Our family had a very disappointing experience at C'E Montessori…read more We initially loved the school and supported it wholeheartedly. I volunteered at events, helped with school shows, and even campaigned for two teachers to be hired. We believed in the community and tried to contribute meaningfully. But everything changed when we started voicing concerns. After my son began telling me about being punished by having recess taken away--a practice that goes against core Montessori principles--we brought it up with the director and later the owner. What followed was a series of evasions and dismissals. Recess continued to be withheld, despite their promises. We were also repeatedly told the school was bilingual in Spanish, but no actual Spanish instruction ever took place. We asked about this many times over the years, and while we kept being told a Spanish program was coming soon, it never materialized. Eventually, I shared my concerns publicly on the "North Brooklyn Education" Facebook group, after weeks of private conversations with the school went nowhere. That's when the bullying and personal attacks from other parents began. The reaction wasn't disagreement--it was shaming, piling on, and attempts to silence. On top of it all, we had to chase the school via multiple emails just to get $249 refunded that they owed us. That kind of treatment--from the school and the parent community--left us heartbroken and disillusioned. We hoped for a respectful, open-minded Montessori environment. What we found was the opposite.

We absolutely love C'E, our daughter went there for both camp and their extended day program during…read morethe school year when she was three. Previously, she had been in another Montessori school in Manhattan -- one that is quite well regarded -- but the hands-on love, enrichment, and programming at C'E far surpassed the other. Within a few months of her attending we were blown away by the teachers, the learning-based curriculum that was mindful but also enriching, and the communication was unparalleled. There are also so many special touches - they offer piano, dance, etc. - and also encourage the students to do things like take care of their own plants, make their own food, and participate in school musicals, bake sales, and card making. I highly recommend C'E to any family, especially those that really want their child to get a unique head start in a loving environment.

Lefferts Gardens Montessori (aka LGM) is a neighborhood gem. It's run by some of the most dedicated…read moreand passionate individuals and the teachers are phenomenal. I've had the pleasure of sending multiple children to LGM over the last 7 years from their 2 year old "Discoverer's" program through their 3-5 year old Pre-K program -- and have never thought twice about sending our kids elsewhere. If you are interested in Montessori, it's true Montessori. (Note: being a Montessori school/kid doesn't mean stale/sterile learning environments!! It's engaging, fun, and has all the normal aspects of a pre-school but within a beautiful structure). If you are interested in academics, my kids all went to Kindergarten at public schools after LGM and were reading and had math skills ahead of the curve. Can't recommend LGM enough to any family with young children!

Our daughter spent two wonderful years in pre-school at LGM. We knew that she was safe, well cared…read morefor and learning in a stimulating and diverse environment. What we didn't fully appreciate until moving on to our next school, was the incredibly high calibre of instruction at LGM. Each morning, the amazing teachers warmly greet students with handshakes and smiles, organized and well prepared for the day's lessons. Through out the day, kids enjoy the perfect blend of structure and individual choice and all activities are thoughtful and instructive. Don't be fooled by all the fun they're having, this school is teaching kids to love learning. The supportive administration and well-rounded parent body added to our great experience. A true gem - can't recommend it highly enough.

We've had such a wonderful experience with this preschool! The teachers and staff are caring,…read moreattentive, and truly make an effort to get to know each child. My child was in the Sunflowers class and they truly loved their teachers so much, and loved being there each day. The school has such a warm, welcoming feel, and I really loved being part of the Bed-Stuy community. There are also plenty of opportunities for parents to be involved, like story time and fun school-wide events! We were also able to stay connected with what's happening in the classroom through an app they use, which I really appreciate. Our child has grown so much socially and academically while being there, and we've always felt supported as a family. We're so grateful for the experience and would absolutely recommend this preschool to other families in the neighborhood!

Both my niece and nephew are enrolled at Stuyvesant Heights Montessori and I've heard nothing but…read moregreat things from the children and their parents! The kids always talk positively about their friends at school and their teachers (specifically Ms. Alana and Ms. Hawa). One of the major reasons my niece and nephew attend SHM is because of their French immersion program. When a French teacher speaks with the children it's only been in French and every time my niece and nephew have responded in French! I've definitely witnessed them speaking more French at home and feel like our family is getting our money's worth. The days when I do drop off the kids the Head of School, Ms. Tracey, has been nothing but sweet and respectful to adults and children. Ms. Tracey takes the time to have a conversation and check in with each adult dropping off a student. This staff at SHM have truly made my family feel like we're a part of their wonderful community. I cannot endorse this preschool highly enough!

Man, sending your kid to be taken care of by strangers can be tough…read more I was fully prepared to hate every daycare we toured and subsequently convince my wife that I should quit my job and take care of our little girl full time, because no one was good enough to do the job.* But we loved Changing Tomorrow as soon as we walked inside. The location may not be ideal (for us or in general - it's located in a construction-clogged area of Downtown Brooklyn), but the facilities are excellent, and the people are wonderful. It is brand new, clean, and very well run. It's as if they took stock of the bougie parents in the neighborhood, and decided to create a daycare that offered everything they might want: Flexible schedules and long hours (open 7 am to 7 pm). Nurse on site at all times. Organic food catered for the kids (after they turn 1). Montessori methods that focus on the cognitive, social, and emotional development of your kid. Frequent activities like dance, soccer, finger-painting, and trips to the park when it's nice out. Best of all, they have monthly meetings where they take suggestions for what the parents would like to see from the school, and they actually try and implement those suggestions where it makes sense. (I wish those meetings weren't at 7 am, but I suppose getting up early is part of being a parent.) We're only a couple of weeks in at this point, but so far I have to say that the staff is just amazing. They put up with the minute and specific instructions we (and I imagine all parents) throw at them on a daily basis, and they are shockingly on top of the Brightwheel app that they use to keep us updated on our child throughout the day. Yesterday I got over a dozen photos and videos of my daughter, plus updates on her naps, feedings, diaper changes, and more. My kid still cries every time I drop her off, but it's really gratifying to see a smiling photo of her just a little bit later so I know she isn't crying all day. A huge thank you to Meridith the Education Director, Ms. Victoria, Ms. Janiece, Ms. Maria, and all the other wonderful people that work here. I'm constantly surprised that the teachers in the other age groups (that don't spend the day caring for her) recognize my daughter on sight when we walk in the door; it makes the place feel a lot more like a family. Thank you all for taking care of our daughter; I know it isn't easy, and we really appreciate how much you care. It makes it a little bit easier to leave her with you. ____________ *And also because I'm a progressive man that knows my wife can handle the breadwinning duties in this modern world. Definitely not because I'm tired of working and need to be supported in this lifestyle to which I've become accustomed.

Enrolling our daughter in Changing Tomorrow Academy was one of the best decisions we ever made…read more We had originally planned to send her to a daycare just around the corner, but when that fell through were in a desperate situation. Amanda was so wonderful and found a place for us at very short notice. We weren't expecting much -- we were just happy to have found somewhere so quickly -- but our daughter flourished and thrived under their care. Amanda was extremely communicative and seemed to know everything about how our child was developing. She is so great with the children and just an extremely positive force to be around. We never worried for a second when our daughter was there. The teachers were wonderful at helping her adapt to her first daycare, and then helping her transition to the toddler class. We got regular updates and photographs throughout the day that regularly made us laugh. They came up with really great ideas for activities. They calmed us when we were worried and gave us tips to help her along. The facilities here are amazing, but the staff are what makes it great. We HIGHLY recommend Changing Tomorrow Academy and will be eternally grateful for how they took care of our little one.

I currently have 2 kids enrolled in BCH and we absolutely love it. It is a sweet, loving…read moreenvironment -- we adore the classroom, the backyard and the nutritious meals and snacks that the children are served. The teachers are very communicative and are always thinking of fun ways to keep the kids engaged and interested.

We had an absolutely phenomenal experience at Brooklyn Childrens House. Lisa is simply incredible…read morewith children and our toddler flourished in her care. The attention to detail and training with the highest level of montessori achieved is unparalleled. You will not regret choosing this establishment for your child's daily care. I cannot recommend Lisa and her staff enough and miss her terribly after we moved away from NY. 10 stars for BCH!

Luria is the most amazing place in the planet!! My daughter comes home singing, dancing. I switched…read moreher from another school this year and the results are unbelievable. She used to be bogged down with work and despair. Luria has transformed my daugher! The staff is so loving and professional. The learning is so interesting and multi faceted. I want to be educated there. It's so relaxing and fun. I have to say this place is perfect!!

Looks like a great school. We belong to the synagogue that meets at the school, and the rabbi of…read moreour synagogue is the rabbi in charge of Judaic studies at the school, and many members that send their children there are so happy. We see all of the projects that the children make, and I like how the children work in small groups in the classroom instead of sitting in rows. We've applied twice and not gotten in either time because so many siblings are applying. We'll keep trying.

We've had a great experience working with the children, teachers, and administration at WMS. The…read morestaff is always pleasant to work with and the children really enjoy going to school here! Sometimes we have to wait for soccer class to begin because the children are finishing up a book or activity. Just shows that the teachers really care about what they do and the impact they choose to have on each child in their class! There is a very large play area for children to play in that we use after hours for soccer. The toys and social atmosphere that they create really stimulate imaginative play and friendship with one another.

Absolutely love love love Williamsburg Montessori. You can just feel the love and peaceful vibe…read morefrom the moment you walk in. My kids are loving every minute. This week the kids baked (yes, legit baked!) blueberry bread at school and I have learned how to meditate from my two year old! The staff is amazing and you can just tell everyone loves what they do. Highly recommend

Our daughter has been at Blue Playhouse since she was two years old. She's heading off to…read morekindergarten soon, shaped by this extraordinary place. We've been so lucky to be part of the community of this school. It's been a luxury never to have to worry about her safety, or wonder if our she's being cared for and loved. She's learned the beginnings of writing and reading there. The teachers have adapted to her evolving needs. Could not recommend a school, or really anything, more highly.

We have had such a wonderful experience at the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center - the Blue…read morePlayhouse! There has been constant quality support for our young daughter's education. The lessons are fun and multi-dimensional, incorporating critical thinking, reading, writing, art, play and socialization. The teachers and staff are loving and give great attention to all the students. In addition, the parent community is warm and supportive. It has been a real blessing starting our daughter's education journey here.

We love Girafas and Monica. First I have to say I've never seen a school that kids don't cry when…read moretheir parents drop them off until I went to Girafas, my daughter on our first visit to the school wanted to stay so badly that I sign her up right then and she stayed, amazing! She is so happy on the days she goes to school, even if the weather isn't great she's a sunshine! The days she isn't going she asks me to. She really developed at school, it's amazing how the kids are so well integrated and the families are like one big family. With people of so many different cultures is great for the kids and us parents to learn new things everyday. It's located in a great neighborhood, we commute to get there but it's so nice to get there and stop by at the cafés and get to meet the neighbors. The little kids love going on field trips to explore it. Thanks to Monica my daughter has had a great experience as a base to her school life ahead.

From the owner: GIRAFAS Play and Learn, the only full-time Portuguese Immersion Preschool in NYC, designs…read moreplay-based programs for children ages 0 to 12. The school welcomes anyone interested in exposing their child to a second language. The emerging curriculum, inspired by the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, blends the Portuguese language with a variety of activities such as arts, music, storytelling, yoga, cooking, and gardening. The mixed-age classrooms allow children to learn from each other during independent explorations (curriculum is built on each child's interests and needs). GIRAFAS focuses on developing a well-rounded individual and global citizen that celebrates and respect cultural diversity. Programs: - Playgroups for children between the ages of 10 months and 3 years - Preschool for mixed-age group 2-4 - After school for kids 4 and up - Summer Camp for kids 2.5-4 and 4-8