Haylie is a magician, that's our family nickname for her. Somehow she gets kids and their needs on…read morea deeper level than most people, even educators that I have met. I had two kids attend her preschool and our experience has been nothing short of life-changing. Absolutely one of the secret gems in Kent, 1000% recommend this preschool.

Little Orchard Preschool is by far the best school in the area. Haylie puts so much dedication into…read moreplanning each day. It's definitely NOT a place where you drop your kids off and they run wild. They actually have a set schedule, structured learning and learn new things everyday. There is a greenhouse children plant and harvest year round! It is a safe indoor/outdoor environment! Also, the menu for the kids is different everyday and always healthy options with fresh fruit and veggies!!!! I am always surprised at how much my child learns everyday and even teaches me new things I didn't know!

My child has been attending Guidepost since they were just 2.5 years old, and the growth we've seen…read moreover the years has been nothing short of incredible. From those first shy steps into the classroom to the confident, curious, and expressive learner they've become today, the transformation has been beautiful to witness. One of the most remarkable changes has been in their ability to open up--not just socially, but emotionally as well. This openness has come from the nurturing environment, patient teachers, and consistent encouragement they've received at school. We are incredibly grateful to the educators and staff for their dedication, kindness, and vision. They've helped shape our child into who they are today, and we're excited to see where the journey leads next.

We've been part of the Guidepost Montessori community since my daughter was 1.5 years old. She…read morestarted at the Lynnwood location, which was a wonderful experience, and transitioned to the Kent campus in February. With so many life changes happening at once, the transition was a bit rocky at first - but thanks to the support of the administrators, teachers, and our involvement as parents, I'm happy to say she's now thriving. She's learning, making friends, and growing more confident every day. We're so grateful for the care and dedication of the Guidepost team!

We are thrilled with our experience at Montessori Time. What a find! Our daughter is growing and…read morelearning so much, and we feel we have found just the right environment for her, full of warmth and caring. The teachers are experienced, and their approach is very thoughtful. The classroom is prepared just right for the students, and there's so much for her to explore and learn with. I feel I've learned as well about how to support my daughter's education. We're excited about sending our second daughter to Montessori Time once she's old enough. Some notes: They have an excellent music curriculum and Spanish instruction once a week. They also offer summer day camps focused on specific topics. This was a great way to help our daughter (and ourselves) feel comfortable with being in preschool.

From the owner: Lake Meridians Montessori Preschool where learning can be wild!read more

My daughter is a current student at KM and even though we've moved to Maple Valley, we are keeping…read moreher there. We absolutely love the teachers, and the philosophy at this co-op. My daughter (2) has blossomed socially and we have already built some lifelong friendships with other families from our class. Because the school is not focused on academics, but rather, learning through play, the children have an opportunity to explore their own interests, even at this young age. What a joy to have the chance to teach my daughter independence and love of learning in a nurturing and supportive environment.

We love KM. We love the teachers! They are so wonderful. We love the KM community. I am so…read morethankful we found this preschool!

Update: We're still loving the teachers and community at Benson Hill Cooperative School with our 2…read moreyear old in Ms. Kellys class! My family started at BHCP with our 2 year old kiddo in 2019. She was our first kid so it was a relief to be in class with her learning from the teachers, other parents working in the classroom and the Bates Technical College parent educator. My daughter learned to be more independent and play with kids her age. We now attended BHCP for three years and love the play based learning. Ms. Kristie keeps the kids engaged and laughing during opening circle. She encourages them to improvise in songs and guess what's going to happen in the story. The kids take turns bringing a class pet home (stuffed animal) and telling the other kids about their adventures. Art is a sensory messy creative play experience. Kids are encouraged to explore materials and come up with their own ideas about how to use them. Ms. Kristie supports them as they create and explore. We have class field trips like going to the pumpkin patch; seeing plays at Carco theater and visits from the firefighters with their trucks. BHCP has a large outdoor play space with swings, sand and plays to climb. Parents work in the classroom once a week which I've come to love. I get to see how my kid interacts at school and learn from other parents and the teacher. There isn't a focus on letters or counting however BHCP and Bates Technical college just held a kindergarten readiness panel and apparently it's more important that kids go to the bathroom independently and know how to use scissors. My 4 year old child participated in the 5 day program this year. So in additional to 3 days in the 4 year old class she also spent 2 days a week in the class for 3 year olds, which I was doubtful about at first but see how she gets to be a leader in class. She'll help open snack packets or demonstrate how to use a tool. Also since it's a play based school she does more projects on her own those days or with the help of a parent volunteer. Such as threading beads or dictating poems for her grandparents. Parents can choose to either serve on the board or have a parent job like laundry or playdough making. It's another way to build friendships with other parents. There are a lot of "thank goodness, your kid does that too?!" The preschool is in a church but is not religious. There is a Noah's Art Mural on one wall that the church as asked not be removed. But Christmas and even St. Patrick's day isn't topic of books or art projects. We actually had Purple Day on 3/17. They have trial classes. Worth checking out.

This is my daughter's first year at this co op school. Three of my friends and their kids had a…read moregreat educational journey at their local co op schools (Renton, Bothell and Bellevue) and their high recommendations inspired me to join. Two times a week we go to school together and play and learn for two hours and thirty minutes each day. My family tends to be more introverts and this easy separation transitional time and experience really works for us. Ms. Kristie is super attentive and caring. She is so dedicated to this school and her students. I cannot ask for a better teacher, environment and wonderful group of parents!

All my 3 kids of different ages went to Basic Steps and loved it! I've known Kany since 2014 (?)…read morewhen I enrolled my 1st child and her school has grown so much since then! I'm so amazed at how she's able to handle curriculum for different levels and know all the kids by their 1st names. She also noticed that my 2nd son was advanced for his age and, along with a few other 4 year olds, she made advanced lessons just for them. My son loved it cuz he felt more challenged and up till now (he's in 4th grade already) still remembers those lessons he learned from Kany and says those were harder than 2nd grade in public school, but it was more fun! I brought my 3rd child there who just graduated pre school this past spring as well and he loved Kany and all his teachers. Anyways, I only have good things to say about Basic Steps and Kany and I wish her all the best!

Absolutely loved every second my children attended basic steps!! Mrs Joa is outstanding and always…read moreup to the challenge!! Wish our children could be taught by her at all levels. Even tho we are done with her academy she still keeps in touch every now and then and check on " her kids " and we appreciate it very much so!! Thanks once again for everything Mrs Joa and team!! With kind regards, Jeremi

Sunshine Mountain is amazing! The quality teachers, coupled with a curriculum that focuses on God's…read morelove, have served Kent families well for over 40 years. The school opened in the fall of 1979, and has been setting the standard for quality Christian preschool and kindergarten ever since. The classes focus on giving children their very best possible start in school. All three of my children attended this school for preschool and kindergarten, and it was the best decision we ever made - I loved it so much I decided to teach here!

From the owner: At Sunshine Mountain we believe every child deserves a joyful faith filled start to life. For over…read more45 years we have been welcoming families into a warm Christ centered enviroment where children are encouraged to grow spiritually, emotionally, socially and academically.

Kent Covenant Preschool is fantastic! Our daughter went there for pre-K last year. The staff is…read moregenuine and caring! The classrooms are engaging. Our daughter still sings songs that she learned in class. Loved the curriculum program!

Both my children attended this preschool and they absolutely loved it! They enjoyed the intimate,…read moreyet enjoyable learning environment and adored their teachers. They developed some long term friendships as a result from this atmosphere and as parents, we gained valuable parental friendships. What I appreciated the most was that we were able to build relationships with the coordinator, teachers and parents that enabled us to trust that our children's learnings were in everyone's best interest. I have recommended this school several times to others.

We love Goddard! We know our son is getting excellent care. My toddler loves his teachers Ms…read more Lakshmi, Kaedri and Munju! We're always welcomed each morning with smiling faces from Ms. Jenn and Dasha. Highly recommend!!

Our children have been @ Goddard Kent for over 4 years and it's only because of the management and…read morethe teachers. I don't typically write long reviews and only after I wrote this did I realize how long it was. But as a Working parent with kids and I must use childcare. I hope this review helps someone else like me. We enrolled our first at Goddard Kent during COVID through the fluctuations that are life, they have remained a constant support and reliable resource for our family--it only made sense to enroll our daughter when she was born. It's hard to find people you trust with your kids. It's also hard to find people that are reliable. We have found both at Goddard. We have found teachers that genuinely love and care about our kids such as Ms. Marisol, Ms. Lakshmi, Ms. Dani, Ms. Erika, Ms. Jenny, Ms. Kalen, Ms. Veedy, Ms. Summer, Ms. Zulema, Ms. Summer, and Ms. Taraji, the list goes on. We have also really been impressed with the management, the owner Ms. Chelsea has a masters in early childhood development and she is incredibly passionate and invested in the work she is doing. The Director Ms. Jenn, I simply have no words--she is incredible. She shows up and gives 110% everyday. She truly recognizes, respects, and values the impact her work has on shaping this next generation of children. Ms. Dasha, is the brains behind the fun, She will help everyone and anyone, and our kids are obsessed with her. Ms. Jatinder is an invaluable resource supporting the teachers. Childcare is a difficult industry with lots of turnover. It's inevitable. But the thing about Goddard is that Because the owner and the management care, it means they hire teachers who also care. There's a reason why they call them teachers at Goddard And not babysitters. Note, check out Miss Erika in preschool 1 and her hand-painted poster of Pete The Cat-- or any other number of times I have witnessed the teachers that have gone above and beyond. For example, There was a friend that was particularly disruptive in one of our kids classrooms-- it was undeniably frustrating as a parent in the moment, However, in hindsight the way that management partnered with the child's parents in that situation with the support of the teacher To advocate for this kid to receive the resources he needed really showed me how much they care. That child was advocated for and supported. Along with all the other children in that classroom. That's my $.02.