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June 2024 by LaTasha
I had high hopes for this preschool and I was so disappointed with the services provided. This is one of the only preschools that still opens at 5:30am for folks like me who have to do early drop offs. This facility and its staff have no idea how to work with young boys of color. More focus and training needs to be applied to the current population of little ones who are coming up through the time of covid, when we were mostly inside. Additionally, for children who may have a higher level of anxiety or overall high energy level, this is not the place for them. The director has no compassion and is more focused on quoting rules from a training manual than actually doing a thorough job. When I withdrew my children, one of the teachers followed me around as I ensured that we were not leaving anything behind. She acted as if she was "looking for something." I had no idea and no one told me that they had thrown all of my kids' things into trash bags and left them up front. Very disrespectful! For the cost of the tuition there....awful, just awful.
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May 2024 by K L
My husband and I have been with this daycare for years, and initially, we were thrilled with it. Our oldest child had a great experience in the Montessori program, so we were eager for our second child to have the same. However, recently, things have taken a turn. The atmosphere feels strained, with overwhelmed and exhausted staff. It's rare to catch a glimpse of my son's teacher, let alone have a conversation about his day and not to mention the lack of photos is disappointing; it's been over a month since we received any. Considering the rates, we expected a more organized and engaging environment.
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April 2024 by Monica Armendariz
If I could give six stars, I would. My son has been attending School of Merit Doc Stone for over a year now and I’ve been SO happy with the great communication, the staff, management, and the program overall! My 8 year old daughter attends the summer camp which was so organized and fun. The facility is very clean and safe. There is ALWAYS someone in the front desk monitoring the door and cameras. I love receiving updates and pictures throughout the day from the school app.
The teachers and staff make this place truly a wonderful place, especially Ms. Lauren and Ms. Robyn, they are AMAZING!! They are patient, loving and super engaging with the children. My son has learned so much since coming to Doc Stone and I’m confident he is more than ready for kindergarten. We will miss Doc Stone so much when we transitions.
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August 2023 by Ms Daniels
My kids were enrolled here for the past couple of years. Initially the school was amazing - the staff was very knowledgeable and attentive to the needs of the kids (whatever their needs were). With several changes in staff, however, the quality of care has gone down - it's not what it used to be. The daycare isn't terrible - there's just nothing imo that would set it apart from other daycares in the area, and now that the rates have gone up again people may be able to find a better daycare in the area at a better rate. If you have a child with special needs, however, I would NOT recommend sending your child to this daycare.
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June 2023 by rose ocean
My daughter started with them about 2 weeks ago. So my experience has been great. The director is amazing. She actually takes the time to talk to me when I have any questions.My daughter was in previous school where she would get hit and bit by her other children. The staff didn’t do anything about. I had to go back multiple times to ask what happened to her whenever I noticed a bruise.Switch has been the best decision I’ve made. My daughter seems more happy now. She’s actually playing with the other kids and being more interactive. Her teachers are great and amazing. They’re constantly in communication with me. They also interact with the kids very well. They teach, play with them. Also, they’re very attentive and supportive.My daughter feels more comfortable there and she is not being bullied anymore. If I had any doubts after dropping her off on the first day, I’ve felt a bit more at ease switching her.It has been a breath of fresh air. Definitely 100% would recommend them to any parents who’s looking for a good and caring school for their children
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February 2023 by B. Lanay
Interviewed with racist director today that acknowledged that weed was legal but because I smelled of it she could “not release my child to me.” Following up the statement with “You’re not even supposed to smoke in the car with your child.” - Which we have never done in our life. Terrible assumption gone wrong.
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February 2023 by Marquise Matthews
I Felt the director was a bit prejudice towards me and my family when she insinuated that I smoked around my kid, which I never have. I would never dream of returning or advising anyone to go here
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February 2023 by Brittany Kania
My husband and I moved to NOVA this past August. At first we were looking at other schools in the area until my coworker brought to my attention that the merit school was right here in the same building where I work. I am so happy he told me about the merit school. Our daughter stayed home with my husband until this past June and adjusting to a move and a school can be really tough. The staff have been nothing but supportive and attentive to her needs.I also recently had my second child and had some complications during my pregnancy that kept me from being able to lift my 3 year old out of the car. They did not hesitate to help me in the mornings and evenings to get her into and out of the car. They literally try to meet the needs of every family no matter what it is. I'm the type of person who hates to ask for help and will naturally feel guilty and I never got that feeling from them. They helped with open arms. They also care about how we are doing as parents.They also take the time to just chat with you and I think that's important to have in the place where your child is in school. Getting to know the teachers and directors and seeing them take the time to just banter with me helps me know my daughter is in thr right hands. I would not hesitate to recommend this school to anyone looking for a new program or moving to the area!
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February 2023 by Damarcus Mabery
Overall, my son had a nice time at this daycare. Can’t say the office and staff were overly welcoming though and it definitely feels like a franchise daycare. It didn’t seem like our son or any of the other kids were really building a strong connection with their teachers. My BIGGEST issue with this daycare is that I have been waiting for a refund for OVER TWO MONTHS. I am still owed $640 from overpaying the last two weeks. This issue has still not been resolved. I’ve called the daycare numerous times about this issue and keep getting the runaround. I’ve also called corporate to report this. Beware of overpaying as they will keep your money it seems…
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February 2023 by Dong Ma
We have been with the school since it was Minnieland Academy and now Merit School. After doing thorough research on day cares and schools for my own kids, I found that this is definitely one of the best and most trusted schools in Stafford. The director and deputy director of the school are just amazing. They are always patient, courteous, and going above and beyond to answer any questions that we may have. I especially appreciate the effort the current director is taking to celebrate diversity of cultures and emphasize transparency of communication, helping children understand the importance of DEI concepts and practices from the very beginning of their social lives. The director, deputy director, and most of the teachers that we know genuinely love the kids, pay attention to their growth, respect their individualities, encourage their talents, and celebrate their achievements on a daily basis. I have seen many children who would still come back to this school for summer camp or after care after their graduation. My child as one of them definitely loves to go back and visit, most importantly to receive the warm and welcoming hugs from their directors and teachers.
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February 2023 by Bruce Lowe
The staff at this location embodies a care definition not found in a dictionary because many words combine to create a new description. We feel like our little one has many aunts and overwhelming love here. There are so many staff members to mention staff (e.g., Ms. Jalen, Mrs. Kerren, Ms. Kaitlyn, Ms. Brittany, Ms. Robin, Ms. J, and Ms. Ashley), to name a few who have impacted, taught, cared for, and so much more each day for our child. Everyone in that building has cared for our child in the best way possible and continues to do so daily. As a parent, no one likes when your kid comes home sick, but the benefits received from this establishment are so beneficial, and the hard work it takes to teach and care for so many at once does not go unnoticed in our home. We miss you all on holidays but are glad you all have extra days off sometimes.Thank you all
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January 2023 by Lindsay Sagers
We LOVE Minnieland Academy at Doc Stone! Our youngest daughter has been attending Minnieland for almost 3 years now and we couldn't be more satisfied with our decision to bring her here. The center has been outstanding at navigating how to effectively run a safe and loving daycare especially during the pandemic. Our daughter loves going each day and is always thrilled to share the events of her day with us. We have recommended Minnieland Academy to many people looking for childcare they can trust and rely on.
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January 2023 by Martha Lowe
Our daughter has been going here since she was about 4 months (she's almost a year now). Everyone has been very friendly and all the kids, of all ages, seem happy to be there. I think when we first started they were struggling with leadership changes but the new director jumped right in and organized a lot so the rooms and administrative things run more smoothly now. I like that each baby has a weekly curriculum, they do painting crafts, she eats well for them, and has bonded with teachers and friends. We're very grateful to be somewhere where our daughter is thriving!
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August 2021 by Maryam P.
The director of the academy is a committed and responsible person and the academy is very clean and tidy.
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January 2020 by Marta LaCour
My 2 year old started daycare this Monday and everyone has been great! Happy to have found such a wonderful & caring daycare! We love Brittany and Jaylene!
