The Grove School

First off, I just want to say thank you to a NAEYC school that welcomed our family with open arms. Our son, William, started Grove in February 2015 after a bad experience at a previous NAEYC campus. He was having a few issues, which most toddlers do and was booted from his previous school. The Grove School helped to to turn him around. He has now moved onto preschool at another campus, but the grove school definitely helped our child and family. They have a curriculum for the children and practice active discipline, which is very wonderful. They also have a great director in Kristen. She is very well educated and stops at nothing to help the kids. We can’t say thank you enough and we miss you.

Our daughters started at The Grove recently after moving from another part of town and a different preschool/​daycare. I have to say that I have been very impressed with The Grove since the minute we took the first tour. Some things that stood out to me, as a very picky mom who needed full time care, were: small class sizes and low teacher: student ratio, all the teachers have degrees, eco conscious building, curriculum that focuses alot on play, nature, science, art, and learning reading, writing, math, as well as life skills through those activities. Also, everyone has been extremely friendly and helpful to us «newbies». I feel like my daughters are getting quality childcare in an environment that is warm, nurturing, inviting and educational. The minute you walk in you just feel calm and at peace. That was something that really stood out to us, something that was lacking from other schools we visited. My children are happy to go to school and excited to share their day with me when I pick them up. That speaks volumes.

The Grove is a truly excellent provider. We moved our 2-​year old son from another very good school also in Plano, and after visiting many facilities, found out this one was the best. Not only the staff is friendly and very professional, they also have good facilities, flexible meal policy (you can cook and bring, or buy from their catering), they offer snacks so kids can enjoy on their ride back home, Friday nights out, tons of activities, and the most important, my son is always very happy when I go pick him up. In couple occasions he didn’t even want to come home, which makes me believe they really treat him well. He learned a lot for his age, including feed himself and alphabet/​colors/​shapes we didn’t have the time to teach him at home. I’m thankful to all the staff at The Grove school and highly recommend them.

I am a Kindergarten teacher for a local school district. My son started attending at the age of 3 and continued until he was ready for Kinder. Throughout his attendance there, I was constantly amazed. Whatever my Kindergarten class was working on, my son was doing the same thing in Pre-​K. The teachers were highly qualified (certified through the State of Texas) and very communicative. It was well worth the extra money as now my son is flourishing in Kinder! Another bonus is all the events they host to bring the families together, very inviting.

This school was fabulous until they switched directors. Everyone is new starting this school year 2012. I do not think it is worth the money anymore. Communication is not as good as in the past and the curriculum is not as advanced.

**UPDATE 3/​25/​14**
With the latest director change– we have decided to leave The Grove School– When they were led by an experienced children’s educator, they were better. But now, it’s empty, heartless and lacks the feeling I want when I walk into my son’s environment– it’s just a daycare. it really should be re-​branded as such, but as long as they maintain the marketing propaganda, they can justify asking for the rate. Something we gladly paid when the services were offered.
Things began to happen that we just couldn’t overlook– a child that needed more discipline (removal was in order) was never dealt with, teachers were shuffled from one class to another (we found out from our son, not the school), meetings where we were told NOT to discuss current issues with other parents present– it started feeling like our voice wasn’t being heard.
On a complaint call to the corporate overseer, I was told «I have a lot of schools and none have more demanding parents than The Grove’s parents». But it was when things continue beyond this call that we decided it would not get any better and it was time to go elsewhere.
We loved the teachers, they are ALL fantastic-​those who remain (we have firsthand experience with Ms. Elle, Nicole and Megan). If you can get past the leadership and cost, the teachers are great! In our case, we happened to get the best of the best and my son will forever be better because of the teachers that had a hand in his life. But I fear those should also depart soon and let the daycare hire daycare workers.
**ORIGINAL REVIEW**
My wife and I did an exhaustive search to find a place that our son could go to school– not just a daycare– but a school.
We searched for a place that’s geographically close to our home and affordable (of Course!). But more importantly– we want our son to grow mentally, socially, and become environmentally aware, eat well, have a clean diaper and rest appropriately during the day.
**REVISION 2/​13**
There was a «changing of the guard» a while back, when the former administration was found to be problematic for some reason or another. We had a favorite teacher that was AWESOME– she was let go in the mess. The director was let go, as were a number of teachers. As much as I hate to say it, I’m turning more and more displeased. If it weren’t for the great friends my son has– we would move him elsewhere.
The childrens education is number one in my book, number two is communication with the parents– as #2 dwindles more and more, so too does my perception of #1.
It’s a real shame, it was an awesome concept and I was very pleased in the beginning– but that place is no longer around…