Best Kindergarten Ann Arbor Near Me

Allison Gacek: We had the best experience at AAHCDC. The teachers and staff are incredible- warm, caring, knowledgeable and regularly go the extra mile. I was surprised at what my 4 yo knew at the end of his one year there. Our only regret is that we didn't find this school sooner. They will always have a special place in our heart.

brenda Warburton: I have to say I used Romelle's name and quote in my Father of the Bride toast this past Saturday. My 24 year old high power Detroit lawyer, graduate of Notre Dame and U of M Law married Saturday. I quoted Romelle telling me once that raising a child is the process of letting go, and she pointed out I would struggle with that my whole life. She was correct. The Zebra room didn't teach topics as much as it taught success. Acedemiuc success is a feeling and a process that has to be present from the beginning. AAHCDC instills that pride as a basis to all the life successes that follow. You cant do better, send you kids

Jessica Vitek: Sending our kids to AAHCDC was probably the best decision we have made for them in their young lives. The teachers and staff are truly committed to helping the whole child develop, academically, emotionally, and socially. As a parent, you feel that the teachers and all who work at AAHCDC are truly a part of your 'team' in helping your child to grow. Our children see their teachers as a part of their extended family and feel comfortable and confident each day they walk through the door. If it 'takes a village' to raise a child, then this is the village that I would choose, hands down.

Rebecca Griffith: I've been a teacher at Ann Arbor Hills for a number of years. I teach a multi-age class of kindergarten, first, and second graders. With 12 children each morning, 2 master teachers work to meet the needs of each child, all while creating an environment where learning is fun, challenging, and relevant. You won't find a place where your child's best interests are more valued. Come for a visit; you'll be glad you did.

Lisa Martell: The parent-toddler class was a great introduction to the school environment for our son! The kids followed directions of the teacher with play-time, snack-time, and story/song-time. We will migrate to the by-myself class this fall. The school itself is clean, spacious, and an incredibly positive place for kids to learn.

Rachel Turnley: I highly recommend Ann Arbor Hills Child Development Center to any parent who is trying to find a wonderful school for their child. AAHCDC's Directors: Ramelle Alexander and Beth Randall truly understand early child development and appropriate pedagogy to nurture growth and education for each child. I toured and visited other preschools, and once I visited AAHCDC, I knew that this school was one of the best in town. My child has learned so much in her one year of preschool here, which has prepped her for Kindergarten immensely. Her preschool class interweaves fun, kinesthetic, multi-sensory learning experiences in every single aspect of the day, so that while she is learning, she is having fun and truly engaging with knowledge and memorable experiences. She has developed an excitement and positivity about learning, and the capability to try new learning experiences with enthusiasm. She has a knowledge of numbers, the alphabet letter names and alphabet letter sounds, as well as handwriting and intuitive spelling. Her classroom provides daily pretend and play centers, art centers, science/experiment centers, and recess. The teacher to student ratio is ideal, so she received tons of personal attention. She had two lead teachers in her classroom who always kept me in the loop as to her development and engagement with the classroom. In addition, the music teacher Mr. Alexander is so creative and fun with the kids – they have a blast. My child has also begun speaking Spanish due to their full-time Spanish teacher, Ms. Rojo, who visits each classroom. AAHCDC has various fun events for the students, like the Halloween Parade or the Graduation/End of Year Picnic. The teachers who work here have been here for many years (over 10 years), which tells you something about how they are treated. I personally love when my child’s teachers are happy and treated well, because happy, well-treated teachers make a positive learning environment for students! The school’s scheduling is incredibly flexible in terms of days and length of the day, so you can make the schedule work for your family’s needs. AAHCDC teaches children from Age 2.5 through 2nd Grade. Every single staff member is incredibly positive – every single interaction – each phone call and every drop off and pick up was immensely positive. My child was so excited to attend school each morning. I felt very proud to send my child to such a wonderful school where she has made friends with her classmates and feels a part of a community. I highly recommend any parent who is searching for a school for their child, to call and schedule a tour, to meet the Directors and teachers and see this amazing school. Best of luck on your search!

Jennifer Romano: I have two children enrolled at AAHCDC. They both love going to school everyday. The environment is supportive and nurturing. The class sizes are small allowing for the students and teachers to develop meaningful relationships through the years. I would not consider sending my kids anywhere else!

Matt Postiff: We’ve had two children go through K-2 in the school. Our oldest finished a year ago and has been very successful in the third and fourth grades at South Arbor Charter Academy. His math, reading, and writing were very highly developed. Our second child finished at the end of May and has blossomed from a child who didn’t like reading to one who can't be stopped - he reads late into the night with a flashlight!We liked that a half-day kindergarten is available. The school promotes an individualized approach to learning. For example, spelling lists are taken from their own writing, and words may reappear until mastered. The love of learning is cultivated, rather than an emphasis on academic performance and standardized testing. Whereas children tend to be under lots of pressure these days in many schools with testing, activities, etc...AAHCDC is a place where the children have room to grow, breathe, enjoy childhood, and the wonder of discovery.The integration of writing with reading from the first day we found to be a wonderful way to learn. Another huge plus was the very small number of students per teacher.Art, Spanish, music, and gym class were all excellent for our kids. Parent involvement is great; the sky is the limit.AAHCDC is a place that nurtures the whole child. Our children have had instilled in them qualities of empathy, kindness, and maturity through their interactions with the staff and students in this community. At school my children discovered a love of art and creativity that I see manifested at home with self-directed projects and playing. AAHCDC has a gentle yet stimulating approach to education that allows children to thrive in a very unique way, and experience the joys of childhood fun and learning. The teachers and administrators are among the best I have seen in education and provide wonderful examples for the children, and parents as well!

Esther Kyte: My 3 YO son has been attending Forest School for a year and has gained endurance, a sense of self-efficacy, confidence, problem solving skills, and a general love of the outdoors. Tara is thoughtful about the children's experience and takes extreme care with their well-being.

Mary Ling: My daughter attended their summer camp last year. She's normally a very shy girl, and takes a while to warm up to new places or to new people, but Tara's welcoming, warm demeanor has helped her became a part of the group immediately. She loved spending time outdoors, and oftentimes when I picked her up, she'd come out barefoot, couldn't wait to tell me everything she's done and everywhere she's been to. On the way out from Tara's, she'd just randomly pick berries from the garden to munch on, which is the kind of childhood I longed to provide to my daughters.Tara is great with children. She's calm all the time. My daughter, even though she was only with her for one summer, adores her and asks to visit her all the time.After spending the summer outdoors, my daughter has become more independent, more assertive, and in general, much more capable and confident. She seems much more comfortable being outdoor, exploring in the woods. She also learned to be curious and to respect plants and all living beings, which I hope to continue nurturing.

Mark Perry: Fantastic experience, highest recommendation! Our daughter flourished with Tara and we continue to see the benefits more than 2 years later - she will forever more be our Nature Girl! Since attending Ann Arbor Forest School our daughter is more confident, able to show respect and empathy for others, more patient and kind, and has greater resiliency. She learned fine motors skills, safety skills, listening and communication skills, plant identification, and more! From the small group to the wonderful homemade food that Tara serves up daily, the near-daily trips to parks and woods, visits from local musicians and nature experts, and all the outdoor time any kid could want, Ann Arbor Forest School is a real gem and inspiration. We're truly grateful and humbled by Tara's enthusiasm and unending kindness, and wish all children could have such an amazing experience with early childhood learning and development.

Kate Hegwood: Outstanding preschool and teacher. We have sent both of our children here and highly recommend it.

John Ramsburgh: We couldn't be happier with our preschool. Ms. Renee has been a fantastic teacher and the chance to participate occasionally as a classroom assistant has been very rewarding. There's a real community feel here and I'm continually running into people in Ann Arbor who were members of Glacier Way, even going back decades. The school's convenient location on the Ann Arbor West Side is also a plus.

Erin Fournier: We could not have made a better choice than Glacier Way. Our oldest daughter has had the most wonderful two years there and another daughter starts this fall. Ms. Renee provides a fun, loving and safe environment for children to learn and grow.

Carolyn Seabury: I am so glad that we chose to send our daughter to Glacier Way. She loves going to school, and we love being a part of the Glacier Way community.

Sarahanne Nelson: I knew the moment I met Ms. Renee, the Glacier Way teacher, that she was born to be a preschool teacher, and I instantly knew that Glacier Way was the right choice for our daughter. After a full year, I know my husband and I made the right decision. Ms. Renee is so wonderful with the children, and it's clear they've learned so very much all while "playing" at school. In addition, all of the families are down-to-earth, kind, and caring, which makes for a wonderful community atmosphere.

Aileen Corso: We were new to the area when we chose Glacier Way Co-op and I could not have been happier with our choice. Ms. Renee is one of the most caring, thoughtful, gentle, organized and wonderful teachers I have known. As a coop, the duties are divided among parents. This can seem like a lot of work, but with a highly organized teacher who has been there for many years, the jobs and assignments are straight-forward and enjoyable. It was great to get to be involved in the classroom. I thought my very attached 4 year old would not let go of my leg, but after day 1 he was fine, engaged in the classroom, but still enjoyed me being there when I was helping. He grew up so much and became so independent during his year at Glacier Way. I met a great group of relaxed, friendly parents that I keep in touch with. My son still talks about his preschool friends and teacher. She is one of a kind! We gained so much from our experience there.

Mike: Allen Creek is a gift to the Ann Arbor community. Both of our children attended for multiple years and had wonderful, rewarding experiences. The teachers and staff are extremely dedicated and offer many years of expertise and knowledge. The school interacts with children in a way that is developmentally appropriate, rather than simply talking to them like little adults (or worse, like big babies). We made many friends at Allen Creek, who we continue to enjoy well after our kids have left. What a great group of people and families!

Cathleen W.: Allen Creek is an amazing school. Teachers are experienced and truly gifted and the school rigorously supports their professional development. The family consultant program is unique and positively changed our lives. My husband and I learned to better understand our children's development, and became more effective, joyful parents. Our children were challenged intellectually and emotionally. They learned the fun of self-reliance and mastery, and that it's worth working for.

Xijin Hiraga: Great school!

Amy McKenna: This is our daughter's second year at Allen Creek, and we are all loving it! I was a little nervous about sending her to preschool because she'd been at home with me since birth, but the teachers at Allen Creek facilitated a thoughtful, caring transition for our whole family. I really appreciate the respect that is given to children and parents, the family oriented atmosphere, and the sensitivities to the changing needs of each child as they learn and grow. I clearly see the positive influence on my daughter's emotional, social, and intellectual development. And it's so comforting to know that if she is going through a struggle, the teachers are right there by her side to help her work it out in a communicative, empathic manner. I highly recommend this school!

Kristin Baker: Amazing teachers, classes, and fellow parents!

Jeff Ringenberg: FUMCN is a great place for our family. The location is perfect, parking is never an issue, the playground is a blast, and the kids go on amazing field trips (e.g. the Big House!). Assisting is lots of fun too :-)

Susan Sowder: I am not only one of the teachers at FUMCN, but have been a FUMCN parent, too. Our goal is to make preschool a warm, welcoming start for every child and to prepare them for the future education. As a parent of two, almost three, college-age kids, I can attest -- FUMCN's play-based, child-centered philosophy works!

Shani Hessenthaler: My family can't say enough great things about FUMCN! We have loved the teachers and the activities that they facilitate each day. The location is great and makes for some fabulous field trips throughout the year. The fact that the preschool is made up of 3 large rooms is great for giving my son a ton of different choices. With having younger children I feel like you can't beat that they offer sibling care for my daughter on days that I assist in the classroom and that it is just around the corner from the preschool. They have a circle driveway that has been amazing for drop off and pickup which is a life saver with younger children. We seriously have loved our years at FUMCN and can't wait for our daughter to attend!

kristin oleksinski: We love FUMCN! My kids have so many fun memories of preschool... my fourth grader still talks about her favorite times! My third child goes there now and loves it. It's a beautiful space to learn and a convenient location with an easy circle drive drop off and pick up right downtown! I've also loved getting to know other parents with kids the same age as mine.

Bridgette Carr: I have two children at FUMCN (one in the preschool and one in the Young 5s program). We have been extremely impressed with both programs. The teachers are excellent and my children love being a part of the FUMCN community. As a parent I have been impressed with all facets of FUMCN. We live closer to (and even have previously attended) other co-ops, however FUMCN is worth the extra drive. It has been a gift to our kids and my family!

Dick Sterken: We love our preschool! Our son who is 13 now went to fUMCN and now we are back with our 3 year old daughter. We love the teachers and their creativity and being involved in the classroom is great fun as well.Kirsten Sterken

Jessica LeVasseur: I love how understanding and responsive of each child's personality the co-op is. At 3, my child was into painting, art, and "writing" mail. At 4, she is all about dramatic play and friends. I encourage her to try the daily activitiy or project, but somedays are head straight for dress up days!

Bridget Baker-White: My children are well-prepared for Kindergarten, and they couldn't have had more fun in preschool! The experienced teachers really helped my kids love school and learn at the same time. Couldn't be more pleased!

Amanda S.: I have had 2 children at Stone School and we all have loved our experience. Families tend to form a good connection to the classroom and each other. Being a part of the classroom has helped me see my child in a different light. It has also set the standard in my family that parental involvement in education is a natural, important part of the process of going to school. Academics are worked into the curriculum with hands on activities in a play based setting. My children's first experience with school is that learning is fun!

Donna Bentley: What an amazing first school experience for my family. My three boys have enjoyed being part of such a great school. The family atmosphere surrounds the entire program. It was awesome to be involved and have a hands-on approach in my child's first school experience. The classes prepared my kids for kindergarten with having confidence, independence and social skills to move them forward in their education. Highly recommend if you are looking for a co-op. Something has to be said for a teacher staying at the same school for 25 years!