We trusted the positive reviews and gave it a shot (after a few terrible experiences with Albuquerque daycares). Then our child came home with a series of injuries which were either 1). Unexplained or 2). Blamed on the child. We pulled our child after a few weeks because none of it added up. Also- The space is flourescently lit, colorless and lacking in plant life or natural light. Pretty dismal, actually. read more

Went on a tour to this school and had a very negative experience. The website states, "Other extra-curricular programs include gymnastics, dance, and Spanish lessons." Confirmed with the director there are no Spanish classes or lessons currently, which would indicate a need for an update to the website. When I asked what language exposure opportunities are offered at the school, I was told about a teacher who "speaks another language but I don't know what it is." When I asked what their policy/procedure around name-calling in the classroom, they stated there wasn't one. If children are calling each other names, it won't be shut down and the educators may engage in the name-calling as well. When I shared our philosophy at home, that we don't call people outside of their names (that it's respectful to refer to people as they prefer)- and if people are called outside of their names, then the adults around shut down the behavior and role model appropriate/ humane treatment of other humans; I was then told that this wasn't the school for us because they would not shut down name-calling and that it would potentially be encouraged as "imaginative play." If you want a school that encourages name-calling and potential bullying, has indescrepincies on their website, and doesn't know their staff's backgrounds- this may be the place for you. If you want a school that encourages education, humane treatment, and cultural diversity- this probably isn't it. read more

Before the pandemic, we were generally happy with the school. The teachers for kids ages 1-5 were all very good. They did daily work getting them ready for kindergarten. There were a couple isolated incidents that we weren't happy about, but all in all it was a good experience. When the pandemic began, we initially pulled our son out of the school and used a babysitter for that first summer. When she returned to school, we went back to the daycare primarily because they said they would hire a kindergarten teacher to work with the kids starting kindergarten remotely. For whatever reason, their staff never made much effort to engage our son to do his assignments in class. It was mostly left for us to do at home later that night. He did his online classes then was allowed to watch his ipad until the battery died most days. We complained about this and they made some effort to get them off their ipads, mostly playing Uno. Even with that small improvement, he would regularly come home and say he watched two movies in class. We expected more of an effort to help the kids do their offline lessons when they said they were hiring a kindergarten teacher for that reason. That's half the issue. The other half was how they handled the pandemic. Shortly after putting him back in the daycare, it was shut down because several staff members tested positive. We thought this would be a learning experience for them, but it was only the beginning. Not long after they reopened, they had another positive test. This time they only closed the class with the positive case, but we learned from our son that they were bumping kids from one class to another and sending teachers home to save money. This doesn't just go against CDC guidelines, it defies common sense. So we called again and complained. They said they would no longer be bumping kids. Not very long after that, there were one or two more positive cases in other classrooms. Which wasn't surprising. Nearly every time we dropped off or picked up our son, we saw staff standing around the front desk with their masks pulled down. They only pulled them up to answer the door. Then about two weeks ago, his teacher tested positive. We decided to pull him out for good. We had reluctantly been planning to keep him there for the summer. Now we'll have to make alternate plans. We get that they are in a tough position with the pandemic, but their response to it has been underwhelming. Talking to parents using different daycares, they've had nowhere near the same number of closures. Best advice I can give is if you're reading this and the pandemic is still a problem, I would find another alternative. If you have to use daycare, ask other parents how their daycares are handling it and look for one that hasn't had so many issues. If the pandemic is over, you can mostly disregard this. The teachers for the younger kids will all be great and you won't have to worry about your kid bringing covid home. read more

Thank you to those who have an open heart and mind for all the work we put into our school and loving the children, as that is the priority!!!. Childcare is one of the most important jobs in existence. I am proud to say that throughout the pandemic we were able to not only survive, but thrive. Though we were clear (at first) about not being able to accommodate older age groups, we did so in an effort to help our alumni families as we always do and always will!! With the help of an amazing person/teacher we were able to accommodate those who had no other choice but to return to work and send their children to us to provide online schooling. I am so proud of what our teachers did for these children and families. Online schooling for 5th grade down was never apart of our staff trainings. However, not only did the teachers get on board, they mastered it! It's not always pretty and not every parent is willing to mirror the work we have done and continue to do for the success of these children, but we will pride ourselves on doing the best we can. I don't believe reviews show the reality, as disgruntled employees or less than willing parents (far and few) seem to be the main cause of a bad review. At the end of the day, we will continue to provide a loving, and educational environment for our kids to thrive! We set the foundation and our goals will always be to create a stable beginning for our next generation. We strive to always be a source of support and love throughout the most sensitive periods of your child's development. read more

Erica and Modesta reviewed their own awful school and put 5 star???? Interesting! How come you have reviewed it as customers? You are misguiding others! My daughter has been going to this school for 8 months and she's had more than 15 teachers. Teacher retention is awful! No one is responsive. Because there are 5 different people coming and going to watch the kidos in one day and if you ask a question you here the same answer that: I just got here, I wasn't here at noon, I wasn't here in the mornin, etc. Every time I pick my daughter up, she is very dirty (she is 2) not even once they have wiped her face. they are Supposed to update their app every time they make a diaper change or nap or ... and I barely see updates on the app. Many days I should call and ask if my daughter had a wet diaper!! Such poor quality and it is an expensive school in Albuquerque. I was gonna report it to senior management and interestingly there is no way you can get a hold on them! There are 2 ladies as "supervisors" at Carmel location and they both suck. one worse than the other by giving you such a mean attitude. They have 1 to 6 ratio but they have like 20 students in one class with 3 adults as so called teachers In a very small room. I will move my daughter soon but this school deserves the worst reviews possible Since they are the worst!! read more

Our son has been attending this school since he was 3 and we absolutely love it. He runs into his classroom everyday and is always excited to go to school. the work he is doing there amazes me everyday, and his teacher is in constant communication with me about his progress. The director Mary is also wonderful. We had an incident arise and she handled the issue promptly and professionally. We could not be happier with Springstone. read more

Amazing staff, excellent facilities, and knowledgeable and caring teachers. We have had great experiences with; Ms Melissa, Ms Karron, Ms Shannon and Ms Jessica as current teachers. The Director,Ms Marry and lead administrator Ms Erica are phenomenal. I would defiantly recommend this location for your child's early development. read more

Our daughter has been attending Springstone for over 1.5 years. The entire staff is always so kind and helpful! Ms. Kim does a fantastic job teaching and helping the kids learn in a fun and exciting environment, all while making it look so easy! read more

Over the past 4 years both of my children have attended Springstone Montessori and my daughter (3) is currently at the Carmel location. The management has always been professional and accommodating to the needs of my children, and the facility always clean and organized. I have told friends, I never walk in and feel "chaos" in the facility... it exudes structure and operates with transparency. My experience with teachers has also been extremely positive. Both of my children were with primarily with Mrs. Bobbie, and my daughter was with Ms. Lola before turning 3. Daily updates of activities are provided via e-mail along with pictures, keeping me informed. Both teachers have always been loving and patient, professional, and responsive to the needs of my children. Additionally, the Montessori based activities and school preparation have been outstanding. My son started Kindergarten this year and was well ahead of where he needs to be for his age. I have recommended Springstone to fellow colleagues and would continue to do so again in the future. I am grateful for ALL of the staff at Springstone who have cared for my children and been so trustworthy in the process. read more

This school and its staff are family. They take care of our children with a deep care and love-one of which you won't find anywhere else other than a family member. In a span of almost 10 years the girls have become just that for me and my kids-family! The school is always clean and organized and you will be overwhelmed with a sense of calm and home when you walk in. Every morning you will always be greeted with a smile and even offered a cup of coffee (yummy too!) and you can sense that same comfort in any phone call communication through out the day as well. This school has not only brought comfort and a peace of mind to myself and my kids, but it has also set and exceeded any goals to prep my kids for grade school-Because they want my kids to do well just as we do! Join our family-bring yours kiddos here and share our wonderful experiences!! read more

Only a couple of months in and am more than pleased with my daughter's continued interest and progress. She's happy to go to school in the morning, receives plenty of attention from her great teachers and assistants, and comes home in good mood with fun art projects. The building is open and bright; the large staff is friendly; the general atmosphere is light, with well-mannered and seemingly well-adjusted children. This is a good start. read more

Best daycare/School in Albuquerque! I have had all 3 of my kids attend this school/daycare, and I have to say my wife and I loved it. The staff is caring, very dedicated and just awesome. My wife and I have put our firts child -who is now in middle school-in at age of 2.5; our daughter -who is now in Elementary school- at age of 3; and now our youngest who just turned 3. We have gone through 3 administrations back in the day before Mrs. Mary became the principal. I have to say she turned the school around. It went from being a daycare to an actual school. Teacher retention at that point was amazing, the quality of education increased, and the level of the teachers was just excellent! Kudos to you Mary and your hard work and your amazing staff! To put things into respective, when my first two children had left; they were well ahead of their kinder Garden peers all because of the work Spring Stone. They have an excellent educational program, they worked with our schedule, they were extremely attentive to the needs of each of my children; who surprisingly were very different from one to the other. This is why we came back, and I tell everyone I know this is the best school in town! Ihab read more

This is an absolutely fantastic school! The teachers and staff are wonderful! Both my kids have been attending since they were one. My daughter is now 4, my son is 2. Both of my children love this school so much, they don't even want to leave when I come to pick them up! The curriculum is great, both of my children have learned so much at this school, everyone is so suprised when they hear how well my 2 year old speaks. They even include Spanish leassons! I would recommend Springstone Montessori to anyone looking for a daycare. I completely trust everyone there with my children. read more

My kids have been attending Springstone in Carmel since they were one and two years old and I couldn't be happier. To me one of the most important aspects is the fact that kids are loved and teachers are truly engaged with them, the ratios are small which allows them to be cared for. I have always had an open communication with all the teachers and we are able to work together shaping my happy little humans! I love each and every one of my kids' teachers and all of the ones I have had any interaction with are also amazing. I have nothing but good things to say about Springstone. I did a lot of research before enrolling my kids, and none of the places I saw had the vibe that Springstone does. I recommend it to anyone! You just have to visit to see what I'm talking about. I also love that they have a great meal program with healthy ingredients packed of nutrition, this was top on my list and they do an awesome job with this. Now I can't wait for my youngest to join the Springstone family in Miss Isabel class, she's amazing and loving and can speak the kids' language, both my kids thrived in her class. My oldest is now in Kindergarten and is breezing through, his teachers did an amazing job preparing him for this new chapter in his life! Everyday they leave the school they run to hug Miss Angelica at the front desk and sometimes they want to stay with her :) that, to me, speaks a lot of how they are treated and loved at their daycare. read more

I was asked as a parent of 2 children who attend Springstone at the Carmel Ave. location to provide an honest review. I really research things and talk to lots of parents and feel extremely invested in my kids' wellbeing and development (as do many of the parents at this particular daycare), and I have been very happy so far. I worry about a lot of the "typical" things parents worry about - are my kids eating and sleeping, do they have consistency, do they have a good balance of structure and discipline along with freedom to have fun and explore, do they have the chance to make friends, are they learning to be good people and do good work, are they getting sick all the time, etc. We have had normal ups and downs in all those areas, but the overall trend has been very positive. Basically, they are normal kids acting their normal age going through normal things, and that makes me content. Ms. Mary and Ms. Erica (directors) have been very kind and open to meetings about any questions or concerns. Ms. Bethany and Ms. Courtney, as 2 examples, have been very warm and loving with our kids, and we always feel like they are in great hands (one of our kids came home singing "Baby Shark" ALL the time, but then I realized it was in other languages! I was blown away.) The whole place feels kind of like a big family. I am curious to see, as they grow, how they are prepped for preK/KG. Sometimes I tend to really seek information and details and it "feels" like those can get lost in a busy day, which is hard for me, but then I step back to the big picture. Most importantly, the kids come home healthy and happy everyday and always have a tidbit to share about their day. We see no reason to look elsewhere. read more

At 18 months, we enrolled our youngest daughter at Springstone. The warmth of Ms. Melissa and Ms. Selma was appealing, as well as the low student to teacher ratio. We had a great experience for the first year. My daughter was quickly transitioned into the class with the older children, due to her 'development'. In hindsight, I'm not sure how much of that was due to the fact that the student to teacher ratio changes drastically, where 2 teachers are supervising 23 x 2 1/2-4 year toddlers, and their overhead drops drastically. Ideally we would have moved her at this point, but we already knew we would be moving states/schools, in a short period of time. Frequently I would come to the school, and find my daughter had been moved multiple times, bumped to different classrooms, to help maintain the state requirement, even though she was a regular 5 day attendee. This school is one of the most expensive in the area, and it's just not what you would expect as a parent. At the time, as my husband had already relocated, I expressed concern to the teachers about her being moved, because I was trying to keep things as consistent, as possible, to which they replied: "We get volunteers, and she always volunteers". It continued to happen. 3 weeks prior to us moving, I came in and was told by both of my daughter's teachers that my daughter lifted her dress up and showed the boys her privates. I told the teachers this surprised me, because she is very private, with everyone. When I mentioned this to other caregivers and parents familiar with my daughter, they were also all very surprised. I told the teachers I would talk with her about it. As I was putting her in the car, I asked "Honey.. did you lift your dress up at school?", and she said " X and X (two boys in her class) touched my privates and it wasn't nice". I went back in to the school immediately, and the director and teacher came out, and spoke with her, agreeing she could not make that up. I asked the director for videos of the classroom, because I needed to know how to approach my daughter, given I didn't know what happened. Pretty much.. I was relying on my toddler to tell me what happened, because the people I paid to watch her could not. The next day, I was told the videos didn't record, and my daughter didn't actually show her privates, like they said... In short, their entire story changed. To top it all off, they said it "wasn't sexual", and "kids do this all the time". The lady that works the desk even had the nerve to ask me "Doesn't your daughter touch your boys?" They accepted zero responsibility for what happened, and did not hold themselves accountable for watching my child, when they were paid a premium to do so. I understand kids do things. I understand they are curious. This is why they require adult supervision, and this is what I was paying them to do. In short, we paid for a service we didn't get. To this day, their behavior and how they handled the situation still disgusts me.**I am now editing this review to also add, that false reviews were created in response to my review, even to the extent that people I have never heard of are claiming to know me, and my child, and making slanderous comments. This review was written in honesty, with my real name, of true events. It is not embellished. In fact, I left a number of other sketchy details out, leaving the clear message. They also attempted, to no avail, to get my review removed from Yelp. You can't get in trouble for speaking the truth. I'm not hiding behind a false persona or the cloak of the internet. If it was worth my while, I'd get their IP address traced, but quite honestly, my husband and I are in such a better place now, with my daughter's current school, that these people are not worth the time or energy. But... it is worth my time to make sure other prospective parents are aware of what they may see, if they enroll their children at Springstone. ** read more

Our oldest child attended SpringStone Montessori for over 2 years after we moved to Albuquerque. She thrived academically and socially. She transitioned really well to kindergarten in large part because of her time at SpringStone. The school allows children to learn at a pace that works for them as individuals and the Montessori curriculum encourages a healthy independence in thoughts and actions. Our middle child currently attends SpringStone and is also doing well there. The teachers really address the needs of each individual child and the director was very helpful when we needed to have our son evaluated for speech services. We are looking forward to having our youngest child attend SpringStone as soon as she's old enough! Our family has had a great experience with this school, it's teachers and directors. We would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a preschool in NE Albuquerque. read more

After meeting with 2 other daycares in the area, I knew immediately after visiting SpringStone/Carmel location this was exactly where I wanted my son to attend. During the tour I noticed 3 important things; children were content and happy in their classrooms, it was very very clean and Erica, Mary & Mrs. Martina were genuine to me and my son. We've been there almost a year now and we love it, my son has learned a lot and I have no worry when I drop him off! The people here truly care and I'm blessed to have found a great daycare for my son. read more

Great School! Both my daughters were enrolled here and I could not have been happier. The supervision was far above any I have seen. The teachers were extremely informative each and every day my daughters were there. I loved that my girls got the option to move classes at the end of the day. They got to experience other classrooms and the different "works" that were in those classrooms as well as other children. They made friends with kiddos throughout the different classes. The young lady who works at the front desk is extremely kind and has no problem answering my questions or assisting me at any point whether I'm there in person or calling on the phone. She never makes me feel like I am bugging. The director has done such a wonderful job running this school. She is also very informative and I love that she knows every child very well. She sees their little quirks and builds upon them. She encourages and loves each of the kids so much. The teachers put their hearts into these children. It is apparent everyone that works here has a heart to work with small children. The gentleman who does their maintenance and builds things for each classroom is also phenomenal. He always has a smile on his face and is very creative. In my opinion, the owner of this school has done a fantastic job not only with the facilities, but with the vision of bringing up the future generation of children to move on to the next step in their little lives equipped with the skills they need to have. Thank you SpringStone Carmel for all you have done in my family's lives. read more