We've had two children attend Gardengate Academy, and we've had a wonderful experience. The teachers are warm and caring, and work hard every day to help our kids grow, become confident in themselves, and explore nature and their own creativity. We've recommended Gardengate to many other families, and feel so fortunate that we've ended up there. Our kids have thrived and love their teachers and the whole Gardengate community. read more

My entire family loves Gardengate (GG). If you are considering GG for your child(ren), I strongly urge you to set up a tour, and you will quickly know you've found the right place. We came to GG a year and a half ago from one of the large, corporate day care centers in the area. GG is the fourth center we've had experience with, and we could not be happier that we made the switch. In no particular order, here are a few reasons why we love GG, and why I believe your family will, as well. 1) Family Culture over Corporate Culture: While Gardengate offers the scale and resources of a large daycare center, it feels like an extension of our family. From the owner (Gabi), to the director (Salam) and all the teachers, their love for the kids is obvious. And given the size of GG, it has an intimate feeling that extends beyond the school's walls; we really feel like we're a part of a larger GG family with the rest of the GG kids & parents. At the corporate chains, we often felt like our kids were inventory being pushed through an assembly line depending upon the center's needs rather than our kids'. But at GG, Gabi and her team really focus on what's best for the kids. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. 2) Flexibility and Responsiveness: Aligning with the Reggio teaching style, they have always been flexible in how they manage the center. In each case that we've provided feedback, I have been astonished at how quickly and decisively they took action. Gabi's commitment to the center and the well being of "her kids" is undeniable, and her ability to adapt is a benefit to the GG families and will ensure the business thrives in the long term. 3) Learning Experience: Here's where the Reggio comes in. I admit, I was skeptical of this approach to education that goes against the textbook approach I was raised with - but I've been converted. They really emphasize getting the kids out of the classroom and outside - because life doesn't happen within the confines of 4 walls! And when they go back to the classroom, they bring their observations and lessons from outdoors back into the classroom. I am so happy to know that my kids are outside, taking long walks beyond GG's property lines to observe and nature and enjoy it's beauty. They can learn to count using acorns in the fresh air rather than some plastic in a stuffy classroom. If it's a little cold out, they'll wear hats and mittens. If it's hot, water play in their swim gear. If it's raining a little, rain boots! Life doesn't happen in a bubble, even if our paternal/maternal instincts wish that it could. 4) COVID-19 Response: I would be remiss to not touch upon the way Gabi handled the pandemic and the crisis that surrounded it. While I hope the specific considerations are not relevant to future readers, it is an absolute testament to how she runs this business, responds to crisis, and navigates uncharted waters. First and foremost, it was utterly clear that her heart was broken when she was forced to shut the doors. Not because of the financial impact, but because she understood the predicament that her families and teachers would be in and she felt badly that she could not continue to offer her support due to the State's orders. But Gabi is on top of things. She proactively issued an abatement on tuition AND somehow managed to take care of her teachers. And when we finally got word that daycares would be able to open in Phase 2, Gabi was all over it, and GG was one of the earliest centers to reopen while many other smaller centers across the state simply couldn't survive the pandemic. I can't tell you how she did it, but by God she found a way, and earned massive respect as both a small business owner and a leader in my eyes. There are dozens of other little things I could go on about, but I'll spare you from more rambling. I can't promise that Gardengate is the perfect fit for every family, but I can tell you it's the best fit for mine and I hope you will give this wonderful team the opportunity to show you why. read more

Our child stopped attending here after 3 weeks (after the pandemic started). The communication was poor they played favoritism. My 2 y.o. child said that other kids were playing a game on the playground where my child would say something to other kids and the other kids would ignore my child and laugh. When we talked to the director to get more information the director told me my child was lying. The director even took me to the classroom where my child was and asked the teacher if it had happened. Right in front of my child and the other children. It was unbelievable. We were asked to leave afterwards. When we left, the director sent us a hateful email with comments from all of the other teachers saying how we're bad people. My wife was really distressed about it. The crazy thing is is that we never met some of the teachers and some of them weren't even working that day. It was like the director made it up. There also was an issue of blatant favoritism. The daily photos we received rarely had our child in them until we donated a book to the school. Afterwards we received multiple pictures per day. read more

We are so happy at Gardengate! I have two children here, and have had experiences now in every classroom (infant, toddler, pre-K, and K-1). We had previously been at a larger daycare in Natick, and could not believe how much better a daycare/preschool could be until we made the change. I have been so impressed with the thought that Gardengate puts into not only their curriculum/academics, but also into the children's social/emotional development. They have varied weekly themes and corresponding stimulating projects. For example, the preschool class had a 3-week space theme last year that my son still talks about! They also pay particular attention to promoting leadership skills. I also love the frequent outdoor time and daily walks the children take. In terms of the staff, the director, Gabi, is AMAZING. Any time we have had feedback, she has professionally addressed them. The teachers are wonderful and very engaged. I feel like they truly know and care about my children. I think it also helps that the class sizes are small, so you really get to know the staff. Gardengate also fosters a sense of community among the children and parents. For example, because they knew parents were reluctant to trick-or-treat in neighborhoods this year, they hosted their own trick-or-treating after school that was outside and structured to keep families separate. But what's really telling of how great this school is is how happy my kids are there! They absolutely love it and are always talking about their projects and teachers. They are learning, thriving, and feel loved and supported by the staff. I definitely encourage you to take a tour and meet Gabi! read more

My son has attended several classes at Garden Gate including Doodle Tap Dance, Love-Dance-Sing and Spanish Drop Off. He loves them all! We had his birthday party here and the level of professionalism shown for a toddler birthday party surpassed anything we have seen at other b-day parties we have attended. Everything was well organized, instructor-led, and engaging. Even the parents had a blast joining in the activities! Gabi runs a wonderful school full of nurturing, fun classes for children. read more

My daughter takes three classes at Gardengate and has a blast! She loves her dance teacher and is very proud of her crafts and art that she makes in her art classes. I also love that her art class uses recycled materials, which has only added to her creativity at home! read more