Ranked in the top 10 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Matthews.
Best Space & Comfort
Earned the highest space and comfort score in Matthews. This dimension reflects classroom size, outdoor play areas, and whether parents feel the center is appropriately staffed and uncrowded.
Childcare Network #96 is a large, 5-star NC-licensed childcare center in Matthews serving infants through school-age children with a full suite of programs including free NC Pre-K and USDA meals. While it earns the state's top rating and draws praise for engaged teachers and a nurturing environment, a Google rating of 3.9 and documented 2023 inspection findings point to ongoing staff turnover and oversight challenges that prospective families should weigh.
Safety6.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music6.0
Infant care7.0
Kindergarten readiness7.0
Teacher quality6.0
Compassion7.0
Management6.0
Culture6.0
Class sizes6.0
Extracurriculars7.0
What parents say
“My daughter is excited to go to school each day and I love that her teachers push her”
“I have a peace of mind here in knowing that my children are well taken care of.”
“The school from this time my boys have started has been great. They are very hands on and patient with the kids.”
“I think the school is awesome...the teachers at school 96 are awesome they have a tough job.”
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Uses HighReach Learning Curriculum focused on supporting physical, emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on, play-based learning.
Programs & activities: Offers age-specific programs from Infants through School-Age, creative arts and crafts, outdoor play, music, early literacy, and before/after-school care via the Young Achievers Club.
What sets it apart: NC Star Rated 5 Stars; provides free USDA-approved meals and snacks; offers free NC Pre-K program; flexible part-time care available; transportation to Elizabeth Lane Elementary.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Matthews
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Childcare Network #96 -->
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 10 in Matthews</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked in the top 10 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Matthews.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Space & Comfort
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Childcare Network #96 -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/charlotte/matthews/childcare-network-96/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Space & Comfort</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest space and comfort score in Matthews. This dimension reflects classroom size, outdoor play areas, and whether parents feel the center is appropriately staffed and uncrowded.</span>
</span>
</a>
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
