As a healthcare practitioner in the community, I'm an educated, busy, working parent who did…read morethorough research before choosing where to place my child. Several of my colleagues and fellow practitioners have their children enrolled at the other Little Scholars location and highly recommended it to me. I am not being paid or incentivized for this review (frankly, I wouldn't need it as previous review suggested)--this is simply my honest experience as a parent who values quality education and safety. I love this school, and the upward mobility it provides for our children within this community. Little Scholars has exceeded every expectation. The teachers are excellent and hold my baby like he is their own. The classrooms are spotless, and the play yard is beautiful and safe. Outside parameter is locked, secured and checked daily. My son is only three, and he's already learning letters, numbers, and beginning to read and write. His speech has advanced far beyond his age, and he's being taught valuable life skills that build confidence and independence. I appreciate the good manners they practice. They worked tirelessly on helping me potty train. They assisted me in the method I chose and were supportive from day one. Children get sick! It is what it is, but its not a reflection of "cleanliness of the place." Cold and flu season comes around and they are sanitizing like crazy. I'm personally thankful for this season as I know my son's immune system will be optimal come grade school. This is not just a daycare--it's a true preschool where children leave testing well above kindergarten level. My friend (another PA) noticed how advanced my child was for his age and opted to pull her two children out of a daycare and place them in a school atmosphere closer to her. She called me yesterday with an update (1st week in school ended) and she told me how impress she is with the change. As such, because it is a school the teachers are paid a salary and closures for holidays/breaks are not with reduced pay so that they continued to get paid. I don't mind this. I respect teachers and believe they deserve more especially when you have such excellent staff you'd do anything to keep them. I wish more schools followed this model. I also want to address a recent negative review, quite frankly the only lone star review (and her only review on yelp). It's clearly a revenge post for her personal vehicle being rummaged through because SHE left it unlocked. The claims about safety and homelessness in the area does not reflect the whole truth. Within the past year the homelessness has taken a significant shift. The neighborhood is rapidly changing. Bellair was bought out, new businesses are moving in building on empty lots (including the lot directly next to the school - adding additional lighting and security cameras to the area). Landscaping and hardscaping by the city has taken place up 43rd ave and the homelessness is starting to move on. I personally have never felt unsafe here even before these changes took place, but I'm happy to see the local improvements. Regardless, the incident mentioned in the other review was due to an unlocked vehicle in the parking lot not a reflection of the school itself. This could have equally happened a the local quick trip, sushi joint or grocery store. The original poster also cross posted this to the Neighborhood app (or FB (?)- this is where I saw the post initially) noting that the police were called but would be late to arrive so she left (they were late to arrive because they were looking for the gentleman that did it). She notes that nothing was stolen. Beyond this, the child was clearly in attendance for a couple of years (per her timeline). I would doubt that if she felt her child was unsafe for so many years she would have kept her child enrolled for that long. It also appears the child tested out end of summer and moved on (likely more advanced and above their peers) and she was refunded the month for her distress this caused her. Seemingly appropriately handled to me... Little Scholars goes above and beyond for children, families and community. We couldn't be happier with our choice, and I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a safe, nurturing, and academically advanced start for their child. I can't wait to enroll my second when she's of age. Take a tour and see for yourself!

My daughter attended Little Scholars Academy in Glendale for two years, and we had a mixed…read moreexperience. On the positive side, the teachers were wonderful -- especially Ms. Kelley, who was amazing with my daughter and helped her learn to read before Kindergarten. The classrooms felt clean and homey, and my daughter made lots of friends there. It was also one of the most affordable preschool options we found, which was a huge plus. That said, there were some real concerns. Communication and organization were lacking. Dates on the calendar would change, but staff often didn't seem aware of the updates. The school's app was very basic and only tracked sign-ins and sign-outs, without sharing anything about classroom activities. The only emails we received from management were reminders about holidays. We also experienced a lack of communication when it came to incident reports. On multiple occasions, my daughter came home with bumps, scrapes, or bruises, but we were never notified during the school day or given a report about what happened. As a parent, that was concerning because I want to know if she's been hurt, even in small ways. Billing was another ongoing frustration. Invoices were frequently incorrect, and we had to constantly monitor the autopay system to make sure we weren't overcharged. This added unnecessary stress on top of everything else. There was also a lot of turnover in staff. While the core teachers were great, it felt like new faces were constantly cycling in and out, which made the environment feel less stable for the kids. Safety and security were additional concerns. There were no cameras on site that I could see, and we once received a notice hours later about an incident where someone entered the gated playground in the morning. There was no follow-up on what changes would be made afterward. The parking lot also felt unsafe at times, with cars speeding through, homeless individuals passing by, and even a stolen car abandoned one morning while police investigated. Lastly, be cautious when looking at reviews online. Many of the 5-star reviews were part of a raffle the school conducted, which makes the feedback seem less reliable. Overall, the teachers gave my daughter a strong start, and I'm grateful for their care. But the lack of communication, billing errors, staff turnover, and security issues made me uneasy as a parent. I hope the school invests in improving those areas because it truly has potential.

We've had a great experience at Great Beginnings over the past three years. Our daughter has had…read morewonderful teachers and positive experiences throughout her time there. The staff is caring, communicative, and does a great job keeping parents updated on behaviors and daily activities. The facility is always clean, the families are great, and they do an excellent job encouraging creativity and imagination with the kids. We originally chose them because of the caring staff and convenient hours, and we've been very happy with our decision.

My daughter has been attending Great Beginnings Preschool since she was a year and a half old, and…read moreI truly cannot say enough amazing things about them. The staff not only care deeply about the children, but their communication with parents is absolutely top tier. I have always felt informed, supported, and included. Every teacher and staff member we've encountered has been wonderful. They handle my daughter with so much patience, kindness, and understanding. Because of their dedication, she has exceeded milestones and is so far ahead for her age academically and socially. We are beyond grateful for the love, structure, and education they provide. I highly recommend Great Beginnings to any parent looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for their child.

My wife and I cannot say enough positive things about this school since our daughter started last…read moreschool year. We were hesitant with the pandemic to send our daughter to a school but since the start of it and continuing through the highs & lows of this virus they've continued to provide our daughter with a safe environment to learn in. The director is always available to answer questions and is very accommodating for each child's individual needs. The teachers are incredible individuals who really care for each child. They share pictures every day on the Brightwheel app and it also allows immediate contact between home and school. The only downside is that they don't have a Kindergarten classroom and we'll have to eventually leave the school. We absolutely recommend this school and all the incredible staff and excellent learning environment.

I've been going back and forth for about three months whether or not to post a review. And honestly…read moreit was out of fear of what the preschool would do to my child but I hope this review can save another parent and child from the heartbreak it has caused my family. I have spent this summer rebuilding my son's confidence and self esteem to remind him that he is an amazing boy I'll prefece this review with my son tested gifted and was diagnosed with ADHD. However a lot of the "behaviors" are typical for a 4/5 year old as I've been told by two different child psychologists, our pediatrician, and an OT. As the parent of a young child, I enrolled my son in this Peace Lutheran preschool hoping for a compassionate, developmentally informed environment. While the school presents itself as nurturing and structured, our experience revealed a concerning lack of understanding and preparedness among the teaching staff and administration for supporting children that may not fit the "box". One of the most difficult aspects of our time here was realizing that the staff--though well-meaning--lacked basic training in managing and engaging with children who exhibit ADHD-related behaviors. Rather than using strategies I shared with them or showing flexibility, teachers frequently responded to my son's impulsivity and energy with frustration or disciplinary measures that did not address the root of the behavior. There was little to no sign of inclusivity within the classroom. It became apparent that behaviors that are common in children that are neurodivergent, were labeled as misbehavior, and my child was often treated as a problem to be managed rather than a student to be supported. The lack of understanding from staff led not only to missed learning opportunities but also to a negative impact on my son's self-esteem and sense of belonging. What was most disheartening was the unwillingness to collaborate or grow. When we raised concerns and offered to share resources, the response was often defensive rather than welcomed. There was no indication that the staff or leadership were interested in seeking professional development or creating a more inclusive environment. We ultimately made the decision to leave the program, and thankfully have found a new preschool where the staff are trained, compassionate, and adaptable. My son is now thriving in an environment where his needs are met with skill and empathy. To any parent of a neurodiverse child considering this school: please proceed with caution. And to the leadership of this preschool--these children deserve better. With the right training and mindset, you could become the kind of place where all children can thrive. I sincerely hope you choose that path.

My boys love this school, their teachers and the learning activities…read more I'm thankful that this Montessori school is only about 3 minutes from my residence. This location is inside of a church, but there's nothing wrong with that, I don't personally go to this church and I am still happy to send my boys to this school. This north campus goes up to 6th grade. My boys are going to be in the preschool/kindergarten class together this year. I may or may not add my youngest to the toddler class this year. I'm still deciding on that. But I know the sooner the better for them. :) My two boys went last year and it was their first year. It was great to see my now 4 year old mature more throughout the year, it's been great to watch. He loves his teachers and they are extremely patient. My boys are very busy busy boys and can know how to push patience, so I thank the teachers for really getting down to their level and helping them flourish. I'm excited to see how this year will be for both of them. I highly recommend this school. Extra info: They offer before and after school programs for parents who need the childcare during their work times. They have several options for toddler classes to help introduce them gently into school. They even have a Spanish teacher that visits weekly, I think that's neat & necessary. They have PE once a week, the teacher is great with the kids, my son has grown to really like him. There is a monthly newsletter which tells you what the kids are learning, how you can help, upcoming school events, etc etc. (I like getting them and knowing about what's going on and how I can donate supplies or time.) Kids bring their own lunches daily and the school like to keep things on the healthier side, so they offer suggestions before the school year starts so parents can plan lunches accordingly. Drop off and pick up is called carpool, parents all line up in their cars 10 min before school starts and the secretary brings a clipboard to the driver to sign in/out the children during those times and the teachers unload the children and will load them up at pick up time as well. It makes a nice smooth transition and keeps distractions down. :) The toddler class helps potty train your child also, which made a giant difference for my almost 3 year old. :) He was potty trained before my first son was. I learned a lot about that and it will come in handy for my youngest boy too. If your curious about this place, go set up a time to tour the school. You'll like it. I know my independent little boys do.

Avoid this place at all costs. They are EXTREMELY disorganized and never gave us clear…read morecommunication on any of the paperwork or documents required to sign my child up for the year. No one knows how to do anything, they all just say "I don't handle that." It's run mostly by a bunch of rude and largely incompetent 20-year-olds and teenagers who don't care about your children. We dropped our child off multiple times while he was upset/crying and they NEVER even comforted him, they just sat there on their phones while my kid and several others inside were crying. Very unprofessional and lazy. They have an archaic "healthy food" rule which prohibits the kids from bringing virtually anything sweet with their lunch. They wouldn't let my child eat his small pack of Welch's fruit snacks. Pretty ironic they don't allow unhealthy food considering how unhealthy some of them look. They should abide by their own rules and cut back on the unhealthy snacks themselves. If you want your kids enrolled in a backwards school with a cult-like staff full of hypocritical mouth-breathers, this is the place for you. If you're normal and just want your children to receive a solid Montessori style education, keep looking.

This small school is a gem. My wife and I toured several Montessori programs in central Phoenix…read morebefore deciding on MCH. We love the staff, the curriculum and the other families that attend. Our son started in the beginner program where we saw him grow leaps and bounds developmentally and socially. He is now in the Primary program, and everyday I'm impressed with the knowledge he brings home and how articulately he is able to express himself to adults and peers alike. All of the lead teachers are Montessori certified, but the primary classroom has 2 leads, both certified and a kitchen assistant who cooks with the children and an outdoor assistant. Compared to the other schools we visited the children have more opportunities because of this arrangement. The school is private, so there is tuition even at the higher grades. However, we noticed that because it stayed private when all the other Montessori schools we toured were charter, it seemed to stick closer to the traditional Montessori curriculum we read about in our research. Children were not tested in any standardized way, and the teachers seem more able to truly follow the child. At one of the Montessori charters we saw 5 year olds doing standardized test practice during our tour. Yikes. Another thing we love about this school is how close knit the community is. When we toured we found out that one of the teachers attended the school and all of her children have been through the program, the director's husband was a student there and all of their children attended the school, etc. There is only one of every classroom so the children all know each other. Our son loves all of his friends and speaks of school excitedly everyday. On the weekends he begs to go to school to play with his friends. We have been so pleased with MCH, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a caring, small and diverse school community.

My kiddos attend this school and it's been a wonderful experience for both of them. The teachers…read moreprovide classic Montessori instruction and work with each kid to know where to push them and where to help them. Very happy with our experience here!

Little Lantanas has been my son's school for the past 2 years and it was the best decision we made…read morefor his social, academic, and emotional development. This is a very small school that creates a close community of children that really care about each other. My son loves coming to school every day because his friends and teachers are patient, caring, and kind. He always says Mrs. Elledge and Ms. Tae are his favorite teachers. My son struggled at other schools but Mrs. Elledge welcomed him with genuine care and intention to understand him and guide him through the Montessori program. It is a school that develops the whole child and where each child is seen as an individual. This means children are taught academics at their pace, taught how to engage with their environment and classmates with respect, and where the teachers have a relationship with each child. Now that my son is going to first grade, we will always cherish the time he had at Little Lantanas and will definitely be back to visit!

my son has been at Little Lantanas since the age of 3. As soon as we met Mrs Elledge we knew this…read morewas the best option for us. Mrs. Elledge is a long time educator with a depth of experience. she challenges herself and works to deepen her skills by continuing her education. She truly loves education and is GOOD at it. Her love of learning directly impacts the students. My kid is happy there and absolutely loves the different learning activities they have. At pickup he often wants to take me in the classroom and show me his current favorite work activity. Little Lantanas without a doubt has been the best school for us.

My son has been attending Beibei for over three years and unfortunately today was his last day. I…read moretruly cannot recommend this school highly enough. From the very beginning, the staff has worked alongside our family to provide my son with the best care and support possible. My son has ASD, and while the journey hasn't always been easy, the team at Beibei has consistently gone above and beyond to meet his individual needs. They are always willing to learn, adapt, and do whatever it takes to ensure every child receives the care and attention they deserve. They even have an inclusion coach who worked closely with my son.Everyone at Beibei from the owner to the teachers and support staff is kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in the children and their families. They have created such a welcoming and supportive environment that truly feels like a second family. I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done for my son. The growth, confidence, and skills he has gained during his time at Beibei have been amazing to see. We will always be thankful for the love, patience, and dedication they have shown our family.

I toured this facility while looking for a Spanish immersion school go my son. We didn't end up…read morechoosing it ONLY because it was 20 min drive versus one we found literally 5 min away on the same route we drop my other child off at school. Just made life easier. This school was clean, staff was kind and informative, kiddos seemed happy and entertained. The outdoor space is fabulous! The pricing is very competitive, especially for an immersion school. It is hidden away in a strip mall which made me second guess it immediately until I stepped inside. Give it a chance!

Grace Lutheran Church, School, and Preschool is our family's second home! We love the quality…read moreeducation our kids receive in both the school and preschool. We love that they have teachers there that care for them in so many ways! We started our kids at Grace because we go to church there, but they stay at Grace because they receive a faith based education from their teachers, the principal, and Pastors that care about their spiritual AND earthly well being! We love it here and encourage you to check it out!

We moved into the area almost 4 years ago, and immediately enrolled our son at Grace Lutheran…read moreSchool. We have not regretted our decision. From day one, we were made to feel welcome, the fellow students were kind, and the teachers showed their care and concern for our child's well being educationally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our daughter is now in the preschool, and she looks forward to the days that she attends school. She is very well prepared to move on to kindergarten in the fall.