My son goes to Brighten Academy. He has been going their for a year. We started him about 3 months after age 2 due to the wait list. There are a couple of great things I would like to highlight. 1. They learn things in themes which is so cool. He came home this week and was telling me about camping and the stuff we would need. We have never been camping but he comes home with new information. 2. He didn't have to be potty trained. They helped us and we tried at home. Personally I think he took longer because his little brother was born when he was 2 1/2 so it was a huge transition in life for him. 3. I don't have to pack him a lunch. Some schools I looked into I had to pack a lunch. Honestly I am so busy that adding one more thing before I go to bed or to do in the morning is rough. I already pack all my pumping supplies daily in order to feed his little brother. Now here is the thing that makes the school truly exceptional... they know everyone's name. When I walk in the door, the front desk and the teachers all know my son and every other kids' names. That is just awesome. There is a reason why they are the people's choice. (We go to the Villa campus) read more

I just had the most awful experience. I am really disappointed. I called various sites in Clovis area to find this Austin site had 3 full days. I told them that my son is three and still has a hard time transitioning to pooping on the toilet. He doesn't feel comfortable. He literally is outta diapers and then begs me to put a diaper on so he can poop. Working on that with him. He doesn't have issues at night for 9-10 hours or during naps. He poops once a day. I told them that he's getting better and I expect him to be out of diapers completely by one month. They were so understanding on the phone. Told me they have a class of 19 with two teachers and since he's not 4 yet they would help and it wouldn't be an issue. I drove here today and I am literally guessing but more than likely this is true. Everything they told me over the phone was not true. They did not have the three full days open, she told me to start when he's fully potty trained and I felt so very uncomfortable the entire time. I felt as if it was due to his religion/ race I got some special unwanted treatment. I myself grew up experiencing racism but not like this. I was born in England and lived most of my life in the states. I have immigrant parents and I felt some racism here and there but not like this or maybe I don't remember. I was hurt that the conversation on the phone one day before was different than what I experienced. One of the girls working there told me that should would put a hold on the days for me for 24 hours. Today I drove here for a completely unknown experience that was full of run around statements. I have worked with kids and I was a nicu nurse for years. I been busy with grad school and he's just having pooping issues. He doesn't have accidents and he's still learning. I know their statements were all excuses. This was so sad to experience for me. I expected better. I will never recommend this place to family and friends. They loss some business. I hope they read this and will do better. There are no excuses for this behavior for kids. I checked out another day care who were way nicer in town. If I am an adult and you treat me like I am an idiot then I can't imagine how you would treat my son when I am not there. read more

Our daughter attended Brighten from age 2 and its been wonderful! I love that they have cameras so we can see her anytime. She always loved her teachers and came up excited to share her day. read more

This review is for the Shaw location but I can't find a page for it on yelp. I LOVE this preschool! I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with the staff and my girl loves going here and all her teachers and friends. The ladies who work in the front are the absolute nicest people I have ever met and all of the teachers are very sweet as well. I enrolled her when she was 2.5 and the first few weeks she cried literally every time I dropped her off lol, the staff never made me feel weird about it and always made an effort to comfort her. I would watch on camera and she was always relaxed a few minutes after I left. They do a good job at giving extra love and care to the kids having a hard day and will hold them and comfort them. I love watching the cameras to see what my kid is up to and always see the kids having fun and behaving surprisingly well, I haven't seen any hitting or aggression other than knocking down block towers lol. They all seem to do what they're expected to do most of the time like sitting on the rug at reading time, sitting at the table for food, sleeping at nap time. If they want to do their own thing like lay on the floor or stare out the window, the staff doesn't force them into doing something else they don't want. During crafts they can play with toys instead or hang out with other kids. At this age need that freedom of choice and they don't need to be tough on them as long as they aren't a disruption. Preschool should be fun not serious! I don't get a TON of personalized info on my kids activities and progress but they give me a slip every day with some basic info on her mood and engagement level and what they learned about, and what she ate/if she slept, etc. and honestly I check the cams throughout the day and can see what she's up to. I've never been called regarding any issues except once when she was obviously feeling sick and complaining about her ear. They said it was just an fyi and since she didn't have a fever it wasn't necessary to pick her up (I did anyway so she could rest at home). When she first started she was shy and a little anxious around other people but she's so outgoing now and loves being around other kids! She has a couple little buddies she gives hugs to when she says bye, and one of the kids she calls her "best friend" lol. I like that they get outside twice a day for quite a while, they do crafts every day, read books, dance, sing, and all the fun stuff toddlers love! read more

No stars given. Worst experience my child ever faced. Hopefully he doesn't have permanent damage from the emotional experience he faced there. The staff has zero compassion for kids. Inexperienced stuff they probably pay them peanuts. read more

Love this school and the staff!!! My child has learned so much in 3 years that I am confident in his educational foundation. My child loves to come to school here. It is so popular that they are doubling their size and until now have always had a waiting list. Enroll with confidence!!! read more

Brighten Academy Preschool - Preschools Near Me - Clovis, California

The teachers at this location are amazing!! We felt very fortunate to be accepted after waiting for 6 months. We have an only child who attended this location for 2 months. She does not get any opportunity outside of preschool to socialize with toddlers her age. Our daughter is 2 1/2. She was kicked out today unfortunately for 2 biting incidences in 1 day. We have been informed of previous close calls as well. We feel like they have given up on our little girl. We understand the liability a child that bites creates for a preschool. Also don't want to put anyones child in a position where they come home with bite marks. But how is a child to learn or a parent to correct when this doesn't happen at home? We feel the policy is a little harsh but also understand know body wants their child to be on the one being bitten so someone else's child can learn a lesson. Makes you think about how vigilant are the people around you child each day. Sad day for us as parents. We feel fortunate for the progress we have seen in our little one from the help of the teachers at this location but feel like the management has given up on a wonderful little girl. read more

I feel bad giving 2 stars because the staff is friendly. However, recently I had to remove my son because I feared for his well-being as well as the well-being of my family. There was always some sort of illness/disease circulating through this facility. To name a short few, Covid 19, Corona Virus, RSV and Hand Foot Mouth Disease. My son would bring these illnesses home to my infant. It was a constant problem in our home and my 6 month old was even hospitalized. Something to consider if you have other children in the home. RARELY do they send sick children home. YES PARENTS BRING THEIR SICK kids constantly because you still have to pay whether your child attends or not...there are no sick days and no vacation/makeup days. The staff is ALWAYS changing...teachers are constantly coming and going which is never a good sign and I don't think it's beneficial for the children. It's unsettling because the kids do not understand and they really need consistency. Lastly, I question the learning aspect of this preschool. A former teacher told me that it's all kind of for show if you will to keep the parents happy. Sure they have cameras here and they send the kids home with cute drawings and handprints etc but that's the extent of it. Brighten is more like a daycare/babysitting service rather than a preschool. read more

Love this school! The staff are so kind and wonderful with the kids. Ms. Annie was my son's teacher and he absolutely loved her. Highly recommend Brighten Academy! :-) read more

Unprofessional staff!!! They hire very young, unexperienced, uneducated staff to care for the children. Due to lack of education and training, they deliver poor results. They have no idea to handle kids. They just charge extra for the location. No love and kindness by staff. Very cold! read more

I was scouting for a place for my child to attend that works with my crazy work schedule. I called to get information about the locations and what they offer. It was too much to go over the phone this place is a must see in person!! The staff is very friendly and willing to answers all the questions you may have about childcare/preschool needs. This location along with the others since I did stop in for a tour of the other location are clean and staff is super amazing always greeting you and offering help if lost or have questions! Amazing place to feel at easy sending your child. They offer full time and part time rates. Drop off is at 0630 and pick up is 1800. Nice security measure for peace of mind (have to see in person). They have a full playground area. Also, offering private smaller Kindergarten classes. Classes are small student ratio typically having 2 teachers. They offer breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. You can always pack your child's lunch if child does not like food on the Calendar. Smaller children do have nap time, but it is optional if your child still naps. The classrooms are nice, spacious, and educational. I have been exceptionally happy with Brighten Academy. This is my first venture with sending my child to a daycare/preschool environment. FYI ask for Cindy she helped me through the whole process very professional answering all my questions!!! Love this place. Thanks for meeting all my childcare needs! Keep up the great work:) Tip: when enrolled they ask you bring a couple of supplies to place in your child's cubby. Sun block, fitted sheet (for napping purposes), and change of clothes. Con- school does charge for closed holidays. Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and anymore federal holidays. read more

My daughter went to Brighten for almost 4 years, and I don't regret the decision to send her there. Everyone was cheerful, professional, and not only did they care for her with love and kindness, they taught her great social and academic skills to prepare her for Kindergarten. As a pediatrician, I also appreciated how they handled minor outbreaks of common childhood diseases, and did not panic or cause anxiety for the other parents. I know there is a waitlist to get into this daycare, but it is well deserved. I leave a 5 star review as a thank you to all of the people who work at all of the locations, they have given our family a gift by giving such great service. read more

Best place for your kids!!! Both of my boys attended this daycare/Kinder Prep school. They learned so much from the awesome teachers and some days didn't want to come home. That told me they felt happy and safe there. read more

When my husband and I were researching preschools to send our toddler to, Brighten Academy stood out amongst the others for many reasons. We are extremely picky and only want what is best for our kiddo. Curriculum and flexibility were two of our top priorities when considering the preschool. Brighten not only met them, but they surpassed them. Their philosophy and how they view the importance of a child's education was the tipping point in our decision to choose them. They were also extremely flexible with our schedule (As long as they have availability. This is the same for any preschool/daycare out there by the way.). All of the staff and directors are some of the most genuinely kind people I have ever encountered in an educational environment. You can really see they are truly happy to be there and to be with the littles. The office and learning environments are always decorated with fun themes for the kids. It puts a smile on our face every time we go in . There are just so many positive things to say! The backlash and negative comments they are getting are completely unreasonable. These individuals may not understand that first responders/doctors/nurses and other essential public service employees may have no other option but to send their child to preschool/daycare. The employees at the preschools and daycare that remain open are knowingly putting themselves at a great risk, but do so as a necessity to keep civil services running. This is noble in my opinion and our family and friends will continue to support Brighten Academy now and in the future. read more

Check out their menu before sending your kids here - nachos, pizza, hot dogs for lunch and a piece of toast for breakfast? I was just checking this school out and this alone turns me away. read more

Great place for kids to start! The staff are so nice and my son is learning alot of things to prepare him for kindergarten.

I loved this daycare it was pretty awesome until I fell upon some hard times and could no longer afford the very large tuition. I was behind 1 mo. and pulled the kids out immediately as not to take advantage. I spoke with the owners who seemed very understanding at the time. Then recently I was sued by them not only to payback the 1 month of tuition but also their attorney and filing fees. Yes I owed them money and yes I was planning on paying them back not only because it was my obligation but because i loved the care provided but having my entire checks garnished has put me in the worst financial position. i couldn't imagine anything worse during this difficult time in our lives . My children's father passed away and taking on financial responsibilities of a 2 income household on my own has been fierce. These garnishments have really made life these days impossible. BEWARE if you fall on hard times they may seem very understanding but they really are not. If you thought times were tough just wait til Brighton is done with you. read more

My daughter loves this place. The teachers are engaging and my daughter has learned so much in the time she's been there. I love Brighton

Best daycare and preschool around!!! My son now 6, went here 3 years and is now top of his class in kindergarten!! Love them so much that I put my 2yr old in as soon as I could for the social learning. I didn't know she would come home knowing songs, shapes, days of the week, and colors so fast. The owners only employee a kind-hearted, caring, and intelligent people that truly love my kids ;)) Love you Brighten Academy!!! read more

It takes a special kind of person to care for children it is not for everyone. That being said, we witnessed recently from the (virtual video cam) one of the daycare teachers (miss A.) use excessive force picking up my 38 month old grandson under his arms and placing him on the floor for a time out (which just happens to be out of the cameras view). We could only see his little legs on the ground. There is no audio but her body language shows her clearly arguing with him (verbal abuse). We had seen enough after 30 mins the facility was called to notify the staff of what we were witnessing. We just happened to be viewing at that instant. Who knows what has happened to him in the past because there have been times we could not see him in the classroom. Later when we asked him he said "she hurt me with her fingernails" that speaks volumes. He has been a student there for approx. 4 mos and he has never wanted to say bye to her (she would teach for the last hour or so of his day) when we would pick him up he would just hold onto his bankie and nod no. Never ignore your child's reaction toward people I know we never will again. read more

I love this school. My third child will be attending this year. My first two attended and have always been top of their class in Clovis unified. Staff is great, teachers very supportive. They are very big on safety and the wellbeing of our children. Wouldn't trust any other preschool with my children. read more

Amazing staff, super clean facility, great teachers. All-around great place. Kids thrive here.

My son went there from the time he was 3.5 years old till right before he started kinder in August. He had started preschool at another school for 7 months and the difference in the schools was night and day. He attended Brighten for two days a week and he learned so much. The teachers are absolutely fantastic and you can see how much they care about the kids. When he started kinder, you could tell how much his time at Brighten prepared him for elementary school. He is currently in kindergarten and reading at a second grade level and completing second grade level homework. My daughter is now attending Brighten Academy and she loves it as well. She just started a few months ago and I can already tell that she has learned a lot and is much more interested in academics than she was before. We absolutely love Brighten academy and would highly recommend it to anybody that is looking for a school that balances fun and education very well! read more