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September 2024 by Marta Melander
Our family has been with New Horizon in Ramsey for almost 3 years. We have enjoyed our experience, the open communication, and the ability to witness their teaching through our son’s growth. We have loved getting to know the staff and to see our son’s trust in them.
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August 2024 by Andrew Benson
It's unfortunate that I have to write this review after 2 years with New Horizon.
We were lead to believe that our son, although some challenges and an IEP, was thriving at this school. shortly after discussing going to part time due to public school programs he'd be attending, we got a concerning email from the assistant director. We immediately tried to reach both managers who were unreachable, and no teacher available could validate the email.
Fanessa later identified that the email was a complete exasperation, and that our son just wanted another kids toy (as 3 year old kid still learning boundaries, very common). It was an overreaction from a parent and teacher. It was also recognized that the teacher assignment in that classroom had been miss-managed within the last few weeks causing disruptions. Regardless, we took the accusation seriously, and immediately began redirecting our son and teaching 'sharing' strategies, identifying how we can incorporate this teaching better outside of school, we were also working, or so we thought, with the staff/management to adopt strategies. We offered constant communication, engagement, and to come observe behaviors to come up with a solution, something myself and my wife - with 15 years in childcare education herself - encourages any parent to do.
Two weeks later (7/12), I encountered a similar incident myself while we attempted to practice sharing in the classroom, pushing further for us to identify cause as our son had grabbed another student by the shirt because he was hyper-focused on a toy, keep in mind no one was hurt. Again, we continued to work with teachers and management and they wrote up an ICCPP plan to address concerns. We talked about connecting in two weeks with their behavioral specialist (who we've never met before) to talk strategies (nothing at this point close to kicking him out). The following week was presented with better results. or so we thought, based on only positive feedback with the teachers and the director/assistant director. We were presented again with non-factual information time and again. This lead up to 7/19 when I got a call. Our son was not napping, was not laying down, and running around jumping on cots. They called, and we promptly came to pick him up 15 minutes of being notified (as agreed upon in ICCPP). We communicated that I would come in to see the interaction happening during that time of day the following Monday (this was the first phone call ever to picked up for any misbehavior in 2 years). I came in and observed him on 07/22 and watched as he was running around the classroom playing with another kid until the teacher started to redirect them. Our son did have some initial challenges staying on his cot, but after some assistance from another teacher/myself helping, he was on his cot, and sleeping within 20 minutes.
Later that evening, we had a meeting with Fanessa who is the director and Angie who is the Behavioral Specialist from their corporate office. They stated that some verbiage was changed in the ICCPP. Ultimately they decided to terminate our relationship due to 'risk' of our son and other students safety, but insisted he could stay a remaining two weeks (If my kid is really a safety risk, why would you allow this?)
No willingness to work with us, minimum hindsight into the situation so we could work/partner to correct the behavior. Fanessa also told us they were never allowed to put anything negative happening with any kids into their app which comments are only viewable by the direct parents and staff, which did not make sense, the teachers were instructed by the management to never give negative feedback to parents, only that student had a 'good day'. We only ever got 1 email, and 1 phone call.
IMHO, it seems the director and assistant are not suitable if they cannot communicate effectively. I'd also evaluate the behavioral specialist as they had not seen
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August 2024 by Logan Sargent
After having our child enrolled for over 2 years, I strongly advise parents to seek alternative care elsewhere, as we’ve become increasingly dissatisfied and seen a significant decline in the quality of staff and childcare under the director’s management. The director simply does not give the impression she is genuinely receptive to parent issues; Our concerns, along with those of other parents, specifically in the preschool program, have been dismissed with minimal, if any follow-up, communication and/or action. The center consistently fails to handle children with behavioral challenges appropriately, often providing excuses, resulting in the harm to other children at times, which have been witnessed on several occasions, and brought to management’s attention. I've also witnessed staff yelling at and inappropriately handling children as young as 2.5 years old, being told “I can’t deal with you today”, often needing additional support from teachers in other classrooms from their consistent frustration within their classroom. Multiple staff members, past and present, have shared their own concerns about the director with us along with other instances that have happened outside of our own experience, and being told things like “we know how she gets with unhappy parents”, all of which is unsettling and ultimately led our decision to leave this poorly managed center. Furthermore, since leaving, we discovered the director falsified our reason for withdrawing our child to New Horizon, claiming it was due to a decision to stay home, rather than our dissatisfaction with her management, and having to find adequate care elsewhere. This appears to be an attempt to avoid a negative outlook on herself as there was zero inquiry from her to learn why we were leaving the center at all. We have since been contacted by other parents who still have children enrolled and are also seeking alternative options, due to mirroring frustrations. In the matter of three weeks, this center lost our toddler, two other family’s (both with a toddler and infant), and a staff member has transferred centers due to the differences with director who also had a child enrolled. I strongly encourage parents to connect with one another so you can collectively communicate each other’s experience and any potential concerns that arise – had we not connected with other parents, none of us would understand the extent of the frustrations and our concerns could have easily remained unheard. Lastly, I’d like to call out that a majority of these reviews on google are from actual staff members, not just other parents, from the director soliciting positive reviews to offset the negative ones they received, making some of these ingenuine and irrelevant.
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March 2024 by Christi Cardinal
Will share more later about experience here. So far 1/10.
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December 2023 by Nicole Johnson
We have truly enjoyed our experience at New Horizon Academy! My daughter, who is two, started this fall and this is her first daycare experience. The director and teachers have done everything to make sure she has been comfortable and happy in her class. From day one, she was greeted by name and with a smile. She absolutely loves her teachers and looks forward to going. Sometimes, I don't think she wants to leave! I love the diverse and healthy food menu, the activities they do each day, the learning experience, and the cleanliness of the facility. They make holidays special and had Santa come in and visit the kids, and even have a Halloween parade for parents (with take-home meal for kids on a busy night!) I feel that the staff goes above and beyond to make it a wonderful experience for the kids and their families.
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December 2023 by Heather McDonald
I'm very happy with the care my boys get at New Horizon in Ramsey! I trust the kind, caring teachers and my little guys always have a great day. Their curriculum is excellent, they get healthy food, and I love the extra fun days like water days, bounce house days, the visit from the Raptor Center, or the Santa visit. Thank you New Horizon!
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December 2023 by Haley Oster
My daughter has been attending here since she was 6 weeks old, and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of care provided. She has learned so much in her two years, and loves going to see her teachers everyday! I wouldn’t trust to leave her anywhere else!
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December 2023 by Anna Hoveland
We have had a great experience here the past 4 years and really like the teachers. My son likes his teachers so much that he has drawn pictures for them at home to bring in for them, since they truly care about the kids in their classroom and build connections.
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December 2023 by Nicole Sargent
This is specific to Ramsey New Horizon - although New Horizon itself is large and expands around the country, this specific location is also what keeps us around, not just any New Horizon. Honestly mean it when I say the work these staff and teachers put into each day does not go unnoticed. I am an ANXIOUS PARENT, and I always do my research/due diligence before placing my child in any setting or program, and although this is an overwhelming, high demand job/industry - I feel comfortable voicing any concerns or frustrations that might arise (which I definitely do and have been pleased with how situations are handled or the responses I am given) - I have friends and family who work in childcare or even run other centers and still choose to remain here because I do trust them and appreciate/respect the bond each teacher has with the kids. - I am completely satisfied with my childs' development and the curriculum the center provides (seriously my Husband and I will always know when he learned something new, which is often, because it's evident they have effective teaching methods and engagement techniques) - not every teacher or classroom is the same, and there is not one personality that is the same as the next, but that is no different than parents and families being different or unlike one another, so although I am not a fly on the wall; I see awareness, inclusivity, diversity, care and dedication to both the children, families and staff. Thank you to past, present, and also to future staff/teachers we have yet to know/meet. You spend more time with these children during the week than most others do, you are an integral part of not just the kiddos day but also the parents, and your effort and awareness is valued.
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December 2023 by Lindsay Czyson
This child center is amazing! The staff is very knowledgeable about children! They truly care about the kids in the building and take the time to build relationships with their families as well. I would recommend this child center over and over again!
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December 2023 by Samantha Larson
I recommend this center to any families that have children and are looking for an amazing center. Teachers focus on the kids needs, learning abilities & have fun with their kids. Best center to be at!
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December 2023 by May Dekoster
Staff is easily overwhelmed by children, takes a disciplinary approach to kids rather than problem solving. Staff in general is emotionally unequipped to CARE about kids, they like the payments though. Steer clear!!!!
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June 2023 by Marit Woulfe
Love all the staff, and the facility. Weird narrow hallway, but fantastic rooms for all the kids. Great lessons and learnings, play based learnings! Love this place!
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January 2023 by Anthony Mork
My wife and I have been thoroughly impressed with our experience at New Horizon Academy in Ramsey. We were nervous to start at a daycare with our son in the first place. The staff was very welcoming and professional. Management is very punctual and put genuine care into taking care of any issues that you need to get handled in a timely manner. They do a great job keeping the facility clean and comfortable for the children and all visitors. They have an excellent app for you to keep track of what is going on with our child throughout the day and send photos, which we love! The staff has always treated us with the utmost respect, and they treat us like family when we pick up and drop off our son. If you are looking for a safe and respectful place to bring your child, look no further! You will not regret your decision to go with New Horizon in Ramsy.
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July 2022 by Kai & Becca Hauglid
As first time parents in the midst of the pandemic, we were nervous to send our 11-month old son to daycare for the first time. We cautiously interviewed a handful of centers and in-home daycares. What sold us on New Horizon were the inclusive and diverse community, the high standards in response to COVID-19, and the comprehensive curriculum. Now, after a month at this center we are certain we made the right choice!The teachers are all incredibly kind and organized, maintaining a safe, warm, welcoming atmosphere. The kids are given personalized learning targets and taught sign language, math and science, and arts even in the infant stage! As a K-12 teacher myself I am so impressed with this early childhood program.We also love the photos and updates we receive throughout the day in the ProCare app. We get to see what, when, and how much our son eats, when he has diaper changes, and photos of him playing with his friends or enjoying sensory activities. We can also message his teachers back and forth throughout the day if needed.With all of that said, what brought me to write a review was the *magical* moment I witnessed yesterday when picking up my son. Somehow Ms. Lindsay had coaxed our son to sleep on a cot, alongside two other toddlers each on their own cots. Lullaby music was playing and the lights were dim, with three kids fast asleep and one baby in her arms being quietly fed. I was amazed. I have a hard time getting my son to sleep on my own, and am in awe of the calm and beautiful nap time my son gets to experience here at New Horizon.I absolutely recommend this childcare center. It features highly qualified, skillful, nurturing staff, along with immaculately clean facilities, and above-par systems in place to communicate with parents and to keep our children safe. We love it here!
