In a word magical…read more I've never witnessed such happy engaged kids. Nor such knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers. It's what we always wanted for our child but didn't think existed in this area. We are so lucky to have found this place.

Our family's experience with Montclair Cooperative School was devastating. After touring and being…read moreassured that our son -- a twice-exceptional, academically gifted child on the Autism spectrum -- could be supported, we submitted his records. Almost immediately, the admissions office reversed course and told us they would not move forward with his application because of his disability, saying he would be "better served" in public school. His academic strengths and test scores were ignored. This is not just disappointing, it is discriminatory. The school has accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded grants and forgivable loans, which means it is legally bound under the ADA, Section 504, IDEA, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to provide equal access. Instead, it shut the door on our son because of his diagnosis. We pursued every available appeal, including with the State of New Jersey. Even though the state acknowledged the facts, they declined to pursue the case further -- not because discrimination wasn't present, but because they lacked confidence in prevailing in court. Families should know that if your child has a disability, this school may exclude them rather than work with you. For a school that markets itself as progressive and community-oriented, our experience was the opposite. Parents of neurodiverse children: proceed with extreme caution.

What luck we didn't make it off the waitlist at the preschool near our house...ending up at…read morePlayhouse was the best thing we could have hoped for for our son, and now daughter. The teachers and directors are incredibly warm and absolutely pros. Career early educators who are nurturing and attentive to children's needs and behaviors. The building is small and very clean, with classrooms that are full of interesting activities and toys that are well kept and well loved. I can't say enough good things, an absolute gem.

Playhouse is an amazing place for children to learn, play and flourish! Our two kids have loved…read moretheir time here and we are so grateful they enjoy coming to school everyday!

I was a student there for 7 years and the way they treat people is insane, when you don't do…read moresomething but you get blamed for it,you get in trouble for nothing.

My daughter has been going here since kindergarten. She loves school and she loves learning. They…read moreprovide great quality education. Every year,I see great results. The teachers are extremely dedicated to their craft.They keep the children motivated ,well cultured and constantly inspire the children to conduct themselves within the codes of core values instilled and modeled on a daily basis.I highly recommend this school. I couldn't have made a better choice!

Truly thankful to Linda and the team at MELC for the care they've given my 3 yr old son over the…read morepast year. We were attracted to MELC by the intentionality of their curriculum - a great mix of structure, Montessori-type play, and emphasis on getting outside. They've been teaching children for 30+ years and it shows.. every aspect of their program is done for a reason. Our experience was everything we hoped for and our son absolutely thrived in the full day (8:45am-3pm) program, with parabolic language and social development. There was also a real community focus, with (optional) events almost every month to get parents and kids together. A best-in-class program operated by best-in-class people.

We absolutely love it here. My daughter started last spring and it was incredible to see growth in…read morejust a few short months. The teachers are phenomenal. They care so much about each kid. As parents you have the opportunity to speak with them in the pick up/drop off lines and in parent teacher conferences. They spend a lot of time outside and do lots of arts and crafts. The curriculum is solid and I'm amazed at how much she has learned so far. Beyond that I've seen a positive impact on in my daughters manners, vocabulary, interaction with other kids, etc. I see little mannerisms she has picked up from her teacher that are really sweet, kind and empathetic. They do adorable celebrations for birthdays and an amazing end of school year celebration complete with songs and dance. They have an amazing structure set up for flexibility. There are drop in options for before-care and staying later for lunch. I really can't say enough about MELC. We are so grateful to have found this school.

My son recently graduated from Park Street Academy and truly had the best experience. The teachers…read moreare so loving and knowledgable, patient, and truly cared for my child. His classmates were from all different backgrounds and the school really celebrates inclusivity. My son became more open and social and learned so much, it's made the transition to Kindergarten super smooth. He was always excited to go to school! I highly recommend PSA!

As of this June my twin sons are graduates of Park Street Academy (PSA). Without a doubt, PSA is a…read morespecial place that lovingly nurtured the boys while encouraging them to achieve their best. PSA's devoted teachers supported my children throughout a rigorous academic program that included science, math, American Sign Language, social studies and fine arts. Having completed two years at PSA, my children will enter kindergarten this fall knowing they have accomplished developmentally appropriate but challenging tasks. In addition to ensuring that students achieve academic milestones, PSA teaches children to be worldly citizens and considerate members of the community. Their students are aware of a great big world behind their town but they appreciate the opportunities and worth within reach. Procedurally, PSA is an efficient business that effectively handles business matters. Its school policies are reasonable and we appreciated their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, teachers and staff. PSA and its community of students, parents, teachers and administrators will always be a part of our lives. When I cried at graduation (truth), they were tears of joy that my children were thriving and simply, growing up. But they were also tears of appreciation and gratitude for PSA. Our entire family is prepared for kindergarten and beyond!

A high-performing middle-school that has graduated over 2,500 middle-schoolers from the Newark…read morearea. A very special place that has been doing incredible work since 1969.

From the owner: Link Comunity Charter School is a middle school (grdes 5 through 8) serving students from Newark,…read moreOrange, East Orange, and Irvington. Link provides an outstanding middle school education for learners of all academic abilities by developing the mind, body and spirit through a strong curriculum, experiential learning, immersion in the arts, and an enduring commitment to Core Values; this will allow them to be successful in competitive high schools and become responsible and resourceful citizens who give back to others.