Safety0
Curriculum8.5
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready7.5
Teachers9
Compassion9
Mgmt8
Culture8.5
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
- Teachers have long-standing tenures and are deeply dedicated to the community
- Strong Montessori environment with self-paced learning for individual children
- Caring, patient, and kind staff who know children personally
- Small community feel — parents describe it as family-like, not just a school
- Christian values integrated with Montessori method
- Serves infants from 6 weeks through kindergarten age
- Founded 1995; AMS-affiliated with 30 years of service
Considerations
What parents say
“We love the CMSLN community. Both 5yo and 3yo go here. The teachers have long-standing tenures with the school and are dedicated to the community. My children are thriving here; learning life skills, learning at their own pace, exploring. The Montessori environment is great and this small community feel school is the perfect place.”
“This school is wonderful. The staff, the admin, and the parents care about the kids' success and growth above all else.”
“The teachers we have had are so caring, patient, kind and dedicated. It feels like they truly care about your kids, their feelings and getting to know them personally.”
2
8.0/ 10
Safety8
Curriculum9
Art/Music7
Infant care8
K-ready8
Teachers8
Compassion9
Mgmt8
Culture9
Class sizes6
Extracurriculars8
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Lake Norman is a family-owned, NC 5-Star and AdvancED-accredited childcare center in Huntersville serving children 6 weeks through age 12. Its STEAM-forward curriculum, live-stream parent cameras, and all-inclusive tuition model set it apart, while its large 268-child capacity and glowing parent testimonials reflect a well-regarded community institution near Lake Norman.
Strengths
- NC 5-Star licensed — highest state quality tier
- AdvancED nationally accredited program
- STEAM curriculum with ABCmouse integrated classroom technology
- Large 17,000 sq ft facility with 11 classrooms and dedicated activity gym
- Four separate age-grouped outdoor play areas
- Live-stream cameras allow parents to check in remotely
- All-inclusive tuition model with no hidden fees
- Family-owned and locally operated with consistent, caring staff
- Serves full age range from 6 weeks through age 12
Considerations
- Capacity of 268 is large — may feel less intimate than smaller centers
- Minor licensing violations noted in 2022–2023 inspections (outlet covers, documentation)
- Limited publicly available Google/Yelp review data to assess community consensus
What parents say
“WOW! If my husband and I could give Kids 'R' Kids of Lake Norman more than 5 stars, we would.”
“Our experience with Kids r Kids has been fantastic. There is constant communication with all of the teachers and staff.”
“I wish we found Kids R Kids sooner!! My son is in the transitional kindergarten program and has learned SO much.”
Safety8
Curriculum8
Art/Music7
Infant care8
K-ready8
Teachers8
Compassion9
Mgmt7
Culture8
Class sizes7
Extracurriculars8
The Goddard School of Huntersville is a Cognia-accredited franchise preschool at 9534 Kincey Ave serving infants through Pre-K with 134-child capacity and a 4.6 Google rating from 88 reviewers. Parents consistently praise the nurturing teachers, Tadpole communication app, and enrichment extras like STEAM/robotics and yoga, though its 3-star DCDEE license and a 2024 inspection with staffing and maintenance citations are worth noting.
Strengths
- 4.6 Google rating across 88 reviews with consistent praise for teachers and staff
- Cognia Accredited with Merit — one of the few Huntersville centers with external accreditation
- Full-spectrum programs from infants (6 weeks) through Pre-K (4-5 years)
- On-site cook with full kitchen; STEAM lab with robotics and computer learning
- Daily parent updates with photos via Tadpole app
- Yoga, mindfulness, engineering, and art history enrichment included
Considerations
- Only 3-star DCDEE license (not 4 or 5 stars)
- February 2024 inspection noted staffing certification gaps and facility maintenance issues (peeling paint)
- Some parent complaints about undisclosed registration fees and contract changes
- Yelp presence is thin (only 3 reviews)
- No Childcare Network franchise in this zip — this is the best available alternative
What parents say
“The teachers are wonderful and clearly care about their students. The school communicates effectively and efficiently to the parents as well.”
“All of his teachers and the staff are incredibly supportive and nurturing! We are so happy we went with Goddard.”
“Very structured agenda which allows my child to learn and develop.”
Safety7.5
Curriculum8.5
Art/Music0
Infant care8.5
K-ready7.5
Teachers8
Compassion8.5
Mgmt6.5
Culture7.5
Class sizes6
Extracurriculars7
Strengths
- NAC accredited with proprietary Seedlings curriculum and STREAM integration
- Infant care starting at 6 weeks with attentive caregivers praised by parents
- Live ParentView camera access and daily parent app updates with photos and videos
- Facial recognition secure entry; all staff CPR/First Aid certified
- Multilingual vocabulary (English, Spanish, sign language) integrated into weekly themes
- Pre-K through summer camp program breadth serving ages 6 weeks through 12 years
Considerations
- NC DHHS 1-Star license rating (lowest tier); inspections in Nov-Dec 2023 cited violations including expired medications, missing staff health documentation, incomplete training records, and missing fire inspection certification
- Does not participate in subsidized child care programs
- Employee reviews note concerns about favoritism and inconsistent management practices
What parents say
“We've had such a wonderful experience with Lightbridge Academy! My child absolutely loves going every day and feels right at home. The teachers are not only warm and caring but also incredibly knowledgeable, which gives me such peace of mind. The environment is welcoming, friendly, and truly nurturing — it's clear they put so much thought into making it a positive place for children to grow and learn. I'm so grateful for the love, attention, and education my child receives here.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things after LightBridge Academy. Our baby was in the young infants room at 4 months old.”
“The teachers genuinely know and care about my kids. That level of attention gives me so much peace of mind. They have a great balance of learning and play, and I've seen so much growth in their communication and skills.”
Safety7.5
Curriculum8
Art/Music0
Infant care7.5
K-ready7.5
Teachers8
Compassion8.5
Mgmt6.5
Culture7.5
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6.5
Strengths
- NC 5-Star licensed facility with strong curriculum (STEAM AHEAD, ABCmouse, Brain Development)
- Teachers praised as warm, nurturing, and professional across multiple reviews
- Infant care from 6 weeks with very positive parent experiences
- Transitional kindergarten program earns high praise for learning outcomes
- Strong sense of community — parents describe it as a warm, loving family environment
- Security features: code entry, age-separated play areas, live-stream cameras for parents
Considerations
- Employee reviews on Indeed flag management inconsistencies and unmet benefit promises
- Staff turnover and pay concerns noted in employee reviews (Indeed, 2023-2025)
What parents say
“We can't say enough about KRK! Our son started there when he was 13 weeks old, and it has been such a great experience.”
“WOW! If my husband and I could give Kids 'R' Kids of Lake Norman more than 5 stars, we would.”
“Our experience with Kids r Kids has been fantastic. There is constant communication with all of the teachers and staff.”
Safety0
Curriculum6.5
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready7.5
Teachers8.5
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
- Strong kindergarten readiness outcomes — 100% of Pre-K children assessed demonstrated Advanced Readiness for Kindergarten in 2024
- Highly praised individual teachers, especially long-tenured staff (Ms. Jen Christenbury, 18+ years, NC Teacher of the Year)
- Management described as accommodating and responsive
- Well-organized, nurturing environment
- Creates excitement in children to attend school daily
Considerations
- Inspection citations in March 2024 for peeling paint, missing employment applications, and incomplete staff training documentation
- No Yelp or Google rating directly confirmed (both blocked); cadence-education.com self-reports 4.5/5 based on 100 reviews
What parents say
“Ms Jen … is amazing! She shows such compassion, yet also teaches them self-reliance, respect, and discipline. She celebrates their victories and helps with their challenges. My daughter is very ready (if not overly) for kindergarten, and I have to give Ms Jen the credit for that!”
“I am so grateful for Ms. Jen, I know she is pouring love and positivity into my son and every other child, I hear things like "Ms. Jen is so proud of me", "Ms. Jen told me I can do anything", "Ms. Jen makes me happy", all the time. Ms. Jen creates an environment that kids want to be in and want to learn in. My son is so excited every day to go to school and as a parent I couldn't ask for more.”
“We couldn't be happier with this daycare! Our son started three weeks ago, and we absolutely love it so far. The school is very well organized, the teachers are kind, loving, and truly caring, and the management team has been incredibly accommodating and responsive. As a parent, one of the most important things to me is low teacher turnover because consistency really matters for little ones. We've only been here a short time, so I can't fully speak to that yet, but our experience so far has been very positive. We're so grateful we found this school and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nurturing and well-run environment for their child!”
Safety5.5
Curriculum8
Art/Music6
Infant care7
K-ready8.5
Teachers8
Compassion8.5
Mgmt7.5
Culture8
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6.5
Strengths
- Strong kindergarten readiness — multiple parents credit TLE with children being 'beyond ready' for kindergarten
- Experienced, long-tenured leadership: Director Christina Helms (25+ years early childhood experience, 8.5 years at TLE) and Assistant Director Pamela Norman (30 years experience)
- Proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum emphasizing academic, social, and cognitive learning through hands-on activities
- Enrichment programs including sign language, music, STEM, and art
- Secure entry, background-checked staff, daily parent updates via app
- Infant care from 6 weeks; serves ages 6 weeks through 5 years
- High Facebook recommendation rate (96% recommend, 36 reviews)
- Staff praised for emotional warmth and going above and beyond for families in transition
Considerations
- 1-star NC DHHS star rating (state quality rating, not parent satisfaction)
- Two 1-star Yelp reviews: one citing poorly organized graduation ceremony (insufficient seating, sun glare, no knife for cake); one raising concerns about weekly reports with misspelled words and pickup security procedures
- Capacity of 178 children — large center, which may affect individual attention
- Google rating could not be verified through available sources
What parents say
“The quality of education in both academics and emotional intelligence taught at TLE Huntersville is second to none. I dropped him off today with so much confidence because I knew he was beyond ready for this next big step and I attribute that readiness nearly entirely to the staff and faculty of TLE Huntersville.”
“TLE in Huntersville, NC, lead by the dynamic (children-loving) duo of (director) Miss Christina, and the equally caring, Miss Pam, left our grandson, Alex, with such a positive attitude about”
“I would like to start off by saying, I am a working mother. My daughter has been in care since she was an infant. We relocated to NC and I choose the wrong daycare ( not to be named) Quickly”
Safety6.5
Curriculum0
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready0
Teachers8
Compassion8
Mgmt6.5
Culture7.5
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars7
Strengths
Considerations
What parents say
“My grandson attends ChildTime and I absolutely love it! Our experience has been amazing! I love that you can watch your scholar at anytime with their live-streaming. The staff is amazing and the leadership team welcomes ideas and feedback from parents. This daycare is amazing!!!”
“Teachers and staff are amazing and friendly cameras were amazing. I love the app that they have safe, fun environment for my child.”
“My child has been coming to this place for a little less than a year, and I could say that it has been a great experience ! The staff are amazing , they communicate very well, they love the kids like their own, I was a bit nervous knowing that I was leaving my child in a facility at first but the team eased my concerns, I have access to see her whenever throughout the day, they give me updates on the foods she eats, activity time, nap time, even every diaper change. This isn't a place where they just 'watch your kids'”
Safety7
Curriculum7
Art/Music6
Infant care7
K-ready7
Teachers7
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture7
Class sizes6
Extracurriculars7
Statesville KinderCare at 12700 Statesville Rd is a 4-star DCDEE-licensed center serving infants through school-age children with a licensed capacity of 199. As a nationally accredited KinderCare location and NC Smart Start Pre-K partner, it offers structured early education and subsidized enrollment options, with parents consistently highlighting the caring, professional staff and strong developmental support for children from infancy onward.
Strengths
- 4-star DCDEE license — highest common tier for NC childcare centers
- Large capacity (199 children) with full-spectrum care from infants (6 weeks) through age 12
- Participates in NC Smart Start Pre-K subsidized program for 4-year-olds
- Nationally accredited KinderCare program with established curriculum and consistent teacher training
- Subsidized childcare slots available for income-qualifying families
- Parents praise warm, emotionally supportive staff and strong child development outcomes
Considerations
- Google and Yelp review counts not publicly aggregated in searchable indexes — ratings unverified
- Large center (199 capacity) may feel less intimate than smaller boutique programs
- Hours (7 AM–6 PM) may be tight for parents with early or late work schedules
- No on-site STEAM lab or specialty enrichment programs noted in public materials
What parents say
“My wife and I truly love the Statesville KinderCare. Our son has attended since he was 6 months old and we have seen his growth both physically and emotionally through the love and support of the staff. It is a diverse group of students and staff, with a professional group of educators that the students truly adore!”
“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives.”
10
6.9/ 10
Safety7
Curriculum7
Art/Music6
Infant care7
K-ready7
Teachers7
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture7
Class sizes6
Extracurriculars7
Sunshine House Early Learning Academy in Huntersville is a 4-star DCDEE-licensed center at 14420 Reese Blvd serving children 6 weeks through 12 years with 165-child capacity. Parents consistently praise the warm staff and the center's use of Creative Curriculum, classroom cameras, and included meals, though inspection records from 2022-2024 note several compliance issues that the center should address.
Strengths
- 4-star DCDEE active license with long-standing operation
- Classroom cameras with live feeds accessible to families via app
- Meals and snacks included in tuition
- National Creative Curriculum used throughout
- Director has 12+ years of childcare experience and advanced ECE degrees
- Transportation to local elementary schools offered
- Serves infants through school-age (6 weeks to 12 years)
Considerations
- Multiple inspection violations documented 2022-2024 (fire inspection, playground surfacing, outlet covers, expired medications, emergency drill docs)
- 4-star rating rather than 5-star despite long operation
- Capacity of 165 is mid-range; may have waitlists for infant rooms
What parents say
“I have not once worried that my child is in great, caring hands”
“They have made my son's first experience with daycare a very positive one.”
“My Son looks so forward to waking up every morning to go to 'school'”
Safety6.5
Curriculum8
Art/Music0
Infant care6.5
K-ready0
Teachers8.5
Compassion8.5
Mgmt4.5
Culture7.5
Class sizes5
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
- Teachers praised for warmth and knowing each child individually
- Curriculum described as strong and age-appropriate
- Clean, toy-filled classrooms
- Welcoming atmosphere described as 'like extended family'
- Children greeted by name each morning
Considerations
- Management communication complaints — unanswered calls and emails
- Some reviewers reported concerns about organization and responsiveness from management.
- Waiting list noted, suggesting high demand and potential crowding
- Employment-related complaint about pay docking
What parents say
“This school is so warm & welcoming. The teachers are great and the curriculum is perfect for young minds! There is typically a waiting list.”
“We love the professionalism, attentiveness, responsiveness and trust. It's like an extended family and we're so glad we chose this location.”
“We have been at Primrose Huntersville since they opened their doors. We started in the infant room with our first child and have been so happy with everyone”
Safety7
Curriculum8
Art/Music7
Infant care7
K-ready7
Teachers5
Compassion7
Mgmt4
Culture5
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars8
Strengths
Considerations
What parents say
“You cannot even come close to the sincerity and warmth...Forrestal has to offer...the healthiest, safest and most wonderful place.”
“I feel Forrestal is still trying to work the kinks out...consistent teacher turnover...lack of respect with good teachers and poor communication to parents...the feel...is they care more about business and financials.”
“Everyone on the staff is incredibly kind and helpful and my son adores his teachers.”
Safety5
Curriculum6
Art/Music5
Infant care8
K-ready5
Teachers7
Compassion8
Mgmt4
Culture5.5
Class sizes5
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Infant teachers praised as going above and beyond
- Staff described as kind, caring, and supportive
- 4-star NC state license and nationally accredited
- Rich electives: music, Spanish, yoga, soccer, phonics, handwriting, math, fitness
- Director Tammy praised by name by parents
Considerations
- Employee reviews cite poor screening process for teachers and management
- High staff turnover reported by employees
- State inspection records from early 2024 reportedly noted routine compliance items, including documentation for fire inspection and staff training records and posting of staff-to-child ratios; parents may wish to confirm current status directly with NCDHHS licensing.
- Management described as not transparent about staffing shortages
What parents say
“The staff are always friendly and supportive. They really care about my child and his development.”
“Love love love the infant teachers! They go above and beyond to be good to our son and help us to make him the best little human possible.”
“We love Tammy, the school director...the teacher and teacher assistant were absolutely amazing!”
Safety5
Curriculum5.5
Art/Music0
Infant care5
K-ready5
Teachers5.5
Compassion6
Mgmt4
Culture5.5
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
- NC 4-Star licensed center
- Serves ages 6 weeks to 12 years including infant care
- Nationally accredited (KinderCare Early Foundations curriculum)
- Partners with NC Smart Start Pre-K for 4-year-olds
- Diverse student and staff population noted by parents
- Center director on-site (Akita Roberson)
Considerations
- Inspection history shows violations Aug 2023–Mar 2024 (staff certifications, hazardous material storage, facility maintenance, training documentation)
- Very limited publicly accessible parent reviews across all platforms
- Google and Yelp ratings not publicly verifiable via web search
What parents say
“My wife and I truly love the Statesville KinderCare. Our son has attended since he was 6 months old and we have seen his growth both physically and emotionally through the love and support of the staff. It is a diverse group of students and staff, with a professional group of educators that the students truly adore!”
Safety4
Curriculum6
Art/Music0
Infant care4
K-ready5
Teachers5.5
Compassion6
Mgmt4
Culture5.5
Class sizes5
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
- Staff described as welcoming and friendly by parents
- Links to Learning curriculum covering literacy, math, science
- Serves infants from 6 weeks through Pre-K
- Follow-up inspection March 2024 found zero violations
- Accepts subsidized child care funding
Considerations
- NC 3-star rating (not 4 or 5-star)
- February 2024 inspection found 15 violations including uncovered electrical outlets, improperly stored hazardous materials, infant supervision documentation gaps, and medication administration issues
- Yelp listing marked CLOSED as of January 2026
- GreatSchools rating 2.0/5 based on 4 reviews
- Parent complaint noted staff not good at communicating with parents
- Indeed employee reviews average 3.1/5; one review stated 'Not a place I would send my child to'
What parents say
“Everyone at this school is welcoming and friendly. Our child has learned so much, from math and writing to making friends, and we can't wait to see what the next few years bring.”
“Communication has been wonderful at this school. Teachers keep us informed, while also providing a fun environment that supports child development. We appreciate their hard work in making this a positive experience for our family.”
“The children brought a smile to my face, whether they were in my immediate class or not.”
16
University Child Development Center at Northcross
5.0/ 10
Safety0
Curriculum0
Art/Music6
Infant care0
K-ready0
Teachers6
Compassion0
Mgmt3
Culture0
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
Considerations
What parents say
“For months I judged the school on the corner of exit 25 that is all white, looks really old, and just not very exciting from the outside. Well, I decided to at least walk in the door. I walked in the door and it is painted purple -how fun!!! The assistant principal walked me straight to the potential classroom and left me with the teacher. Most daycares the director tours you and you barely get to talk to the actual teacher that will have your child. I was impressed from that moment on. Next the teacher starts to go in to detail about her 20 years at the school, how 60% or more of the staff has been at the school that long or longer. She shows me the amazing writing assignments and there is artwork all over the wall. On the child's level and the child can place it on the wall themselves. The school may be old but it has tons of toys. It is very clean too and everyone is so friendly. I could go on and on. Very impressed! Totally Recommended!”
“My kids being going here over a year and 4 months. My 3 year old is not yet potty trained. The after school I thought they were suppose to help with homework, they don't. Once I pick my children up after work I still have to do all of that. They still charge you even if your children don't come. I do not recommend this child care to no one.”
“This company hires management with no experience, professionalism, and no integrity. The older staff is amazing. Short term place to work yes but only that...”
Safety0
Curriculum0
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready0
Teachers0
Compassion0
Mgmt0
Culture0
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
Considerations
What parents say
“After many years in childcare i feel like god brought me to this school, im so happy to come in everyday and work with these little miracles, we do so many fun activities and the management team is spectacular. It's truly a beautiful community and a blessing to work here.”
“Working at Community Preschool of Huntersville has been such a great experience. The center is pretty new, everything is bright, clean, and really welcoming—it just has a good feel to it when you walk in. It's a center with lots of great activities going on, which keeps things fun and busy.”
“It's a pretty good place to work. Pay is decent, especially for a daycare. They are understanding about taking days off and they are flexible with your needs.”
Safety0
Curriculum0
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready0
Teachers0
Compassion0
Mgmt0
Culture0
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
Considerations
Safety0
Curriculum0
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready0
Teachers0
Compassion0
Mgmt0
Culture0
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
Considerations
Safety0
Curriculum0
Art/Music0
Infant care0
K-ready0
Teachers0
Compassion0
Mgmt0
Culture0
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars0
Strengths
Considerations
No centers match this filter.