We moved our kids to Kiddie Academy of Santa Ana in November 2024, and it's been such a great…read moreexperience! Daniela and Elaina at the front desk are the absolute best always friendly, super helpful, and you can tell they really care about the families and kids. The teachers in both the infant and threes rooms are wonderful too. They do so many fun, hands-on activities, and my kids come home happy and excited to tell me all about their day. The classrooms are always clean and full of laughter, and I've never had a reason to worry about safety or care. It really feels like a warm, loving environment where everyone knows your child and genuinely enjoys what they do. We're so happy we made the switch and couldn't recommend Kiddie Academy of Santa Ana more!

This review is based upon my experience in the infant room at Kiddie Academy of Santa Ana. This…read morefacility is dangerous. The teachers do not pay attention to the infants, instead they spend hours on their phones while toddlers comingle with infants whom cannot crawl nor walk. They do not follow California laws or protocols. They do not report injuries to parents. The administrative staff cover up the illegal actions of the teachers instead of correcting them. The owners Joseph and Sonia Haikal do not properly oversee their seven Orange County facilities. After witnessing children step on my daughter, the common response from the staff was "children get hurt". In what world is it acceptable for teachers to neglect a four month old infant to the point where my family had to spend more time overseeing the staff than working? We submitted hours of video to California Licensing due to the lack of response from management and not a single response from Mr. Joseph Haikal, the owner. The facility kept my daughter in a Baby Merlin sleepsuit for hours a day. My daughter was behind on development because rather than interact with the infants, the staff kept them immobile so they wouldn't have to focus on anything but their cell phones. My daughter along with several other children were left to sleep on the floor for hours because the staff were too lazy to transfer them to a crib, also breaking state licensing laws. I tried to send the owner of a video of a toddler dragging an infant (non- mobile) by their hair like a caveman without any teacher realizing it, in fact two were on their phones in the video. I tried to let them know that there were four infants in a room without a teacher at one point, crickets. The only person that shed real light on the situation was Sonia Haikal, after I transferred my daughter to their Huntington Beach location (another review to follow). Her statement was "I can't fire teachers unless they do something really heinous", she obviously doesn't believe that child endangerment is a concern. I had to pull my daughter from this school after a month and a half. I have approximately 40 hours of recorded video showing the staff not washing hands, chewing fingernails and wiping saliva on infants, leaving infants to sleep on the floor, and basically not changing diapers more than two to three times in an eight hour day. Here are some California Licensing Reports to read before you consider this location: https://www.ccld.dss.ca.gov/transparencyapi/api/FacilityReports?facNum=304371225&inx=4 https://www.ccld.dss.ca.gov/transparencyapi/api/FacilityReports?facNum=304371225&inx=5 https://www.ccld.dss.ca.gov/transparencyapi/api/FacilityReports?facNum=304371225&inx=6 Bottom line, Joseph and Sonia Haikal do not care about your infant, they care about the financial bottom line.

We've had our daughter in the school for 3 years and just enrolled our second daughter as well…read more We feel so lucky that Ms. Gabriel has taught both of our girls. She was instrumental in potty training and knows how to support each child's unique personality. Ms. Quintero has been great at helping our daughter develop all the skills she needs in preparation for kindergarten. We've seen huge improvements in her communication, social, math, and writing skills since being in her class. The classes have a larger age range than typical daycares, but we've found that to be a positive, the younger kids learn a lot from the older ones, and the older ones learn to look out for the little ones. It's also one of the cleanest daycares we've experienced; our kids have gotten sick far less often here than at prior daycares and we rarely see the teachers on an iPad or phone (so don't expect a ton of photos or videos), they're genuinely engaged with the kids rather than distracted by a device. We also appreciated the extra curriculars that they provide at the school within school hours. Overall, we've really appreciated our experience at Limai so far.

After researching different early childhood education philosophies, our family chose LiMai…read moreMontessori Academy, and it has been one of the best decisions we've made. From preschool through kindergarten, our daughter has flourished--not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. The child-centered, self-directed Montessori approach fostered her confidence, independence, and love of learning. What truly sets LiMai apart is its exceptional teachers and staff. Every teacher, assistant teacher, and staff member has been warm, patient, genuinely caring, and deeply invested in each child's growth. The campus is also consistently clean, organized, and welcoming. As our daughter graduates from kindergarten, our family is incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and care we've received over the years. LiMai has given our daughter a wonderful foundation, and we will truly miss this amazing school. We highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing and enriching Montessori education.

**Disappointing Experience at Arrow Montessori School**…read more I had my four-year-old daughter enrolled at Arrow Montessori School for ten months, and our experience has been extremely disappointing. Over the last 2 1/2 weeks, I was called almost daily to pick her up from school, significantly cutting into my work hours and adding financial strain to my single-parent, single-earner household. My daughter was bullied by two other children and frequently came home with scratches, bite marks, and bruises. Instead of addressing the issue, the school blamed her for the bullying, claiming she was "bothering" the other children. The staff lacks the skill, education, and patience to handle behavioral challenges in children. They often implied my child had issues but then admitted they weren't psychologists. This inconsistency was frustrating and unhelpful. Furthermore, the school engages in excessive fundraising, with my daughter participating and helping generate several hundred dollars. However, none of this money seemed to benefit her class. The staff also lacks resources and understanding to support neurodivergent children, expecting all students to behave like well-behaved little robots. The school does not adhere to the traditional tenets of Maria Montessori's teachings. Instead of fostering independence and curiosity, the children are frequently made to perform songs and dances. Additionally, the staff's impersonal approach, referring to me as "mother" rather than knowing my name, was disheartening. During the last 2 1/2 weeks, my daughter experienced tantrums, leading the school to give me an ultimatum: either put her in therapy or she would not be allowed to attend the summer camp. This caused me a great deal of anxiety and sleepless nights, adding to the overall stress of the situation. Each time we approached a solution, another hurdle was placed in our way, including limiting her school hours to 9 am-12 pm or after 2 pm. The treatment my daughter received from the administration was particularly troubling. The administrator would often mock her, saying, "What? What are you saying? I don't understand you." My daughter has been diagnosed with a speech disorder, which I had informed the school about, and she is receiving speech therapy. Despite this, they spoke to her as if she was stupid. Because of her speech difficulties, she sometimes tries to communicate with her hands, and they have also asked her if her "hand was broken." They treated my child like there was something wrong with her. I offered to sit in the classroom to observe her interactions with the other children and was denied, being told it was against their policy, which seemed very suspicious. Eventually, they allowed me only 15 minutes, during which I observed a child push my daughter hard onto the concrete floor. Very little was done by the teacher to correct this behavior. The administrator said that only a child psychologist was allowed to observe children in the classroom and proceeded to tell me that there were a few kids who are autistic and have behavioral issues in the classroom, but you wouldn't be able to tell because their parents could afford their own therapists. I couldn't tell if she was being honest or just trying to make it seem like I wasn't doing my part as a parent to promote my child's well-being. I felt like I was being gaslit. Additionally, the playground is in disrepair, with wood splintering, structures leaning, and plastic pieces popping up, potentially causing harm to the children. The outside bathroom is also disgusting and poorly maintained, adding to the overall neglect of the facilities. Given the substantial funds raised through fundraising efforts and the high Montessori tuition fees, the school should be able to afford necessary upgrades and maintenance. Moreover, the school has implied religious affiliation with New Creation Church, making it a private sector institution that also receives tax exemptions by being a "church" school. This makes the lack of proper facilities and support even more unacceptable. When I went to discuss changing daycare providers with the school district, I learned that one of Arrow Montessori's long-standing teachers had left to work for the district. Additionally, two receptionists and another teacher left within just a few weeks or short months of each other. This high turnover rate indicated deeper issues within the school's management and environment. The school lacks compassion and seems more focused on giving the appearance of a great school to appease the wealthiest parents while mistreating and dismissing those who aren't as fortunate. I do not recommend Arrow Montessori School. Our experience was marked by bullying, inadequate support, unsafe facilities, and a lack of true Montessori principles.

Arrow set my kids up for success. They are thriving thanks to the great academics, supportive…read moreemotional development, excellent caring teachers and staff. We wish we had a third kid to send to this school. Highly recommended.

If there is a minus star system, I would give them that! Where should I start, from the rude…read moredirector to the unprofessional teachers, to the scary priest!!! I had my child in that preschool for one month only!!! Horrible experience. Filthy environment, none professional, unorganized school... the one thing that was okay was my son's teacher (Ms. Cindy), she was professional with us and nice to my child... other than that, forget it. I believe she left the school, Becuase she can do better! Let me start with the director, Sophia. VERY rude!!! VERY unprofessional! VERY Arrogant! I couldn't bare seeing her or talk to her, she thinks she owns the place and you (the parent) and your child is nothing to her! I am Ma'am the customer, I paid your salary!!! She needs to show respect and be nicer to families. Second, the teachers, there was one particular teacher (I don't know her name) VERY unprofessional, low class, vulgar!!! Imagine, I'm walking my child to school, it's his birthday. I have the cake with me, my child waking behind him, she wanted, I guess, to act funny/silly/stupors... whatever it is... , so she left her leg and kick my son to joke with him, who immediately gets closer to me to get away from her... yes kicked him!!!! She caught me out of surprise, I didn't know what to do or say at that moment! She had a kid with her, what does the kid do, he immediately imitates her, and tries to kick my son!!!!yup! She then brings the kid to apologize to my son for doing so, like really! so we told her you did that first, so you need to apologize to my son before this kid!!! I complained to the school administration , but nothing was done! Another horrible experience! Then comes the Priest, don't get me wrong. I have a respect to all religious figures, I am Christian too and I wanted to put my son in a Christian school... but this priest has no clue how to talk to little kids! We attended one chapel service with my kid, it was a scary movie on God and punishment and the end of the world and how Jesus will "swallow" earth and we are in it! I looked at my partner and was like.. what!!!! That should have been the warning sign for us to not enroll my child. He still has nightmares from that story. Sooo, this is our horrible experience at this horrible preschool. Do not enroll your child in it, you'll regret it just like we did!

Nice children at the school. Playground nice they explain Lutheran theology on every class and…read morepastor is nice.

One of the most important things about childcare, besides quality learning, is knowing that your…read morechild is in a place where they are genuinely loved, cared for, and happy. You can often see that through your child's reaction when you drop them off--their smile, excitement, and eagerness to run through the school gates. That's exactly how we feel about this school. Our child truly loves coming to school and loves his teachers. Knowing that he feels safe, happy, and loved while he is there means so much to us.

My daughter started at Montessori School of Hacienda Heights when she was 3 years old in July of…read more2025. I received a flyer in the mail, called to make and appointment, and Ms. Enoka was able to provide me a tour, tuition rates, and the philosophy of how they teach and care for children very clearly within 30 minutes. It was very easy to make the decision to have my daughter come to school here. So many experiences have affirmed our decision to be a part of this community. Here are the top 5. 1. Potty training has been a long journey for my daughter. Ms. Anayeli (when my daughter was 3) and Ms. Rehani (when my daughter was 4) were so communicative about troubleshooting with me when we couldn't figure out how to get her to stop having accidents. We discussed factors that could be contributing to her accidents and they shared with me what they were doing at school so I could continue at home and vice versa. 2. My daughter's social development accelerated when she started at this school. I attribute this to the open play they have in the afternoon. Kids of different ages are able to play outdoors on the grassy area and play structure while supervised by the teachers. During this time, my daughter was able make sense of what it meant to be a friend. 3. Teachers clearly communicate with the children right from wrong. My daughter has a strong sense of what is right and can communicate it with me because her teachers model it for her everyday. She is at school on most weekdays from 6:45am to 4:30pm so a lot of what she learns comes from school. 4. The parent teacher conferences were especially helpful in enabling me to find supplemental activities that I used to continue my child's learning at home. They used the Montessori framework to provide feedback which showed me what to prioritize next. 5. Ms. Enoka has been extremely responsive to any administrative needs like helping me fill out paperwork and providing documents for tax season. I've never had to wait longer than 24 hours for anything I needed. I am so grateful that my daughter got to experience this school. She has learned so much. On top of that, the Ms. Enoka and the teachers have shown up as educational partners as I raise my daughter!

I can't tell how much I love Carolina and Larry, they're my favorite daycare teachers. my son…read moreenrolled in his 13 months to 28 months. We had wonderful times with them. He learned many things from Carolina and he loves Ms.Carolina's food morn than mine. Carolina and Larry love kids and very nice. I won't leave them if I don't move place. My husband and I highly recommended. Give kids clean and safety environment and let lovely people around them. We miss them so much!

We love Watts Family day care. Our son went there for 7 months and we sadly had to leave due to…read morepersonal circumstances, but my son loved attending this daycare: He started with her when he was just 2 months old, and she made sure I knew how loved he was every day. She sent pictures to update us and was constantly communicating about his day. The daycare itself is a home daycare, and she keeps it very clean. It is a small daycare with not many children so your child gets a lot of attention. We appreciate all she did for our son. I highly recommend this daycare-- your child will be so loved.

My daughter starts her daycare life when she was 17 months. I toured several daycare (family or…read moredaycare center) and feel so lucky that I finally found Pan family child care. The owner Emily, teachers Karen, Gina and Linda, all of them are truly amazing, full of love and patience. My daughter loves them so much! Their food is very healthy and delicious too. My daughter spent 20 months there until 3-years old and she feels very happy going to school every single day.

This is the best daycare I have found in the rowland/walnut/diamond bar area and trust me, my kids…read morehave been through some bad daycares. The director Emily, is the most loving and caring person along with her whole team of teachers. Gina, Julia, Karen and Linda truly always put the kids first. I am content in knowing I can trust these 5 ladies with my kids everyday as I go to work. Emily sends pictures of my kids throughout the day and it is so comforting to see how happy they are there. Every evening when I go to pick them up she updates me of what the day was like for them and if they ate lunch and snack. I love how flexible this daycare is and this daycare has the least amount of vacation days which is good for parents like us that work a lot. Emily also is available to watch kids after hours or on weekends, this alone is extremely helpful. She also allows each child a 2 week vacation period from daycare in which she doesn't penalize the parents from tuition. I have never come across this and must I say this is so understanding of Emily. Most other institutions make parents pay half to keep the children's spot. I love how much they care about the kids and their futures. The teachers there make sure they do all they can to really teach the kids and prep them for kindergarten. My eldest is 4 years old and he keeps telling me he wants to stay there instead of going on to kindergarten next year. Every other day care I have taken my kids to (4 other facilities from Irvine to Rowland Hts) the kids have always gotten sick a lot and cried because they didn't want to go to daycare.. not this place though. They both attend daily with a smile on their faces. They are very hands on with the kids and this place is tremendously clean. Safety is my biggest concern and I know I don't have to worry about that at this daycare. I recommend this place with all my heart. Thank you to all the amazing ladies that help take care of my kids everyday.

We are so lucky to have found this place. I have such a hard time leaving my baby with anyone, but…read moreI trust these lovely ladies so much. My son has been here since he was 11 weeks old, and they have taken such good care of him. He was colic so it was not easy for them, but they always give him the attention he needs. He is 9 months now and when we drop him off he pushes away from us for them to hold him. The daycare is also always doing art projects, fun spirit weeks, and amazing things with the kids too. My child is so advanced and I know it is because of his caretakers! Thank you

We were BEYOND lucky to find this school. The teachers and staff are caring, kind, and clearly…read moreexperienced. They treat my daughter like family from day one. You can tell this is not just thier job but thier passion. My daughter experience set her up to excell in public school. After one year of enrollment she is advanced in her entry to school skills. I reccomend this preschool to everyone I know!! They even took the kids to Chuck E Cheese for thier "Graduation". They make these kiddos feel special. I cannot say enough good things about Ms. Stacy and her staff!