I was new to the idea of Montessori when we enrolled my son in the AMA primary classroom this fall…read moreand his growth this year is beyond our wildest dreams. Our son has shown growth both in academic skill but also as a curious and self sufficient young man. It is fantastic to see the Montessori curriculum trickle into other aspects of his life and every day I love the stories he tells about his day. This really was the best place for him and I cannot recommend the staff and teachers more.

Wow, we really didn't know how great we had it at SLMS until we moved and switched daycares. Our…read moredaughter started SLMS at 3 months old and we have loved every second of it. Nancy is the lead teacher in the infant classroom and she is amazing. We were new parents at the time and didn't really know what we were doing. Nancy helped us navigate the newborn phase by answering all our questions and gave us advice and resources. Unfortunately, we moved when our daughter was about 20 months old. SLMS was all that we knew at the time so when we began the search for other daycares, there was a HUGE difference in teaching philosophies, cleanliness, and just quality of care. Just a few things I appreciated/noticed at SLMS compared to other schools/daycares: - The infant and toddler classrooms have indoor and outdoor shoes which is great for cleanliness and germs. - The Montessori philosophy teaches them independence. They have self service breakfast every morning in the toddler classroom. Many other daycares do not. I know our daughter misses that. - Many of the other daycares will disrupt the class for parents to tour the school (which i did NOT like). I remember at SLMS, the administration was very cognizant of not disrupting the classes which is exactly how it should be. There are tinted windows so if parents want to see their kids interact or for tours, they are not distracting the students. These are just a few of the things that separate SLMS from the others. While tuition is expensive, it is worth it. We definitely miss the staff and school. SLMS really spoiled us and now we can only hope to find a school of similar caliber where we are.

I can't say enough great things about PCEL!! My daughter has flourished so much since going there…read more The management and staff are very understanding, and treat your kids like their own. Mrs. Kelsy, Mrs. Rhabi, and my daughter's classroom teachers made me feel VERY welcomed, and it immediately felt like a family. My daughter learns a lot, and has fun while doing it (which is exactly the balance I wanted for her). They also send you pictures of your child so you can get updates - which provides some peace of mind, and it's so nice to see the great activities and lessons your child is learning. It's hard to find a great place to trust with your child, but this place is truly a GREAT place with loving staff!

We came to the Co-Op mid-pandemic, an unusual decision. But after a few years of mounting…read morefrustrations at another center and hearing about PCEL from a parent who had defected, we decided it was time to make the switch. Our 2 children (5 and 2) are now thriving there, in spite of COVID. We all adore the Center Director, Ms. Rhabi, who is everything you hope for in a Director: warm, caring, communicative, available for questions and concerns, etc. Our son claims she is his best friend. The teachers in both classrooms are wonderful and have done a great job keeping us informed about what the kids are up to on a daily basis, even without the chance for any face to face interactions given COVID protocols. We have been especially impressed that our 5 yo has picked up math concepts (graphing objects) and our 2 yo can identify all the letters in her name and even name some classmates whose names start with some of the letters she knows. Beyond the curriculum, it is clear that the school models and expects the kids to demonstrate kindness and empathy towards one another. We wish the kids were able to spend a little bit more time outside in the winter (on days w/ reasonable weather) and that it were easier to get to know the community during the pandemic. Otherwise, we highly recommend PCEL!

The school over-delivers on its promises. According to the website, there are services that…read moreCambridge provides, but never delivers on its promises. The afterschool program is suppose to have engaging activites like puppetry, gym time, arts and crafts. There is no budget for the program. The teacher has to purchase materials from her own pocket. Students become so frustrated with the lack of engagement. The school promises an individualized learning plan, Spanish, drama and art. Spanish was never offered. I never saw an individized learning plan. The students do lots of worksheets throughout the day. The school also engages in practices that are not listed in the handbook. They charged parents with infractions for their students not wearing the entire uniform. Yet, this "monetary infraction" was never stated in the handbook.

Honest review of Cambridge. This review is to provide you with info I wish I had when making my…read moreenrollment decision. There is both "good" and "not so good" at that school. There are some serious issues that I hope improves. But as a parent, do your research, ask prying questions, talk to current parents if you can. Teachers/Curriculum Great, our kids are challenged and growing educationally. Many of the teachers have a real passion for these children. Their hearts are in it and it shows! Culture Absolutely love the Christian component. You'll see kids praying at the start of class as well as weekly chapel with singing and praising Facilities/Staff Administration is lacking. School is largely unstaffed other than teachers. Many times I've shown up to school to pick kids up and have found them running through the hallways unsupervised. (Teachers go home at 3:30 sharp!) I know of at least one child that was seriously injured and knocked unconscious while playing unsupervised. Not secure/safe. The door has a buzzer and intercom but there is no way to verify who is entering the school. Press the intercom, they ask "who is it" and you can say almost anything, they will buzz you in. Not safe. A camera system should be added to the school, Amazon sells them for very cheap Gym Unheated in the winter time, uncooled in the summer time. VERY uncomfortable and there are no plans to correct the climate. Parents have voiced concerns about this for years but have been largely ignored by administration. In the summer time, the kids are walked to a nearby park (sometimes through an alley!!) where they were approached by dogs. Thankfully no one was injured Leadership (or lack thereof) There is no strong leadership presence at the school. Due to several scandals involving the current headmaster and inappropriate relationships with parents/staff, the board of the school is looking to replace him. Before the scandals, he seemed disconnected from the day 2 day anyway. Some days he's approachable, other days not so. It's unfortunate, because we're all paying for a private education and should feel comfortable in approaching leadership with questions and concerns. Even when concerns are shared, there is rarely any serious follow up, we don't even get an acknowledgement of "I have received your feedback" Just dead silence No lunch served You have to provide your own lunch - but there's no refrigerator for storage and no microwave for re-heating food. (Huh?!) This isn't 1984 Communication Issues Mid-year, rumors were spread regarding a large tuition increase. Parents sought out headmaster to find out if it was true. He avoided the topic and didn't address it for almost a month, forcing parents into the school's imposed re-enrollment deadline without information needed to make a re-enrollment decision. Then the headmaster held a meeting where he condescended and sniped at the parents, dodged questions, then ultimately confirmed the tuition increase. Apparently, the school is running a deep deficit. The "Cambridge Board" (consisting of the headmaster's dad, brother and cousin) were brought in to discuss tuition and integrity issues with school leadership and plans for the future. Tons of empty promises were given by the board, with no follow through or delivery Mass Exodus of current parents In talking with several parents in passing, communication issues, scandals, a disengaged headmaster who smiles on Mondays, condescends on Tuesdays, ignores parents on Wednesdays...is a bit too much. Many committed parents who have been at Cambridge for multiple years, have refused to reenroll their kids at Cambridge. Some parents have taken their kids out of school mid-year due to so many issues. The kindergarten class lost at least 4 students throughout the year Aftercare/Ambassador's club This is nothing more than a babysitting service where kids run around the gym, watch movies and sometimes do their homework. Many times, the homework is incorrect as the aftercare staff doesn't seemed equipped to help the children adequately. Overall, be careful of what's promised. Like the rest of the parents, you'll be told of all the grand things that will be offered to your child. Some of it will be delivered, but based on my experience, much of it won't.... Be careful, go in with your eyes wide open

We've done camps and many birthdays here and it's always for the kids. The staff all truly love…read moreworking with kids and it shows. We did the camp for the first time this year and they did some really fun but educational stuffy son loved. We'll try the other themes for camp next year for sure. Also there's a coffee shop in the same building where you can get your caffeine and a pastry without leaving the building.

Both my children have enjoyed KSL for years. Great interactive programming. This summer, however,…read moreI messed up and registered the wrong kid. KSL went above and beyond to work through the logistics. We could have managed alternate childcare for our 6-year-old, but it would have been difficult to soothe his crushed soul. Thank you, KSL!

Our experience with the teacher during our child's transition in September last year was quite…read moreunpleasant. One morning in late September, when I dropped my kid off he DID HIDE himself under the cubby shelf when seeing his teacher. It broke my heart to hear him telling me 'Mommy I want to go' when seeing his teacher. Few weeks before that incident my kid refused to go to TGS which raised our concerns. As a mother I am not quite happy with how one teacher at TGS treated my kid, period.

As a first time parent I was scared and hesitant to send my child to daycare, but I was needed back…read moreto work at my full time job. We started our daughter at 4 months and I was terrified. I cried in my car after the first drop off and watched my phone all day for the updates. Ms Kristine and Ms Lydia were our first teachers and they eased my worry after only a few days of starting at TGS. They were clear and honest about what to expect, what daily activities were, about this transition and they sent a lot of pictures that first week. Throughout our time in the infant room, these teachers answered my questions, treated my child with the utmost care and helped us ease into solids and out of breastmilk when we chose to do so. I honestly felt a jump in my daughters development after the first couple weeks and that continued during her time in that room. I have nothing but good things to say about those two teachers. We moved into the toddler transition room just after her 1st birthday and we were again met with nice welcoming teachers. In this classroom we felt our daughters development flourished- she sits at a table eating meals with her friends, doing crafts, participates in story time and songs and plays in the indoor playscape area so well. She weaned off the bottle, off the paci and transitioned to 1 long nap a day, even without her sleep sack! Besides the advancements, The pictures the teachers sent on a daily basis were clear indications our daughter was happy there. We moved out of state recently and sadly there is not a Gardner School where we moved, otherwise I would enroll my daughter immediately. I recommend this school, specially the west loop location.

I can't say enough great things about Ivy Garden South Loop. I enrolled both my boys there starting…read moreat 2 months old. The care they received at every stage was phenomenal. The teachers were very warm. The curriculum is challenging and stimulating. The parent community is supportive. My kids really thrived at IG, and we will always be thankful for this opportunity.

Incredibly caring teachers and admins who helped my 2 boys thrive and prepared my oldest to…read moresuccessfully get into a selective enrollment elementary school (which I hope my youngest will follow on his brother's footsteps). High quality food to nurture the body along with the mind. They have been amazing for my family.

We were only at Green Beginnings for 6 months during the brief time we lived in West Town, but GB…read moremade a lasting impact on me and my family! Special thanks to Krissy who did a virtual tour with us via Zoom when we were still living halfway across the country at the time. Once we moved to Chicago, we really appreciated the first few transitional half-days before the official start date. This not only helped ease our child into a new routine, but also eased our minds as well (so helpful as parents who, at the time, were doing childcare for the first time). We loved the community that existed at the center. Krissy and Katie were great at hosting everything from themed events to monthly family gatherings. All the outings were a fun way to meet and connect with other families. Although we're in the Chicago suburbs now and at a different school, we still think back fondly to our time at GB. Thank you for truly being the first place to make us feel at home in Chicagoland!

After 7.5 years, my family just made our final tuition payment at Green Beginnings and I truly…read morebelieve it to be the best money we have spent in the most formative years of our children's lives. For those of you who are new to the daycare search, you have to know Green Beginnings has the best aspects of whatever it is you are looking for. Admirable, Local Ownership . Green Beginnings is a WOMEN-OWNED, local business, fully operated by two incredible ladies - Katie Darcy and Krissy Ramirez. They are compassionate educators (former CPS kindergarten teachers) and contemporary professionals that just genuinely love kids. They run the whole business and when you see Krissy there at 6am every day and Katie there past 6pm every night, you also just see how your money is going to some strong AF, hard-working women who are physically present, emotionally and professionally supporting the staff and families every. single. day. Reliability & Retention But seriously, I swear these women don't take a day off (probably because they know you can't take a day off!). They are reliable and supportive and it shows in how they retain teacher talent for YEARS. Several teachers that cared for my almost 8 year old as an infant are STILL THERE and they are happy and thriving. (For those of you who are new to the daycare search, this is not the normal. Often times, the door on daycares rotates so quickly it's concerning, but not at Green Beginnings). I see the same teachers welcome my son every single morning and he runs to them willingly, always excited about the day ahead. Teachers The teachers are warm and loving, trained in early education, and also excellent communicators. They send thorough email updates once a week that detail all of what your child learned / studied, while not overwhelming you with too much information. Some daycares have an app where they post pictures all day for you, but I think GB is smart and strategic for not doing that. For one, they want the teachers engaging your child instead of pulling out their phone and photographing them. For two, they also want to let you do your job and don't see value in distracting you all day. Routine I have 3 kids and 7 years of sample data with which I can say GB creates kids that are comfortable with schedules and emotionally regulated. The toddlers know how to follow directions and operate many tasks independently before they even turn 2. Very importantly, they also know how to nap. Sustainability The meals/menu at GB are nutritious - organic, sourced locally and filled with variety. (You send their food for the first few months while they're an infant, but after that - all snacks and meals are covered within the tuition). As a result of all the early food exposure, I have some very open-minded eaters that willingly crush fruits and vegetables. Safety, Citizenship & Diversity GB is located on the outskirts of the West Loop, just as you enter West Town. The spot is close enough to the loop to be convenient for downtown commuters, but just far enough outside of the loop to be safe and easy to park. By nature of the location, the surrounding population is truly multicultural and I love that Green Beginnings doesn't shy away. The teachers routinely take the kids on walks around the neighborhood, often over to Union Park to play. I've seen them do it and the way the kids listen to these teachers, cooperate and hold hands is MIND BOGGLING. The staff is so on it they are basically training your toddler in city safety. Doing so makes you child safety-minded citizens when on walks with you too! Front Desk I can't sleep on the administrative support and front desk staff at GB. They are a treasure. Again, the same trusted women have greeted us every day of the 7 years we've gone there; they keep chit chat short, warm and 100% non-judging (and there were LOTS of mornings that merited judgement!). If you need paperwork for taxes or a schedule adjustment - they've got you. They're easy to communicate with and quick to respond to email. Affordability Lastly (and arguably the most valuable detail) - Green Beginnings is affordable and priced correctly. We're moving and, only because of that, I've recently started looking at the price of alternative child care. The GB monthly tuition is comparable to SOME other full time daycares I've researched but lower and more flexible than MANY. Daycare is a huge expense for most families in the city and GB understands that. They run a lean operation to keep the cost accessible while still paying their team well. Inside the window of their office is a little wooden sign that says "little girls with dreams become women of vision" and seeing it everyday reminds me that their commitment to their careers is what has fully allowed me to commit to mine. I'm eternally grateful to them for providing our family this incredible foundation for the last 8 years.

If you are in need of wonderful childcare in the South Loop, then the Nook is the best place to go…read more Their staff is fantastic and our 10-month old son absolutely loves coming in every day. They are attentive to his needs and we trust them taking care of him. They post up to date reports of how/what he's doing each day from the naps he takes and food he eats, to when he goes to the bathroom. They post at least 2-3 pictures everyday of him doing various activities or playing with other kids. It's very calming and reassuring to know what he's doing during the day. It's a small place, so we know he's getting personalized attention. They use the "Brightwheel" app and if we ever have questions, we can send them a message and they'll respond right away. They also reach out immediately if they think something is wrong. One time our son was running a bit of a fever, so they were in contact immediately with us to let us know what was going on. There was another instance when Annette told us that she noticed he was wheezing towards the end of the day. Turned into a trip to the hospital that night, but she caught it right away with her watchful eye. Annette and her staff are doing such a great job at the Nook. We have already recommended this place to some of our friends who have recently had children and will continue to do so in the future.

The service was great. Lots changed when Sylvia relocated to another facility…read more My children required consistency and there was a time where teachers were changing too frequently. The price to pay for such a smaller childcare center is the same price as the large two story daycare center down the street; which has a rooftop playground, elevators, community events and nice sized classrooms. I would recommend but if you have other options, I would second this one due to pricing.

Choosing Maya's daycare has been one of the best decisions we've made for our daughter. Knowing…read morethat Maya is her caretaker provides immense peace of mind. The building itself is incredibly safe, with dedicated doormen and a truly wonderful community of people working within the complex. Having previously lived in this building, I can personally attest to its safe and friendly atmosphere, and it warms my heart to see my daughter now greeting residents who have watched her grow and develop since day one. Every morning, she's genuinely excited to see Maya and her friends, often saying, "Maya fun. Maya big hug. Maya friend." As a new parent, sending my daughter to Maya after eight months was a leap of faith that has been richly rewarded. Not only does my daughter come home happy every day, having eaten well, enjoyed a good nap, and sporting a bright smile, but Maya has also been an invaluable resource for me. She's offered guidance on parenting matters I was still learning, like recognizing suspicious coughs or unfamiliar rashes. On top of all this exceptional care, Maya's rates are the most affordable I've found for such specialized private daycare in Chicago. Working at the local high school, it's incredibly reassuring to see my daughter thriving under Maya's care, knowing she's building a strong foundation for a smooth transition into prekindergarten when the time comes. Inquiriesformayasdaycare@gmail.com

OVERDUE! WE LOVE YOU MAYA!!!!! Thank you for taking such good care of our little busy bee…read more Maya is the perfect place for a parent in need! Small group sizes, individual care for each kid, lots of dancing and fun for the littles! My baby didn't want to leave some days :) Parents: Maya is no bs! Listen to her! She knows best :)