This year marks my fifth year as a PSA parent. My daughter went for all three years of preschool,…read moreand my son is a "senior" (finishing his last year before kindergarten). We found out about Park Street Academy a few months before relocating to the area, and we are so thankful to have found this school. It has offered such a special environment for my children to learn and grow. The teachers and support staff truly care about the children (and help them build confidence in learning something new). While many might categorize preschool as a form of "day care," I found the curriculum to be pretty academic (especially during "senior year"). The children are able to build a great foundation for reading, writing, and math (while still incorporating fun through music, dance, language, and art). My children (and my husband and I) have all built great relationships with friends we've met through PSA. It is a special place!

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!

My daughters (currently ages 3 and just-turned 5) have been attending MMO since July, 2013. They…read moreattended summer camp (full-time) first, and have been enrolled in the full time/pre-k program since September of last year. First, my review of pre-k: I am impressed with many things at this preschool. Most of all, the staff. Everyone, from the secretary to the director, is wonderful, warm, friendly, and nurturing. Just the kind of people you want your children to be around all day - if you can't be! All the teachers have college degrees and are certified teachers. The classroom aides are also wonderful. They are mostly mature women and college students who are studying education. They have real professional development which the teachers and staff have to take part in and are encouraged to pursue additional training on their own. The curriculum they use is really fantastic - it's all hands-on. My girls are learning geography, foreign language, science, basic math, and reading/letters. At her recent evaluation for kindergarten, the teacher said my daughter was "advanced" for her age. It must be from MMO, because it certainly isn't from me! The school's hours are flexible and the director has been accommodating in every way possible when we had some crazy stuff going on with our work schedules. They're a non-profit (and non-sectarian) and you can tell by the way they put children first. The facilities are OK. They are located in an old, beautiful, church. There are stairs, but the high teacher-child ratio (I think it's like 1:2) make up for the multiple staircases and windy hallways. The space is bright and modern and the toys are new and clean, and the tables and chairs are new-ish looking. There is a big gym for playtime on bad-weather days and a nice big playground outside that is getting updated. The kids go out just about every day. They are adding additional security features to the main lobby area. Now, camp: The girls really enjoyed the summer camp program. They were outside a lot of the time, getting fresh air and playing on the playground in the water (there is no pool but they have sprinklers) and taking part in science experiments. The staff was good about making sure my Irish-skinned girls didn't get burned. We would go again in a heartbeat but my husband wants the girls to take swimming lessons so they are going to a different program this year that offers swimming lessons during camp. One thing I really like about MMO, and think is worth mentioning is the diversity: of the staff (male and female) and students. Children speak other languages in this school and that really reflects the city of Montclair, unlike some of other places I visited. My only complaint is that there isn't a kindergarten. My town doesn't offer full time K, so I don't know what I'm going to do next year!

My son started at MMO a few months ago and absolutely loves it! Some mornings he even asks us to…read morebring him early (a huge change from his previous daycare where he hated going every day). It is so comforting to know he's not only well cared for but is having such a fun time. The teachers and staff are so nurturing and are always available if we have any questions. They do such fun activities with the kids from nature walks to dance class to visiting a chicken coop! We are very happy we switched to MMO!

This summer, I attended an event on the grounds of Montclair community pre-k. It was an outdoor…read morebarbecue with many vendors. The pre-K staff had a booth set up and I visited it. My daughter happens to be approaching the pre-K age. I WAS (keyword is WAS!) considering Montclair community pre-K as one of our options. I approached the booth and began looking at some of the literature. One of the staff members approached me and immediately said "do you live in Montclair?". I said no. She proceeded to tell me that my child was not eligible for financial aid because we did not live in Montclair. (FYI, I did not ask about financial aid. We DO NOT even need financial aid. I did not get the chance to ask any questions. Her first thought was that we must need financial aid because we don't live in Montclair). I thought to myself OK, not the best way to sell your institution, but whatever. I proceeded to ask some questions regarding the institution (i.e. classroom size, teacher to student ratio, curriculum, etc.) She then AGAIN continued to tell me how my child would not be eligible for financial aid because I did not live in Montclair. I tossed the brochure on the table and walked away. Your institution just lost a potential new student. If this woman spoke to anyone else, whom does not live in Montclair, i'm sure they were turned off by her abrasive and dismissive attitude. You may not want her to continue to be the face of your institution.

This is my son's second year at the Pre-K and I truly love this school. His teacher this year is a…read moremaster teacher that is able to embed academic learning within themed-based units. The students most recently opened a cafe in their classroom where they used math, reading and writing to create and run the cafe. Most importantly, he has consistently learned about empathy and compassion for others, in particular, his classmates. Character development is explicitly taught and experienced in weekly activities. Truly all the staff is incredibly kind and wonderful. I find it shocking that there is another review that felt differently. The directors of the school, not only know my son's name that goes to the school, but also the names of my two smaller children. When you come to the pre-k, it feels like family.

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.

All 3 of my children attended Playhouse. The experience…read moreevery single day felt like love in action. The way the staff communicates to the children with active listening continues to inform all of my human interactions. Playhouse still has our hearts. I won't take the Playhouse bumper sticker off of my minivan- even though our last child graduated 2 years ago. I want other Playhouse families to recognize us- because those are some of the best parents I've met on this journey yet.

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.

My review is based on my interaction w Jennifer, the director of the facility & the establishment…read moreitself. I've not yet secured a spot to have my daughter attend but when I do, I'll be sure to update the review to share my experience. Jenn has been pleasant, communicative & responsive in my interactions with her. The daycare has a small family feel & they're big on celebration holidays & events & decorating the halls. The backyard is secluded & gives the kids a great gated area to roam around & explore. The prices are also very reasonable & from what Jenn shared they're open to tailoring their approach if a child has certain needs or the family is experiencing extenuating circumstances. So far I'm excited about the prospect of my daughter attending.

From the owner: Serendipity Learning Center believes that children learn through playing which is why we have…read morecreated a fun curriculum for every age group. We're dedicated to the social, physical, emotional and cognitive growth of your child. If you have questions or would like a tour please don't hesitate to call.

Very impressed with. Went for Childs birthday. First half hours is arts and crafts with guidance …read more Next hour play and staff was involved . Then to party room to eat . No problem with 25 kids attending, which is probably maximum. Good parking lot.

I love kidville! Every location has been absolutely amazing!…read moreI have worked for the Hoboken one teaching dance, art, rr and the preschool classes. I also have loved this location. Theure your 1 stop shop for babies and kids 5 months or so until about 6 on average.

What a warm, nurturing environment. Both my children go there and we could not be happier. The…read morebiggest thing that stands out to the whole school is the teachers and their commitment to the children. They come alongside you and your child and truly become part of your lives. This is a school that puts your child's need first. As a parent, I am so happy with the educational foundation they are getting, but more importantly I'm so happy they will be getting a foundation for the whole child.

We have been at the Goddard School of Montclair for 3 years, since our son was 8 months old, and…read morehave been so happy with our experience. It has been wonderful knowing that every day he is in a safe, nurturing environment where he feels supported, is encouraged to learn and explore, and has made some really special friendships along the way. Marianne and Alissa do such a great job creating a welcoming community for both the kids and their families. They are both incredibly approachable and responsive, and you can tell they genuinely know the kids and care about them as individuals. We always felt comfortable going to them with questions or concerns, and knew that they truly had our son's best interests in mind. The school has the structure and resources of a larger franchise, but still has the personal, family feel of a smaller, family-run school. The programming for the kids is also a real standout. They regularly bring in special visitors and experiences, which makes school exciting and gives the kids opportunities to experience things they may not otherwise get to do. We are only leaving because we are moving, and we wish we could bring the Goddard School of Montclair with us. We are so grateful for the wonderful experience our son has had there and for all of the people who have been part of his first few years.

My two year old son just started at Goddard Montclair last month and he's been so happy. The staff…read morereally supported us in the transition. Although they are looking after dozens of children, I felt like the attention was so personalized, like they truly care for my child, my family, and our needs. Receiving photos everyday is really reassuring. The number of fun activities they do surprised me. They made pizza on the plaza last week! Very impressed so far.

Located next to Montclair Bread company, I just had to see what this place was all about. I…read moreassumed it was a day care. Nope. Not at all. Its a place where new mothers can go for all sorts of classes. These caught my eye, but check the website for far more detail. Pre and Post Natal Breastfeeding Yoga Toddler Yoga - Get them nice and stretched out before nap time? Babys First Foods - (thinking of future Yelpers for you Yelp!) The space is inviting and the people seemed lovely when I dropped by. I don't have toddlers or live in Montclair, but if you do have babies, or have one coming, for cure check this place out. And then go eat a donut next door, you are, after all, eating for 2 ;) Street parking.

We love Kelly. She is the best Doula anybody can have. She helped us with the birth of our…read moreMadeline. Thank you so much for everything. We recommend Montclair Baby and Kelly specifically without reservation.