I am very happy to share the wonderful experience my family has had with The Young School. My son started with a different day care in the area when he was just 6 weeks old. After 3 months of constant phone calls from the school with scary alerts about his well-being (in the end, he was always fine) and almost daily problems with drop-offs and pick-ups (dirty clothes, bedding, very unhappy baby), we pulled him out of the school without another option lined-up. My cousin recommended we meet with The Young School, as both of her daughters had been there from infant through pre-school graduation and they had a wonderful experience. From the moment my husband and I entered the school, we were greeted warmly by the Director and sat with her for a conversation about what we were seeking, what our concerns were, and what TYS offered. The tour allowed us to see the school in action - and needless to say, we were very impressed. The children were happy, the school felt warm and inviting of both a play and learning atmosphere, and it was immaculate. Our son's experience his first week (at 5 months old) was remarkable! We saw such a vast improvement in his drop-offs and pick-ups immediately. We instantly felt comfortable with his new teachers and the care he was receiving was evident right away. This experience has never changed for us or our son. He is now 4 1/2 and he has absolutely flourished at the TYS. We love to see how happy he is at the end of the day and to hear of all the new things he's learning about, and we especially love the projects he brings home and enjoy spending time with the friends he's made (and their parents!). The teachers have consistently provided excellent care and direction and provide regular updates on learning, as well as funny stories about our son. He is learning math, science, language arts, arts & crafts, etc.. Their curriculum is top notch. I can't express how grateful my family is for this experience and for being a part of The Young School family. I highly recommend scheduling an interview with them. read more

We currently have 2 children enrolled in the Young School at Waugh Chapel and previously our oldest child graduated from the Young School in 2015. I want to tell you about our experiences over the years. The first day we dropped off our little girl in 2010 she was only three months old. We were nervous about leaving her with people who were not family. When we entered her room any fears we had quickly evaporated when her teacher met us and took our daughter in her arms. We could clearly see that she would be ok. The teachers at the Young School are helpful and caring and we always felt at ease knowing our little girl was in their care. Indeed this has been our experience over the years as we sent two more children to the Young School. Our experiences that first year and for each year thereafter have been positive and warm. The Young School has done a masterful job of caring for our babies, giving our children room to grow and providing instruction not only in the classroom but also with little things like potty training! Our interactions with the staff have always been positive and the Young School has always been receptive to new ideas. The Young School has provided a unique learning environment through classroom instruction and field trips, to family-oriented gatherings to celebrate holidays and graduations. Parents are always kept informed of the latest news through personal interactions and an up-to-date email network. Questions are always answered in a prompt and thorough manner and we can always stop in the office to ask any questions we might have. In sum I have always felt safe knowing my child is at the Young School and know that they are receiving instruction to help prepare them for Kindergarten. In fact, we found that many of the lessons being taught in Kindergarten are a part of the Young School curriculum which makes the transition from day care to Kindergarten that much easier. Our experience with the Young School was and continues to be a positive one and I highly recommend the Young School to everyone. read more

We have been sending our two daughters to the Young School since they were each 3 months old. We have been extremely satisfied with their care and education at all levels, from infant to pre-K. Both girls have had amazing, caring, vibrant teachers who truly get to know them and support them in all aspects of their development. We very much appreciate the RIE philosophy that the school embraces, allowing infants and children to develop at their own pace, treating them as individuals worthy of respect and interaction, even in the simplest of activities (e.g., diapering or eating). We also love that their activities are not full of loud, battery-operated toys, but rather full of natural materials, role-play accessories, creative objects, etc. For example, my older daughter's class put together a shadow puppet theater and play, created a cafe in the loft, put together a camping site in the classroom, created objects with clay/feathers/beads/sticks/etc. My younger daughter painted pinecones, interacted with clay, finger painted, made a rice shaker, etc. I also love that they are being taught to respect each other, how to express themselves calmly with words, how to respond to difficult situations with a friend, how to do things independently (e.g., buttoning/zipping coat, opening yogurt container, etc.). I appreciate the school's philosophy in baby-led schedules for infant care (so that they nap, eat, and play on their own schedule), and in establishing a routine once they are developmentally ready in the todfant/toddler room. We also love the school's directors - they are amazing people who greet us warmly every single day, stay in close communication about school events and issues, make us feel that our children are known and appreciated, and do a great job of running the school! Overall, we highly recommend The Young School in Gambrills and are thankful for the environment they have provided for our girls over the past 4 years. read more

Before having children I'd hear horror stories about the expense of daycare. They were all true. Coming from the south and a lower cost of living, never did I expect to pay more for daycare than for my home. However, I can say I am happy to do so in the case of the Young School, because when I'm at work the safety and happiness of my two children is not at all a concern. I have absolute faith in the individual teachers, their assistant teachers and the staff. I'm constantly impressed by teachers I sometimes don't even recognize as they kindly greet my children in the hallways on our way out each afternoon. The director and assistant director have always been immediately on top of any issue, and have fairly and transparently dealt with any complaints - they treat both the parents/children AND the teachers with respect. Having visited a number of comparably-priced daycares in the area, The Young School was light years ahead in terms of environment and professionalism. Other well-known daycares had a sort of prison-like atmosphere, while TYS was warm and fun with a sense of gentle teaching/learning in every decoration. My only possible complaint would be with the parking situation, which is basically unavoidable in a shopping center. I've recommended The Young School to friends in the past, who were all impressed with their teaching philosophy and equally happy with the results, and I obviously continue to be very happy with our experience. Sending our first off to public school soon is going to be tough! read more

We've had our daughter at The Young School (TYS) since January 2012 and couldn't be happier with the school -- so much so that we have enrolled our second child for this fall. When we initially made our decision to enroll at TYS, we were at the top of a number of waiting lists, to include another popular top-tier school in Hanover. The prices were comparable (the other school was more expensive), but we felt the approach TYS takes towards teaching independence through trial and error, hands-on exploration, and varying solutions to a problem set were more in line with our parenting style and what we were looking for. The class sizes for the first two years are small and very focused on the care of the infant/young toddler with no more than six children and two teachers per class room, which is very important to us as parents. The facility is clean, the staff is friendly, and normally when we pick our daughter up she isn't ready to go home! We have referred a number of people to TYS because our experience has been that it is a good, safe environment for our daughter to learn and grow-up in. We have told people time and time again that as parents, when we drop our daughter off at TYS each day we feel confident that she is being well taken care of and we can focus on our day jobs, which is in itself worth the cost of enrollment. read more

My 4 year old has been attending the Young School for 1.5 years on a part-time basis. We have been pleased with the school and our son enjoys his time there, as well. The school is extremely clean and orderly, which I think speaks to the care and pride that the teachers and staff take in their role. The school is also understanding of our family and works with us when scheduling conflicts might arise forcing me to switch a day here or there. The communication is open and I know I can always call to check on my child that day and/or email the cottage director and she will get back to me in a timely manner (1-2 days). The school provides learning through play, which is more important than some schools emphasize at such a young age. And the school provides more outside time (~3 times a day) then most other preschools I found (which was only 2 times). They also provide community outreach opportunities, which is important for all of us; however, there is not an undue pressure to participate. They have water play for the summer time, which is fun for the kids and multiple in house "field trips" and celebrations to enrich the children's lives throughout the year. I am curious to see how the 4 year old program will build on the 3 year old program and am hoping for a little more school preparedness opportunites. read more

When my wife first told me about the Young School, I didn't know what to expect. She told me the rooms had playhouses, there were slides, and art everywhere. Hearing this, I wondered how the kids managed to learn anything with all of the distractions. However, upon touring the school I was beyond convinced that this was the right place for our son. Everything in the classrooms serves a learning/developmental purpose. The approach to learning is refreshing and effective. Notice I said learning, not teaching? This is because the school's style is really aimed at the child's individual learning curve/ability, not about the teacher following a "one-size fits all" method. The teachers accommodated our son's learning style and pace without making him feel singled out. He grew as an individual but also as a team member. Upon his graduation, he was more than ready for Kindergarten and has since graduated. This year he will begin 1st grade, and is already ahead of the pack thanks in large part, to the Young School. This year, our youngest will start Pre-K with the Young School and it's funny how excited the whole family is about the rekindled relationship. Do your child, and your family a favor, and visit the Young School. The Dad read more

We have had at least one child attending The Young School in Gambrills since 2011. This school is fantastic!! The children truly experience educational and social experiences here that I think they will remember well into adolescence. My oldest son still laments that The Young School does not have a kindergarten and my youngest exclaims often that he "loves school" and can't wait to see his friends. The teachers are very engaged with the children and are often seen playing with them, but they do not hover and constantly correct the children--rather the children are free to play, explore and to seek help when needed. When my children were first attending, I was apprehensive, as most parents are, and called the front office nearly every day. They would patch me through to his room and teachers who would tell me that my child was no longer crying and what activity he was currently engaged in. This school is treasure and I would recommend it for a child or infant of any age. The teachers are loving, educated, and truly get to know your child and strive to make each day an interesting and fun experience for your little one! read more

Our son has been at the Young School since he was 4 months old--he's almost 2 now! Everyone knows our child's name, and they are constantly doing activities in the classroom that keep the children engaged and help them explore the environment around them. In fact, when he was 4 or so months old, they gave him an opportunity to finger paint, which our son loved! Now they paint boxes, play with items in sensory bins that are constantly updated, and even explore things like the blue-seum that was temporarily created to help kids learn their colors. We absolutely love that the Young School offers water play each summer. The kids have a great time playing with the toys in the water tables, and they love the opportunity to run around and stomp in puddles. This activity alone sets the Young School apart from other schools in the area. I enthusiastically recommend the Young School. We looked at several schools when trying to find the best fit for our son. None of the other schools could even come close to comparing to what the Young School has to offer, and we couldn't be happier with the time that we've spent there read more

Worth every penny! My 18 month old has been attending the young school for almost a year and we are so thrilled with how she has flourished in this program. Her teachers seem to truly care about her. They are so excited to tell me the new things that she has done when I come to pick her up. Each day she gets sent home with a "tiny tidbit" that says all of the things she ate and when she slept and such but it also has a place for an observation for the day. The teachers make it a point to put something unique and personable on each day's tidbit. The daily activities are educational, fun, and teach a sense of teamwork. They have a duck pond and they teach the kids to respect the animals while they are playing. All of the other children are referred to as "friends" which leads to an environment of togetherness I think. Possibly the most important thing is my daughter loves it! You can see it on her face when we walk in in the morning and when she does not want to leave in the afternoon. I have no reservations or questions that she is well taken care of and intellectually stimulated each and every day! read more

Our daughter has been a student at the Young School for the past two years and my wife and I couldn't be more pleased with the progress that she has made as she prepares to enter Kindergarten in the fall. From the moment that we walked into the Young School for the very first time on the tour, we knew that this school was special ... something just felt different compared to all of the other schools that we visited. Mrs. Patterson, the Asst Head of School, took her time with us during the tour and highlighted the curriculum and key principals of the school. Mrs. Patterson's energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and after spending time with the teachers in the cottages, we could clearly see that this would be a wonderful learning environment for our daughter. From the art projects, to the math and science exploration, to the educational field trips, the school is well organized and the students are at the center of everything that they do. It's no wonder why our daughter wakes up every morning and asks "Is it a school day today?" and she gets excited when we respond with a "Yes!" read more

We started going to TYS about 2 years ago when our oldest was entering pre-K and youngest was 5 months old. We toured several centers in Crofton and Severna Park, but didn't feel like any of the programs met our family's specific needs. After touring TYS, I knew my children would thrive in their supportive and caring environment. I loved that the infant program had a separate room for the cribs so my daughter could sleep peacefully instead of out in the open, and the open center environment in the pre-K cottage allowed my oldest to learn from other age groups. The infant cottage teachers are beyond amazing - they genuinely cared for my daughter as if she were their own and I trusted her in their care without question. My oldest has flourished in her two years with TYS - she's so interested in learning, from problem solving to reading and writing; but beyond this, she has grown into a confident young girl who looks forward to going to school everyday. I highly recommend TYS to anyone who is looking for a program that promotes genuine care, respect, creativity, and fun learning! read more

When I first walked into the door of The Young School last year seeking child care for my newborn son I immediately felt a sense of security and comfort. Since then I have never doubted enrolling my then 3 month old son in this early education program. I was impressed by the level of communication the teachers had regarding my child's acclamation to the environment and progress. It is also comforting to know that even the directors of the school know my child by name and have interacted with him on numerous occasions. I was looking for more than just a babysitter. I wanted to ensure that my child was learning and he most definitely has. At 17 months he has excellent social, motor, and behavior skills that I attribute to his time at the young school. When it was time to enroll my now 4 month old in childcare it was a no brainer that we would go back to The Young School. Although it is a bit pricey my husband and I both agreed that we would pay for the peace of mind we have dropping our children off everyday. read more

Both of my children have attended the Young School at Waugh Chapel since they were 8 weeks old. My older child will begin the preschool cottage in the fall, and my younger child is entering the toddler area. The Young School has been a great place for our family. The environment is safe and engaging. My children are given opportunities to explore the world around them in age appropriate ways. The teachers take the time to communicate with the parents about things that are happening and always are willing to respond to additional questions or concerns that parents have. The Young School takes a team approach to transitions, like weaning from bottles or potty training, which allows you to both voice your opinions on how these things should occur, and get feedback from your children's teachers regarding things they observe and have learned through experience. This makes these transitions seamless and is easier on both you are a parent and the children. I highly recommend the Young School. read more

Simply the best choice in the area for daycare. Before choosing TYS, we did our research - we read as much as we could online, spoke to friends with children in daycare, and visited a number of facilities (both in-home & centers). The bottom line was (and remains) that my wife and I had the utmost confidence that TYS would take great care of our daughter and that she would benefit from all of the positive interactions with the friends and teachers at TYS. We don't have to worry about her at daycare (and isn't that what you want, peace of mind?). I've also been impressed with the many outings that TYS invites friends and family to attend, such as their 4th of July parade. A facility does not continually invite you in like that if they aren't proud and confident in what they are doing for the children. Finally, I believe the culture of any organization begins at the top. You will not find a finer group of administrators than those at TYS Gambrills, especially Ms. Dee - she rocks! read more

From the first time we contacted the school, in 2012, to present day, our family has been thrilled with our experience. My oldest attended in preparation for Kindergarten, and upon graduation was more than ready for the challenge. He has continued to excel, and I attribute much of his success to the foundation laid by the Young School. Aside for the academic piece, the staff creates a sense of family and trust. So much so, that my youngest is going to begin his Pre-K year this August. Due to work/life stressors, we decided to move the kids to a daycare closer to our home, but the quality wasn't even close to what we'd experienced at the Young School. It's a true testament to their credibility, dedication, and professionalism that we are withdrawing our son from the current provider and relocating him. Call us spoiled but, we can't/won't accept anything less than what the Young School gave us. Thank you, the Mom :) read more

I have had 2 kids attend TYS since 2009. From the beginning, I felt they were great with both of my kids...and me. I felt nervous leaving my 4 month old there for the first time and the front staff reassured me everything would be OK and that I couold call and check in as much as I needed. Everyone is so willing to help find answers to any questions. If you have a problem or concern, they want to address it and find a solution as quickly as possible. The care takers also genuinely care about the kids in their care and take interest in each one of them. As an infant, taking care of basic needs to encouraging interest in various topics as a pre-k student, my kids have thrived and looked forward to going to school to see their friends and teachers. I would recommend TYS at Waugh Chapel if you are looking for a quality place to send your kids to grown and learn. read more

This is a wonderful daycare/early education program that I recommend highly to family and friends! Our two children (girl 3 1/2 years old; boy 1 1/2 years old) have been at the school since around 12 weeks old, and the experience has been great for them both. The teachers are attentive and love the kids; the early education program (Resources for Infant Educators) is child led, similar to Montessori; and the fun/educational projects abound. Some things that set this school apart for me: projects are theme driven, and involve natural and recycled materials; toys are simple but fun (no batteries/flashing lights); and the staff (teachers and admin) is amazing! The tuition is more than what you'll pay at Kinderkare, but the quality of the care/education is worth it. And they provide family discounts. We were so lucky when we found this place! read more

Before my daughter was born, my husband and I toured a number of daycares looking for the right fit for our family. The Young School stood out as offering by far the most friendly, supportive, stimulating environment. We were impressed by the school's commitment to hands-on care (no bouncers or exersaucers, lots of being held by the teachers), respect for even the youngest babies (talking to them throughout the day), and establishing and maintaining routines (such as a consistent feeding and nap schedule). We've been a Young School family for a year and a half now and I couldn't imagine sending my daughter anywhere else. The school has such a strong community - all the kids and staff are so friendly and sweet! I have a happy, outgoing, well-rounded toddler thanks to the great care and socialization she receives there every day. read more