I have 2 grandkids at this school and I think they are fabulous! It is a loving and caring environment and the children are happy there. The grounds are large and the children have a lot of room to play and simply be children. The teachers are loving and kind and speak Spanish which is wonderful and the children are learning more of it everyday. This is a great place to let kids be kids. read more

We absolutely loved Wholesome Generation for our pre-schooler. The teachers were kind and courteous. The director is loving and nurturing. Our child's gross motor skills excelled while at Wholesome. The play learning and lots of outside time gave my child opportunities they wouldn't have had at other preschools/daycare centers to use their body and discover nature in a whole new way. Additionally, I really appreciated not having to prepare lunches and snacks for my child and that there was zero screen time while at school. At times, the school's ideas were so large and grand they were hard to capture, coming across as unorganized. The love and energy put into the school made up for that aspect. We moved on to (public) kindergarten for a more traditional academic education. I'd give Wholesome 4.5 stars if possible. No where is perfect but love and kindness goes a long way when raising children and making the best decision for them. In summary, we loved Wholesome Generation and would highly recommend it overall. read more

So glad we found Wholesome Generation. We've been so happy to have our daughter attend a school t​hat is focused on healthy living, community, and getting kids outside and engaged in lots of fun activities. The staff and parent community are very friendly and su​pportive, and it's always a joy to see how happy the kids are at the various market days and events the school puts on. I'm not usually one to post reviews but I realize that's a problem because then the negative voices get amplified and I feel it's important to give others a balanced view and not keep this gem of a school a secret. All I can speak to is my own experience, but I've found the school to be very safe, unique, diverse, ​engaging, and a real joy all around. If you're looking for something different then the typical corporate daycare environment and are okay with your child coming home a bit dirty from digging in the garden or trouncing around the creek, then go check out Wholesome Generation! We toured a LOT of schools and feel so happy we chose Wholesome, it really is a gem. read more

The director of this school is malicious and unhinged. They illegally used my child's image for advertising for seven months despite three requests every two months to remove it, and only did so when I threatened a lawyers involvement. Her response to this review doesn't address any of the safety concerns or her deceitful actions. Enrolled 10/2022. Communication was immediately poor. Response to months long bullying was "kids will be kids" and to label my own child aggressive. Conference about this required a translator as it was not disclosed my child's pre-k teacher didn't speak fluent English. I was met by two teachers and the HR staff member all denying any responsibility, and showing a complete lack of empathy. Concerns about food at school causing diarrhea consistently the same day every week, were met with accusations of poor diet at home, attempts to play doctor and insist we force an elimination diet on our child (who has zero food allergies), all before simply showing me the weekly menu as asked. Upon discovering 12/2022 that our child's image was being used for advertising illegally without consent, and requesting its removal, action was not taken to remove the images from circulation for three months longer, and I discovered just this week there was still another on their Facebook Parents from the school are such a "tight community" they will harass any parent that doesn't get along with them and the director. The bullying from one parent in particular caused me to avoid drop offs for two months for fear of her verbally attacking me. Parent volunteers are not background checked before being left responsible for kids, nor are volunteer hours logged in any way. I volunteered twice, spending hours present as well as completing projects for kids in my own time at home. I enjoyed every minute of it and was never once anything but gentle, kind, and patient with all the children. The teacher made no effort to speak to me or help me while I was present, and I was very uncomfortable with it not having been discussed how much responsibility a "volunteer" is given. After witnessing a safety incident 5/4/2023 at drop off time, where two children let themselves out the front door, and intervening to ensure the safety of the children, I wrote my account of the incident to the director. The director denied all possible liability and attempted to gaslight. I did not back down, and insisted we discuss the safety incident. The director responded by calling me hostile and expelling our innocent child without warning, effectively traumatizing her by ripping her from her many friends and breaking her heart the day after her birthday. When asked if my daughter could finish the week and say goodbyes, a bribe was offered for attendance at graduation in exchange for signing an NDA. We declined. Requested our tuition back. With the check was a caveat to try to coerce us once again into an NDA. We truly believe now that they do not care about the well being of the children. Any response they have to this review will be well scripted and reused, as they have had numerous serious incidents that families have chosen to leave the school over. Their many negative reviews, and stories shared privately with me since leaving speak to my own experience. The place was not what it seemed, not safe enough, and I feel extremely foolish for ever giving these people the trust and responsibility to care for my child. read more

Wholesome Generation is an amazing community and not just a school. I appreciate the openness in communication regarding my children's well-being academically and emotionally and the offerings from local/organic lunches and whole rounded education. I also love the parent support and community feeling, when I'm on campus. My 4 children are enrolled in the lower and upper elementary program and we are in our 2nd year and couldn't love it more. The teachers are skillful and empowering, and my children are excited to go to school every-day. We love the Reggio framework, early literacy foundation and emphasis on balancing entrepreneurial learning with the connection to the outdoors. My children learn how to make healthy snacks, and bring food home, and they can't wait to create for their market days, where they sell hand-made goods to families and learn the value of money and creating. The recent added equine therapy is wonderful and my children love being part of horsemanship lessons and care taking of the animals, as much as they love learning about herbs and gardening, when working on their 5-acre land and in their educational garden. As a parent, I love how the teachers send lots of photos regularly, documenting their joy-filled days, and also weekly newsletters. Additionally, having several parent-teacher conferences every year makes us feel connected and aware of where our children are emotionally and academically. So happy we found WG, and that the recent Middle expansion will allow my oldest children to stay for many more years. read more

Wholesome Generation - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My daughter is in her 4th year at Wholesome Generation, and my family has loved our time as part of this community. This is an idyllic setting where kids are allowed to be kids, and it has brought me a lot of joy as a parent to see our daughter thrive and build friendships while engaging in learning and activities that are actually beneficial for child development.  Learning at WG is hands-on, experiential, screen-free, and conducted with an excellent teacher:studio ratio (1:10 is the largest class size we've had in four years, compared to 1:25 at least at almost any other local school). Each element of the curriculum is so well curated, and there is an emphasis on social-emotional development that has been really beneficial for my daughter. My daughter's teachers over the years (Brenda, Roxy, and Johanna) have been caring, patient, and gifted at what they do. Additionally, kids learn skills in gardening, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and natural living in addition to traditional academic disciplines. I could not be more pleased with the education my daughter has received.  I also love that students spend several hours outdoors every day, and that healthy meals come with tuition (the staff are so respectful of each student's dietary needs/sensitivities/allergies, which brings me so much peace of mind!). It is also worth noting that Wholesome Generation is a year-round school (with only a couple of weeks off in the summer), which has worked out so well for my family. There is so much genuine care and thoughtfulness that comes through from the leadership team and teaching staff, and I am so pleased that my daughter is in an environment where she is so clearly valued and loved. I am beyond grateful that my family found Wholesome Generation, and I highly recommend it to anyone who aligns with a more holistic lifestyle. read more

We found Wholesome Generation 7 years ago when our oldest daughter was 3. We wanted a school that offered organic meals and lots of outdoor time. We were drawn to their beautiful 5-acre campus, including a creek. We've stayed because the school offers so much more. Our younger daughter started with WG as soon as we could, around a year and a half. The school encourages parents to share their talents/crafts, and with a rich diversity of families attending, our children have had the opportunity to be introduced to yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, homeopathy, herbalism, foraging for edible plants, soccer, dance, gymnastics...and more. They participate weekly in Spanish, art, caring for the garden, healthy culinary lessons, and animal husbandry with chickens, ducks, and now horses for the upper grades! The teachers are passionate about educating and have always shown our girls love and respect. They provide safe boundaries and our girls are learning to express what they feel and talk out conflicts. The children get to be outside learning and exploring, gaining respect for nature and our planet. The classroom sizes are small, allowing for the teacher to spend time with each child. Our girls actually LOVE to go to school! With the multi-age learning, the older children get to read to the younger children and love when they get to help Mrs Graciela with the babies. Our girls have been presenting projects in front of their peers and parents since entering the elementary age group and because of this, do not have the fear of sharing in front of a group. WG hosts monthly markets on campus, that give the parents and teachers a chance to mingle. The students are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs and have a classroom booth, along with the option to host their own booths. *WG is a community and you get out of it what you give.* We are so grateful to be a member of this community and look forward to growing with the school for years to come. It's given us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and we've gained many cherished friendships with families and the staff. read more

My granddaughter goes to this school and I have visited many times. She is of preschool age. I believe the school offers a supportive learning environment, nourishing food, and rich nature experiences. Teachers allow children to explore and experiment, while keeping them safe and secure and offering them support when they need comfort or just the ability to talk. We have experienced a perfect environment for children! We very much appreciate Ms. Lena and all the teachers! read more

Wholesome is the best. They're not just a school, they're a community, a family, a subculture of holistic wellness and health. I am a therapist and have seen the consequences of our larger Western culture of factory education, sitting on computers, phones and ipads all day, feeding kids sugar and carbs, and wondering what happened to our kids and society's mental and physical health. WG provides exactly what I strive for every day with my child: Health, Sunshine, Nature, Arts, Play, Music, Movement, and a whole lot of love. My child eats deliciously healthy foods every day, is so loved, digs in the dirt, climbs, explores, plays, sings, learns, and tells me regularly about cleaning up our trash, recycling and reusing materials and creating beautiful things with it, clean water, and more. She comes home with the most creative art, plants, and none of it requires expensive plastic but is created out of reused items, etc. The teachers are loving and creative and thoughtful. I couldn't ask for a better community and love and we feel at home every day. read more

My daughter attended for 7 months. During that time rarely did any teacher or the director make any effort to interact with me with more than a "she had a good day". When issues were brought up with the director the reposes were always written in a way to release them of any possible liability even when we asked a simple question like, "what was the menu today?". They seem to always be on the defensive. If you ask a question about procedures or processes be prepared to be met with accusations of hostility. Wholesome will always have the final word if you have a disagreement. read more

I was fortunate to find this hidden gem while on the Childcare Services (CCS) program with Workforce Solutions. Because my funds were limited last year and as a single mom of 3, it was incredibly difficult to be able to afford $2K/month for daycare/school for my two youngest kids. This program helped by subsidizing these costs, however, finding a school that would accept this program was extremely discouraging. Most of the places I called would say they had availability at first, but when I mentioned this program to them, they would say there was a waitlist, sometimes up to a year. When I called Lene with Wholesome Generation, I wasn't very hopeful that my daughter would be accepted. This school connected so well with our personal lives in that we are a very holistic family and are on a whole foods, plant-based diet. I toured and felt such wonderful, positive vibes from everyone I encountered and loved that the kids spent so much time outside in nature. My heart sunk a bit when I had to ask if she accepted CCS. When she said she did and there were spaces available, I almost jumped for joy! Lene has a heart of gold. She and her husband Jerome volunteer and work so passionately so all students can afford to come here and enjoy a healthy, well-rounded experience. My daughter has been here for almost six months and it has been one incredible journey. I've had nothing but positive experiences all around. Wholesome Generation is a Godsend. This is the type of school that needs to be in every city and for every child. I love that the meals are also vegan/vegetarian, so I don't have to worry about unhealthy eating choices. All in all, I would recommend this school for any parent who is looking for a special, mindful, caring & loving place for their child. read more

This was the perfect start for our child's schooling! (Especially Graciela!). We love how much she appreciates nature and exploring the world around her, which WG enabled her to do-a treat for all children! read more

The response from the owner is full of LIES. Send your kids there at your own risk. I strongly suggest speaking with all of their former teacher and parents (there's quite a few who are more than happy to speak up). read more

If you are looking for organic environment for your children, this is it! My older son has attended WG's summer camp for a week and he couldn't stop talking about how fun it was. They had so many great learning activities everyday at school as well as cool field trips planned on daily basis. Kids explored and learned so much! Now my younger son is attending WG one day a week to socialize at 22 months old. Lene and her knowledgeable & experienced staff has made the transition very smooth for him and is progressing nicely. This has provided me a piece of mind to let someone else care for him other than my mom. They care for our kids as if they are their own. They engage with our kids, not just babysit! Oh, did I mention they provide organic snacks and lunch too?! Lene is a phenomenal chef in her own right. She's connected with the parents, kids and her community! Words cannot express how lucky I feel to have met Lene. She's a gem! Her vision for her school is wonderful vision I can stand behind 150%, support and recommend! read more

I decided to write this review to show what a positive regard I have for Lene and the entire team over at Wholesome Generation. I have had my two kids there for quite a while. I don't know what others have experienced, but I have not ever experienced anything but a positive environment and great people. My kids both have started eating more veggies and have added variety to their meals due to things introduced at WG. I think that having the kind of free-range, nature-based environment may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I did not find this to be a problem, quite the opposite. My kids are more confident and more independent for being able to explore and climb trees (with supervision of course, just not micromanaging supervision.) So I would recommend WG to other families. I am sad to see that some people have not had a good fit, but it is a good fit for us. read more

When I first showed up at the school, I was really excited about all the natural surroundings, and on the 1st visit, I was greeted with a hello. After that first introduction, whenever I would come to pick up or drop off my granddaughter, the owner would not look me in the eye or even say hello when I greeted her. Her attitude toward me was very cold and unwelcoming compared to her initial introduction. It felt very rude and unprofessional. Anyway, as I waited to pick up my granddaughter on that first day I arrived, it soon appeared to me to be no more than a daycare, but I kept an open mind. The 2nd time, I waited at least 10 minutes trying to get someone to tell me where my granddaughter was, but no one seemed to know anything. Finally someone said she might be outside with her teacher, so I went outside to look for her. I saw her climbing in a tree with two other children which made me a little uncomfortable for her safety. My granddaughter did not see me, and the teacher, not knowing who I was or who I was there for, allowed me to walk straight up to them without asking an questions. The 3rd time I showed up to get my granddaughter, I spent a full 15 minutes asking several people where my granddaughter was. They couldn't find her AGAIN. When I asked to get help to find her, the owner looked at me and said nothing, she just looked at someone else as if it wasn't her responsibility to know where the children in her school are. Her husband was frantically going around the school looking, but couldn't find her. At that point, I had had enough, so I started going room to room and finally found my granddaughter myself in the piano room with another child unsupervised!! This child was a child that had been bullying my granddaughter and other children, as well as displaying some inappropriate behaviors of a more intimate sort, like offering to show her private areas to my granddaughter. Her mother (my daughter) had discussed these issues with the owner, their teacher and with the girl's mother who is also staff, so they knew the situation very well. To find the girls alone together without a teacher, and no one even knowing that they were in there, or where they were in general is absolutely unacceptable and illegal. I did not tell my daughter about this incident until she left the school, but I wish I had. I was trying to keep the benefit of the doubt because my daughter had already been through so much at the previous school. I didn't want to cause her stress about this new school she found. I was furious when I left that day, but kept it together for my granddaughter's sake. In my opinion Wholesome Generation did not feel or seem to be as describe and definitely not what I feel a private school should be. I must say I was beyond excited when I was informed that my granddaughter was going to be homeschooled! read more

There are no words to express the sheer gratitude and love I feel for Wholesome Generation, Lene, Jerome and all the beautiful teachers.  We have been a part of the community for four years and we are never leaving!! First, it is a community; this was one of the most important things for my husband and I; to be a part of a loving, welcoming family-style community, not just a school.  We don't have to pack lunch (which is just heaven sent) as our girls are provided free, organic, local lunch and snacks that are prepared fresh every day! Second, having our daughters learn the way the ancients learned was also an important qualification.  This is a project based educational platform where our kids learn from gardening, culinary, arts, language, spiritual growth and much, much more!  Next, the caliber of teachers is second to none.  We feel safe having our kids being met and taught by loving, warm teachers that treat them as if they were their own.  Finally, Lene and Jerome are badass directors and have always supported our families needs; they are our family and are available to hug and chat whenever necessary.  I could go on but I won't.  We adore WG! read more

Our daughter absolutely loves going to school at WG. They prepare the healthiest snacks and lunches and they are excellent at setting up engaging and fun activities! read more

While one always appreciates recognition and responses to reviews, waiting five months to respond to this one reduced the likelihood that there would be any value to the feedback. Indeed the lengthy marketing style response did little to clarify the concerns raised and offered inferences that 1:1 educational interventions were actually provided, that educator inconsistency and administrative infighting was not present, and that parents backing out of so called previous agreements were the reasons for the criticisms raised. The reference to a 2017-2018 wait list for the older children suggests that these families had planned to return PRIOR to the administrative announcement that the upper levels would be dissolved. It was well known among this group of families that all but one family in the explorers and perhaps ONLY 1-2 in the owls had voiced intentions to continue. The reasons were all based in varying dissatisfactions but the core concerns were all the same. Therefore the dissolving of the upper grades was a natural business choice given there was not likely to be a viable upper grade group anyway. It's always refreshing when an administrative team is strong enough to accept responsibility for errors made from lack of experience or having too many irons in the fire. In this case....it would seem that rewriting history is the preferred modus operandi. read more

The best part about Wholesome Generation is the calm, loving vibe that the place and people give off. You really feel welcome and part of something special when you are there. The staff are caring and upbeat, and the food is absolutely delicious. My daughter loves every minute of her time there! read more

WG is leading the cutting edge of where traditional education should be going. I don't think I'm alone in feeling that while the education system may prepare our children on the level of knowledge, it leaves out the most important guidance necessary for the growth and development of the character and soul of the child. This innovative school provides elements of life skills such as gardening, making mindful eating choices, and learning through experiences. My niece and nephew both attend WG and love it. One day I asked my niece what she learned at school today. She said "I learned that every time you learn something new you get a new wrinkle in your brain! And lots of wrinkles are good!" This school includes aspects of education that traditional schools don't. It's more of what the world needs! I highly recommend this school read more

WG we love you for all that you do for the community and our children. I am a lucky mom to have found this amazing paradise for my boys. I found this school very unique from the cookie cutter Montessori and other day care options in the city. It not only is situated on a beautiful campus where my children can spend plenty of time outdoors but FOOD remains its nucleus. Fostering social-emotional development and developing healthy eating habits which was my number one concern are catered very well. If you are looking for a reggio inspired school, where nature is the classroom and kids are becoming researchers in the playground ...then you have it all here...be it bee apiary, organic kitchen garden, sensory play, tree climbing, music classes, french language immersion, yoga classes or yummy organic freshly cooked meals..my kids enjoy it all and their day flies by without any screen time...wohoo!!! makes me a happy and guilt free mommy! Its totally worth every penny ..highly recommend!!! read more

My two children started attending Wholesome Generation in August 2015 and love every minute of it. They even beg to go to school on the weekends! The school incorporates best practices from all over the globe so it really provides an incredibly holistic approach to education. A great amount of time is spent outdoors - learning and playing - which is incredibly important to me as well as the organic food curriculum taught and served. However, the best part about WG is the teachers... they just pour their love into the children.. finding joys in all the discoveries made each day. Thank you WG for believing in a better, more sustainable future for my children! read more

As first time parents we had to face one of the toughest desicions...finding the right care for our baby. We were so hopeless with our options until we found WG. Someone told me that they felt like crying when they saw their campus for the first time because it was just so beautiful...and that is how we felt as well. It is a big property surrounded by trees, has a creek and lots of open space! Inside the school is cozy and delicately aromatized with natural essential oils which set a relax and inviting environment. Their classroom are no over crowed with store brought materials, instate natural elements are around the classroom and children art is posted on walls and hangs from the windows. The children are children at WG, you can see them and their teacher laughing and happily conversing with each other. Our baby goes to the NIdo classroom and from the day we tour the school she felt like at home, which we haven't saw before. We know our daughter and knew that the transition from home to school wasn't not going to be easy...Her teacher is not just sweet but kind, honest and loving... She has Been a great communicator and tell us when our LO had a great day as well when she has been more sad than usual, eating or sleeping less...and this is such an important part for us because we know we can trust her. We had experiences on which the staff have tell us that she is doing great but we could see that her food has been hardly touch, she was sad and cranky and so ready to go home. On the other hand it is so hard to go home now because she just love her school! She wants to play outside and then come back in to her classroom to see her teacher...she kissed and hugged her from day one...I trust my baby's hearth and I know WG is the place we have been looking for. She is currently in the Nido classroom but I am so excited for her to take part on the preschool and upper grade...every teachers is happy, professional and friendly, they have bilingual staff, healthy and organic food, and they served a diverse population offering the program to low income families as well....Lene, the founder, has an amazing energy and has an open door policy because they don't have anything to hide, she is always there to accommodate to your family and child needs instate of expecting you to adapt to them...it feels like the Tribe we left at home! We love WG and I am sure your family will too! read more