Our Experience
We enrolled our children after being told the…read moreschool offered open communication, an open-door policy, and a safe, supportive environment. Over time, our experience did not align with what was promised. Despite multiple conversations and meetings, concerns around supervision, communication, professionalism, and follow-through continued to escalate. The final incident where our child felt unsafe and was punished for reaching out to us led us to withdraw our children. The concerns below reflect what we personally observed and experienced.
Key Concerns Based on Our Family's Experience
Lack of Communication & Defensiveness:
Although open communication was promised (including texting staff), messages were often delayed, ignored, or met with defensiveness rather than collaboration when concerns were raised.
Concerns Dismissed or Deflected:
When we raised issues based on what our children shared, staff responses often made it seem like our children were overreacting or mistaken, which eroded trust.
Academic Instruction:
Our child spent a significant amount of time on computer-based programs (such as IXL) for math and language arts, with limited direct teaching. She was expected to watch videos and largely self-teach before asking for help.
Bullying Concerns Denied Despite Specific Reports:
We reported bullying concerns multiple times, including identifying a specific child involved. These concerns were consistently denied or dismissed, despite the school stating it has a zero-tolerance bullying policy.
Children Sent Home Dehydrated:
During hot months, our children came home dehydrated. We were told children are expected to "speak up" and ask for water. Given the age range (approximately 2-5 years old), this expectation felt unrealistic and concerning.
Age-Inappropriate Expectations of Independence:
While independence was emphasized, expectations around hygiene, hydration, and self-advocacy did not feel developmentally appropriate for children as young as 2-5.
Hygiene & Toddler Care Concerns:
Our youngest child (2, soon to be 3) repeatedly came home with rashes in her private area. We were told children wipe themselves and staff "assist as needed," but ongoing issues were never clearly explained or resolved.
Children Involved in Adult Issues:
Instead of addressing concerns directly with parents, teachers made comments to our children during pickup such as, "Hurry up, your father is upset you're not ready," placing unnecessary emotional stress on them.
Unprofessional Language:
A teacher used vulgar language in front of children. When this was raised with leadership, it was minimized by stating it did not happen "all the time."
Supervision Red Flags Observed Firsthand:
On the day we withdrew our children, the front door was locked and opened by a child. Inside, several teachers were standing together talking while students were not actively supervised in classrooms.
Extreme Cold Weather & Lack of Supervision:
During an Indiana extreme cold weather advisory, we requested our child not participate in outdoor play. Our child, who stayed inside, was left alone in a classroom and felt unsafe.
Punishment for Reaching Out for Help:
Our daughter contacted us because she felt unsafe. She was later punished, placed in timeout, told her actions were unacceptable, and told she should have "spoken up" instead of contacting her parents. Authority figures were used in a way that caused fear rather than support.
Responsibility Placed on Children:
The school repeatedly emphasized that children should advocate for themselves. Parents should be aware that quieter, well-mannered children may struggle in an environment where responsibility is placed on the child instead of proactive adult supervision.
Blocking Parent Feedback:
After we withdrew our children, we were blocked from Google reviews were disabled, limiting parents' ability to share experiences publicly.
