We are so grateful for Carmel Montessori! My son would be in Kindergarten this year and he…read moreabsolutely loves this school, he does not want to leave when we go to pick him up and is often disappointed on the weekends that he is not going. The teachers have an incredible demeanor, they remain calm when there is a ton happening around them, it's very impressive! This school is truly a Montessori school. We've been to several other Montessori schools and we loved the teachers, there were some things that weren't pure Montessori, where this school is. I describe it as a Montessori home school on a farm. The benefit of the multi-age classroom really shows, he wanted to do work the older kids were doing so, my 6-year old is writing his name and date in cursive, as well as the date in Roman numerals, he has been motivated to read (which had been a struggle before) and is doing "math timings" with addition and subtraction daily. I love that they go on a field trip every Friday and I truly appreciate the parent involvement. We toured Carmel in the summer of 2019 (precovid) as well as several other elementary Montessori schools and we are so grateful he could go here this past year (and will continue for years) and have a more than normal year. Thank you to all the great teachers, the Director, the wonderful students, and all the great parents that make this school truly exceptional.

This school is truly special and unique. Our children have been part of the programs for four…read moreyears, from Pre-Primary through Erdkinder, and we've seen them thrive in a warm, supportive, family-centered environment. They've formed genuine connections with teachers and peers, learned at their own pace, and grown into confident, empathetic individuals. Learning here is hands-on and meaningful--through outdoor play, performing in plays, cooking and budgeting meals, and caring for animals. As parents, we feel supported and part of a community that values each child's growth, curiosity, and joy in learning.

We are extremely fortunate to have found places for both of my girls at KinderCare since they were…read moreeach 6 weeks old (now 7 months and almost 2 years old). The staff members are exceptional: they work seamlessly as a team to fill in gaps or shift around as needed. The director's door was open more often than not and I would see the Director and Assistant Director in the classrooms themselves as well. The director would often open the door for me as I struggled in with my entourage and clunky car seats. She would always reach out to me directly and consistently with billing issues, which was so very helpful as my girls' stipend was paid by DCFS and they NEVER forewarned me of issues or got back to me in a timely manner, so if it wasn't for the Director: my girls would have risked losing their spots due to non-payment. In our 18 months there so far, the 4 core teachers (from the rooms that have 0-18 mos) have remained the same. The turnover is not all bad and in my opinion I would rather have able, willing, and safe staff members there than someone who isn't doing or doesn't want to do the job! And we never lost our "Core Four" so my girls' attachment was not affected. They are extremely good at allowing EI services to be provided and for the child to removed for part of the day every week to attend a DCFS visit. It's not easy to deal with traumatized children and I feel the staff went above and beyond to show my girls they were safe, loved, and cared for. They always provided my little one with plenty of food: I can tell you confidently food is not used as a reward or punishment there: which is a big deal for me and my parenting methods! In fact, they have crackers and fresh fruit for anyone to have in their lobby. My toddler often takes 2 packages of crackers every morning and afternoon whether she eats them or not (I think it's more for comfort and control honestly): it's never been a problem. They provide lots of activities and fun little events for parents to attend! I love that kind of stuff. Finally, they are extremely sensitive and caring to home crises. My girls had a brother who was medically fragile and stayed home with a nurse in lieu of daycare due to his needs. He also went through a series of emergencies in which we were scrambling to function. Everyone was understanding and compassionate during that tumultuous time when we were under-prepared, sleep deprived, and inconsistent. My sweet boy did pass away from his conditions. Within a few days, a package was shipped to our home: signed by our KinderCare family. They gifted us a Seeds of Life memorial tree kit to plant in his honor. It thrives to this day. 18 months ago I was really nervous because KinderCare company tends to have a not so stellar reputation. Wheaton branch is definitely the exception. They really are something special.

I have my 2 month old daughter in Kindercare in Wheaton. The staff here is absolutely amazing! Miss…read moreSam who is with my little one all day Monday through Friday is very attentive to my child's needs. They write down from what time she was changed, fed or naps from to! They write a comment on every daily sheet with what my baby enjoyed. Miss Alyssa the director has been so helpful with my numerous phone calls to check up on my daughter (most places would think I am completely insane or mentally unstable). When you have a question when you pick up your child Miss Alyssa is never too busy to come and answer all your questions! My daughter has been here for almost 4 weeks and never had dirty diaper when I came to pick her up and is always fed and smiling (she will let you know if she needs a clean diaper or is hungry). I highly recommend this KinderCare with the amazing woman who are staffed here.

My family has been with this daycare for 6 years, and we couldn't be happier. My oldest son…read moreattended here, my younger son has been here for the past year, and now I'll be bringing my new baby as well. The staff is caring, supportive, and truly treats the children like family. Director Amy is wonderful and always goes above and beyond for the kids and parents. I am so grateful to have found such a safe and nurturing environment for my children!

My preschooler loves Ms. Jessica. she is always doing fun curriculum with them. My school ager…read moreloves Ms. Larixza. Larixza has good classroom management and is really on the curriculum too!

We love School Readiness. I know there are many preschools to choose from, but we have found School…read moreReadiness to be the best out there. Really. They have a wonderful staff who really do care for your child. On top of that, all of my children have been by far ready for Kindergarten. Highly recommend!

We are so thankful to have found this school! A place truly filled with the best people whose love…read moreof what they do infiltrates the children they teach. We looked for awhile to find the right fit - and truly believe this is the best place around! The teachers are so warm and caring and the classrooms provide such a fun, dynamic, but educational environment. My child is always bursting to tell me about their morning and what fun things they did in class. He also can't say enough positive things about his teachers. There is wonderful communication between home and school and we always feel so welcome and included. If you are looking for a place to begin your child's successful formal educational journey, this is it!

This is my daughter's second daycare facility and what a difference! From the cleanliness of the…read morebuilding to the implementation of the curriculum. Everybody is kind and children seem to always be engaged and supervised. I also love the events they host for families. Thank you for everything you do for the kids!

My two daughters absolutely love The Learning Experience! The staff is great and care about their…read morestudents well being each and every day. My daughters are always looking forward to go to daycare because of how well the teachers interact with them and how each day is a new eventful day for them. Thank you for everything you guys do for our kids.

The most dishonest, unprofessional and deceiving business practice that I have ever encountered in…read moremy life. They would be glad to take your money, put you on a two year long wait list and then fail to deliver on the promise. The admissions staff had changed to attitude as soon as they got our money. They are rude, condescending and absolutely unprofessional. Judging by the treatment we have received at this facility, I would never feel safe sending my child there. What a shame.

We have been a family that was with the school since it opened its doors from back in 2011. We had…read more2 kids in there part time. By the time my 3rd came, even though we had spent over $100K at this point over the years w both our kids, I found out I got bumped back for a spot for a family that was full time. When I called to discuss, the response given to me by June was "... well we really hate to see our families go." You are a number there. Inconsistent teachers.. basically a rotating door, directorship changing every 2 years, and a Corp office that couldn't truly give a crap about your family. Just your wallet. We ended up taking our kids out of school and moving them to a different school and they have been amazing and kind and treated us like PEOPLE. You'll be sinking big money so if you're going to do that, do that somewhere where they actually care about your kids and your family... not just what's inside your wallet.

I currently send my three year old daughter here and will be sending my 6 month old baby as well…read more The staff and teachers are wonderful and truly care about the children's well being. With covid we aren't able to see the teachers in person but they do an awesome job communicating with phone calls, zoom calls, emails, their app and newsletters. Appreciate all that they do!

Our nearly 6-month-old son has been going here since he was 12 weeks. Not only does he love it, but…read morewe love it too! The teachers are so kind and caring, you can tell that they really enjoy their job, the kids and the families as well. The app is great for real-time updates and worry free days for any new parent, this was a huge bonus for us! Plus the teachers capture some really great moments during the day with our child when we cannot be with them. We were a bit nervous because there were a lot of leadership changes from the time we signed up until the time our son started but it has all been great improvements to the facility. We are very happy with our choice.

I have more than one kid attend Pathway, and we love it. It is home for our kids. I can tell you…read morethat my kids transitioned easily to the public school. My youngest is in 1st grade right now. She is one of the top readers in her class. She is excelling in math beyond belief, but I am going to tell you a story that exemplifies why Pathway and Courtney, the director, are so outstanding. At parent teacher conferences at the public school this year, my daughter's ( a Pathway graduate) first grade teacher started with a story about how our daughter is such an important member of their class. She proceeded to retell a situation from class the other day when a boy was getting upset because he couldn't find something in his desk. Our daughter walked over to his desk and said,"don't worry, we can find it together." She then squatted down next to his desk and starting helping him look through his desk. " is it here?" She called. "No? Let's keep looking." More and more students sat and watched as she helped his kid look for the lost item. Our daughter joking and encouraging him that it would be found. " wait... wait ... what do I see here?" She cried out finally and pulled the item from the desk. The entire class cheered. Her first grade teacher teared up as she told us this story. I tell you this story because this is classic Pathway. So many times I have been over there and I have witness Courtney working with students just like this. Being encouraging. Being compassionate. Being thoughtful. Helping children navigate he complexities of being part of a community. Passing this wonder skills onto my children. Have my children excelled academically at Pathway? Sure, but more importantly they have learned to be good people. That is priceless and worth more than I can convey in a Yelp review.