We chose MSCU after checking out several other places in town. We loved the following qualities…read moreabout MSCU: 1) Teachers there were so friendly and upbeat. Many of the teachers have been there for many years and yet still have that "spark". 2) We loved the way kids learned in a very natural way. Montessori materials helped our DD learn how to read by age 4. Even today DD loves to read. 3) Community - we've met so many parents there who are like minded. I've found parents who are very committed to music, bilingual education and supporting local businesses. It's a very international and diverse community with wonderful food during the picnic! 4) Our kids can't wait to go to school. They actually look forward to weekdays when they get to be at school. 5) School is great at taking care of kids with allergies. 6) Beautiful rooms! 7) Mixed aged classrooms - our kids have grown so much as a result of interacting with other kids. 8) How neat and organized the kids are in class. Kids there learn to focus and learn how to take care of their environment. 9) Our kindergartener learned more space, planets, US History than most other 3rd graders I know. 10) Ms. Peat - she is the most amazing teacher in all of Champaign Urbana. She's been at the school for 20 years (very hard to believe) and still loves all of her little friends. I recommend checking out a couple of other preschools and then coming over to the MSCU and prepare to be wowed by the teachers.

My daughter started at MSCU in their toddler program when she was 20 months old. She's now six…read moreyears old and completing her first year of elementary school there. We have loved this school at every stage--toddler program, primary, kindergarten, and now elementary. It's amazing to see how the environment and Montessori curriculum is helping her become both a strong, independent thinker and community-minded at the same time. The teachers are all amazing, and really care about your child and their needs and development. My daughter loves going to school here. When she comes home, she's excited to talk about the new things she's learning. I wouldn't send her anywhere else. Take a tour--you won't be disappointed!

I wasn't sure I'd put my child in daycare...I always envisioned staying home for the first 5+…read moreyears. Now that I've realized what direction I want to go with my career in Education, I am thankful to have the Children's Center as an option! I've had my son in The Children's Center for a year and am SUPER happy with the center on a whole. I love the way they organize their day to include structured activities and free play...and of course, at the lower age rooms, students aren't forced to sit and focus. I also really appreciate the daily report I receive that includes how much they ate at snacks and lunch, when they were changed or went potty, and how long they napped. There is also space for additional notes, which is used frequently for many things needed. My son is highly sensitive and I have been impressed and comforted by the ways teachers have respected his needs and provided him the care necessary during certain times. I don't feel like he is ever forced to be anything other than who he is. The children have many opportunities to play outside or in a 'big room'. The individual rooms also have a number of stations and centers that are exploratory and creative. There are weekly walking trips taken to the library, a special music class option, pool day during the summer, and many events involving families. Every teacher has been welcoming, kind, and encouraging. My son's current teacher is AMAZING! She accepts the kids as they are, but also sets clear boundaries. This is very important to my husband and me. The previous review saddens me because the Children's Center has been only positive in my families' lives, as well as the lives of my colleagues and friends who have had their children in the center for years. I highly recommend The Children's Center! It provides a nurturing, cozy, welcoming, and accepting environment. Above all...it provides a high level of care and security to my son...which carries over into my life as well. Thank you!!

All-Star Cheerleading at it's best. This is a top-notch facility with great instructors…read more ICA is partnered with I-Power Gymnastics so they have talented and experienced All-Star Cheer Instructors as well as fabulous the best tumbling instructors in the area. I would recommend their classes for anyone who wants to be involved in cheerleading at any level. A great way to make sure your child has the skills needed for high school teams too.

Martha is a caring and involved instructor, teaching dynamic leadership skills to increase…read morecollaboration and productivity of teams. And who doesn't want to work with horses?

Three words: OH MY GOODNESS!! Excellent day care. Briana and Zach are kind, smart and encouraging…read moreto all kids. They provide a safe, loving and positive environment, and meet each little person where they are. They always have a wait list, and only do full-time preschool (til kindergarten), but good to reach out and talk to Briana personally to find out more. Cannot recommend highly enough.

The key word here is 'advanced' - ask Russ to explain what they do. Here's my shot: some of the…read morehottest research in the country on artificial intelligence and human intelligence, using supercomputers, world-class research talent, and many other superpowers. I was more impressed with the sculpture and art displayed throughout, but only because I was a plain old LAS kid.

I also have an office in the psychology building, but I consider it a good week when I get to spend…read more100% of my time in the Beckman instead.

This is a great alternative to the bookstores on campus…read more It's a forum to buy and sell textbook much like one would on Craigslist. What makes this system so unique, is that it's run by the students, for the students. After creating a free account at www.illinibookexchange.com, you are immediately able to buy and/or sell textbooks from/to other students. Because there is no dealing with the middle-man (i.e. campus bookstores), you're able to buy a textbook for less than you would on campus, and sell them to other students for more than you would be able to sell them to any bookstore on campus (as you'll be setting the price). There is no transaction fee, either, so the list price of the book is the most you would need to pay. Like Craigslist, you set up a time with the person you're dealing with (I suggest a public location such as just inside the Illini Union Bookstore, the Union, etc.), exchange cash/book, and you're good to go! Additionally, many students are willing to negotiate prices, so you may even get a better price than the one listed. Obviously, certain risks exist for this system, such as the fact you won't be able to sell your textbook (you will be competing with other students looking to sell their textbook as well, mind you), there is no quality control regarding the condition of the book, stuff like that. CAVEAT! Many people utilize this as a means to get older versions of course packets, older editions of textbooks, etc. which is all fine and dandy (and also a lot cheaper than having to splurge on a brand new, hard cover edition of a book where the content is the exact same), but keep in mind, you then run the risk of not having the adequate materials. Make sure to check with professors beforehand if using an older edition (especially of course packets) is okay, or if they've changed up the syllabus much over the semesters.

My dog gets in protective mode when we are present. The vets there worked with him and were able to…read moremake friends with him. The cancer treatment is amazing and underpriced (good for me)!!!

Super-long wait times, zero communication, and even after your pet is seen, they will make you wait…read moreliterally hours just to prep your bill and let you check out. U of I is supposed to be a prestigious school, but the U of I vet emergency center is a black eye to the university. Every single person in the waiting room was horrified by their service. Whoever is in charge of the vet center should be terminated for incompetence. Steer clear of this place.