I was supersized I read so many negative reviews of this place. I will say prior to my son…read moreattending this place we had the worst experience with the public school preschool program and special education classroom. At the previous school my child was hit by a teacher and we created an investigation. So I wanted my child to be in an educational system in which I could have access to video monitoring services and one that held teachers accountable. So I as any parents of a little one I was skeptical of every place that I went to observe and I ended liking kiddie academy because of their philosophy, rules, and how they hold teachers accountable. My child has a few couples of days getting used to his new school and he did bite a child one day and got suspended. However in no time he learned to get a long with the rest of the children and be friends with children. I saw my child grow as the little butterfly he is and be confident in his social skills and educational journey. He was able to graduate from pre-K with his peers and do the summer program as well. He loved it so much that me that he is in kinder he tells me he misses Kiddie academy friends and teachers. The team is amazing and wonderful and I will forever be grateful they took care of my little one as one of theirs.

My child was bitten a documented 32 times at this center. It was known there was a consistent child…read morewho bit. Despite the multiple discussions with management and staff, my 2 year old son continued to be bitten. The management had an attitude of "kids will be kids" and not an attitude of how to make sure he and the other children were not bitten. One or two bites may be a toddler behavior but not 32. The lack of care, or plan put in place was the reason we had to disenroll. It was not fair to my son to go to school everyday in that type of environment. The only reason I didn't give it one star was because there were a couple teachers I liked at the school.​

I am a mother of two children currently enrolled in Montessori One and I could not have better…read morethings to say about this school. My children are 5 1/2 and almost 3. The oldest has been enrolled since he was 2 1/2 and has gained so much from his experience there. He is writing in cursive, working on fractions, has good knowledge of the continents, and writes comic books at home for fun. And he's pretty average amongst his peers. My toddler LOVES her class, friends, and teachers. Every time I pick her up I hear all about her day without even asking. She usually includes, "...and I did lots of works, Mom!" They both genuinely enjoy learning and I believe it is the Montessori method that has fostered that love. That said, they do have days where we have some sort of upset or tantrum, but the staff (and other parents) are always very understanding and helpful. The STAFF!! I love these people. I trust and truly believe that they always have the children's best interest, safety, and wellbeing at the core of their work. I am grateful for the connection I share with my children's teachers. If my toddler has a rough morning, I'll send her teacher a text later in the day to check on her and she'll respond with an update and sometimes a picture of my daughter working happily. There are several ways to reach the teachers if concerns arise. From email to text message to plain old pen and notebook in each class' cubby room area. If there is ever a behavioral issue with either of my children their teachers always discuss the incident with me along with the measures that were taken to address it. The children are always re-directed rather than punished. This is a long review but in it I must include Tina Patel, the director of Montessori One. She has an amazing vision for our children and has helped my own family in so many ways. She works hard to ensure her staff are up to date on their education and strict Montessori requirements. She has also offered parent seminars and open houses to ensure parents and families have a good understanding about what's going on in the school and how to help our children grow happy and healthy. Tina is very inclusive and, I believe, genuinely cares about the future of our children. Of course you will come to your own conclusion when choosing what's right for your own family. But I encourage you to check it out for yourself. Montessori One really is a wonderful community.

I found it interesting how the business responded to the influx of negative feedback on their…read moreGoogle reviews - they disabled them. Each time myself or another parent shared a poor experience on there, the replies came across as cold, generic, defensive, and frankly gaslighting, lacking any genuine empathy or understanding. Unfortunately, my in-person experience matched that tone exactly. The atmosphere earns a 1/5 at best. The building feels far more like a sterile clinic or office than a warm, inviting elementary school or preschool. The outdoor play area is extremely small and limited, with very little equipment for the children. Even small details like Christmas stockings with typed and stapled staff names suggesting high turnover, and awards displayed on the walls that are all several years outdated gave the impression that things have declined and aren't improving. Those old awards seem to be up there for a reason: nothing recent to replace them with. The staff interaction was the worst part, warranting a 0/5. I found them consistently rude, condescending, and disingenuous. They gossip openly about the director and each other in front of kids and parents. If your child is remotely unsettled, you're called to do an early pickup. Staff do not seem to enjoy their jobs, and it shows. You'd see kids walk out from the day with mucus dried and crusted from never being cleaned during the day. During a visit, I observed teachers chatting among themselves for several minutes while a young child slid down the slide and hit their head at the bottom and only got attention once he started crying. My own kid was injured quite badly by the teacher which is why we disenrolled immediately. My kid used to HATE it here, cried every day about having to go, and wow I can't imagine why. What struck me was how indifferent the staff seemed toward families leaving. When we decided to withdraw, there was no curiosity about why, no attempt to understand our concerns, and certainly no effort to retain us. It genuinely felt like it didn't matter to them whether we stayed or left. That complete lack of care or investment in the families they serve spoke volumes. This similar observation was also echoed in another Google review that's also now gone. Practical issues only made things worse - parking is severely limited, turning drop off and pick up into chaos with constant car horns and aggressive maneuvering. The overall operation felt disorganized and unwelcoming from the moment I arrived. I'm genuinely baffled that this place had a waitlist. We quickly found a much better option just down the road- one that actually feels like a school, with engaging play spaces and genuinely kind, warm staff. My kid LOVES the new school and is thriving there. I'm just sad that this was our first experience in a learning environment when there are clearly MUCH better options. I didn't even get into everything like the complete and utter lack of communication. Even for free, I wouldn't consider it worth the time or stress. Save yourself the disappointment and look elsewhere.

We trusted the positive reviews and gave it a shot (after a few terrible experiences with…read moreAlbuquerque daycares). Then our child came home with a series of injuries which were either 1). Unexplained or 2). Blamed on the child. We pulled our child after a few weeks because none of it added up. Also- The space is flourescently lit, colorless and lacking in plant life or natural light. Pretty dismal, actually.

Went on a tour to this school and had a very negative experience. The website states, "Other…read moreextra-curricular programs include gymnastics, dance, and Spanish lessons." Confirmed with the director there are no Spanish classes or lessons currently, which would indicate a need for an update to the website. When I asked what language exposure opportunities are offered at the school, I was told about a teacher who "speaks another language but I don't know what it is." When I asked what their policy/procedure around name-calling in the classroom, they stated there wasn't one. If children are calling each other names, it won't be shut down and the educators may engage in the name-calling as well. When I shared our philosophy at home, that we don't call people outside of their names (that it's respectful to refer to people as they prefer)- and if people are called outside of their names, then the adults around shut down the behavior and role model appropriate/ humane treatment of other humans; I was then told that this wasn't the school for us because they would not shut down name-calling and that it would potentially be encouraged as "imaginative play." If you want a school that encourages name-calling and potential bullying, has indescrepincies on their website, and doesn't know their staff's backgrounds- this may be the place for you. If you want a school that encourages education, humane treatment, and cultural diversity- this probably isn't it.

We have had such a wonderful experience here. Everyone is so kind and the atmosphere has been so…read morewarm. That goes such a long way with my daughter and my family. We came from La Puerta De Los Ninos (which is awful) and are so glad we made the switch.

Can't say enough about Serendipity. They were recommended by multiple people in the area, and have…read morejust been exceptional in every regard. Our 3.5yr old has been attending Serendipity since he was 2 and its been wonderful. The teachers are extremely caring, knowledgeable and experienced. They've honestly taught me so much about dealing with a toddler. Just a great vibe about the whole place. Great communication between parents, teachers and management. I don't know what we'd do without them! HIGHLY recommend!!

this school is bullying my nephew, they did not care that another student stomped on his head and…read morewhen he told the teacher she rolled her eyes at him, they did not notify his parents of the incident, and now they are withholding his transcripts to be transferred to another school

Reposting since my review seems to magically disappear everytime: DO NOT SEND YOUR BLACK CHILDREN…read moreHERE. PLEASE. All of my siblings and I were students for years and the most consistent theme we encountered was just racism. I dealt with DAILY racism from the students (ranging from making fun of my family or heritage or hair or skin when the lights turned off to just straight up calling me a N****r) that went unchecked by administration who liked calling the incidences "he said she said situations". I'm Nigerian, and I was called MamaKenya and Jujumama Gumbo for years. I dealt with way too many racist teachers too, faculty members and substitutes, especially my sophomore year of highschool, where my white male middle aged English teacher told me he would put a bag over my head and sell me if I got the chance (I eventually made a habit of walking out of classes when this happened when I figured out I didn't have to sit there and take the abuse). The same year, our NOTORIOUSLY RACIST HISTORY TEACHER SPRONG, who liked referring to black people and native Americans as darkies and r**skins started a whole tirade of drama with me when I "spoke out of turn" when he said Obama was out of his "cotton picking mind". I walked out of the room without a word, only to find myself in the principals office later that day because I was "acting like an animal" and "making grotesque sounds in class". Of course I was branded as the dramatic liar, and told by the principal they had to "support our teachers", the same line they told me after a substitute teacher who went on to try and bully my brother as well tried to get me expelled for "hyperaggressive behavior" and "threatening him in class" after I "gave him a dirty look" (blatantly lying, I wasn't even looking at him while he was talking ) while he was giving an announcement. I'm sorry 16 year old 120lb presence was so threatening to someone who spent years abroad with the military. That was real cute. Before he left the school, my brother was calling me multiple times a week during the school day to tell me about how he was being bullied and called a n***er everyday and I will never forgive this school for the extent they let racism bury itself even deeper into the very foundation of the school's culture. Years later, my sisters are still coming home telling me about how little white boys at school follow them around spewing the racist nonsense their parents teach them at home. With no consequence of course, because they're on the same page as many faculty members. And please, don't let me get started on the sexism that gets taught in class. Look below at the review detailing a teacher telling us marital rape didn't exist. He has told every class since 2015 the same thing, and trust me that wasn't the only insane thing we heard in class or chapel. "Purity Week" itself was sexist hell. My best HCS memory was leaving. It may have Christian school in the name, but the experience was very much the opposite.

My children thrived at this school. I was worried for them to start school as they had been at home…read morewith me since birth but they absolutely flourished. No school is without problems but I find the staff here do their very best to tune into the children and have activities that easily allow the children to be excited about school. My oldest just left and I wish we could've stayed longer! She was already reading in wonderful Ms. Najat's class and able to count to 1000! She's a five star teacher. All the teachers truly love what they do. The food is prepared there in the kitchen, the facility is kept clean, and the staff is very friendly! Drop off can be a doozy but I have never had to worry about my children here.

Springstone staff has become like family. My son has been going to Springstone since he was a year…read moreold. He started out with Mrs. Julie then had Ms. Karissa and then moved up to have Ms. Eva. My son is now 5 and he has graduated but each of these employees are still with Springstone. The employees are amazing and go above and beyond to teach the kids lesson needed for everyday. Their Montessori curriculum is taught daily, in all ages. Kids are taught love, respect and discipline. The classroom sizes are small and the teachers all work together. Ms. Melissa, Ben, and all other members of the staff have always been there to help. I highly recommend Springstone and would choose this school over any other school.

I can't say enough good things about Cottonwood. It is a gem in every way. The teachers are…read moreutterly dedicated to the kids and to providing an exceptional learning experience. The format encourages creativity, independent thinking and problem solving skills, artistic ability, confidence and fun. It is a loving, supportive community of parents, teachers and administrators and the kids thrive there. The students are encouraged to self-motivate, manage their own workload and be self-sufficient, all of which are the skills we all need to be truly successful in life. The school focuses on community service, equality, tolerance, peace, and a global perspective. The teachers teach and talk "up" to the kids (not down). Beyond incredible academics, the kids do the most amazing things, from learning musical instruments and music, to writing their own plays and creating the sets and costumes, to learning about the local eco-system, to learning organic gardening, to learning to give back to the community through multiple events throughout the year (we sponsor families in need during the holidays, recently volunteered as families at a local food bank, and do a food drive in the fall). The kids come away from Cottonwood not only light years ahead of their peers in all academic disciplines, but they also come away with an open-minded, global perspective, the ability to empathize, to control their own actions and reactions to the world, and to be clear and confident about who they are no matter what is going on in the world around them. The buildings are a bit less than stellar (nothing like a fancy school with a big endowment), but I like it that way because the focus in on the quality of the education and of the community, not on status or prestige. That said, the school has a very high percentage of kids that get into the top middle and high schools in the area. If the buildings were fancy, I think it would attract a very different kind of parent. That is why I'm almost afraid to share all of this because it is such a special place - I don't want the secret to get out! :-) We are so lucky that we found this very special school.

Letting my son post under my account…read more I went to school here for a year in 1st grade when I was 7. I loved it! Jaiden

Everything there amazing teachers and leaders wow!! Both my granddaughters have been going there…read moresince they were 3 and they're so smart, caring and loving children. The staff is beyond outstanding. I recommend this school who is looking for a well rounded educational experience for their child.

LEAP has been a great school for our kids. The teacher to student ratio is low, my kids get one on…read moreone attention and I receive regular parent guides on where my kids excel and where they need attention. I am a product of New Mexico public education and wanted my children to have something more. The cost is on point and really helps my daughters to thrive in a way they wouldn't be able to in public schools. Thank you Sheila Griffin and Betty Osoff for treating my family like we matter.

Sunset Mesa did not have online learning during the pandemic in 2020 and we removed our child. It…read moreseems as though they didn't want to adjust their tuition. We re-enrolled our kids, hoping Sunset Mesa's policies would change for the upcoming year. One week before school starts we receive an email that masks will be optional indoors for unvaccinated elementary students. A parent asked Alan Mask what it would take for him to reconsider his decision and he said that it would take more parents complaining, which goes to show that Sunset Mesa is weighing their bottom line against your child's well being. Delta variant cases are increasing as we speak, but Sunset Mesa wants your money! Sunset Mesa is a business, and your child's well being comes second!

Since it's so hard to find good review for Albuquerque preschools, I decided to help. If you're…read morelooking for a good preschool for your kids, Sunset Mesa is an awesome choice. Why do I like Sunset Mesa? Mainly, unlike other preschools in the area, Sunset Mesa tries hard to be an actual school. Instead of me paying to have someone keep my daughter distracted with Sesame Street and sugary drinks, they try hard to teach her something. Since starting at Sunset, I've noticed that both her reading level and math skills have improved dramatically. My daughter also really enjoys the other students since the teachers keep fighting and bullying out of the classroom. The childrens' parent seen to be mostly Sandia employees or military. Also, a child has to be at least two and potty trained before the school will admit him or her. The price is steep compared to other places in Albuquerque. To me, the place is worth the money. Preschool is definitely somewhere a person gets what they pay for.

We love, love, love this school! As soon as we arrived for our tour, we could just feel it was the…read moreright fit for our 2 and 4 year old. This lovely building and playground is nestled right up against the fields off Montaño Rd, behind the church and set away from the busy traffic. The outdoor play area is spacious and has a lot of variety - staff told us it was just newly remodeled before this school year started. The classroom is big, bright, open, and beautiful! They have so many play-directed, exploratory learning activities and stations - the learning/teaching method is absolutely ideal. They even have a quiet space for kiddos who need a break from stimulation where they can quietly spend some time alone if needed; I thought that was an incredibly thoughtful and empathetic way to support children who may be more shy or have social anxieties. My kids absolutely love this school- their peers and their teachers. This was our third try, looking for the right fit for our son. We feel so lucky and blessed that they had space for us this year. This is my daughter's first year in preschool and it is so wonderful knowing that the class structure encourages mixed-age grouping and integration- for big chunks of the day, the younger kids can freely interact and engage with the older kids - which is proven to support healthy development:) then in other parts of the day, they break off into similar age groups for planned curriculum to teach to their specific levels/needs. Child to teacher ratio is low, so individual needs and attention are easily met, and everyone builds stronger relationships. We have felt a part of a real community here, not just passing through. Every staff member is warm and kind, and makes effort to engage us as parents in a meaningful way. I highly recommend anyone with preschool age children to take a tour, meet the staff and decide for yourself. They fill up fast, and you might get on a waiting list- but it's worth the effort to know you have found one of the best schools in the city to care for and educate your little ones.