We feel so grateful to have found The Starfish Academy! We toured most of the preschools in the…read morearea from North Port to Sarasota. As first time parents, we had extremely high standards for our child's first school experience. Most of the schools were very underwhelming, with crowded classrooms and not the cleanest of environments. After we toured Starfish, I couldn't wait to ask for an application. The class sizes are perfect, small, tailored so you know your child is getting the one on one attention they need and deserve. The teachers are so, so warm and inviting. They made us feel like home. The school is extremely clean, organized and we especially loved their montessori style learning centers. Our son receives speech and occupational therapy which they have on site. No longer did we have to pick him up early from school to run around trying to get to all of his appointments. His therapists are literal angels! The amount of progress he has made since starting at this school is something we could have only dreamed of. You can tell that every team member is truly invested in the children's growth. They don't bat an eye at helping with potty training, trouble with naps, picky eating etc. They have always been more than willing to help with anything we suggest and with open arms and a smile. We cannot recommend the Starfish Academy enough. It's exceeded all of our expectations and more

The Starfish Academy needs to be shut down and reviewed for ethical violations. My experience has…read morebeen horrific and it has given me an alarming concerning for the families who bring their children to Starfish Academy. I removed my child from enrollment multiple times (as her attendance is a violation of our families Parenting Plan), yet the facility is so desperate for headcount that they allow for her to be dropped off by her father, despite multiple attorneys, judges, and even a mother requesting for this to stop. Their staff has been absent upon check ins and front desk unaccountable. There are dangerous play spaces that lack cleanliness, and don't even have sunshades to protect against the Florida sun. The rooms that have no windows and smell of fecal matter. Also, they have unaccounted for adults "work with' children, blurring the line between mental health facility and daycare. My child was injured multiple times, and even with fever without the school notifying me. I would think twice about this facility as it is unsafe and I've personally found it to be functioning without ethics.

They go above and beyond! I recently toured their facility and it's one of the best I've seen, and…read moreI looked at a few in n North Port and Venice. I watched the teachers in the classroom and the amount of enthusiasm and care they have is the best, they engage with all of the children. Three year olds were reading aloud! I had been told by several parents that they are the best Pre-K, and now I know why! I can't wait to see what my child learns at Kindergarten Prep!

I have both of my children at Educare and they have been absolutely wonderful. I feel confident…read morethat they will take amazing care of them and have helped them with socialization and language skills.

From the owner: It was in 2005 that Kendra Stamp combined her extensive experience in pediatric nursing, business,…read moreand early childhood education to open her first childcare facility in Port Charlotte, Educare Learning Center. This decision was based on more than four years of research and founded on the idea that it is possible to run a high quality facility that brings together the best childcare services with research-based educational programs while modeling the most up-to-date technology to ensure the safety and security of every child. Under her leadership, Educare expanded in early 2010 with the addition of Educare Academy in Bonita Springs. Kendra has been married for 32 years and is the mother of two grown daughters and prior to founding Educare, she spent more than 25 years as a registered nurse. Kendra is proud of the reputation for excellence that Educare has earned and is looking forward to even greater achievements in the years to come.

My wife always sign up at the Venice, FL YMCA when we come down for the season each year. The…read morefacility has very good equipment and it is very well maintained. The staff is very friendly and always willing to help if you have questions.

New to area, 2 kids attend Sky. I'm very excited that both kids enjoy school. My 8th grader stated…read morethat she feels "heard" when she asks for help with work or asks a question in class, by ALL the teachers... that's something she didn't get at her old school.

My daughter gets excited to come to daycare here. The teachers remember her individual needs and…read morewants, and work hard to engage the kids in learning every day. She also loves the food! I love being able to view a livestream of her classroom anytime through their app, and getting daily updates and photos of her day. I also love that they make sure there are books for kids to access any time in every classroom. They have a great outdoor area and indoor gym too. Attending La Petite North Port is a wonderful experience for our family.

I was nervous about sending my son to school for the first time. This particular preschool made it…read moreeasy and painless. From the front staff to the teachers everyone has been really helpful. My sons teacher Ms. Roxy deserves all the credit. She has been wonderful for my son. He gets excited to go to school. I watch her and she treats the kids like they are her own. which is more than you can ask for! Her assistant Ms. Paola is as patient and kind as she is. We feel so blessed. Thank you!

This place is very clean and the staff is great. My daughter has been going there for over a year,…read moreand she really likes it. It has good security and a nice playground. The staff is very good with the children. My biggest complaint is that they aren't very flexible on drop off or pick up times, which may be difficult for working parents.

This pre-school is absolutely amazing! Highly qualified…read morestaff who treat the children like family. The facilities are super clean and the equipment is in excellent condition. The new owner is amazing, and always available to answer any questions I have, she is usually always there!

My 2 year old has been attending this pre school for a few months now . Her teachers are kind , the…read moredirector is very involved and also very compassionate. We had a lot of questions before she started and they all were answered in a empathetic and professional manner.