We have been incredibly happy with our experience at Lightbridge Academy - Westwood. From the very beginning, the center provided us with a warm and welcoming environment for our then 6 month old. We are now in our third classroom and each one has been cheerful, nurturing and supportive of learning and playing. All of our son's teachers have been truly wonderful, each loving, attentive, and easy to communicate with. They consistently partner with us in caring for our child, always putting us at ease. Their genuine care and kindness continue to create a space where our son is able to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. The center is truly a safe, supportive, and joyful place for children to grow. read more

It is quite difficult finding childcare in Rockland County, NY. My review is for my experience today. I drive 25mins twice a day to take/pickup my son from Lightbridge Academy-Westwood. His teacher Aneta is a dream. She's incredibly compassionate, patient, empathetic, loving and above all genuine. There is no one else like her and my son loves her truly. She's the only one who calls me if my son has an accident or isn't feeling well. She keeps me in the know always. I thoroughly appreciate the care and her positivity toward my son and everyone around her. Her people skills are incredible. The past 2 weeks I've been receiving emails requesting feedback on the staff. Today there is a need to write this review ...I'm sad I have to write it. This week has been difficult trying to find childcare for my daughter for spring break. Bright Horizons has been notifying me there is no placement in my area. Imagine my surprise when I saw Lightbridge Academy- Westwood pop up as placement. I was thrilled since my son goes there it would be perfect to have my daughter there for 4 days for 4hrs a day. I spoke to the assistant director this morning and told her I was surprised they were listed as a center. I told her I submitted a request for my daughter for the following week..and asked if she could confirm my daughter can be at the same center as my son. She said she'd look into it. I said do you mind letting me know sooner rather than later since it's Friday and I need to lock in childcare for my daughter..her response "I'll look into it" ..I was thinking to myself ..wouldn't she say "of course" and try her best to assist especially since my son already is enrolled at this academy for several months...As I turned to leave, I said to her again do you mind letting me know by 3pm ET today. and her response "I'll look into it... I already knew my daughter was not going to be taken at this center for the 4days with Marisa's lack of enthusiasm and her apparent annoyance at my request. I'm truly disappointed in Marisa. As a working mother like herself..I wish in that moment she put herself in my shoes but instead I didn't leave the building yet..and her and her colleague at the greeters window were talking about me behind my back. Who I am is a mother who needed help for 4 days- for 4 hrs per day ...and instead of trying to accommodate a parent who already has one of her child enrolled at their center...Marisa called me and told me sorry we don't have placement. (There was NO surprise there) ...I told her I was already notified by Bright Horizons. I told her I'm disappointed and it's unfortunate..she apologized she couldn't do anything ...I have worked with Bright Horizons for over 7years ..accommodations could be met especially for a parent who has a child already enrolled in the center. That's who they accommodate first (siblings). Marisa said it's nothing personal. I hope she understands my review is not personal. I wish they had more Aneta's in the world ..and above all I wish there were more Aneta's at Lightbridge Academy-Westwood. The world would certainly be a happier, friendlier, kinder place. read more

Brody has been in the Goldfish classroom for about a month now. He loves going to school and spending the day with his friends, Miss Elisa and Miss Cynthia. The two of them have been so welcoming and made Brody's transition into Daycare seamless. We had no idea what to expect dropping Brody off at Lightbridge, but everyone welcomed him with open arms and he has a blast every day. He talks about Miss Elisa at home and the compassion that both teachers have for their students is quite evident. We're so glad we found such a great fit! read more

All of my grandchildren have gone to Lightbridge Academy of Westwood over the past 10 years. I think the center is amazing. They have all excelled in their reading and were always all smiles whenever I picked them up! My youngest grandson is there now and the teachers are wonderful. I can't say enough great things about the Director, Crystal, she has been there since my first granddaughter started there 10 years ago and is so dedicated. Marisa is the current Assistant Director and is also fantastic! They both have happy/excited greetings for everyone when they come in and leave. It really seems that they're at the school all day from open to close! I recommend Lightbridge Academy to everyone I know! read more

My daughter attended this locations for around 6 months starting the summer of 2023. From my observations the directors goal is to have THE max amount of children per teacher. This is highly problematic if said teacher is unable to multitask or work at a higher efficiency. This definitely detracts from the light bridge goal. During the time my daughter was there I did not observe much learning as was promised. There were many play stations but the curriculum that was promised? NOT AT ALL. The teachers are so over run with children that my child's diaper was changed on average ONCE a DAY. Easily observed on the camera the growing hanging diaper and the math added up to once a day going off how many diapers I needed to provide. This issue had been brought to directors attention after a very horrible incident when poop had been left to burn my child for hours. My mistake that I should have taken her to the pediatrician for the neglect to be documented. Again promises made diaper changes would be made every 2 hours. Now while that same issue did not repeat her diaper was still not changed every 2 hours. While they do have MANY lovely staff members that truly seemed to care they were simply not given the resources to do more for the children. Also unfortunately my child's main teacher reached a point of frustration that my mother observed on camera her being EXTREMELY rough with my child to the point I immediately left work to get her and notified directors she would not be returning. I'm still hopeful to find what I was originally promised through a different light bridge academy. Update: Lucy L. I see no point in calling the number to share feedback on the issues. 100% positive the directors are fully aware of the issues. I did after all speak to them numerous times. Though I do hope they followed through with reporting the incident with my daughter's teacher to the state as they promised to do. I did tour another LightBridge Academy and that director seemed horrified with the child/student ratios of Westwoods Location. Additionally I'm excited to find out about the interactive learning from the new location. They seemed to think I was already aware of the programs. Truthfully I was embarrassed to admit had my daughter enrolled in another Lightbridge Academy that never utilised or even seem to have these tools available or in active use despite their grandiose promises of it being a learning environment. read more

As a new mom I had my reservations about placing my child in daycare. My daughter is young and is not fluidly communicating yet. After careful research and prayer, I decided to enroll my child in Lightbridge Academy Greenpoint. During the virtual and in person tour I was impressed with state-of-the-art structure of the facility. The building is brand new and beautifully designed - perfect environment for an infant/toddler. I appreciate the thought and consideration that was put in to keeping the space safe from intruders. I love how welcoming and friendly the staff and other families are. Leadership is extremely approachable considerate and accommodating. The hours are perfect for working families - 7A - 7P gives a generous window for drop-off and pickup. The teaching staff pays exceptional attention to detail and sends you real time updates throughout the day. When I drop my daughter, I am confident that she is good hands and receiving excellent care. Our family is privileged to have access to such a competent efficient childcare program. I highly recommend Lightbridge without reservation. In such a short time I have seen my daughter make significant progress with her social and cognitive skills. read more

Lightbridge Academy in Westwood is great! The app, photos, messages, etc keep you updated each day! The cameras so you can peak in are also fun and helpful. We currently have our 2.5 year old in goldfish (has been attending since she was 3 months old) and our 4.5 month old in the infant room and the staff in both rooms are incredible. Our 2.5 year old can be a challenge, but each day she is excited to go to school and doesn't want to leave! Not to mention that many teachers know who our kids are and it's so refreshing that they know them (and us) by name! We chose Lightbridge during the pandemic due to it's cleanliness and cleaning protocols, the outdoor space, lunch options and curriculum. So glad we did! read more

Don't waste your time!!! I toured the school back in July of 2022 in hopes to have my daughter enrolled by February 2023 (7 months in advance) and was told by Management that my name was on the waitlist and the likelihood of having her accepted by that time was very high. I was encouraged to check back in monthly to see if there had been any movement on the waitlist. Every time I called, I received the same generic answer echoing what I had been told when I toured - that there would most likely be room for her. It wasn't until early September when I explained that I would have to return to work in 2023 and needed a secured spot for her, that I was told there wasn't going to be any room - interesting how it suddenly changed - only to be told during the same phone call that "oh a family is moving and when they do I can have their spot so they will call them to find out a timeframe and get back to me shortly". Not surprisingly, I never received a callback AND I've called probably 6 times over the course of the last 2 months, left messages, and never got a call back. The school is nice but Management is horrendous - they lack transparency and honesty. It seems they have no issue leading parents on to believe their child would be accepted. Had I known it was a complete lie, I would have put my daughter on other waitlists months ago. It's a shame that an institution built on creating relief for working parents has absolutely no respect for the working parent's time. read more

I viewed many, many schools prior to enrolling my toddler at Lightbridge Academy of Westwood. I ultimately chose this school due to location, staff, pricing and the ability to view my child online during the day. The staff is amazing! Everyone is professional, informative, caring and seems to enjoy working there. It is very easy to drop off and pick up my child (never an issue with parking). The school is very modernized when it comes to technology and appearance. I like the outdoor playground and appreciate that I receive emails throughout the day including updates regarding my child and the school. The school sends out a daily progress report and the teachers are very informative. The school also incorporates sign language, Spanish lessons and music. My son had been a student for about 5.5 months. Although he is only a part time student, I have seen various improvements in his behavior, communication and learning capabilities. He will be starting pre-school classes soon and I am delighted to see that the school offers a variety of additional classes (ie sports, dance, etc) at an additional fee of course. If you are seeking a totally academic institution for your child, you may want to try a Montessori. If you want a place that incorporates fun, academics, social skills, standard pricing, modern education as well as modern technology try Lightbridge Academy of Westwood. read more

Back in September my mother in-law became ill and could not watch my at the time 9 month old daughter. We contacted so many daycares and all were waitlisted for infants. It wasn't just until my sister in-law told me about lightbridge, that I contacted them and they had room. We toured the school and fell in love. My daughter has grown so much over the last few months and I can't thank them enough. The teachers are amazing and love my daughter so much and she is always so happy going to them with open arms. They took a stressful time and made it so much easier. My daughter will be going back to my mother in-law next month, but we are hoping to attend in the future. We can't thank Lightbridge and the teachers enough! read more

Last Friday was my son's last day at LBA of Westwood. He turned 3 years old and is now attending our town preschool. It took me a few days to write this review because I am finally over the emotions. Words cant describe how I feel about the staff at this facility. Of course I appreciate how clean it is, and how the rooms are filled with lovely decorations and supplies. Of course I love the weekly curriculum and how enticing the themes are. of course its amazing to use an app to get updates on his day and adorable photos. and OF COURSE I love that we were able to peek in on our little one no matter where he was and what he was doing. But what I love the most are the amazing women who run the front office and the incredible teachers that looked after my little boy. They may have fallen in love with him, but he loved them back just as much ! Lightbridge academy of Westwood took a first time mom of an only child and provided the most amazing daycare/preschool experience she could ask for. We love you guys and will miss you for sure ! read more

This place is great! My 2.5 and 1.5 year olds started here a month ago and they are so happy here. They use to go to prime time and they were just miserable there and did not want to go. At rainbow my daughter is always asking me to take her everyday. Every single staff member is nice. You can watch your kids on the camera which is really awesome. My kids use to always cry when I dropped them off but now they never do. Top notch outdoor gym with high fence and shade cover, the best I have seen and I have seen many. Completely satisfied to the point that when I move to another home, it must be close by. read more

My daughter has been enrolled here since she was 4 months old and I cannot say enough about how wonderful our experience has been. The teachers are so caring and loving while simultaneously providing an age appropriate education. It's the best of both worlds. It's amazing to see how much my daughter has grown under the care of the wonderful staff. They have taught her so much, from baby sign language to how to drink from a straw cup to now her ever expanding vocabulary. It is incredible The director, assistant and admin. asst are all very approachable, great listeners and great communicators. I always feel confident when speaking with them with any questions and they're so receptive to suggestions and implement them as needed. I love that my daughter loves going to school and feel so lucky to have such wonderful caretakers for her when I can't be there myself. read more

Putting a newborn into daycare is daunting for any parent but lightbridge academy and their staff have treated our family with such care since day 1. They are always accessible, welcoming and attentive. We're lucky to have them so close by. read more

If you are looking for a great school then keep looking, this place is not worth a single penny. Teachers are too busy to watch and take care your child, careless and seem like they just do their job. Another terrible thing is They can put your child in class even the class are full if you have money, they can do. There are 17-18 children with only 1 teacher and 1 assistant at age 2 years old. If your child are already attend this school please keep watching the camera, then you will understand more. Other Rainbow are great but not in this location. I'm sorry to say this but this is truth. read more

Lightbridge Westwood has been a part of, and is currently still part of our family! Our son started when he was just about 3 years old, as soon as we moved to a neighboring town. Currently our daughter has been attending for almost 3 years. The teachers are amazing and love(d) our children like our own. This is something, as a parent, is the most important and hardest decision to make. You want to make sure they are feeling loved and nurtured but also learning all the skills as a parent you would want them to have learned from you. I couldn't be any happier with our decision and grateful to each one of the staff at LBA-Westwood!!!! read more

This is without a doubt the BEST place for any child. I am fortunate to have had my daughter enrolled here since she was 5 months old and I couldn't be happier. The teachers and staff are so kind and always go far beyond any expectation. My daughter is happy and excited to go to school each day. I can go to work with a clear mind knowing she is safe and learning so many new things all of the time. Would highly recommend this daycare to any and all of my friends and family. Check them out and you will not be disappointed. :) read more

Lightbridge Academy - My daughter is happy and excited to go to school each day. I'm happy knowing she's safe and sound while I work nearby. - Preschools Near Me - Westwood, New Jersey

See all

Lightbridge Academy of Wesetwood is a great daycare facility with top notch caregivers. We have had our two year old here for about a year and a half and she loves it. We also had our oldest child here for summer camp and she loved it too. My husband and I can't say enough about the hard working ladies who care for, love and teach the children who attend Lightbridge Academy. Not only are the caregivers great, the faciltity is also fantastic, with bright and cheery classrooms, great toys and books, and a wonderful outdoor and indoor play area. The day is plannd out with various activities for the kids...circle time, arts and crafts, sensory learning, music, etc. They also offer enrichment classes that some parents like to participate in...dance, music, etc. The security entering the building is great. The women who work in the office and run the facility are very easy to deal with as well. I aso love that they have cameras in the classrooms so I can log in and check out what my child is doing at various times throughout the day. Overall we have had a great experience at Lightbridge! read more

Few things are more important than the care provided to your child while you are away or at work. Before enrolling my daughter in LightBridge, if you told me how happy and comfortable I would be having her in someone else's care, I would never have believed you. The teacher's are fantastic. They know and understand each child. They provide the perfect balance between education and play in an extremely nurturing environment. You receive timely, detailed communications about all aspects of your child's day. My daughter loved her time at LightBridge and so did I. I can't wait for my 2nd daughter to start soon! read more

this is just from setting up the playdate for my LO. I was there for 1.5 hours in the mobile infant room. Here are my observations 1. Complete Chaos! 2. Kids crying all the time. I mean literally all the time. My mom was sitting in office watching cameras while I was with the baby in the room. Mom said she could not tell from the cameras if the kids were crying! So cameras dont help basically. 3. Kids are crying looking for someone to hold them. They even go after the teacher and teacher just leaves them crying. I wanted to hug each kid there :( 4. No one is watching to see if the kids can be avoided from an injury. Yes they will let them fall or let one kid pull the other kid down or walk over the other kid. And when the kid gets hurt, they will put ice for 2 seconds and call the parent. Seriously??you could have avoided the injury in the first place if u just watch kids a little bit. 5. One teacher will just sit down and ask kids to sit all around them. Where is she gonna watch the kid?? she can hardly even walk herself..one needs to be agile and alert with kids this age..they are just learning to walk girl! 6. Take ALL 10 kids out to the sprinkler same time....kids are crying one after the other. No one cares. They wait for a kid to calm down, take his/her pic on iPad and send to parent..yay! mission accomplished! if they spent the same time looking after the kids, talking to them, looking them in the eye, asking them what they need....dont u think that will be better? rather than ignore them till they stop and take a pic and send! and while one pic if being taken what parents dont know is there are kids crying all around that one kid! Ask them to send u a video next time... 7. Get all wet kids from HOT sun into the COLD AC room ...and let them be wet till their turn comes for a change. And u ask me why kids fall sick in daycare?? 8. No teacher talks to a kid and teaches him something or shows them toys or books or just be there for them... 9. 3 kids got hurt in just that 1.5 hours...one was a BIG bump. It was because one kid just pulled other kids head hard down on the hardwood floor! Teacher, you could have avoided that. u r given 3/4 kids..watch them! What I saw made my head spin....I have no idea how this environment can bring up healthy kids both emotionally and physically! I would leave my job and stay with my kid but would not choose this place..... read more

My son was the very first student enrolled at Rainbow Academy Westwood when they opened back in 2012. I was in need of a school for my son prior to the Westwood location's opening and they worked with me to find him a temporary spot in Mahwah (which is also a phenomenal Rainbow location). I initially chose Rainbow because they were willing to use cloth diapers for my son and were open to a flexible vaccine schedule when he was a baby. I stayed with Rainbow because my son has excelled beyond my wildest expectations! As a single working mom, I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate the care and attention the team at Rainbow gives my son while I am stuck at work. He loves every one of his teachers and classmates, and can't wait to tell me all about his day when I pick him up. He has jumped between the Westwood and Mahwah locations a few times due to my job relocation, but he's headed back to Westwood for the coming school year and he is so excited! I would very highly recommend both the Westwood and Mahwah Rainbow Academy locations to anyone looking for safe, reliable and educational childcare! read more

Before coming to Lightbridge Academy two and a half years ago, my husband and I thought that daycare may just not be for us. We had a not-so-great experience at another center and had come to the conclusion that we may not be able to find a center that could offer the warm, personal and loving experience that we were looking for for our boys. That changed when we found Lightbridge (Rainbow Academy at the time). From the infant room up to the preschool classroom, our sons have received loving, stimulating, and age appropriate activities from trustworthy caregivers. The center is clean. The administrators are approachable and genuine. I found it most comforting that when I did have a minor concern and spoke to the administrator (Crystal) about it, she was already aware and had already taken care of it. That says a lot. Our experience at Lightbridge not only changed our perspective, but has given us more than we could have anticipated. We will always be grateful for the love and support they have shown to our children as well as our family. read more

We have been bringing our son to Lightbridge academy since he was 18 months old. He is four years old and will be there for another year of Pre-K. The facility is awesome, all brand new and with camera option where you can see your child live in the classroom, this option always gave me sense of comfort. I feel so secure with my child being there, you are fingerprinted to be able to open the front door, so the security is top. The teachers are awesome, so caring, hardworking and are so sincere about what they do. They go out of their way to help you in whatever you need, even if you need help in dropping off your child at home. My son has grown so much from what they have offered him , he has been in an environment full of learning, enrichment and so much fun. I Highly recommend this place. WE have had a great experience with them! read more

My son has been attending Lightbridge Academy of Westwood for 16 months now. The environment is clean, friendly, and secure. The staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable about the families that send their children here. We are greeted daily and the children are made to feel comfortable with staying at school. My son loves his friends and teachers from Brown Bears and Green Frogs too! The administrators, Crystal, Ericka and Renee remain accessible and easy to talk to about any questions you may have. They hold themselves to a high standard of care for the children and it is evident in the way they plan their activities and events for the children. The school is so well maintained and clean. The only downside is that my son is moving on to Kindergarten this year. I would highly recommend this school for anyone interested in the best standard of care for their children. read more

I have three children attending Lightbridge Academy in Westwood, ranging from 9 months old to 5 years old. The teachers care for them as if they were their own. They are each learning so much, well beyond my expectations. I couldn't be happier or feel more comfortable leaving my children in their hands. read more

Our two boys have been enrolled in Lightbridge Academy since they were both about 12 months old. They are now 5 and 3 years old, and not a day as gone by that we were not happy with our decision to join this organization. The teachers are enthusiastic and always positive. The curriculum that is used in each classroom has helped our children become bright, engaging and fun loving kids. It's as if they have been cared for by other actual family members, which is the least we could ask for. I highly recommend this daycare to any family seeking a facility that is warm and inviting, highly engaging, and staffs teachers that work hard to keep our children's best interests in mind. read more

Our son started at Lightbridge Westwood when he was 3 months old, and it was very difficult for me as a first time mom to "let go." He was fine, but I was having major separation anxiety. The staff in non-mobile infants have been extraordinary in helping me to transition to full-time daycare from initially just 2 days per week. Our son loves all the teachers, especially his primaries, and he smiles every time we enter his classroom. He gets to socialize with other infants his age and has developed impressive skills from watching the slightly older infants. He loves the sensory developmental activities and is thriving in every way. I give a lot of credit to Lightbridge Westwood for their top-notch program. Although he caught his share of colds from being around other kids, I was careful to note that the facility is always clean and well maintained. We are moving to another town too far away to continue our enrollment at Lightbridge Westwood and it breaks our hearts to be saying goodbye. Without hesitation, we recommend LW to any parent based on excellent service, program, cleanliness and value. read more

Lightbridge Academy of Westwood has the most love, care and nurture I have ever experienced in my life! Even as a teacher, I have learned and experienced so much in the past year that I have been there. The children alone make me love and enjoy waking up every morning and going to work! Seeing the transition of them growing from infants to young toddlers, younger toddlers to older toddlers, and older toddlers to pre school! Going from being bottle fed to self feeding, crawling to walking to running, not talking to talking, learning sign language and Spanish, socializing with friends, etc, is the absolute best feeling in the world! It is such an accomplishment to see our families so happy knowing they can drop their children off and know they are going to have a great day! read more

Today is my son's last day at Lightbridge Academy and as I look back at the last two years of him being part of this facility I am so thankful. I am thankful to the teachers and the management staff that always tried to make me (as a first time mom) feel comfortable and always took such great care of my little guy. Here is the bottom line - no one is going to know your child as well as you do...or even take care of him/her as well as you can. However, this facility is extremely clean, the staff is friendly; the social interaction that your child learns is priceless. They have cameras so you can "check-in" on your baby from your computer, tablet or phone. They send daily updates, pictures and videos. If you cannot be with your child 24/7 due to work or need a safe place for your child to stay so you can run errands and get caught up with other demands that life throws at you then in my opinion they are the BEST. My son and I both learned so much by being part of this "family." We will miss the school, teachers and management team - everyone here was a blessing in our lives. read more