Illuminate Preschool

our daughter has attended illuminate for the past two years. it is a phenomenal school and community of families. it is the only preschool I have witnessed where in public spaces, the students are well behaved, respectful of one another and the environment around them as a group. my daughter has grown beyond my expectations thanks to illuminate and the amazing teachers!

I write this review on the evening of my son’s graduation from Illuminate, after 3 years at this pre-​school …with such an immense feeling of gratitude for the 3 amazing teachers and the fantastic care and guidance they have provided to my son!
He thrived in this space that has allowed him to develop his unique personality while helping him increasingly become more able to interact and play with the other children, things that were challenging in the beginning.
Illuminate teachers starting with the head teacher, Emelie, provided a very safe and nurturing environment, while at the same time giving him opportunities to explore a variety of things, from artistic expression, to play, to science concepts, reading, and math concepts.
The Montessori methods provided him with very practical, hands on skills like buttoning shirts, etc.
Finally, Illuminate comes with a fantastic community of involved parents that are always there for you, and ready to help when needed at a moment’s notice.
I couldn’t have made a better choice for pre-​school, and I will be forever grateful for the way they provided my son such a solid foundation!

Illuminate is the kind of preschool that reminds you of your memories of childhood. It is nurturing, creative along with having a sense of community. The teachers are caring, grounded and insightful in working with each child individually and as a group. We have had our 4yr old daughter at Illuminate for 2yrs and can not be more grateful for the role they have played in helping my daughter develop a love for school, learning and developing her social skills. We had previously had her at a Bright Horizons program that had little staff involvement, a lack of personal care or control of the children. My happy, social and gregarious girl had become fearful of how to interact with other children and would cling to the adults in social settings. This was completely opposite of how she interacted with children in our neighborhood or with friends. We feel so lucky to have found Illuminate. Emelie worked with us and our daughter to help her develop the confidence and trust to engage in group settings and build friends. Emelie is exceptional at communicating and providing ideas and suggestions on how to help each child grow. Emelie is invested in your child and in her role in helping shape your child as they learn and grow. The school day is structured to help the kids develop an ownership of their «community», to challenge themselves, to enjoy learning and to develop friendships. The children have opportunities to help, develop awareness and empathy for others through events the kids take part in to help raise money or provide supplies to their «sister» school in Haiti. We are also so appreciative of the after school care provided by Hilary 2 days a week. These options with the program have helped us manage our work schedules and choose such an exceptional preschool. When I tell people my daughter has music class, Spanish class and yoga as part of her weekly schedule they all want to attend too!

What a hidden gem we found on Capitol Hill! Great teachers, fun curriculum, and awesome families that make up the school. Our daughter loves the extras like field trips (dressing up to go the theater), piano lessons, and Spanish. We couldn’t be happier with this school.

Our son has only been at Illuminate for 1 year, but it has been an amazing year for him. He is always excited to go to school each day. He’s heading to kindergarten in the fall, and we feel that the teachers at Illuminate have prepared him for this. He attends the extra reading program one day a week and I think it will give him a head start for the upcoming year (we have a 1^st grader as well, and know what’s to come). This goes the same for math. But, it isn’t all academics, either. There is tons of music, play, silliness, and creativity. All of his teachers at Illuminate are always excited and ready to start the day with each child. I am amazed at their enthusiasm and smiles everyday. I think they truly, and genuinely make every one of the children feel like they are super special.

We feel very fortunate to have our son attending Illuminate Preschool under the care and guidance of Emelie, Hilary and Adriana. You cannot put a price tag on the level of confidence we feel dropping our son off every day where he is learning Spanish, taking piano lessons and enjoying yoga Fridays. Not only is he really learning and exploring the word at Illuminate — he has grown emotionally by leaps and bounds.
The teachers at Illuminate have supported our entire family from day one offering a shoulder to lean on and kind words when starting a new school was scary for both student and parents. They have also helped us navigate the many hurdles families of young children face — from separation anxiety to illness to behavioral challenges. You name it – they have been there to listen and offer expert guidance. I truly cannot say enough good things about this school and the amazing teachers.

My daughter has been going to this school for 2 years. She started off as a shy girl that wouldn’t talk to anyone. Through the excellent teachers at this school, she has slowly evolved into confident 3 year old that is talkative and open to meeting new people. The whole staff here has been an integral part of my daughters growth. Illuminate is awesome and I definitely plan to have my 1 year old go here when she is ready.