Best Playgroup Ann Arbor Near Me

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!

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!

Uljana Feest: We love it there. It's small and nurturing. Beautiful toys (no beeping plastic crap) and a great outdoor space. The teachers pay a lot of attention to the children's individual personalities, especially (but not exclusively) focusing on social skills. There is just the right amount of structure for the kids to have a daily routine, but there is also plenty of time for free play. Many wonderful activities that involve messing around with sand, water, foam, various kinds of paints and other materials. The kids learn a lot through projects and theme-weeks. The staff is both professional and genuinely caring. I feel completely at ease, leaving my son in their care

Allison C: My daughter has been going there for a year and she loves it! I love it to a warm friendly environment and all the kids are taught in a great manner. This summer they are learning about science, planting flowers, watching ants and other bugs and watching tadpoles turn into frogs. I wouldn't have wanted anything more for my child then what i found at Little Blue Preschool.

Zinah Hanbali: Really nice place!!!I love it!!!

Rahmeh Almasarweh: Amazing place!

Moe Issa: very clean facility and very warming place. i can see a difference in my daughter acting and she learned a lot in the few weeks she has been there

Martin Thoburn: Amazing staff and teachers!

Ivan Prokopovich: This school is beyond perfect. Very progressive and innovative! One of its kind!

Molly Hunter: An absolutely amazing school. My 3 year old is eager to go every single day (literally). It is the most chill, welcoming, awesome place. They treat the children with respect and love and it has been an amazingly positive force in our family. A very special school and we are lucky to have them in Ann Arbor!

Katie Robinson: I cannot say enough good things about the U school. I am so grateful for my son to be there. The staff is probably the most genuine, caring, and fun people I have ever met. My son thrives there.

Monet Tiedemann: All three of my kids thrived during their time at Triangle. We love the warm, caring teachers, the play-based curriculum, the light-filled classroom, and the wonderful playground. I'm not only grateful for the school, but for the Triangle community. I treasure the friendships I have made as a parent there.

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!

Lindsey Thompson: My family loves the Dexter Co-op! It's a great preschool for parents that want to be involved in their child's first school experiences. The community is supportive, welcoming and the teachers do a great job of incorporating a play-based curriculum.

WASHTENAW COUNTY CMH: The Dexter Coop is such a nice place for your kids. It's still the same type of atmosphere as it was over 25+ years ago when my kids went. Now my grand kids get to enjoy the same preschool learning experience.

Hannah VanDuinen: My daughter started this year, and she has absolutely blossomed! The teachers are wonderful at meeting each kid where they are most comfortable and guiding them from there.

Sarah Hannich: This is a wonderful play-based preschool. On my 3rd child attending, we have appreciated the excellent teachers, handwriting development, physical education curriculum and a strong sense of community with the other families. My children have been very prepared for Kindergarten! Highly recommended.

Shari Emhoff: We love the co op! My kids and I have made such great friends, it’s a wonderful community. The teachers are amazing and have helped my kids grow in ways I never thought possible!

Drake Reinert: My son and I loved our two years here. The teachers are fantastic!

Kelli Westfall: This has been our first year at the Co-Op and it has been such a fantastic experience. My son has grown academically, socially, and emotionally. The teachers are phenomenal and it is great to work so close with the teacher and the other parents.

sandy sedlar: We love this preschool so much! We are on our second child attending the coop and it has been another amazing experience! The new location is awesome and we love the teachers! I love being a part of my child's learning and seeing her eyes light up when she learns something new! The preschool is such an amazing community, where you make friends for life! A friend recently told me that the Coop set him up with friends for life and I have to agree! We are so happy we chose Dexter Coop!

Emily Conser: Wonderful teachers, families and school. Love getting to know the teachers, families and kids by helping in the classroom.

Betsy Finn: Fantastic preschool experience for my 3 yo. Curriculum includes Handwriting Without Tears, PE time once a week, and many learning opportunities. My son wishes there was class every day.My oldest nephew went to the coop years ago, and I am so glad that it is still an option for my own kids.

Amy Navitskis: Can't say enough good things. Great parents, great teachers. We absolutely loved the Co-op and look forward to our daughter going there as well! Great value and experience!

Michelle M: Our 3 year old daughter is always happy to go to preschool with Mrs. Pam. She has enjoyed learning while playing, getting introduced to circle time, and the various art, letter, number, building, gross motor, and other activities. This has been a great opportunity for her to begin learning school skills and socializing with other children her age. I appreciate getting to be a part of her learning when assisting and making connections with other parents in the co-op through our participation.

Michelle Evans: I really like the Dexter Co-op. I was looking for a Co-op for my twin boys because I liked the idea of being involved in the classroom. I looked at co-ops around Ann Arbor, Dexter and Saline when we were looking to buy a home. I had several people recommend the Dexter Co-op to me. We ended up moving between Dexter and Ann Arbor and found that the Dexter co-op had everything that was important to us. It's a great learning environment and has a large classroom space and fun outdoor playground. We've taken several fun and educational field trips since we enrolled. I like being able to contribute new ideas and watch my kids grow. Most importantly, my kids really like it and their teacher, Mrs. Pam.

Jason Willard: Dexter Coop is a warm and fun place to learn. The teachers are passionate about creating a fun and playful classroom. The parents are basically teacher aides. Its great! My 2nd of 3 boys is currently enrolled and he loves it! Everyone is deeply committed to the success of our children.