Little Sunshine Playhouse-University City provides a warm, engaging, and well-run environment for…read morechildren. The staff is welcoming, diverse, professional, and genuinely nurturing. The school balances structure with fun, offering creative themes and activities that keep children excited to learn. From the beginning, the environment has felt intentional, secure, and thoughtfully designed for kids. Our family enrolled our daughter in August 2025. Before that, she stayed home full-time until age two and was very much a "stage 5 Velcro baby." The transition was emotional at first, especially at drop-off, but the growth we've seen since then has been incredibly encouraging. She now confidently gives hugs goodbye, happily says "bye-bye," and walks into her classroom with ease. She genuinely enjoys school and is happy during pick-up, which gives us peace of mind. There have been a few instances where we needed to remind staff to clean our child's face, hands, or nose after meals or messy play, as well as change her into clean clothes when needed. Parents are asked to provide at least two sets of weather-appropriate spare clothes for this purpose, and on occasion, changes were not made as promptly as we would have preferred. There have also been times when personal items were misplaced. That said, staff consistently communicated with us, made genuine efforts to locate items, and worked to improve. We understand that managing multiple toddlers and their belongings is a common challenge in any preschool setting. What matters to us is that concerns are taken seriously and addressed, which has been our overall experience here. Leadership has been a major strength. Ms. Katelyn, the Director, played a large role in our decision to choose LSP. As parents who were understandably nervous, she spent significant time with us before enrollment, both on the phone and in person, explaining the school's philosophy, operations, safety measures, and procedures. She remains approachable, responsive, and consistently kind. Ms. Lucy, the Assistant Director, is equally welcoming, knowledgeable, and easy to communicate with. Staff shout-outs: Ms. Amanda, a head teacher, is exceptionally friendly, caring, and highly creative. Her warmth and creativity are evident throughout the school. Mr. Daniel is upbeat, professional, and consistently friendly during evening pick-ups. Ms. Alina, another head teacher, is more reserved and has a straightforward, businesslike communication style. Her creativity is visible in school projects and displays. Ms. Niya, our child's current lead teacher, met with us prior to enrollment, gave us a full tour of the school and playground, and offered reassurance during the transition. She is warm, attentive, and a strong educator. Ms. Victoria, Ms. Sabrina, Ms. Jaela, Ms. Wafae, Ms. Nabila, and Ms. Cassie have all been kind, professional, and attentive in their roles. Communication is excellent. Phones are always answered, and messages through the app are returned promptly, usually within the hour. When concerns are raised, leadership responds quickly and respectfully. The school is clean, beautifully decorated, and secure. Drop-off and pick-up are smooth, classroom ratios are followed, and security measures (controlled entry, cameras, and app communication) are strong. Meals and snacks are included, hours are 6:30 AM-6 PM, and nap time is well-structured and age-appropriate. One important note for families is cost. It's expensive. Little Sunshine Playhouse is on the higher end and is priced as a premium program. Overall, our family is very happy with Little Sunshine Playhouse-University City and would confidently recommend it to families seeking a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for their child.

I would not recommend this school/daycare…read more The amount of turnover is ridiculous. You never know who will be watching your child from day to day. Leadership will move your children around to accommodate state requirements for staffing, so children are moved up before they are ready so new students can be added to the program. Your child is not a child, they are a dollar sign.

We originally checked out Samuel preschool because it came highly recommended by a neighbor, the…read morelocation was great and the hours were what we wanted. What we've found is a wonderful program where our son has developed into a curious and imaginative boy. I attribute some of this to the fact that the children are exposed to different subjects and topics, the artwork that comes home is truly his own (not done by the teacher) and they are given responsibility appropriate for their age. I am glad we found Samuel for our son and are excited that we have just enrolled our younger son in their young 2's program this January. There are many programs available, but if you want one of the best, check out Samuel Pre-K!

My daughter has attended Samuel for two years and it's been a wonderful experience. We are looking…read moreforward to sending her younger sister there next year as well. As both a parent and certified Early Childhood teacher, I can confidently say that this preschool and it's staff have the young students best interests at the forefront of all they do. Children at Samuel are cared for and feel safe and secure as they learn to love school! -

This school is one of a kind! From the unique campus, to the amazing teachers, Forsyth provides a…read morechallenging but nurturing environment for all different types of learners. I have one graduate from Forsyth and two children who currently attend the school. It has been amazing to see how prepared my oldest child was when she started at a local, independent 7-12 secondary school upon graduation from Forsyth. Her transition was seamless and we have Forsyth to thank! My two kids who still attend Forsyth are very different children and I have been so thankful for the teachers' abilities to really know my kids from both a learning and emotional perspective. The individual attention the kids at Forsyth receive is priceless.

Forsyth School is by far one of the most prestigious private elementary schools (K-3 through 6th…read moregrade) in the St. Louis area. Forsyth takes a unique holistic approach to child development and education, through its "Challenge" program which is the foundation upon which the Forsyth curriculum is structured. Located adjacent to Washington University and across from Forest Park, Forsyth School has an unforgettable campus with classrooms in six repurposed, historic houses. Forsyth is all about challenge; with support from great teachers and classmates; and independence of thought and expression. It's a place where personal best counts: on the field, on the stage, in the classroom, and on the high ropes course in the the Forsyth Adventure Center. It's a place to stretch beyond your comfort zone; memory mapping, Shakespeare plays, and challenge days. Here children develop critical thinking skills; they learn that if they work hard, they can accomplish difficult and complex projects. Forsyth graduates are well prepared for the most selective secondary schools. Remember, you get what you pay for so tuition cost is moderate. Can you put a price on your child's education? Forsyth also offers after school care and Summer Camps!

The best place a kid can grow and learn. My son has been there since he was 6 months and they care…read morefor him like his is there child. In this day and age I believe this is very important. He doesn't go there full time anymore but he still attend before and after school care and he still get treated as if he is family. They are awesome!!!

From the owner: Specializing in: - Day Care Centers & Nurseries…read more- Preschools & Kindergarten - Private Schools (K-12) - Child Care - Schools

We are finally happy with our daycare! It took us three (?!) tries to find a place where my…read moredaughter and I both felt comfortable. Our daughter is bright, and we love that ERA keeps them moving throughout the day, taking them to different rooms to learn different things like music, Spanish, and science! She's been there for about two months and had a good transition. So far, we've been very happy here! If you're an anxious mom like me, I recommend you check it out.

After an extensive daycare search we chose Elaine Rosi Academy for our first baby. If you're…read morethinking about coming here you need to get on the list literally as soon as you find out you're pregnant. I got on the list in May looking for a January spot and there wasn't an opening until April. I took it and luckily someone dropped out and I was able to get their spot for January. They also make you pay $100/month to stay on the waitlist but it goes towards your tuition when you start. The building is secure they buzz you in and out. The staff is incredibly friendly my daughter interacts positively towards each of her teachers. They have made me feel at home and at ease leaving my baby in their care. They also have an app that keeps you updated throughout the day and they will send you a selfie! I'm not going to lie and say this is an affordable daycare it's definitely not. However I feel the price is worth it for the education and piece of mind!

My two sons are in their second year at Ethical Society Nursery School and we could not be happier…read morewith our experience. The play-based learning structure combined with talented, nurturing teachers has resulted in so many positive developmental strides in my children. They have made great friends and it's become our home away from home. With affordable tuition and an amazing community, this is seriously the best preschool in the Ladue / Clayton / U City area!

So thankful for this cozy, caring, wonderful school. Our daughter is so happy to go to school every…read moremorning. We've made wonderful friendships with parents and kids and staff alike. Thank you ESNS for being reasonably priced, flexible, and welcoming. We're so thankful for our second home

I worked here for 5 months and there's a reason why it was so short. There are so many problems…read morehere that they like to hide. The staff is toxic and cliche-y, and spends their time overtly rejecting the teachers that aren't like them. The management plays favorite employees based on seniority and makes it very obvious, as well as treats good employees like shit until they quit. They act like they have high standards for their teachers but will hire anyone just as a body to keep the school running in ratio. The lesson plans are very minimal and unimpressive compared to other schools, and many teachers are very unattentive. So your kids sit playing with the same boring toys while their teachers stand around and gossip instead of engaging your children.

We are new to the organization (our daughter started this week), but so far I'd have to say I'm…read morevery impressed with this organization overall. We want our child to grow up in a diverse setting so that she doesn't grow up to become a bumpkin who's afraid of everyone who looks different than she does! This is a special place in STLs where a diverse community comes together with the Common goal of helping children and families. The person who helped us get enrolled, Tameka, is super nice and helpful, as are the other staff we've met. I think UCCC is doing great things for the community. Our daughter is having a hard time adjusting, but every time I pick her up, someone is comforting her. I recommend you take a tour! Updated review: So, we ended up pulling our child after about four weeks. She was having a hard time adjusting and never really warmed to the place. She also got something like four injuries in her first two weeks, and had more than one knot on the head in the short time she was there. More than once, it happened outside on their concrete playground, and the teacher was unable to tell me what happened. I took my concerns about her adjustment to the director, who kind of blew me off and directed me back to her teachers. They also didn't do anything academically structured in terms of learning letters, shapes, colors, etc. We switched and LOVE our new place. With that said, some bonuses - the teachers in our room were good people who try hard at a difficult job. Some of the staff there are great. I also think the coming together of cultures here is special and hard to find anywhere else. So I would say this place could be great for some kids, just not for us in particular. Still worth checking out if you're looking for daycare.

Do not take your child here because you will NOT get what you pay for. There is ONE person,…read moreincluding the director, who has actually had any Montessori training. This is not a Montessori school at all, it is a barely a daycare. It is not a welcoming place. If you are told "things are changing", they absolutely are not. I wouldn't feel comfortable sending my child here. This location is shameful to Guidepost Montessori's reputation. This school may look good from the outside but please don't waste your money.

I am extremely uncomfortable and unhappy with my experience with this school. I toured the school…read moreat the beginning of May . I thought it looked good and the staff very helpful and friendly . They told me if I paid $1900 , $400 for registration fee and $1500 deposit used as the last month payment I would be guaranteed a spot for my son to start on August 1st. In July I began to call since the date was getting close. I was uneasy about how little communication I got and how long it would take for someone to call/email me back. I became suspicious during the process. The women who was working with me was very nice but I could tell was overworked and didn't know what she was doing yet , as she had said she needed to be trained. After I told her I felt hesitant she emailed me saying she would be fully transparent with me and for me to call her so she could explain. Over the phone she told me that a month or so prior there entire administration team walked out of the school and quit. That they are in a rehiring and rebuilding phase right now. That safety and security procedures wasn't in place and that they were not even teaching the Montessori approach at this time. I appreciated her telling me , but I was shocked that if I didn't say I felt uncomfortable she wasn't going to tell me any of this and just enroll my 1.5 year old into there school. I decided I didn't feel comfortable sending my son there because of this and asked for my $1900 deposit back that I put down when the school was presented and established a very different way. I didn't even fill out the registration form. I was told I could not get my money back. That I could either go to another guide post school ( 30 mins away) or wait till they rebuild there program and come back in a few months. Neither option I feel comfortable with. I noticed the other school has a horrible rating and horrible reviews. Guidepost Montessori school seems like a fraud and is providing a horrible experience.

Think twice before applying here. There is a $100 non-refundable fee required to apply, yet no…read moreaccountability at all on the Center's part to actually accept your application or provide a spot for your child. So you're essentially paying $100 for the privilege of being told whether or not you can be on a waiting list that may or may not ever generate a spot for your child.