We looked all over Thurston and Pierce Counties for the right private school and let me just start…read moreby saying, we made the right choice. It first started for us looking for a pre-K during Covid as a need, but instead it turned into gaining a whole community of friends that we adore. Since we are not the most religious in terms of being Christian or Catholic, some of the private schools in the area had too much focus on religion. Others pre-K schools felt as though we would have just been hiring a babysitter. Waldorf was a breath of fresh air, literally. The kids actually spend time outside in nature! Being kids, getting muddy, pretend play and learning about the wonders of our world. They focus on the whole child, not just academics and there are no grades, no tests, no homework and instead teach a love of learning. Not only that, they throw some really rad festivals and events for the kids - magical even! We are so blessed to have found a fun and safe place to call school.

I never thought I'd find myself writing a warning like this, but after what my daughter went…read morethrough, I feel compelled to speak up. They are not welcoming. We enrolled her in Olympia Waldorf trusting the promises of a nurturing environment, holistic education, community, and balance. What we actually experienced was chaos, lack of accountability, broken promises, and a lot of emotional strain. This school is nothing like what is advertised. Please do your research there are even documentaries that shed light on the reality. Sending my daughter here is one of my biggest regrets as a parent. If you want your child to be ostracized, send them here. Out of respect for my child I choose not to put specific details here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

My daughter attended Fern Gully for 4 years. We love it so much!! She learned so many important…read moresocial skills. The teachers are kind, patient and fun. And best of all it connected us with a community of like minded people and friends for a lifetime. I highly recommend this school!!

Unfortunately, this "school" is not what it advertises to be. If you are considering sending your…read morechild here, I recommend that you reconsider that decision for the safety and well-being of your child. "We provide Waldorf inspired, holistic, outdoor education." " a mission to nurture the whole child in all areas of development, including physical, social, emotional and spiritual, as well as intellectual." "We focus on social- emotional awareness, creativity & resiliency." None of this is actually accurate. The teachers lack the knowledge or skill (or both) to incorporate the ideologies or either Maria Montessori or Rudolf Steiner. They do not focus on social-emotional awareness. The teachers utilize punishment that is not rooted in Montessori or Waldorf. My son, who has neurodivergence, was punished so HARSHLY here that his neuropsychologist asked, unprompted by me, to send a letter to the school teachers to educate them on how to appropriately handle discipline and how to offer support instead, for young children. My son endured extreme trauma here. There are many other farm, forest and outdoor schools in Olympia. I recommend any of them over Fern Gully. I would stay far away from this place. They do not offer a safe environment for your child - they don't supervise the children and they do not keep them safe emotionally.

We absolutely love Whispering Willows Academy! The staff is amazing, caring, and incredibly…read morecommunicative. My son is excited to go every day, loves his teachers and friends, and never wants to leave at pickup. What has impressed me most is how quickly they got to know and appreciate him as an individual. As a parent, knowing your child is safe, happy, and genuinely loved is priceless. We are so grateful to have found Whispering Willows and highly recommend them to any family looking for exceptional childcare.

my son goes to a different location but our Former director transferred to this location I just had…read moreto get on here and tell you all how wonderful she is. She is caring and truly enjoys her job. I'm a difficult parent who suffered from postpartum depression and she eased my mind and comforted me when i was worried. she is on top of incidents. I appreciate her communication and her enthusiasm with making a connection with her students and parents.

My child has been here for a few years. Every morning, I still feel that ache in my heart of guilt…read moredropping my child off at daycare. Even after several years here, my child still cries every morning at drop off...There really are NO better child care options in Tumwater though so I still give this 5 stars. The staff are so wonderful, so this is the best and only option, but I do think parents need to know that it is chaos in the classroom during the day. I think 22 kids to 2 teachers at the age of 3. It's a lot of kids running around, some sock-less, and it's just a lot. I don't know how the teachers do it. Bless their souls. I keep my child here because the teachers are absolutely wonderful and kind!!!

We have 6 children. Our oldest is now 21 and went to this awesome school from kindergarten through…read more8th grade. He said it made high school so easy for him. Our 16 year old went there from preschool through 8th grade and was accepted at Pope John Paul II HS where the students receive millions every year in college scholarships and he is very well prepared thanks to the education he received at Holy Family School. Our youngest ones are currently attending the school and couldn't be happier. They have accommodated our special needs kiddo and challenged our accelerated learner. I love that they offer a 3 year old program and after and before school care. The teachers are excellent and care about the children. No one is left out in the education process because the teachers have the class size and time to spend with each child. I am so grateful for this school and the blessing they have been and continue to be for our family!!! Thank you Holy Family School!

Caring teachers and very invested principal. Mr. Kealy is very responsive to kids and parents. HFS…read moreis awesome!

This is a truly faith-based school where the love and Word of God is taught boldly and proudly…read more within every subject and environment. ECS has incredible teachers, solid curriculum, an environment where students are seen and known individually, an extremely safe facility, and so much more. Our family is all in for ECS!

Such an amazing community to embrace your child! This is our 8th year at the school and highly…read morerecommend it! My children love the school, teachers and families here. The education they are experiencing seems way above and beyond!

Our daughter loves it here. They have taught her sign language. She loves the teachers and often…read moredoes not want to leave because she is loving the game they have created. I appreciate how the staff is consistent and she has connections with her teachers.

My youngest child, age, currently attends Great Beginnings. My older children attended when they…read morewere younger as well (see below!). He has learned so many skills that are setting him up for success in Elementary School and beyond! The focus on social/emotional development is invaluable as well as sign language, music, reading and writing! He is exposed to so many awesome things that help his creativity grow. I appreciate the teachers positive and caring attitudes and love seeing my child happy and learning new things everyday. The relationships my older children formed at GB are still relationships they have today while in middle school. We love Great Beginnings! My previous review: My two children have been at Great Beginnings since they were 12months old, they are 5 and 6 now. They have had an immensely positive and caring experience with all the teachers (who have been there for MANY years) and children. They have learned so many things that have helped them grow into respectful and smart individuals :) The program is a full day program which has helped my oldest transition easily into kindergarten, she was also WELL prepared for the academics of kindergarten! I cannot tell you enough how great the staff, environment and educational growth are. Great Beginnings is truly GREAT!

We have loved having our child here and about to put our second in. Everyone is caring…read moreaccommodating and really care for the kids and love watching them grow. Highly recommend and great for state workers.

We have been here almost two years with two children. We have moved up multiple classrooms with…read moreboth kids. Our experience in all the classrooms has been great. The center is flexible with multiple different schedules. The teachers aren't just phenomenal with the kids but very communicative with the parents. We get pictures of our kids and details about their day in the app. If I send a message in the app I hear back quickly. Any "issues" we have had were quickly addressed and we have felt listened to by staff. The other great thing here is the families. My kids have made so many friends and we have formed relationships with the families there. I think we will have community bonds because of this daycare for a long time. I love that meals and snacks are included and we don't have to worry about packing that. We have experienced every classroom in here besides the newborn one and all have been fantastic. I feel very lucky to be a family at this daycare.