This is an amazing school and learning environment. My granddaughter has been enjoying learning and growing so much and I am totally in awe of how wonderful the experience has been for her and her 'classmates' as she calls them. I am the oldest girl of 7 and learned much from helping my mother with my brothers and sisters. I have three children of my own and love kids. I know a great learning environment when I see one and this place is a gem! So happy we found it and that our little princess gets to experience this as her first 'school' experience. She will treasure her time at Happy Valley forever. read more

This school is horrible for any family that is untraditional or child may have behavior issues. The staff and owner are so unprofessional and disrespectful. The teachers have 80 children come in and out of their school on a weekly basis. I was asked to not speak during parent teacher conference bc there was not enough time to get thru everthing. The teachers have no real time to dedicate or give extra attention to children and families that need it. Don't send your child here just for the animals. They don't really get to interact that much with them....this preschool was a huge mistake. read more

Disclaimer: I am writing this review as a nanny who took my three year-old twin boy leiges here regularly. I was in frequent contact with the administration and teachers, so I have a very good view of this school, despite not being the official Mom. There are four different classrooms, differentiated by age. My guys were in the "Popcorn" class. Their teacher (Ms. Rachelle) was wonderful. A lovely human being who truly cared about the kids, and it was obvious in her interactions with them. the other assistant teachers in their class were also wonderful, caring, nurturing people. The boys really loved their teachers, and felt comfortable in their classroom. Their day was broken into different sections such as math & science, reading, "sensory table", arts & crafts, etc. They were given opportunities to make plenty of choices throughout the day: Would you like to make a craft today, or play at the sensory table? The woman who runs the place, Mary Jean, is also a great lady who puts her whole heart into the business. I can only imagine it is difficult to interact with so many different kids and adults every day, but she goes at it with all guns blazing. She engages with everyone who walks through the door, and knows the names of all the kids. She is a sweet and loving lady, but don't mistake her for a softie. She has a toughness that I know moms can appreciate- she won't take any guff, and she makes sure to keep the place organized, under control, and well-protected. The school has a cute little playground, and a barn with lots of farm animals. During recess, the kids frequently go on tractor rides or pony rides- a very exciting part of their day. They get to take care of and feed animals. Cool stuff. Also worth noting, they had days scheduled where various community professionals visited: dentists, firemen, etc. I am a nanny, and entrusted with the care of kids. I take my job seriously and really care about my kids, and put a lot of love and energy into them. And I can honestly say that the teachers and staff here remind me of myself. It was apparent to me that they care about these kids just as much as I do. Definitely schedule a time to have a look at this school! Oh, and my one negative: that damned parking lot! Oddly-shaped and crowded, cars and kids everywhere. Ugh. read more

I am guessing that after I write my review they are going to send someone (maybe a staff) to write a 5-star review as they have done for everyone else that have written a less than stellar review... (see the pattern below)... I am a woman with an accent- I called and asked for their registration process and the lady who answered the phone did everything possible to dissuade me not to go there... (the reason mmmm possible that they are not open to have diversity in their school)... The lady said: registration is open BUT our program is ONLY part-time (note: I never asked if the program was part-time- since I checked the website and was familiar with those details). Then she add: AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO FEED YOUR CHILD; we only offers snacks (as if I was asking her for food- see the subtle racism?!). I am starting to wonder the diversity level at that school but I am guessing that their demographic is pretty "homogeneous" Now wait- wait until you see a 5 star review in order to balance out their rating... so their trend continues... read more

This school is basically a glorified day care. With the idea that your child may get to ride ponies and experience farm life. That is far from it!!! Even though I believe the teachers do the best that they can on what they are given, the administration handles things very unprofessionally. They will never right an incident report. Even if you check in with them, meet with them and do all that they ask..THEY will not follow through with there plan. They are so afraid to be confronted of there own mistakes, that they will avoid you. Really, why waste your time, money, and energy on this school when there are schools far better than this one. Go private, montessori, or waldorf. Far better programs for your money. read more

This is a great preschool. Aside from all of the animals, my daughter loves it and every other person I have met (all ages) love it. I read all this stuff about bad curriculum and glorified daycare, I come from a family of educators and they are all very impressed by what my daughter has learned. At the end of the day I will be signing up my next child for the preschool, and if there is another one they will go there as well! read more

Review from the father of a Happy Valley alum: HV was a wonderful experience for my son, David. Believing 'the proof is in the pudding' I note that he has had a remarkable life and I attribute much of his success to the early experience and beginning he was afforded at HV. Admittedly this was some time ago--early 1970;'s to be exact--and of course the philosophy and activities he encountered must have changed. The school's emphasis at that time centered on social development and goal setting and less on academic progress. I remember that in the beginning it took some faith on our part that HV provided a worthwhile program. Looking back we realize it was more than worth the expense. I have no idea if this philosophy still prevails, but during his time there he became a very confident and self-actualizing individual. among other accomplishments, he went on to become the National Youth President of the American Red Cross, earned a degree in psychology from the University of Oregon, volunteered to bring computer competency on-site to a governmental office in Uganda, and presently is the COO of a large nonprofit organization in Portland, Oregon. i recall David had one complaint about HV: for a little guy, it was an incredibly long bus ride from the school in Northwest Arvada to our home in North Lakewood. He was completely tuckered out by the time he returned and most days he arrived home asleep in his seat. Looking back are we pleased with the experience David had at HV? Absolutely! Placing our faith in HV was one of the best decisions we made. It would be interesting to hear other alum stories. Dennis W. read more

I went here as a child and will definitely send my children here. I cocky remember it to be one of the best school experiences I've ever had. My parents and sister also adore this school. They perfectly balance necessary curriculum and outdoor fun! The activities are amazing and very valuable future success. Highly recommend! read more

After our year here, I wouldn't recommend this pre-school. While the setting may seem exciting, the teachers & resources are simply mediocre. The day consists of some basic pre-kindergarten knowledge drill, play & simple crafts. I was given the impression that the curriculum & focus was about whole child development. I haven't seen staff education nor attitudes back this. Additionally, this school did not meet 6 out of 10 signs of a great pre-school as outlined by greatschools.com. read more

My review goes back many years. This place is a pre-school that both of my daughters still speak highly of. They were both in the Popcorn class. They loved their teacher, the bus driver and the assistants. They were very well cared for and speak highly of their experience at Happy Valley!! So, with that being said...They come highly recommended by two of their former students. One is an elementary school teacher and the other is a Neurologist. Great memories and we thank you, Happy Valley!! read more