Downtown Scholars Child Development Center

Came to read preschool reviews. Completely discredited this school when I saw the first 2 photos posted: one of kids on a computer, another of them completely dittos. Thanks for the transparency.

My daughter started at Downtown Scholars in September and we couldn’t be happier with our choice to place her at this school. When we initially toured the school I was impressed by the facility itself, the interaction between the teaches and students, and that the children seemed happy and friendly (a little girl even came up to my daughter to greet her). I like the murals on the outside of the building and the bight colors inside. The school is well decorated with the children’s artwork and educationally stimulating décor.
While my daughter seemed excited about this new place, she also had never been in preschool and had extreme separation anxiety. I was so worried about leaving her and how she would adjust. Sandra, the director, assured me that they deal with children like mine all the time and that she would do well. I braced myself for weeks of crying and screaming. Instead, she only cried the first couple of days that that was it! Each day the teacher welcomed her, was gentle and helped her say goodbye. Each day saying goodbye was easier and easier :) In her second week the focus was on feelings and she brought home a little book that she had worked on expressing different feelings. On the last page it said «I am happy when_​_​_​_​_​_​» and my daughter had filled in «I am at school». I knew then that she was in the right place. Kids need to be somewhere that they feel safe and happy. If she felt this way so soon I couldn’t feel more reassured.
Since then she has brought home a plethora of artwork and projects. The school is very organized and I love the great communication between the teachers/​school and parents. Each month I get newsletters, book recommendations, and calendars for the months’ happenings. My daughter likes knowing what she will be learning about each week/​day and I continue to be impressed by the projects she brings home and how they correlate with the lesson plans. I also like that they organize events outside of «school time» for the children and families like movie nights and community events. I feel like the teachers and director genuinely care about the children and really love what they do.
In the last few months, I have seen my daughter’s development flourish and I now feel confident that she will be ready for kindergarten next year. I feel blessed to have my daughter at a school where she is happy, learning, having fun and treated kindly. I recommend Downtown Scholars to anyone who is looking for a school with a play based program where the teachers love children and what they do.

Both my husband and I are teachers and were looking for a pre-​school for our 2-​year-​old.
It was apparent within 5 minutes of stepping into Downtown Scholars that this was where I wanted my daughter to be. I visited many schools in the area and not one did I get the 100% vibe. I always found something unsettling in each. Walking into Downtown Scholars, this all faded away and I thought, FINALLY!!! It is completely obvious that the teachers here love what they do and take pride in what they do. And when it comes down to it, curriculum and amenities are nice — but true PASSION always trumps all. I recommend going there and meeting the teachers yourself (Mrs. Perez, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Melissa) to see what I mean. They radiate a true love for teaching and demonstrate a natural knack for this age group.
My daughter loves going to school. Academically, she is already demonstrating a foundational sense of phonemic awareness (distinguishing the sounds of letters), they do «book reports», etc. Play-​wise, they are always providing creative activities for the kiddos (i.e. guest speakers (policeman), exotic birds, girl scouts, Chinese New Year celebrations, gardening, etc.). My daughter is bringing home art projects DAILY and singing songs… even speaking Spanish! Mrs. Perez also organizes fun events outside of school hours to get the parents together. We’ve had a Movie Night this year outside with popcorn and lawn chairs! So fun!
I just can’t say enough about this school. We feel very lucky to be sending our daughter to such a stellar learning environment.

All I can say is fantastic! Working and living downtown makes this place perfect for my family. Drove by one day, went in, met with the staff, saw how happy the kids looked and I was sold. They have a stellar staff. Its not overcrowded, great place! I highly recommend. A must go/​see.
Thanks Downtown Scholars!

My three year old son started attending Downtown Scholars in August 2013 and we couldn’t be happier with this decision. When I was researching and visiting preschools, I knew in my gut right away that this was where I wanted my son to be. The school itself is very clean and well organized. Everyone my son interacts with is professional, skilled in their art, and extremely focused on the children.
There seems to be a perfect balance of «work» and play. My son often shares new things he’s learned when I pick him up, and he’s brought home a great deal of art and crafts he’s created (that’s actually his favorite part!). I continue to be really impressed with the school’s philosophy and approach to learning and development, both educationally and socially.
It’s extremely comforting to know my son is in such good hands when he’s away from us (after all, this is the first and only time we’ve trusted anyone outside of family with his care — and that’s HUGE).
Mrs. Perez, Mrs. Hernandez, and Miss Melissa are truly gems and my son loves each one of them. I’m confident my son will be with them until he heads off to kindergarten!

Downtown Scholars is an amazing place where fun and learning reach a whole new level! My two boys (aged 2 and 4) truly enjoyed their experience here. The building is newly renovated and at a GREAT location. It’s a great place! Mrs. Perez is outstanding at all levels (educationally and business wise) and Mrs. Hernandez is a great teacher that really understands the children. My boys loved the program and occasionally even asked to go back on Saturdays! One of boys is a bit more energetic than the average boy and as a mother, I was concerned on how the teachers would respond to his jumpiness. They were so kind and encouraging to him that not only did he love going, he was sitting down long enough to learn and participate! Thank you Downtown for being such a wonderful environment for children.

After visiting over 20 preschools we found Downtown Scholars and we absolutely love it! My son is 3 years old and his development has grown substantially since placing him in preschool. He loves the program and I enjoy hearing about his day. I recommend this preschool! I know as a parent finding a place you are comfortable with is very difficult, so I am happy that we found this school. My toddler looks forward to going to school and that makes me a happy mommy!