My daughter has attended this Montessori school for quite some time now, and I truly cannot say…read moreenough good things about them. Since starting here, I've watched her grow so much socially, emotionally, and academically. She has learned so many skills, gained confidence, and really come into her own in ways I hadn't seen before. The staff and teachers have helped bring out such a beautiful side of her, and I'm beyond grateful for that. Her teachers are absolutely amazing and genuinely feel like family to us. They've supported not only my daughter, but me as a mother as well. They watched me go from pregnancy to welcoming my son, and throughout it all they've always shown love, care, and support. They truly go above and beyond for their families, and that level of compassion and community support is something you don't find everywhere. This school is truly a wraparound support system, not just a place for education. They care deeply about their students and families, and it shows in everything they do. I'm incredibly thankful to have found them, and I can't wait for my son to start attending this fall as well.

7 years of my daughter being here and almost 1 year of my son being here, they love it. I am glad I…read morepicked GRMS as their school. If you are having 2nd thoughts, don't overthink it. You won't regret it!

Our daughter has gone here for a year and she loves it so far. 3's program on a farm and she's…read morelearned so much. We are excited for her to do her 4s program this year and even more so that she has a friend wanting to enroll also. They teach the kids so many skills I didn't know a 3 year old could perform. The self learning discovery style has been great. Teacher Cheyanne left and we will miss her. Nonetheless we are still excited for our daughter to have her next year here. Her little brother will also attend here when he's old enough.

Our family has experienced two Montessori schools and two public districts between three boys…read more Dancing Pines is by far the most personal education between them all. The teachers are so mindful of how each child develops, it really does make you stop and think why it doesn't happen this way everywhere. I should also point out that our son is autistic and simply learns and interacts in his own way. The way he learns with the teachers and class mates is so organic that it doesn't even seem like he's being treated differently. And in reality I don't think he is being treated differently, which is exactly how I want my son treated. On top of the great staff, agile curriculum, and hands on learning... it's affordable. I'm sure you can find cheaper if you really look, but you will not find a better early learning experience for the price. Or for that matter, even more expensive options would have a tough time competing with this team. My child is currently 5 years old and autistic. Performing math at a 1st-2nd grade level. Reads at a 2nd-3rd grade level. And as a bonus, knows how to tend goats and chickens. Thank you so much Dancing Pines!

Haylie is a magician, that's our family nickname for her. Somehow she gets kids and their needs on…read morea deeper level than most people, even educators that I have met. I had two kids attend her preschool and our experience has been nothing short of life-changing. Absolutely one of the secret gems in Kent, 1000% recommend this preschool.

Little Orchard Preschool is by far the best school in the area. Haylie puts so much dedication into…read moreplanning each day. It's definitely NOT a place where you drop your kids off and they run wild. They actually have a set schedule, structured learning and learn new things everyday. There is a greenhouse children plant and harvest year round! It is a safe indoor/outdoor environment! Also, the menu for the kids is different everyday and always healthy options with fresh fruit and veggies!!!! I am always surprised at how much my child learns everyday and even teaches me new things I didn't know!

My daughter has been attending school here and is thriving. I have constantly been impressed by the…read morework she brings home, the wide range of topics they cover each week on top of her improving vocabulary. The teachers are kind, but also discipline when necessary and keep the class in order. I was looking for an environment with structure and somewhere to begin a solid foundation for learning. I highly recommend this school.

I absolutely LOVE this Montessori school! When I was little I attended a Montessori and wanted my…read morekids to have that same experience. This school offers children love and kindness along with structure and practical teachings that will give them strength in real life. The school is not far from Maple Valley and Covington but is technically located on the Black Diamond/Kent border not far from Ristrettos! Not sure why there are not posts yet as it is maybe a best kept secret- teachers Carolyn and Nicole are amazing!!!

My toddler and I absolutely love this place! I wanted my 2 1/2 year old to have a positive…read moreexperience socializing with other kids while learning and this place has provided both! He goes twice a week for three hours and every time I drop him I see in his little face he can't wait to get in. Miss Q (Evelyn) runs the daycare. My son absolutely adores her. She is very nurturing and caring. He learns new things every time he goes there. She provides the kids with lots of activities to learn and keep them busy. I will recommend Solid Roots to parents that are looking for their child to be in a caring, learning and socializing environment at affordable rates.

We have been taking our little one here for over two years now. We even took out our little one out…read moreof community preschool to enroll as a tuition student at Solid Roots. Miss Q offers monthly tuition or drop off options. Miss Q is patient, caring and knowledgeable in child development. Any concerns that we have about our child or goals we would like to achieve she works with us and is always communicating through text and in person during pick up. For example two years ago our son was in pull-ups and Miss Q was on the same page with us about potty training, and now our son is fully potty trained. Currently we are working on preparing him for kindergarten. This summer my husband and I felt that he may not be ready come fall 2020 but within months of setting goals with Miss Q we have seen significant growth in our child. She keeps the kids busy with learning activities and open play. She really knows how to balance the kids schedules. Our little one loves coming to school and is exited to learn. Everyday we pick him up he always comes home with at-least three artworks/activities. She keeps her school clean and organized and I never feel uneasy when dropping my child off. My husband and I are so thankful we found a school that can accommodate our work schedule and provide our child with social interactions with kids his age as well as incorporating preschool activities. We appreciate you Miss Q!

Parent Review - Please Read Carefully Spanish versión in…read moreimages. Update: This review has been updated to include additional factual details for clarity and completeness. I am sharing this experience so other parents can make informed decisions before enrolling their child. I wish I had seen a review like this beforehand. My intent is transparency, especially for families who rely on childcare subsidies and may have limited options. My daughter attended this school briefly. During that time, we experienced ongoing issues with communication and transparency. The most concerning situation involved my daughter being injured on more than one occasion--twice by the same child within a matter of weeks. When I asked why my child was hurt more than once in such a short period of time, the Director became defensive rather than responsive. On both occasions, I was not notified immediately. After the first incident, a vague incident report was placed in my daughter's backpack for me to discover after arriving home. The report was written on Mt. Tahoma letterhead, which was confusing and concerning, as my child does not attend that school. During the second incident, I arrived for pickup while my daughter was still crying and visibly distressed after being struck on the side of the head by the same child. The teacher who brought her to the gate did not know what had happened, and the Director also appeared unaware. My daughter was initially handed to me as if nothing had occurred. Only after it became clear that I was upset and would not leave while my child was crying, red in the face, and hurt did a staff member offer an ice pack. When the Director arrived, she was unable to explain what had happened. When my daughter identified who hit her, the Director stated, "No, it wasn't him," without clarifying who was responsible. Although my daughter clearly stated she was hit, the school insisted she had been "pushed onto bark." Bark would not cause a bruise on her ear or the contusion later diagnosed by urgent care. The conversation with the Director and owner was brief and uninformative. Neither acknowledged who hurt my child or clearly explained what occurred. Instead, the incident was repeatedly described as "normal child behavior," and it was implied that my daughter's actions caused her injury. Some children at the school are as old as six; my daughter is only four. No apology was offered, and no prevention plan was discussed unless I specifically asked. An incident report was not offered. I requested one and was told it would be provided, but it never arrived. After following up, I eventually received a report that lacked key details, including staff names and a clear explanation of how the injury occurred. Most concerning, the report focused heavily on my daughter's behavior in a way that implied she was responsible for being hurt, while also stating that a teacher witnessed the incident and did not intervene to prevent injury. In a follow-up email--after I continued requesting a corrected incident report and additional details--the Director suggested that I consider withdrawing my daughter and placing her in a private in-home daycare, stating that my concerns reflected "very specific needs," rather than addressing how the school would ensure my child's safety. Beyond the physical injuries, my daughter showed signs of emotional distress while attending this program, including difficulty playing with peers and fear associated with school staff. Since leaving the school, these reactions have continued. I have not been able to return to work since November, as attempts to transition her into other childcare settings have been unsuccessful due to her extreme distress and refusal to enter facilities. The emotional impact on our family has been substantial. What troubled me most was not just the incidents themselves, but a pattern of delayed communication, limited transparency around supervision, and dismissal of legitimate safety concerns. I have since withdrawn my daughter and am sharing this to encourage other parents to ask detailed questions about supervision, injury reporting, communication practices, and how children are supported emotionally. This review reflects my personal experience as a parent.

My oldest son has been enrolled here for nearly two years, and the growth we've seen academically,…read moresocially, and emotionally, has been extraordinary. He came in shy and hesitant, and he has blossomed into a confident, curious child who loves learning and communicating with others. He now problem-solves on his own, initiates conversations, and brings home life skills he proudly teaches his younger brother. Because of the trust we've built, I recently enrolled my youngest son as well. One of the most meaningful parts of our experience has been the genuine care the staff has shown our family. When my father passed away unexpectedly about a year and a half ago, the teachers and administrators surrounded us with warmth and compassion. They checked in daily, supported my son through his big emotions, and made sure he felt safe and loved during an incredibly difficult time. That type of care comes from people who truly value the children they work with. Communication has always been clear, consistent, and responsive. The staff is proactive in sharing updates, answering questions, and making sure parents feel informed and included. Over nearly two years, any small hiccups that naturally happen in childcare have been handled with transparency, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. My son has developed strong, trusting relationships with his teachers, both under the previous ownership and the current leadership. He talks about them with so much affection, and it's evident that they genuinely know and appreciate him as an individual. They celebrate who he is, encourage his interests, and guide him with patience and respect. The sense of belonging and stability he feels at school has been a major factor in his growth. Every family and child is unique, but I can confidently share that this school has been a nurturing, communicative, and supportive environment for both of my children. We are grateful every day for the foundation it has provided, and I am thankful for the teachers who care for my boys as if they were their own.

Update: We're still loving the teachers and community at Benson Hill Cooperative School with our 2…read moreyear old in Ms. Kellys class! My family started at BHCP with our 2 year old kiddo in 2019. She was our first kid so it was a relief to be in class with her learning from the teachers, other parents working in the classroom and the Bates Technical College parent educator. My daughter learned to be more independent and play with kids her age. We now attended BHCP for three years and love the play based learning. Ms. Kristie keeps the kids engaged and laughing during opening circle. She encourages them to improvise in songs and guess what's going to happen in the story. The kids take turns bringing a class pet home (stuffed animal) and telling the other kids about their adventures. Art is a sensory messy creative play experience. Kids are encouraged to explore materials and come up with their own ideas about how to use them. Ms. Kristie supports them as they create and explore. We have class field trips like going to the pumpkin patch; seeing plays at Carco theater and visits from the firefighters with their trucks. BHCP has a large outdoor play space with swings, sand and plays to climb. Parents work in the classroom once a week which I've come to love. I get to see how my kid interacts at school and learn from other parents and the teacher. There isn't a focus on letters or counting however BHCP and Bates Technical college just held a kindergarten readiness panel and apparently it's more important that kids go to the bathroom independently and know how to use scissors. My 4 year old child participated in the 5 day program this year. So in additional to 3 days in the 4 year old class she also spent 2 days a week in the class for 3 year olds, which I was doubtful about at first but see how she gets to be a leader in class. She'll help open snack packets or demonstrate how to use a tool. Also since it's a play based school she does more projects on her own those days or with the help of a parent volunteer. Such as threading beads or dictating poems for her grandparents. Parents can choose to either serve on the board or have a parent job like laundry or playdough making. It's another way to build friendships with other parents. There are a lot of "thank goodness, your kid does that too?!" The preschool is in a church but is not religious. There is a Noah's Art Mural on one wall that the church as asked not be removed. But Christmas and even St. Patrick's day isn't topic of books or art projects. We actually had Purple Day on 3/17. They have trial classes. Worth checking out.

This is my daughter's first year at this co op school. Three of my friends and their kids had a…read moregreat educational journey at their local co op schools (Renton, Bothell and Bellevue) and their high recommendations inspired me to join. Two times a week we go to school together and play and learn for two hours and thirty minutes each day. My family tends to be more introverts and this easy separation transitional time and experience really works for us. Ms. Kristie is super attentive and caring. She is so dedicated to this school and her students. I cannot ask for a better teacher, environment and wonderful group of parents!

My daughter is a current student at KM and even though we've moved to Maple Valley, we are keeping…read moreher there. We absolutely love the teachers, and the philosophy at this co-op. My daughter (2) has blossomed socially and we have already built some lifelong friendships with other families from our class. Because the school is not focused on academics, but rather, learning through play, the children have an opportunity to explore their own interests, even at this young age. What a joy to have the chance to teach my daughter independence and love of learning in a nurturing and supportive environment.

My 4 year old and I have been going to KM since he was 10 months old, and every day he asks me when…read moresummer vacation will finally be over so he can go back. We really enjoy going here, and I signed up his younger -1yo- sibling in the baby class as soon as enrollment started. What I appreciate most is the great teachers who keep the focus on (learning through) play, and not on traditional academics. There's plenty of time for that later on. On the other hand, I really like the structured nature of the classes, as kids and parents always know what's coming up next. We've met some lovely families through KM, and I'm looking forward to many more years of fun and friends.