Earned the highest arts & music score in Lewis Center. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.
Full Ranking Detail
childcare
Shale Meadows Y-Club, operated by the YMCA of Central Ohio at Shale Meadows Elementary in Lewis Center, provides before- and after-school care for kindergarten through fifth grade. Part of the Olentangy district's school-age program, it is ODJFS-licensed and rated Bronze through Ohio's Step Up To Quality. The curriculum emphasizes homework assistance, STEM projects, literacy activities, and physical fitness, grounded in the YMCA's "Raising The BAR" framework of Belonging, Achievement, and Relationships. Extended hours (7:00am to 6:00pm), acceptance of publicly funded child care vouchers, and Kindergarten Plus full-day programming on non-school days make it accessible to working families. As a school-age-only program with limited public parent reviews, prospective families should contact the center directly to assess fit with their household needs.
Safety6.0
Curriculum6.0
Art / Music6.0
Infant care6.0
Kindergarten readiness6.0
Teacher quality6.0
Compassion6.0
Management5.0
Culture5.0
Extracurriculars6.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: YMCA youth development "Raising The BAR" framework focused on Belonging, Achievement and Relationships, guided by core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Programs & activities: Homework assistance, STEM projects, literacy and reading activities, physical fitness, and before/after school care. Kindergarten Plus offers full-day programming on non-school days aligned with the district kindergarten curriculum.
What sets it apart: ODJFS-licensed with most sites quality-rated through Ohio's Step Up To Quality. Before care opens 7:00am and after care closes 6:00pm; 34+ years serving Olentangy since 1991 across 50+ sites; 10% sibling discount; financial assistance available; 2025-26 weekly rates for grades 1-5 range $74-$149.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Best Arts & Music
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Arts & Music</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest arts & music score in Lewis Center. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.</span>
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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.
