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January 2025 by Amanda Klotz
This place is a dump.
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September 2024 by Rita Oliva
Smart Start is a hidden gem for the Westchase area and has been a lifesaver for my family. All three of my kids have been in smart start at some point (afterschool, daycare and summer camp), and I’ve been happy with the experience for all of them. I love that their afterschool program picks up at Deer Park, and my son’s afterschool teacher Ms. Jacque always made sure to help him get his homework done (a massive help) and treated all the kids with love and care. My youngest daughter has been in several classes as she moves into different age groups and each teacher has been great. There’s been very little turnover, but anytime a teacher is leaving they always take care to communicate things and allow time for the kids to transition to the new teacher. A couple of other things:
- they use an app to keep us in the loop and the director sees the messages and chimes in when needed.
- anytime I’ve called someone answers and is able to address my question.
- they offer several extracurricular programs (soccer, dance, Spanish)
- they have an excellent summer camp program which includes lunch and 2-3 field trips a week!
- meals are included! One less thing to think about each morning!
No school is perfect, but smart start has been perfect for us!
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August 2024 by Akhila Sharath
I am happy to give Smart Start prep a well-deserved 5-star review! My daughter attended her preschool and vpk program here and I can confidently say that it was a truly transformative experience for her.
The teachers and administrators genuinely care for each child, recognizing and nurturing their unique strengths, interests, and talents.
The curriculum is engaging, age-appropriate, and skillfully designed to foster a love of learning, creativity, and exploration. The facilities are modern, clean, and safe, providing an ideal environment for growth and development.
What impresses me most is the school's ability to strike a perfect balance between academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and playful discovery. My daughter blossomed into a confident, curious, and compassionate individual, and I attribute this success largely to the school's exceptional education and care.
I wholeheartedly recommend Smart Start Prep to any family seeking a nurturing, stimulating, and supportive community for their child. It is truly a special place that will leave a lasting impact on young lives.
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May 2024 by tina jose
Our son attended Smart start for three years before starting kindergarten, and we couldn’t have been happier with our experience. I toured three other local schools prior to choosing this school. From the moment we walked in, it felt like a second home. The teachers are incredibly caring and dedicated, treating each child with love and respect. They truly go above and beyond to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy, and eager to learn.The sense of community at smart start is like no other. The staff works together seamlessly, creating a family-like atmosphere. We always felt confident that he was in good hands, surrounded by people who genuinely cared about his well-being and development.We highly recommend Smart start to any parents looking for a loving, supportive, and enriching environment for their child.
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May 2024 by Beejal Thakore
Both my kids attended Smart Start! I cannot say enough good things about the teachers and staff. Many have been there for decades and truly love teaching and nurturing the children. Smart Start embodies what you look for when you place your children in someone else's care: they are nurturing, keep your kids safe and provide an enriching environment to let your kids thrive. With so many options for childcare in the area, I whole heartedly recommend Smart Start as it was the best place for my kids to be their best!
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May 2024 by Kalrav Shah
My daughter loves going here for last 1 year. She learned a lot since coming here. They have lots of events thru out the year.
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May 2024 by Kelli Kish
Teachers care tremendously about each child and there is low teacher turnover because of the strong community the staff has built. I would recommend this as a great place for family’s childcare needs.
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May 2024 by The Woodford's
I don’t think there are words to express how incredible this place has been to and for my daughter. Starting here at age 1 and now graduating VPK! From the teachers to the directors they all know and LOVE your child. They are so caring and the children know it. So sad to leave, but know summer camps are an option now. Huge place in our hearts. If you want your child to THRIVE and not just SURVIVE you’ve found your match.
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May 2024 by Aleseya Pinkney
I recommend Smart Start Pre-Prep to anyone looking for child care. My 10-year-old son has attended the preschool since he was 12-weeks-old and I have no complaints. All of the employees are loving and caring to the children - which is exactly what I was looking for. With the added benefit of a challenging, age-appropriate curriculum, we were absolutely spoiled!From the anxiety I experienced on his first day in their care to the confusing stages of growth, the teachers and office staff provided the comfort and guidance needed to foster confidence in my child and myself as a parent. Unsurprisingly, I have met at least 10 teachers who were previous students or parents of the school who returned because of the positive environment. Clearly, their method of hiring the right people and keeping everyone happy works well! While my son has always felt Smart Start was fun, he especially loves their special events: dance class, soccer practice, Spanish class, Jack Hartman concert, field trips, food experiences, trunk-or-treat, science experiments, recitals, art projects, puppet shows, and more than I could remember while writing this review!Our saga with the school is sadly coming to an end, as my son will be entering middle school after the summer break. Similar to the day that I passed my infant into his new teacher’s arms, my heart is torn as we approach the day that we have to say our goodbyes. To the second home that provided a warm environment to my son and his best friends for a decade; recorded his first steps for me; taught him the primary skills necessary for elementary school; assisted with difficult homework questions; and showed him how to be a good person overall: We love and appreciate you!!!
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May 2024 by Erica DeWalt
Smart Start has such caring teachers. I've trusted them with all 4 of my kids. They make you feel like family.
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May 2024 by Dawn Lynch
There aren’t enough stars ⭐️ My son has been going to this school since he was one years old. He is now 2.5. My 5 year old also attends during summer and other school breaks . Both of my kids love coming here and adjusted so quickly to all of the students and staff. The staff is like a big family and so inviting to not only the students but their families as well. They are informative and keep in good contact with the parents . They love all of their students and families and it shows in their everyday interactions with everyone. They take the time to form a relationship with each and every student and family member and give each student the tools they need for success in learning. They have a fun , enriching curriculum and I enjoy all the things we get sent home regularly but especially holidays.There is so much more to offer at this school than just “child care”. They have sports, dance, bi-lingual club, piano lessons a game room, tons of fun field trips over summer and I’m sure other things I’m forgetting to mention. This is an amazing place to bring your kids ! I drive 30 minutes here because our kids love them so much. If you’re looking for a school for any age definitely take the time to tour this one !
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May 2024 by Joey Dryer
I wanted to write my own review of this horrible facility. My daughter is finishing kindergarten this year, but last year, we put her in this facility. It seemed nice when we toured it, but as it turned out, all was not as it seemed. It was oddly quiet when we toured. It was also oddly quiet when we picked our daughter up. Well, we came to find out that the "teacher" yelled at our daughter for talking...during playtime. They were all made to look at books in silence. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL? We pulled her out of there immediately. These are 4-5 year old children, and you treat them like PRISONERS. How dare you. We put our daughter in Primrose Oldsmar, and it was fantastic. Stay away from these psychopaths.
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May 2024 by jackson1012o9 muallim
I toured the school 5/17/24 and he started 5/20/24. My son has some behavioral issues that the school was well informed about prior to him starting. They advised me not worry, they will work us no problem. I gave up a spot at a different daycare because I choose this school, as I thought It would've been a better fit. My son was at their school not even a full hour and they called telling me to come pick him up because they cant deal with this kind of behavior and didn't have the time to give him a little one on one attention. Keep in mind they were fully aware of his behavior issues and told me not to worry they'd be more then willing to workwith us. This school is a joke!! If your son or daughter has ANY BEHAVIOR issue I'd recommend a different school who has the time to deal with your child. Not to mention the staff was rude and very unfriendly. Not even a good morning or a smile.
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December 2023 by Anna M
Loving and caring atmosphere created by loving and caring teachers and staff, nice and rich development programs and always a good time for my daughter since her 1yo and piece of mind for me. The best daycare experience possible, highly recommended.
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September 2023 by Graceann Dotolo
Smart Start Pre-Prep is an Amazing School. My daughter attended 20 years ago from pre-school starting at 2-1/2 years old through after-care until she was 12 years old. Now my Granddaughter attends; she is almost 3 years old. The school still has the same owner, and many of the teachers are still there from when my daughter attended. The low-turnover in staff speaks volumes. The school is impeccably run, and every aspect of the day is thought through with great detail. The staff is picked with great care, as everyone is truly a family (staff, children, & families). The staff knows every child’s name, and go out of their way to make each child, and family feel special. They are warm and friendly, and truly love and care for all of the children. I have been Blessed to have this school in my life, and have complete confidence that when I drop off my granddaughter, I know she is in great hands, is safe, learning, and truly thriving in the atmosphere.
