This is a beautiful childcare facility and preschool that has open gym on the weekends. In my…read moreopinion, this is the best indoor activity for toddlers and young children in the Madison area. This facility is beautifully designed. They have a large open room with a beautiful indoor playground perfect for toddlers. There are several other play areas within this large open space including an art table, puzzle area, mega blocks/duplo areas, a little grocery stand with play food and play kitchen, etc. There is a big sandbox for kids to play in. There are also lots of riding toys. There is another room with tons of toys. Another large room has fake grass and tons of fun active toys like tunnels, balance stones, balls, hula hoops, a giant size ConnectFour game, etc. The staff was diligently cleaning up as kids made messes and keeping toys organized. Highly recommend their open gym for parents of toddlers.

Regardless of whether you chose The Well for child care or not, it's a fantastic location for play…read moreon the weekends during open gym (8am-3pm). My daughter loves it there so much that I decided to book her 2 y/o Birthday party there.

An emphasis on joy, wonder, kindness, and community - the foundations of PSA's teaching is truly…read moregrounded in the most important elements for childhood learning. Everyone gets to know every child, and you in turn are supported by a true community of teachers, staff, and administrators - it feels very horizontal here, where the head of the school is absolutely involved in getting to know all the families. If you are lucky enough in life then you will encounter a teacher who really "gets" your child, and does so much to nurture and support their own spirit. That's what happens at PSA for our family - and I joke that we want stay there till the little one turns 18. It's a special place, truly.

Three kids, three different preschools--including UW-Madison's Waisman Center's vaunted WECP--and…read morewhile each program has its strengths and weaknesses, in our humble opinion PSA takes the prize in the Madison area. From Director Penny, to the teachers in the various rooms, and the administrative staff, every single soul at PSA is a gem! Our son lives it, of course, and gets tremendous, thoughtful, experienced instruction in art, music, reading, math, and so on. So much so that we decided to keep him in the kindergarten program here, even though we could have saved some money by sending him to free public school. In short, I'd give PSA 10/10 stars, WECP 9/10, and another a much lower score. Worth every penny!

There are so many quality childcare centers in the Madison area. This one is outdated, staff are…read morerude, and the building is run down.

So many better places to choose from. Staff are rude, systems out outdated, and run down.read more

Beautiful school! Kids are so happy to go to school, they love learning. There is so much outside…read moretime, and they fit in Spanish and German from 1st grade on. The kids play music and sing all the time, they have huge smiles and seem so healthy. We love Waldorf.

As an active volunteer and parent at MWS, I was deeply invested in the school's success. However,…read moreafter witnessing faculty, staff, and board members dismiss and downplay credible concerns about child safety, ignore warnings from outside experts, and treat concerned families with open hostility, my partner and I felt compelled to disenroll our child for their safety. In our child's first year in MWS's mixed-aged kindergarten class, its pedagogy suited them well, and they thrived. We were deeply thankful for that experience. However with their second year came strict enforcement of a forced nap policy that caused noticeable emotional and behavioral struggles for them as well as multiple children who had outgrown naps. We eventually learned that this policy required all children to lie still and quiet in a dark room for up to 90 minutes a day, without alternatives for quiet play or reading in a lit space for those who could not sleep, while the teacher often left the room for the rest of the day. This had not been fully disclosed to parents previously. Seeking clarity, we consulted outside experts including a licensed child psychologist, who advised MWS that the enforced nap practice was developmentally inappropriate and potentially harmful, especially as most 5- and 6-year-olds will have outgrown naps by that age. We contacted other Waldorf schools which reacted with surprise and concern when told of MWS's nap policy. We also learned that, by contrast, WI state law requires licensed childcare centers (which MWS is not) to allow children who don't fall asleep within 30 minutes to move "off their sleeping surface and given a choice of activities in a reasonably lighted area". Despite bringing this information to the school in a good-faith and collaborative manner, our attempts to discuss this topic further were met with defensiveness and dismissal. Alarmed by the effects of subjecting children who have outgrown naps to this treatment, we voiced our worries to the school administrator and board. We were met with further dismissal and disparagement. After additional parents raised their own concerns, the board did eventually agree to an outside review -- but rejected calls to work with a licensed child psychologist in favor of hiring an "anthroposophical psychologist" instead. The school ultimately contracted a formal Waldorf teacher who lacked any training or licensure as a psychologist. During my meeting with this individual, whose role was to ostensibly serve as a neutral party and childhood development expert, they stated that while practitioners of "mainstream psychology" might be concerned with the appropriateness and safety of the current MWS naptime policy, Waldorf educators "know what's best" for their children, and that that should be sufficient to put any concerns to rest. Increasingly out-of-touch and aggressive communications from the school community followed. One individual, vying for the school's open admissions director role, urged the board and administration to expel us and another family for questioning the practices of a Waldorf teacher. Their memo also pressed for what was then an ongoing investigation into child safety concerns be quashed immediately. That individual was subsequently hired. My partner and I ultimately withdrew our child from MWS to ensure their safety and well-being, and in protest of how this and other issues across the school were handled. Subsequently connecting with other families who left MWS revealed a disturbing pattern of dismissal, denial, bullying and gaslighting -- including but not limited to concerns over naptime policy -- as well. I urge current and prospective families to be vigilant and to critically assess what type of environment they want for their child and family. Finally, it saddens me to anticipate that MWS might respond to this and other critical reviews with misinformation and personal disparagements. I encourage readers to weigh any such responses thoughtfully as they draw their own conclusions about which school is right for their family.

Both of my children are attending Hickory Hill Academy and I could not be more pleased with the…read moreexperience that we have had. The beautiful campus provides a a safe and engaging environment for learning where children receive personalized care in a small classroom setting with two teachers who are able to focus on individual needs. At Hickory Hill, my children are both thriving academically, and offered opportunities through the curriculum that have far exceeded my expectations. From being on a campus that allows them to learn and grow outdoors (there is an old bus in the wooded area their team and amazing science teacher retrofitted into a classroom) to learning Spanish & Mandarin in the program, to expanding their love of reading through the classroom focus. I particularly like the way that HHA works to get parents involved in the learning process. They have a weekly community circle meeting that parents are able to be apart of that highlights school events, allows children to participate and shares thoughtful and encouraging messages for the week. The school also does a great job creating fun events outside of school like a Pumpkin Run in the fall and Mitten Festival during the winter. In the case of the Mitten festival the children worked hard on creative art projects that were extremely fun, but also encouraged them to present why they created what they did to their class and families. We have seen our children's confidence rise significantly and are extremely happy that our children our attending and would recommend this school to others.

Our family has been part of Hickory Hill Academy (HHA) since its founding in 2020, and we've…read morewatched the school grow and evolve. Starting a new school during COVID was no small feat, and while there have been occasional missteps--what school doesn't have them?--HHA's commitment to improvement stands out. Challenges are met with reflection and growth, ensuring lasting progress. The administration, faculty, and staff are deeply dedicated to HHA's mission. This isn't just a school for academics; it's a place that fosters character and community. My kids love attending, and the sense of belonging is incredible. From hugs shared during Community Circle to my daughter having besties in every grade in the school, it's clear HHA is building a kind, inclusive community. If you're looking for a school where your child can thrive academically and personally, HHA is an amazing choice.

Inappropriate daycare center the way me and my children were treated. They wanted services for my…read moreyoungest daughter there who is waiting on a second opinion requested by services this daycare recommended and pushed for a evaluation. The evaluation they asked for refused to provide services. After that they have been inappropriate. They won't give you incident reports or you have to push for them. One time my child needed X-rays from a possible finger that could have been fractured, this happened right during different long emails from Elina complaining about my 2 year old. and the other two were bodily fluids involved, I never got written incident reports and unknown if the other parents with children in the room received them. As we left today their worker worked, Elina, parked my vehicle with my children in and made us wait for her to get done then smiled at us knowing my autistic child just had to leave her daycare she is established with as her everyday routine and her worker that was there and me as a single mother might lose her job today. She drove very close to my car with my children in it. I take off work for this childcare center even if my child needs a bandaid put on at their request but no incident report give. They said if they call or put it in the app that is all they are required to do. Also if they have a hard day I pick them up leaving my employment. Because I was in a car accident that was a surprise financial burden and another thing that was being fixed well known by the owner they added more pressure by kicking my children out permanently and unexpected this morning. They use a excuse of payments but know very well they were getting paid and their transactions I was looking through because according to their statements I over paid them last month and wanted to clarify on this. They also said if a parent is late they can't return until the funds are paid, wrong they terminated my children today completely even though I was paying my co payment today. I dropped my children off with no knowledge of them not being able to be there today, prior evening was given a amount to pay and was emailed after I left and almost to work to turn around and get my children. The ladies in the office couldn't give me the incident reports I asked for again today. They got paid from the state already this month. They refuse to report many things unless forced by the state laws of reporting. Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program paid them this month and my children didn't receive that amount of time of care. I wouldn't trust this childcare center and what happens behind closed doors. Also you pay a tuition fee over 200 a month. They had me bring lunches, snacks, and breakfast for my children and wouldn't even feed it to them half of the time. Would sit out in room temperature most of the time wasting our grocery money.

I really appreciate all the services the childcare center provides. All organic food, cloth…read morediapers, an educated and caring staff and so much more. Thank you, Casa!

Academy For Little Learners is an amazing school for young children. I have sent both of our kids…read morethere and have loved every aspect of their learning environment. They have excellent, highly qualified teachers and a wonderful curriculum. The food program is amazing!! Homemade breakfast and lunch that is included in your tuition!! My kids always came home with smiles on their faces. They also offer half day options for kids as young as 2-which is hard to find in other centers. I would highly recommend this preschool to any parent:-)

The staff at Academy for Little Learner are highly qualified, professional and caring. I am a…read moreteacher and I could not ask for a better academic program for my daughter. She has been at Little Learners for over 3 years and is prepared for Kindergarten next year. The owners of Academy for Little Learners are always accessible, answer questions, are prompt returning phone calls and are extremely nice. The facility is OUTSTANING! It is clean, modern and has everything your child needs. The playground has different abilities levels based on age, the classrooms have the newest equipment and academic materials and they also provide kids with Spanish classes. Academy for Little Leaner's is a "family environment" and I am very happy with my experience and your child will be too.

We moved to Madison last September and visited several childcare providers in the area. I was not…read moreoverly impressed until we visited Kids Junction in Middleton. I knew right when we walked in this is where I wanted my son to attend. The front desk staff Debbie and Director Sheryl were amazing. They spent alot of time answering questions and orienting us to the facility. It is very clean, the interior has hand painting throughout . The staff is very friendly and professional. The teachers are phenomenal. My son get's excited to go to school every day and I never worry about him because I know he is in good hands. They also provide several activites for your child to participate in. They have complimentary art class as well as gymanstics,swimming and soccer for a small extra fee. They even potty trained my son which was awesome help for me as I work full time. I feel so blessed to have my son at Kids Junction.

My child has been going to kids junction since she was 5months old. She is now in the 1-2 classroom…read moreand is thriving. The teachers understand her and are so easy to chat with at drop-off/pick-up. They are effective at communicating any needs and follow protocol when accidents happen. It is very important to me that my daughter receives quality care that supports her physical wellbeing and emotional/social development. The staff do exactly this. We were recommended Kids Junction by friends, and I want to pass on my recommendation to you.

We had two of our children at Middleton Poor Bear since infancy all the way through graduation. It…read moreis very affordable (compared to other daycares/preschools in the area), yet very high quality! We explored all other centers on the west side of Madison and Pooh Bear is an absolute winner! The best part about it is teachers. We haven't had a single teacher who wasn't just outstanding! We always felt comfortable leaving our babies in there. They were very well cared for. All teacher are incredibly kind, patient, loving and devoted. They really do put an extra effort into everything they do. We've got so many treasured presents made by kids, but designed by teachers. They organize super fun holiday events. Their graduation ceremony was quite impressive as for a preschool. They are also super flexible. And they have a wonderful cook who makes delicious nutritious meals for the kids. We miss it so. Highly recommend! Educational component is also very good!

From the owner: 'Our Reputation Is Built On Quality Care'…read more Professionally Staffed Preschool - Locally Owned Since 1980 - Ages 6 Weeks to 9 Years - Consistent Loving Staff - Nutritious Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks - Summer Program/Fun Field Trips - Pre Kindergarten Available - Educational Curriculum - State Licensed Hours: 6:30am-6:00pm Mon-Fri Serving Madison, Fitchburg, Verona, Oregon, Evansville, Waunakee, Sun Prarie WI

We absolutely love King's Kids Academy! The staff are caring, attentive, and truly invested in the…read morekids' growth and happiness. It feels great knowing our little one is in such a safe, loving environment every day. Highly recommend!

From the owner: Where Curiosity Meets Care. Skip standard supervision—give…read moreyour child a joyful space to thrive! From hands-on preschool learning to cozy infant care, King’s Kids Academy provides passionate teachers, nutritious meals, and a safe, family-first environment right here in near Verona, and Madisons Westside in the Midtown Commons area. Building bright futures, one playful day at a time. Enroll now!