Our experience at Charlottesville Waldorf School has been an absolutely wonderful introduction to…read morelearning for our child. The teachers create such a peaceful, loving environment where children feel safe, seen, and truly cared for. We've been especially impressed by how thoughtfully the teachers nurture imagination and creativity through play and storytelling. The seasonal celebrations and daily rhythm bring a sense of magic and consistency that our child looks forward to. The extensive time spent outdoors each day is a huge bonus. We heartily recommend the early childhood program to Central Virginia families.

The Waldorf School has been an incredible experience for our family. What stands out most is the…read moregenuine care for each child--not just in terms of schedule and directed learning, but as a whole person. There is a strong emphasis on human connection, creativity, and meaningful interaction, which feels increasingly rare in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. I deeply appreciate how the school encourages children to step away from "machine life" and instead develop a true sense of self. Rather than focusing solely on productivity or outcomes, the approach nurtures curiosity, imagination, and emotional growth. While inspired by Waldorf principles, the school does not promote any specific ideology of Steiner, but instead captures the essence of holistic childhood development in a thoughtful and inclusive way. Equally wonderful is the sense of community and support among teachers, students, and families. It's a warm, thoughtful environment where children are truly seen and valued. We couldn't be happier.

Affordable Christian school near Fluvanna County. Less than 100 students. Abeka curriculum is used…read more, however teachers deviate from that course as it suites them. My only gripe with this institution that it does not hold true to their mission statement and "Open Door" policy. Minorities make up less than 1/3 of the population and despite paying the tuition aren't thought of with Christian love or respect for that matter. 4th graders are expected to turn in a Virginia state project and asked to include a hand written copy of "carry me back to old Virginia" a song that was disbarred by the state of Virginia as the official state song in 1997 for its offensive language against people of color. When brought to the teacher and principals attention the response was "well it was written by a black man and this is the song we've always used" wow that makes it that much better ....NOT. The teachers aren't open with communication , don't hold your breath waiting for a callback , and can't give you any information concerning their lesson plans, all parent visitors are asked to notify principal at least two days in advance before visiting classroom

My daughter started here a couple months ago, after staying home with me and constantly being since…read moreshe was born, she's now 18 months. Right away you could tell how much she loved it. She is so happy to go every morning and runs and hugs her teachers. The only time I've seen any crying is when her teacher has left before I pick her up. She was sick and out for several days (daycare ick after never being around kids plus being a quarantine baby) and she was extremely excited to go back. She brought me her shoes several times while she was out, indicating she was ready to go, the first day she went back her excitement started as soon as we got in the car to leave and once we pulled up she was overjoyed. They're great about updates, keeping you in the know and have been so patient with me even what I'm sure it wasn't always easy. It's given me a huge piece of mind knowing that she's happy and being taken care of, even if I sometimes I do get just a liiiiitle jealous.

We enjoy Bright Beginnings for our child. She has fun daily and we like the reports they send each…read moreday. It has been a positive environment.

My daughter attends FUMC Child Development Center. We have visited and my son has attended other…read moreprograms in the area. This preschool loves my daughter and she loves going! I haven't found another program where I trust my child is being well taken care of. She is learning and will be ready for school. I highly recommend the Child Development Center. It's just the best. Thank you FUMC!

I highly recommend this preschool! They provide a great atmosphere for the children.read more

Staff are outstanding -- super thoughtful about what each individual child needs. I am so glad we…read morefound this place!

Our Neighborhood has been a wonderful center for our younger son. He's been there since he was…read morefour months old, and he has really thrived. The classrooms are spacious and comfortable and well-tended and filled with items appropriate to the age groups, mostly eco-friendly and natural objects. The teachers are incredibly creative in coming up with new objects and collections and themes for the children to learn and experience at every age, and the low caregiver-child ratios ensure plenty of focused attention through the day. The teachers carry through on a philosophy of respect and trust in the children, helping them learn to manage their emotions, to understand their world, and to work together with peers and teachers confidently and with empathy. Our son has had the same main teacher for two years, moving from classroom to classroom together with his cohort of similarly-aged friends, and she has been a true partner for us in his growth and development, with lots of feedback and observations for us to treasure. And the center hosts a private parents-only Shutterfly site where they post TONS of photos of the children every week. Priceless. He is loved, safe, happy, confident and learning so much, and he loves going to see his friends every day at school. He amazes me every day with what he has learned and who he is becoming as an Our Neighborhood kid. Far beyond a typical daycare, and totally worth it.

We can't recommend this sweet preschool enough! Over the last 4 years, both of our children have…read moreattended preschool with Ms. Alison. We were looking for a half-day, nature and play-based preschool with experienced teachers and hit the jackpot when we found Ms. Alison's Kangaroo Preschool! We watched our children build social and emotional skills, get plenty of outdoor play time, marvel at the chickens, ducks, and garden, and always come home happy and excited for their next day there. My daughter was well-prepared for Kindergarten, and my son is right on track as his preschool days come to a close. We feel so lucky to have seen such blossoming growth from both our kids. We are very thankful for our time spent at Kangaroo preschool with Ms. Alison and Ms. Anna; both incredibly caring, kind, and insightful women that we will miss terribly!

I highly recommend Kangaroo Preschool to anyone looking for a play based, nature centered preschool…read moreprogram. Ms. Alison teaches an academic curriculum that is age appropriate and allows students to grow at their own pace. All students find success in some way each day and love coming to preschool! My oldest son spent almost 3 years with Ms. Alison, Ms. Laura, and Ms. Anna. Over his time with Ms. Alison, Paul gained confidence, strong friendships, and skills that prepared him very well for Kindergarten. He loved spending time in the garden, checking out the chickens, and playing in the wonderful outdoor play spaces. My younger son just spent his first year at preschool and has come such a long way during this time! Cole has gained confidence, learned to follow directions and expectations for activities and loves playing with his friends. He loves checking out new bugs or animals that may visit the preschool and playing with the many cars and trucks both inside and outside. As a family, we enjoy reading the classroom library books the boys have gotten to borrow and bring home each night. Both of my boys have different personalities and strengths and Ms. Alison has taught each of them in the way that works for their needs. This is a great preschool program and we are lucky to have Ms. Alison as part of our school years!

Our daughter has done nothing but absolutely thrive here. The entire staff treats the children like…read morefamily, and my daughter simply adores her classmates and teachers. Not only has she learned a TON, but she has so much fun every day. We feel blessed to have found SMLP!

The school and all staff are amazing! My daughter went here the last two years and has grown in…read moreevery way!