Prestigious Name, Disappointing Reality: A Costly Lesson in Leadership Failure…read moreThis school operates under a well-known private franchise name, which initially suggested high standards and professionalism. Unfortunately, our experience over the past six months fell far short of those expectations. The school advertises small class sizes and a strong sense of community and family. In practice, those promises were not upheld. Class sizes increased abruptly from 13 to 20 children without adequate communication or adjustment, undermining the individualized attention that was promised. Despite claims of fostering a supportive community, leadership consistently failed to demonstrate transparency, collaboration, or accountability. From the outset, there were concerning signs of disorganization and lack of professionalism--such as a building alarm repeatedly beeping during drop-off. More troubling were classroom experiences in which children were publicly humiliated during circle time, and parents were chastised by teachers regarding their parenting. These interactions were inappropriate and deeply unprofessional. Classroom management appeared chaotic. Children's belongings were frequently lost, and parents were left to coordinate among themselves to recover missing items. There were frequent conflicts among children, and concerns were often addressed by labeling toddlers as "behavior problems" rather than applying developmentally appropriate strategies. A significant concern was the lack of appropriate training and expertise among staff. While teachers are required to hold a degree, many did not have degrees in early childhood education or relevant developmental training. Aside from CPR and First Aid certification, there appeared to be limited preparation in child development. In contrast, the few teachers who did have early childhood education backgrounds demonstrated a clear understanding of age-appropriate behavior and needs. Several staff members offered diagnostic opinions about children without the education or experience to do so. When parents disagreed or raised concerns, false or misleading reports were allegedly written to support a predetermined narrative. The school did not consistently follow Primrose franchise guidelines, ASQ questionnaire standards, or even the professional input of parents with advanced education in the field. When I formally filed a complaint and provided video evidence of mistreatment, the owner dismissed the concerns and instead focused on my child's reaction to the behavior, rather than addressing the conduct itself. This response reflected a lack of integrity, empathy, and understanding of toddler development. Rather than supporting families, leadership defended unprofessional conduct and placed blame on children for age-appropriate behavior. While there are a few dedicated and capable teachers, the overall experience was overwhelmingly negative and ultimately led us to unenroll our child. Attempts to seek support or resolution were met with further mistreatment. Even after withdrawal, the owner continued to deflect responsibility and place blame on a child simply for being a child. Given the nearly $30,000 annual cost, this experience was not only disappointing but unacceptable. Our child was more stressed in this environment than in other institutions, which should never be the case. This is not the experience a family should have--especially not at this price point or under a prestigious franchise name.

My son hated this school. The vibes are not welcoming or friendly in the classroom. I had to remove…read moremy child from this establishment after two months because of the repeated unprofessionalism of the teachers, I'm extremely disappointed. He went all day without eating and I wasn't notified until pick up. Where he then had a tantrum on the floor in front of everyone which is EXTREMELY Out of character for him. Another situation was I overheard the teacher talking about a dating app experience and how much she wishes she didn't have to come to work everyday. If these conversations are being had in front of parents just imagine what's being said throughout the day. I complained to the director on multiple occasions about my son not adjusting and the teachers being inappropriate and under qualified just as far as basic compassion kindness and professionalism and I was brushed off. The final straw for me was when my fiancé witnessed the teacher elbowed a student in the face on accident and the girl starts crying and the teacher says " your suppose to announce yourself if you're behind someone " . It's Unbelievable that this is the behaviors being modeled at a private establishment. I would strongly suggest you think twice about what's most important to your child before enrolling here. Yes they will have 5 star home cooked meals and an awesome curriculum but This is not an emotionally safe space for your child.

Both of my children have attended Northside Drive Baptist Church Preschool and we love it! All of…read morethe staff and teachers are wonderful and loving, and were like an extension of our family. My children received a top notch education there, and my oldest son entered kindergarten at an advanced level! I could not be more happy with our experience at this school.

I was going to start by mentioning names of the staff that I felt should be recognized, but that…read morewould be everyone I know there. We are very picky parents, im sure just like you;) We found this place, and let me tell you this place is a dream come true. We COULDN'T BE HAPPIER! This staff goes way over and beyond! My kids teachers, Ms Cheryl and Ms Victoria are AMAZING! They truly LOVE our kids and love on them. They put our mind at ease everyday, and always updating us on their day. My kids are "those" screaming kind of kids lol, but not here. They love their teachers immensely. I cannot believe I didn't find this place sooner. I have to say also the front office staff, Ms Joleen and Ms Patti are AMAZING. My heart is just so filled from this place. Best decision I have made as a parent.

Both of my boys attend this beautiful little gem of a preschool and we couldn't see ourselves…read moreanywhere else! My oldest has been there since he was a Butterfly (their youngest toddler class) and is currently enrolled in their Transitional Kindergarten class (one of only a few offered in the city) and we couldn't be happier! As a parent, especially of little ones, one of my main concerns is that they are cared for and protected as though they were in my care whenever I'm not present and that's exactly what they do- if not more! Every single educator or staff member that my children have come in contact with shows them love and genuine interest in each of them. It truly is a wonderful community to be a part of. The parents are engaged and a huge part of the community making this school extra special! From assisting in the classrooms for parties and class projects to forming committees for their larger events and fundraisers. Their administrative staff is such a great group of women. They truly take the time to know the families and their children. Rhonda, the director, is such a special person who somehow always has time for everyone! She has a way of making you always feel at ease with whatever concerns you might have. As for the actual school itself- it truly is magical. I remember when we toured the school the feeling of ease and peace that we felt while walking through the lamp lit rooms with their esthetically pleasing wooden blocks and art filled walls and hallways. Hearing about their Reggio program (children should have some control over their learning) and how it really encompassed what we wanted in a curriculum for our children and sealed the deal for us. This sweet preschool holds such a special place in our hearts and we can't recommend it enough to anyone and everyone who is looking for a school for their little!

From the owner: A Reggio inspired, half day program, offering robust after care options, Saint Anne's is nestled in…read morethe heart of Atlanta in the Buckhead neighborhood.

Beautiful location!! Staff very knowledgeable, great with the children and welcoming. When I…read morewalked in all I could say Is wow I love this place!!! It has a wonderful playground and healthy dining options for the kiddos !! A+++

Our 3.5 year old son has had a magical experience at Ahava. We switched him to Ahava after a less…read morethan stellar experience elsewhere, and have been overwhelmingly pleased with Ahava. Firstly, the school space is immaculately clean and in great condition. The classrooms are warm and inviting and there is ample beautiful outdoor space for the children to explore. The teacher to student ratio is very low, which means each child truly does get individual attention and tailored care. Miss Mallory and Mr. Jacob in our son's classroom have been wonderful influences in his life. They are thoughtful, gentle, and deeply nurturing in their approach. We are leaving Ahava at the end of this week but only because we are moving across the country. We will miss Ahava greatly and will hold all other schools to the same high standards as Ahava! Thank you Ahava for providing such a safe and loving place for our son to thrive.

Our son went to VA last year for Day care, and this year for Pre-K. What a wonderful environment…read morefor the children to learn and play with such great admin and teachers. With a concentration on learning new languages, phonics, math, site words, and more, we couldn't be happier with the way he has developed over the 2 years at VA, and is so well equipped for Kindergarten and beyond. The ENTIRE staff care about the kids, especially with having to handle a pandemic, kids getting used to wearing masks, and parents being so uncertain during these times. Would recommend to anyone in the area to check VA out, ask for Estefania, and tell em' we sent you!!

We love Vinings Academy! Our oldest son is 5 and had been at the same daycare facility since he was…read morea baby, which we liked, but we wanted to move him somewhere closer to home with COVID. We were nervous about taking him out of a program he was so familiar with. But due to the amazing teachers and administration at Vinings Academy, he adjusted so quickly. Most of the teachers have been there for years and years and are so sweet and caring and do such a great job making learning fun. They teach the children different languages and it has been so adorable having the kids come home and sing songs in Spanish to us. This past year with COVID has been so crazy but finding Vinings Academy has been wonderful.

When I imagined my dream school for little munchkin, this was it. My hubby and I knew from the…read morefirst step in the door that it was different. The energy, the love, the attention to detail and most of all the HEART is there. My daughter began at 2 and now is finishing her second year. She LOVES going to school, loves her teachers, her friends and consequently, loves learning. She's grown so much in the last two years. The owner Kristen provides a loving, nurturing and positive environment so each child can develop at their own pace. They have made learning fun. The children learn life skills in addition to the curriculum and over time develop an independence that will take them so far in life. If only this school could go all the way through high school UPDATE: My little one is wrapping up her 3rd year and I can't believe the growth in her independence, love for learning and social development. This is a Montessori school and the teachers are fantastic. They work with each child on an individual basis, at their skill level in all areas. I'm so grateful that her introduction to life and education was here. I truly can't recommend it highly enough. I'd keep my munchkin there forever if I could.

This is the best preschool/prep school that I could have ever hoped for for my children. After…read morespending 4 1/2 years as a student at Marlowe school, my daughter scored well on her test for 1st grade and was more than prepared and way ahead of expectations for someone her age. If you are looking for a Montessori preschool with fantastic teachers then the Marlowe school should be at the top of your list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The best preschool in Atlanta hands down! I went to PRUMC when I was a little girl, so I knew it…read morewas where I'd want to send my kids one day if I was still in Atlanta. It is every bit as wonderful as I'd remembered, and I know my kids will be as prepared for elementary school as I was. It is not only a great learning atmosphere, but somewhere where kids really enjoy themselves and love going! I can't say enough about the teachers and staff! One of my preschool teachers from over 30 years ago is retiring this year. It definitely tells you something about the school when you have people who stay there throughout their careers. So thankful to have the preschool for my children!

Kellen and his team have done an amazing job with our 3 and 2 year old, providing proactive…read moreupdates, keeping us informed of any changes relating to COVID and showing educational and developmental progress for our kids. We appreciate everything they do, and recommend to our friends.

Today was my daughters first day and we had an awesome experience. Jessica made us feel welcomed at…read morethe door. She was very nice to my daughter and got down on her level to explain how everything works. Ms. Kate was awesome and they had a welcome sign on the door specifically for my daughter with her name on it! She fit right in and I've already received a call with a positive update and photos! This was a great first impression and I'm excited for the rest of the year!

I chose Buckhead Prep Smyrna because it offers an engaging & impressive academic curriculum while…read morestill providing a loving, nurturing environment. In touring some of the area's other preschools, I didn't care for the institutional atmospheres, but was thrilled when I saw what the students at BP were able to do while still being in a comfortable setting. Additionally, I've been blown away by their in-house field trips and extra curricular offerings, their special guests (including local children's book authors, the Smyrna Police and Fire Departments, local musicians, pediatric doctors, and other child-centered businesses), and their parents' meetings aimed at clarifying the application process for private schools. Hands down, the best part about BP has to be the teachers. They absolutely love their students and are willing to do anything for them! After being there only a couple of months, I attended another student's birthday party and not only did two of the amazing teachers show up, but they played the games and cheered the kids on as if they were their own. I nearly cried as my daughter's teacher saw that she was being terribly shy and scooped her up from hiding behind me, and played almost every game right alongside her. Knowing that my daughter was being taught by someone who clearly loves kids and loves her job is amazing, and I understood perfectly when my little girl came home and told me she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. The location for the Smyrna campus is amazing in that classes can easily go to the child-friendly attractions in the Market Village. That being said, it's a busy area. I truly appreciate the officers who ensure that the kids are safe and protected while there. The officer is likely the first person to see you as you enter the school. They know the kids, the parents, and the siblings, and they know if someone doesn't belong in the school area, so kids can learn in a very interesting, multi-faceted part of town while being as safe as they would be at home.

Had a terrible experience here enrolling my child. We communicated about what my child would need…read moreto be successful and adapt here. Buckhead Prep offered a plan/course of action. I now see it was probaly see generated by ChatGPT because they seemed to completely ignore their own "rules" they made clear to me. Once my child started, there was zero communication on their end only once I asked how things were going. Next thing I know they asked us to leave. I did not even bother to ask why there had been no communication or why the plan we came up with was not implemented. If a school wants to show me their not willing to do what we just sat down and discussed my children do not need to be there. My child was also in play therapy and the therapist stated they have not had the best feedback with families here. They way they were so short and cut throat with our family, be aware.