Beware of This Private Academy: A Parent's Honest Review:…read more
My husband and I enrolled both of our daughters at Honey Tree in the fall of 2020. Initially, things went well, and we were satisfied with the academic structure. However, as our younger daughter Millie's bright, carefree personality emerged, it quickly became clear that she didn't fit into the mold of what Kimberly Fielding's academy expected. Unfortunately, Millie became the child frequently mentioned in incident reports and was often sent to Fielding's office for behaviors that seemed more about her individuality than genuine discipline issues.
When our older daughter, Izzy, transitioned to Maize schools for kindergarten, the incident reports for Millie increased dramatically. This culminated in Millie spending a significant portion of her day in the office. By the time we withdrew her, it felt like she spent more time in trouble than in the classroom. Her final weeks were heartbreaking, as we watched her joyful, easy-going nature being suppressed. Millie has since flourished at Primrose and is thriving in kindergarten at Maize Schools.
The discipline methods and culture of shame at Honey Tree are concerning. Through conversations with other parents, both current and former, we realized our story was far from unique. Multiple families in West Wichita have shared similar experiences, and it's clear this institution has a systemic issue with how children--especially those who don't conform to rigid expectations--are treated.
While we chose Honey Tree for its academic reputation, we never anticipated the emotional strain it would impose on our child. Our family is still working through the aftereffects, and no child should ever have to carry such anxiety. This review isn't just about our experience; it's a warning to other parents.
What Goes Unseen Inside Honey Tree?
Insights from Former Employees Over the years, I've heard disturbing reports from former staff about the institution's internal practices.
Here are just a few examples:
**Parents who've withdrawn their children due to job changes or dissatisfaction have been coerced into removing negative reviews in exchange for reduced fees.
**Kids are often sent to the "thinking spot" for excessive durations, forced to sit in isolation for what seems like punitive purposes rather than constructive discipline.
**For the 1-2 year old rooms, teachers manage 20 kids with only 15 minutes for potty routines--leading to frequent accidents and children being shamed for them.
**Fielding's use of cameras to monitor staff fosters a culture of surveillance and fear, where teachers are reprimanded for straying from her strict schedule, even if it means attending to a child's immediate needs.
These practices reflect a toxic culture that is far more concerned with maintaining a strict, punitive environment than fostering a healthy learning space for young children. The demands on teachers are unreasonable, and the children suffer for it--whether through lack of appropriate care, long periods of isolation, or being shamed for age-appropriate behavior.
My Plea to Other Parents?
Yes, Millie's personality may have clashed with Ms. Fielding's vision. Again, we've overcome our experience and I'm proud to be speaking out for others. What alarming for me is the mistreatment of other children who are too young to defend themselves. The mental and emotional strain placed on them in the name of discipline is troubling, to say the least.
Many parents who've realized this and withdrawn their children are met with hefty fees due to contract terms. The same applies to teachers--they are bound by similar agreements, and once you're in, you're financially tied to Ms. Fielding for a long time. Her concern isn't for the well-being of these children but rather for her image and the money she makes from this institution. Overall, once you submit a 30-day notice, be prepared to pick up your child 2-3 times a week, or they may sit isolated in Fielding's office until pick-up. When future funding is on the line, Ms. Fielding's true nature emerges.
If you look at reviews before 2024, most of them are positive--largely because negative reviews were met with deflection or bribery to have them removed. But in 2024, the truth started to come out, and more parents and employees began to speak up. The tide has turned, and no amount of rebranding or passing ownership to her children will change the fact that this institution is toxic. Be cautious about what you're truly getting into.
(Note: Five of the teachers currently employed are either Ms. Fielding's daughters or daughters-in-law. To be clear, I have no concerns with any of her children or the teachers working there. However, it's important to acknowledge that family ties can heavily influence decision-making and actions within the institution.)
This review is my warning!
Let this stand as a testament to the real story behind the glossy image.
