I have seen Rivendell School almost every week when I drive by to deposit my recycling. They have a…read morebrightly colored playground and a huge peacock statue that was once was covered in CD's which was very very creative! It reminded me of a real peacock! It has since lost the CD's and is now dressed Hawaiian style. About a week ago I saw that Rivendell has signs up for a book sale. The prices looked very reasonable. About 50 cents to 2 dollars, depending upon what type of book. I went in and looked around the place. I was very impressed! The school is fairly small and the main room is covered in books. A very impressive library! I bought about four or five books all for a very good price and the ladies that were working there were all very nice and sweet. After going to the book sale I decided to investigate more about what Rivendell School was about. I saw that they have been around Fort Collins since 1976. They are a nonprofit, secular private school. They have a huge emphasis on respect. They teach children how to respect the teachers and each other no matter how different you may be. In other words they don't let the cliche's run wild like at regular public schools. Their curriculum is less 'goal oriented' meaning they don't primarily focus on test scores and make things so directional. If a child needs a little extra attention then they can get that extra attention because of the small class size. Wow! How I wish I could have gone to a school like Rivendell! I was not impressed or amused overall with my public school experience and think I would have done much better in a place like this. While I don't have children I would highly recommend this place to friends that have children that are about to start school. I think they could greatly benefit from it. I also will be keeping tabs on the school's events and would love to continue to support this place! There really, really needs to be more schools like this!

Both of my children attend or attend here. The teachers are wonderful, caring, and highly…read morequalified. The curriculum allows students to progress at their own pace. The low teacher/student ratio provides a wealth of time for individual instruction in literacy, math, foreign language, science, and social studies. The school has a tight-knit community that fosters a life-long love of learning,, a trait that is more than worth the cost of tuition.

We've been to a few different preschools between our two kids and a move - no other school holds a…read morecandle to Harmony. It was such a warm, inviting, FUN, environment for my child's first school experience. We stayed for two years and I was beyond bummed when we had to move because my younger one missed out. The school has all sorts of fun extras - a Mother's Tea, a school carnival, lots of fun stuff for the kiddos and the tuition cannot be beat. It is hands down the best preschool in the Fort in my opinion. And for those nonreligious parents - like my husband - while the school does teach about Jesus and celebrates Christian holidays - it does so in a way that emphasizes the positive character traits and not in any way in an exclusionary way that keep many people away from some schools of faith. My husband loved the school as well. I can't say enough good things about the staff, the director, and of course the teachers. Thanks for the fantastic start, Harmony!!!

This school is fantastic!!!! So well run! Their Kid Kapers program (comparable to moms day out) is…read moremy daughters highlight each week and it's so convenient as you can pick and choose the days that work best for your schedule each month (do it early, they fill up fast!) They do arts and crafts, story time, tons of hands on play, lots of movement in the gym and playground, early preschool academic learning.... the list goes on and on. Mrs Brown is one of my daughters favorite people on earth. We are grateful for this schools influence in her life. Don't wait! Go check it out today!

This school lacks proper training, support, and resources to help children with any sort of…read moreemotional disability. Their handbook states their commitment to working with each child and helping them succeed. However, if your child needs any sort of special attention or needs accommodations for a disability this school has no problem throwing your child out without warning or resources. This happened to at least two children this year and has proven to be systemic practice. Overpriced and unreliable we missed many days early in the year due to short staffing and no one to fill in. I think this school has good intentions but doesn't uphold their own values and promises to children or their families.

One of the things I most appreciate about Treehouse Montessori is the sense of community. It's a…read moresmaller school which comes with a more authentic, personal connection between families and with the staff. I feel like they genuinely care for all the kids who attend. We've attended larger daycare centers in the past where the owner sat at the front desk and didn't greet parents or kids when we walked in each morning. At Treehouse, it feels like they genuinely care about connection and fostering our son's development in a nurturing environment.

This is probably the most expensive preschool/day care you'll find, but I think many would argue…read morethat they are well worth the money! My son wasn't speaking much before attending (19 mos), and within 1 month started adopting new vocabulary and doing some sign language. Now, 4 months later, he's improved tremendously in the areas of following directions, cleaning up himself, and speaking. He's also a lot less frustrated now! Clean; really motivated and enthusiastic staff; and the kindest owner you will ever meet! Oh, and there's an indoor playground, which is so helpful during the winter months!

Our child was just kicked out of preschool last Friday with ZERO notice. I went into TLE Fort…read moreCollins to discuss a behavior plan after a rough day of not napping and acting out. I asked them if they were bringing any solutions to the table, to which they said they would just watch and record their behavior. I gave them an entire list of things that work at home. Such as, addressing them with a calm tone, redirecting, giving them jobs, etc. They responded with "we can't do those because it doesn't fit our way we do things". I left with nothing accomplished and got an email 5 minutes later saying they were terminating care for my child, immediately. I'm so frustrated and sad that they didn't even want to try with them and it feels like they're saying they are more trouble than they're worth. I'm devastated that they didn't get to say goodbye to any teachers or friends and are now being completely uprooted, which might make behaviors worse. What do I tell my child when they ask why we can't go back? I still don't understand why on earth the school decide to terminate IMMEDIATELY on a Friday evening when schools are closed on the weekend. I feel like that is the ultimate show of disrespect to us. No wonder they have been on probation by the state. My child loved 3 of their teachers like family and I'm so crushed right now. They've been asking why they can't come back to see their friends and it is absolutely gut wrenching. I gave them many solutions and they ultimately told me they couldn't do their job properly. So, if your child has sensory issues and needs a little extra love, I would not recommend TLE. I just wish they would have just given them another shot and tried some of our solutions.

We have only been at Little Lab Preschool for a short time but we are so happy with what we have…read moreexperienced so far. My daughter is THRILLED to go to school every single day. I'm so glad we found LLP when we moved to Fort Collins!

We love Little Lab! As parents sending our second child to school with Ernie and Mary, we were…read moreabsolutely thrilled when The Learning House reopened as Little Lab Preschool. Our kids thrive with the curriculum and the always welcoming atmosphere this preschool provides!

If you have an opportunity to enroll your child in their summer swim classes, you definitely…read moreshould! Our son was enrolled in the Wave-riders 1&2 program with Miss Avery and it was one of his highlights of summer. He learned so much, and he always looked forward to the next time we would get to see her and learn more. Miss Avery is incredibly patient, kind, and encouraging to all of the kids in her class. We are so thankful to have had such a positive experience and an amazing teacher to learn from during our time at Mountain Kids.

I have a Granddaughter who is autistic. I want her to get…read moreas many opportunities has a neurotipical child experiences. Here she has been given the opportunity to be part of Mountain Kids. Their staff is excellent and experienced. Thank you Mountain Kids!

I've been a parent at Fort Collins Preschool for several years and plan to be for a couple more…read moreuntil my youngest heads to Kindergarten. I feel very indebted to this school for offering me the opportunity to be directly involved in my children's first educational experiences. My son was incredibly timid and apprehensive in peer-social situations and getting to go to preschool with me (we started in the parent-tot program) was just what he needed to build what is now a very positive association with school and peers. Before he started in the Intermediate classroom, where I would only be a teach-parent once every 2-3 weeks, the teacher did a home visit to introduce herself to him and assure him she would be there to take care of him at school!! I have also learned a great deal from the teachers- things I wouldn't have even imagined as part of a preschool curriculum. The preschool is play-based and the kids don't even realize they are working on fine-motor or self-regulation or any other number of important skills. I feel my son is well prepared for Kindergarten in so many ways. It's important to be aware that having your child attend this preschool does require a significant commitment from parent(s). In my opinion it is well worth it if you are able to dedicate the time. It is not an opportunity you'll get again once your kids get to elementary school. You also get to be part of a community of parents that are equally invested in their kids' early education.

This is such an incredible school we have been lucky enough to be apart of for the last 5 years…read more Both of our kids have learned so much, grown in many ways socially and academically. Social skills are something we feel are just as important as math, science and socials studies. Not only are these kids having fun being with other kids their age. But they are LEARNING as they play! The teachers truly take the time to help with each individual child and their needs.The parent involvement makes me feel better about their time away from home, plus what kid doesn't love having their parent and/or grandparent at school?! I seriously could not recommend this school anymore. We love you FCPS!!!!

Great staff and management. Curriculum and teacher and management communication with families are…read morealso great and make a world of difference with feeling secure and confident with your child's care.

From the owner: Fort Collins, CO, daycare center for ages 2 months-5 years old offering flexible scheduling,…read morelimited closures, & year-round infant, toddler, preschool, & pre-k programs where children are supported every step of the way. Our curriculum is thoughtfully built for each age & stage, blending learning through discovery & play with meaningful group activities & individualized learning tailored to each child, all guided by highly certified teachers. We center each day on health & safety while providing engaging classrooms & outdoor learning spaces that encourage exploration & creativity. Families stay connected with daily updates, photos, & notes through our My Bright Day™ app. Contact us to learn more about tours, enrollment, & availability.

Laura is an educated care provider and it shows. I've sent my son to her home-preschool for years…read moreand I can't recommend her enough. She has many enrichment programs, a safe,child friendly environment and a passion for early childhood development. She's amazing and I'm so thankful to have her as my child's care provider.

From the owner: Early childhood education and guiding children toward a love of learning has a special place in my…read moreheart. I am inspired to create spaces for inspiration, nature exploration, and wonder based learning for children and their families in my community. Several years ago, I won The National Family Childcare Provider of the Year Award and I continue to pursue ECE opportunities that are unique and valuable. In continuing with higher education and professional achievements, quality learning spaces are designed within best practices for children. Encouraging children's love for wonder and modeling healthy relationships builds a strong foundation for social, emotional, academic, and physical growth. I create experiences where families feel valued, children love to attend, and everyone returns to visit. Often, you will see past graduates come back to volunteer when they are older. I treasure these lifelong connections with families. It is what I truly love about this work.

When I was searching for a school for my children, I didn't just consider the curriculum, the…read morecommute, or the demographics. I asked myself a bigger question: What kind of adults do I want my children to become? With that in mind, I chose a school that would teach them integrity, resilience, and the ability to accomplish and create in every stage of life. Ridgeview offers more than an education--it offers education for life. As they often say, "At Ridgeview, we do hard things." These challenges aren't for their own sake, but to help every child discover and develop their full potential.

I went here from 9th grade until I graduated high school. I made great friends and had a few truly…read moreexcellent, inspirational teachers, but I also had multiple teachers (particularly ones that taught history and government related classes) who were overwhelmingly biased and even frequently told blatant lies or made up stories to further their own narratives about our world. I would frequently come home after history class and feel a need to fact check my teachers; more often than not I would find that they were thoroughly wrong on the topics I had researched myself. Also at Ridgeview there is a culture of conformity. Self expression often seems discouraged and students can be severely punished for "disrespecting teachers" when in truth all that happened were mere disagreements. And, although respect towards teachers is a paramount rule within this school, teachers frequently disrespect and make fun of students; the principal himself has presented ad hominem attacks against students during debates about things like paternity leave, the black lives matter movement, or the wage gap. I have nothing against tongue and cheek banter, but what I'm talking about here is beyond that. Student council at this school is for all intents and purposes run by the administration. As such students have no real say in the frequent changes that come to the school. The current principal seems to want the school to be a place for deeply conservative minded young people to become even more staunch in their views, rather than a place for real discourse, debate, and discussion. Also this place abstains from teaching any kind of sex-ed, which I believe leads to a deeply misinformed student body when it comes to sex and sexual identity. The school claims to be a place for students who like a challenge or enjoy difficult and truly stimulating classes and conversation. If that describes your student however, the IB program at Poudre, or the AP programs at Fossil or Rocky would be better, in my opinion, and would probably set up your student to be more likely to get into top colleges with top scholarships. DISCLAIMER: I did not attend Ridgeview in middle school or in the lower grades. My review is based in my experiences predominantly in the high school. Please do not judge their middle school based on what I've said. Students typically seem pretty satisfied with their middle school experience here.