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May 2024 by Christina Vida
Our 4th grader and 2nd grader have been attending Skipwith at Forest Ave since they were 3 and 1. The lack of significant turnover in the staff has created an invested community culture and sense of belonging that extends to each family. The Director and Asst Director are excellent planners and communicators. The classroom teachers not only spark joy but also prepared both of our kids brilliantly for elementary school. The Montessori emphasis from the 2yo rooms and up gives each child a sense of agency while also giving them skills that translate. They were both reading well ahead of their kindergarten peers because of the basics taught at Skipwith. The summer camps are also innovative and educational. Our oldest quit napping well before his classmates and I loved how his teachers helped/allowed him to read during that necessary quiet time. The after school program for elementary students has provided structure and a creative outlet during what could otherwise be a dead time. The Hogwarts-esque building, expansive playgrounds, and pool also provide a lovely setting for games, gross motor development, and outdoor time! The fall festivals and spring family events are heartwarming experiences that keep families engaged in the Skipwith community. Thank you so much for being a critical part of the village that is helping our kids become amazing humans and respectful citizens.
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April 2024 by John-Scott Smith
The staff is top notch! From the Director (currently Michelle) down to the house keeping staff, everyone moves with purpose and pride to support the children in all aspects. The facility is also very unique and the historic home of Admiral Skipwith, hence the name and logo. It’s fun to go to school at “a castle” as my children call it!
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December 2022 by Lindsay .Overholser
I’ve had a great experience working at Skipwith at Forest! The staff are all welcoming and I’ve made fast friends. The management is some of the best I have ever experienced in a teaching setting, very supportive. I absolutely love working here!
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December 2018 by M Wright
I love this school - yes, staff turnover has been high in the past, but that is going to be at any daycare... what i can say about the staff that is there now is that they care deeply about our children. They encourage growth, and nourish creativity and curiosity. They do not push kids to go beyond their comfort zone, which is equally important. This school has been a true resource for my family - and my son gets so excited to go to Skipwith, Forest Ave. Thanks to everyone who works hard at that school!
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December 2017 by Liz Blake
My son thrives as Skipwith. It's been so exciting to watch him grow and learn and always come home with a smile. The staff is wonderful.
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December 2017 by Kimberly Lloyd
We love all the staff and care giving to our son at Skipwith Academy!
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December 2017 by Michael Freeman
Great teachers with amazing patience for toddlers and youngsters. Loved the experience!
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December 2017 by Tyrell Pierce
Love working with a wonderful group of families and teachers.
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December 2017 by Aubrey Granderson
We've had our 2 daughters at Skipwith for 2 years and we love it. The staff seem to care about the kids. The building and playground are beautiful, safe, and fun. The other families are friendly. But most importantly, our daughters have done so well there. Both our daughters have learned and developed in wonderful ways. Our younger, introverted daughter has come out of her shell since being at Skipwith (this was an issue before she started there). We think the staff has done a great job of meeting our girls where they are, rather than trying to fit them in a box (which we've seen at other places).With all that said, the staff has got to work on the communication. It's gone down hill in the 2 years we've been there and is now spotty at best.
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December 2017 by Steve Schneider
My daughter has attended Skipwith Academy for over 5 years now. In two weeks she starts Kindergarten and I know she will miss the school terribly. Wonderful teachers and staff have developed my daughter for her next chapter in life. Highly recommend.
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December 2017 by K S
We have been very pleased with the level of care and education our children are receiving at Skipwith Academy. We currently have a 3 year old and a 5 year old - the younger is in the all day program while the older gets picked up from tuckahoe elementary and bused to Skipwith for the afternoon (a nice perk offered by Skipwith). Skipwith offers a great value for the services provided. When we lived near Innsbrook, we paid another daycare facility slightly higher weekly rates. Prior to enrolling the kids at Skipwith, we also utilized an at home nanny for over 12 months but paid more & received less hours of care. Skipwith Academy has great hours (sometimes I drop my son off before 7AM and don't pick up the kids until after 6PM). We also have the opportunity to opt the kids into additional on-site enrichment programs (sports & dance). The staff is great & the location is convenient for those in the "near west end". I also believe the kids follow a good curriculum and are fed well. The staff seem to genuinely care for the kids. I confidently recommend this facility.
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December 2017 by S. Y.
I wrote this review long after my kid was transfer to another daycare. My daughter was 4mo old when she stayed there. During her stay, she will come home with new scratch marks on her face, arms and legs on daily basis. I could tell she was miserable during her stay in the infant room. She can't walk or even crawl when she was at 4mo old so most of time she was strapped into a chair. And she would get anxious and cry, when nobody go pick her up she will start to scratch herself. I brought gloves to prevent her from scratching but throughout the day teachers will remove them (since the gloves will be soaking wet, I don't have problem with that) I will have an issue when teachers wasn't pay enough attention and she come home day after day with new marks on her. I transfer her as quickly as possible without telling daycare director much of the reason. (If teachers are overworked me telling won't make things better). The main purpose for me to write this review is to remind new parents - pay attention to your baby's signs, especially the ones that can't speak yet. Every baby is different if you find skipwith works for your kids good for you, no parent should have my experiences. I am happily to say that now, my baby has perfectly smooth skin and she is happy and learning at somewhere else.
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December 2017 by Jesus Saves
Great primary school. My child has improved in his speech, writing, and reading. The staff and teachers are very friendly and hospitable. All around great environment for children!!
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December 2017 by Lee Boisseau
My grandson has loved Skipwith Academy for the last 2 years and is currently enjoying Camp! The staff there is just like family, and the playground and pool are fantastic.
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December 2017 by Amanda Carlton
I have two children and have utilized different preschools in the Richmond area. Skipwith Academy has the friendliest most flexible staff and my daughter loves it.
