later in the day seemed much more pleasant and caring. The point is, there's really no consistency in the quality of teacher you will get. They also transition in and out of classrooms frequently so the good news is that if you do not like the teacher, they will probably change. Take all of this for what it's worth. There are many reviews to the contrary, this is simply one perspective based on our experience. Hope it helps give a more 360 view of Casa.

We were very interested in considering this school for our infant son, however, they only offer…read moretours one day a week at 9:30 in the morning. When I wrote to inquire as to whether there is an option for an afternoon tour the Director responded and said "it would be unsustainable to meet every family's schedule." She acted like they were setting the bar in accommodation when all they do is offer one rigid tour time once a week on a specific day. There's very little about that, which is accommodating. The feel that was given off is you're a burden if you can't fit into their very narrow box. They gave off a bad vibe. There's too many other good places out there to settle for unaccommodating service. Plus it makes me nervous that they would apply the same style of inflexible thought, to the care of the children.

I am entirely confident that Callie's Childcare is one of the best around! Callie is always readily…read moreavailable, easy to talk with and makes me feel welcome. As a working professional, I need a reliable, loving, sensible provider that will ensure my daughter's safety and happiness. In Callie's Childcare, this is all in place. The positive emphasis on manners, health, and friendship is beautiful. She allows for free play time for children to discover how to play and provides structure and education. My daughter's social skills and her educational skills have blossomed while in Callie's care. She is learning manners, patience, and is helpful. At 16 months she knows how to clean up and how to put her items away. She is using art tools and enjoys songs and games. She eats a healthy, balanced diet and I love that Callie exposes her to a variety of healthy, home cooked foods. Callie also balances inside and outside play. I love that the children get fresh air and time outside to play and explore. Callie is very in tune with kids, enjoys her work and her genuine interest and enthusiasm shines through in a brilliant way. We see our daughter blossoming and thriving. She asks for "Miss Callie" and often starts her day giving her huge hugs. I know my daughter wants to be there and that she feels loved. That is so important. Callie has helped us learn routines and as a new mother she helps support my questions and concerns! My daughter comes home happy, confident and with her bright mind expanded a little more each day. As a parent I also appreciate Callie's thoughtful communication. We get a daily update on our daughter's day which includes meals, behavior, naps and activities. She shares photos and videos throughout the week which really lifts my heart up when I am away from my daughter. She is quick to communicate about monthly activities and schedules. She always responds thoughtfully to my questions and is flexible when my family is traveling or needs to make adjustments to our schedule. Without hesitation, I completely recommend Callie's Childcare. This is not just a safe place to entrust your child so you can work--it is way more than that! Callie's Childcare is positively impacting not just my daughter's life, but my life too.

I adore The Little School! My son has been going here for about 1.5 years, first in the older…read moretoddler room and now in the preschool. My 7 month old also just started in the infant room. The teachers here - and owner Erin! - are absolutely the warmest, kindest, and most genuine people. I'm constantly amazed at the creativity they put into each day for the kids: from building forts, to the dramatic play station, to themed crafts and working on letters and counting, they do such a wonderful job at providing an environment that is fun and safe. And the ratios! You truly can't beat them. The fact that there are only 3 (!) babies in their infant room and 4 toddlers in each group (younger and older) is something you just don't see anywhere else. I also love the parents here, several of whom have become "real life" friends! It's such a joy hearing all the stories of his day from my preschooler, it's obvious how much he loves his teachers and this school. Highly, highly, highly recommend!

The Little School came highly recommended from a close family member who had her two children…read moreattend. It seemed to be fate that there happened to be an opening that came up when my daughter turned two and a half, just in time to start the preschool program. The philosophy and teaching methods that this school bases itself upon are far superior from absolutely every other preschool that we looked in to. The staff consistently maintains an overall higher level of expectation for these kids. Which was so impressive to me because at such an impressionable age these young kids are being held accountable for themselves. They take such pride in the work that they accomplish either by themselves or in a group. They are respectful of not only the boundaries of their peers, but more importantly of themselves. As a result they are rewarded by having more freedom in their choices. From science lessons, to music class, yoga, art classes, dramatic play (my daughters fave!), weekly sharing day, to hearing what creative game they made up that day while playing outside. The amazing staff, conferences & daily progress reports, the ever so anticipated Halloween party, and sincerely wonderful families and parents, I could go on forever. Overall the three years at The Little School was a tremendously positive experience for our whole family. We now have a first grader who is reading at a fourth grade level with impressive comprehension skills. As well as going above and beyond her schools curriculum in math and science. I'm so proud of her, and I attribute so much of her early successes to her time at The Little School.

In 2021, my husband and I were excited to close the chapter of needing day care in our lives as our…read morethree children were old enough not to need it. Then in 2022 we were blessed with our "bonus" baby. With a degree of reluctance, we opted to enroll her in the same daycare our three oldest children attended. This decision came with a touch of hesitation, considering the significant changes that have taken place at the small, intimate center we once knew and adored. That center did not seem to know the direction it wanted to take and there was some toxicity with one of the owners. (Never once was I concerned about the care she received in the rooms by the staff.) During the year she was there, the boundaries with one of the owners felt chaotic and unpredictable. It was time to cut ties with a center we had been at over 10 years and began looking for a new daycare for our daughter to attend. We were fortunate that Goddard-Lakeville had availability for our daughter to attend. The very first thing we noticed was the level of safety/security at the center. There is no entering the building unless you are welcomed in by a staff member. I have seen grandparents needing to show their ID's prior to being allowed in the building. In today's day, the level of security is incredibly comforting. The second most prominent feature is the teachers' level of involvement. Right from the tour, we observed how the teachers were fully engaged with the children, not lingering on the sidelines with their phones or engaged in conversations amongst themselves. Thirdly, the communication is outstanding. There's no ambiguity regarding the center's operations - it's clear, concise, and consistent. The policies are fair- they do not change based on the most recent parent's complaint. The extent of our daughter's learning journey is astounding. We're immensely thankful for the age-appropriate curriculum. As advocates of education and evidence-based approaches, Goddard truly stands out as exceptional! Finally, the teachers are fantastic! They genuinely invest in the well-being of the children under their guidance. They understand my daughter as a unique individual and cater to her specific needs. Based on our experience with two prominent daycares in the Lakeville area, I wholeheartedly endorse Goddard-Lakeville. The owners cultivate a community that balances professionalism and healthy boundaries while providing a nurturing environment for children to flourish. The teachers are top notch! Any family that decides to invest in the care at Goddard-Lakeville, will not be disappointed!

The Goddard School in Lakeville has been an excellent choice for our daughter's childcare. Since…read morestarting there at 2, her vocabulary has dramatically increased and she is doing fun and adventurous things every day, while expanding her knowledge of various cultures too. Her safety and well-being, along with those of the staff, is always a high priority for the owners. Our daughter is greeted with a smile each day, and eagerly awaits going to school every day. We are so thankful for the care and attention that has been given to her, and that she now has a whole community of trusted people other than her parents who have her best interest in mind. It's true that it takes a village to raise kids, and this is a great one to be a part of!

Our daughter began attending the Cradle Club in downtown Minneapolis in October 2019 when she was…read morejust six months old. To say I was nervous about placing her in someone else's care would be to put it mildly. We had done our research and toured multiple facilities and just kept coming back to Cradle Club and the feeling we had from our tour, during which Sharita knew each of the children by name, the children seemed happy and excited about learning and playing and the teachers also seemed to be enjoying their time. The experience felt personal and as if we would be joining a family and a village that would help us raise and care for our little girl. We made the right choice. The teachers and the directors helped with the transition from my maternity leave to daycare and welcomed our daughter in such a way that she and we grew to love bringing her to school each day. The teachers truly care about the children and greet them with joy and huge smiles and excitement for the day ahead. The attention to detail and individual needs is evidenced by the care that goes into moving up to older classrooms and ensuring that we as parents feel heard and our child's needs are met. I would highly recommend Cradle Club!

We've sent our toddler to the Minneapolis Cradle Club location since she was 5 months old. She…read moreabsolutely loves her friends and all her activities (playground, art, songs, dramatic play, Spanish, etc.) in the toddler room. We love Cradle Club all-around - her teachers have all been wonderful, and we've always felt that it has a much more personable, "family" feeling than the average center (and very different from some of the more corporate-feeling centers we toured!). We couldn't be happier!

My family loves Smart Start and we highly recommend them! Our two kids went there and loved the…read morestaff. They had a ton of great activities for the kids and my husband and I are really impressed with this place.

Our family has been impressed with the care and compassion exhibited by the leadership + staff at…read moreSmart Start. We love the routine, play, outdoor classroom and FUN our child has every day. We receive consistent and clear communication not only on the day to day activities for our child but also broader ongoings of the center which creates a sense of community.