We couldn’t have asked for a better daycare experience for our child. This daycare strikes a rare balance between nurturing essential early skills—like communication, independence, and problem-solving—while keeping learning joyful and engaging. What truly sets it apart is the emphasis on nature and creativity. The children spend meaningful time outdoors, exploring, observing, and connecting with the natural world, which has made a noticeable impact on our child’s curiosity and confidence. Inside, there’s a strong focus on imaginative play, art, and self-expression, allowing each child’s personality to shine. The teachers are warm, attentive, and deeply committed to each child’s growth. It’s clear they care not just about preparing kids academically, but about helping them become thoughtful, creative, and resilient individuals. Thank you so much Eliana and Lucy for all your efforts and dedication!

We enrolled our son in the February break program at Great Pines First School, and the experience genuinely exceeded our expectations. From the moment you walk in, the environment feels calm, intentional, and deeply respectful of childhood. The space is beautifully prepared with natural materials, soft organization, and thoughtful design that immediately signals this is not a typical high-energy daycare setting, but a place where children are truly seen and understood. What stood out most to us was the philosophy in action. The school is clearly grounded in play-based, curiosity-driven learning, where exploration and imagination are not just encouraged but central to the day. You can feel that learning here is not rushed or overly structured, but unfolds naturally through experience, which aligns strongly with their stated values around curiosity, nature, and care. The teachers bring a rare combination of warmth and deep expertise. It is evident that they observe children closely and respond thoughtfully, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Our son felt comfortable very quickly, which for us is the ultimate measure of quality. He came home calm, engaged, and happy, often talking about what he explored rather than what he was “taught.” Another aspect we appreciated is the small, intimate setting. It creates a sense of community where children are known individually, not just managed as a group. There is a noticeable emphasis on relationships, both between teachers and children and among the children themselves. That sense of belonging is hard to find and incredibly valuable. The integration of nature and outdoor play is also meaningful. It is not an afterthought, but part of the rhythm of the day, helping children stay grounded and connected. Overall, Great Pines feels less like a traditional school and more like a carefully curated environment for early childhood development, where emotional, social, and cognitive growth are all treated with equal importance. It is a place that respects childhood :) - we loved it! We would highly recommend it to any family looking for a thoughtful, high-quality early learning environment.