This is my daughter's second year at Arcadia, and I couldn't be more in love with this school. Not…read moreonly has my daughter learned amazing social skills that will last her lifetime, she talks to me about planets, artists, ocean life, constellations over lunch now. She absolutely loves going here and is pretty disappointed on vacation days. I can't recommend them enough to anyone looking for a preschool.

From the owner: Our vision is to promote a safe, peaceful, and environmentally friendly atmosphere. We teach the…read moreimportance of thoughtful communication and respect. We provide outdoor play area allowing children to play and learn vital skills outside. With a low student to teacher ratio, we ensure every child gets care and nurturing he or she needs to thrive. We also build a sense of community by involving the children in annual fund-raising projects for global or local causes.

Both our daughter and son have attended the Montessori Farmhouse. They teach independence and hands…read moreon learning. Overall we are impressed with the results. One drawback is the price, currently around $1200 per month, but you get what you pay for.

We were over the moon to have our son go to this school. He had had a rough go of his last school…read moreand we thought this place would be perfect for him. Over the summer, we had a series of test done on him that resulted in an autism diagnosis. When we did the follow up session with the therapist, the first thinking we asked was what was the best thing for him as far as schooling as he is supposed to start kindergarten in the fall. The therapist said that while there was nothing wrong with a Montessori school, public schools would offer far more resources. That's all we needed to hear. Public schools it is. So my wife reaches out to farmhouse school to let them know that our son can not attend in the fall due to his diagnosis. They said that was fine, but that the first month deposit was non-refundable. $900!! Seriously?! We have a son who will require speech therapy, as well as other counseling and they're keeping our money? Ok. So then it turns out that friends of ours have a daughter that will also be attending this school next year, so my wife asks if our tuition can be applied to their child. Nope. A contract is a contract. This isn't a major corporation. This is a mom and pop business providing a service for mom's and pops, and their kids. Yes they have a contract. They know they don't have to honor it. They know they could have done the right thing. They chose not to. I guess I should be appreciative of the fact that they showed what they truly stand for before we went there. I can think of few things more devoid of moral decency than the way they chose to handle this. Our son has autism! Seriously?! What's wrong with you?

Since I chose Cadence based on reviews, I wish just one parent was honest with the issues going on…read morehere for apparently many years even before we arrived. This place is a logistical mess. They are short staffed constantly putting care into constant question and they have to rotate students who can't come to school that day because they don't pay their staff enough at all to stay. Teachers leave all the time. New ones come in, then leave shortly after. They're good with the kids, but for the astronomical cost that they keep raising, Cadence should come with peace of mind at least that you'll be able to get to work and know your children are being cared for by happy teachers who aren't overworked and underpaid, and constantly rotated so there is no bond formed. The gaslighting by the director on how this "isn't that bad" is obnoxious and insulting. On top of all this, they'll keep accepting new students and taking your money although they can't even handle the enrollment they have. It's all about money here. Interesting note: another Cadence location in the area had a teacher walkout because of pay and lack of training, so this is a pattern in this company. They're based in AZ and aren't local. And no matter what Cadence tells you, this is NOT NORMAL. There are a multitude of preschools in the area who do not put parents through this circus. I would highly advise you look elsewhere. This school is not at all worth the hassle. I've included photos of just a fraction of the "short staff" emails we recieved and that they're limiting classes that day or a warning that you may not be able to count on them for the day. If you have a very flexible schedule with work and don't need to follow any sort of structure in your personal life, this is the place for you. And to the teachers who do stay longer than a few weeks: you're saints and you should be paid a living wage.

Leaving your kiddo with someone for any period of time is hard, let alone 5 days a week almost all…read moreday. Let me just say that Cadence is an answer to prayer and we LOVE them. The staff is so wonderful and my daughter loves going. At two years old she comes home talking about her friends and all the things she did that day. It also helps to have updates throughout the day so you can see what they are learning. We are truly blessed to have this place and Mrs. Nancy and Mrs. Reagan are AMAZING! We wouldn't want our munchkin attending anywhere else.

My daughter attended in 2011-2012 and this is still her favorite care experience of all time, which…read moreis saying quite a lot considering she's loved them all! The staff really engaged with her on a whole different level and she learned so easily there. Love love love!

From the owner: At Arcadia we promote a strong peace & environmental curriculum and appreciate the importance of…read morenon-violent communication in our classroom as well as the world. We realize the importance of the children learning & living outdoors. We have created a large garden that the children till, weed, plant, water, harvest and eat from.

LovingLocal Lets hear it for another #tacoma #hiddengem and…read more#smallbussiness. So tucked behind the Human Society is a great little studio for those who want to go & try their hand at something new, those who want to create & those that want to explore. This is not the usual #sip&paint experience, it is more. Now, I suggest that you go in the daylight to find it the 1st time, wear something comfortable & be prepared to be inspired. I participated in the Love Letters to Self class and met some really nice ladies. This is a safe place to be yourself, to compliment & encourage others. Big shout out to Nadine for extending hospitality and ginger snaps! No doubt, I'll be back for more classes.

I love taking classes at Artful Dreamers Studio. The owner, Nadine seems to attract a wonderful…read moregroup of women. I've taken many classes and I always feel nurtured and safe. Never any judgement. Nadine is a wonderful teacher that helps me get the best results. Always a fun time.

Finally getting around to writing this review. My daughter began Chavitos in September of 2024 at…read morethe age of 2.5 and stayed the whole school year until August. She had an amazing experience and formed many friendships with her peers/teachers. I found that my daughter was becoming more confident doing things herself. She was also using her imagination/creativity more often. I believe Chavitos and the amazing teachers there, set her up for success. I now have a strong willed, adventure seeking, and social butterfly 4 year old. They were also very timely with communication and kept you well informed about your child or happenings. If it weren't for finance/ schedule changes- she would still be enrolled. I also appreciate that they helped so much with finding the right layers for the winter days outside. My daughter had the gear to get her through 3 hours outside because of their extensive list of how to properly dress for the elements.

Our daughter has attended Chavitos preschool program since the Fall of 2023, when she was 2.5 and…read morewe are so grateful to have found this program! The adult to child ratio is unmatched and play focused experience is incredible.

Diverse classroom, engaged teachers, and well structured day schedule.read more

Love this place it's a fantastic value and priceless experience for your kids. I have all my kids…read moreattend the pre k program and they have all benefitted from school, teachers and community The teachers really run a solid program that gives the kids a kick start academically but the social skills gained are really valuable . The all day program means opportunities for recess , lunch , computers , art and pe. If you live in the north end or will commute for quality ( we drive from federal way ) I highly recommend this program