Creative World School - River Walk

"I want to begin by stating that I have never had any concerns regarding the safety or health of my children while they attended Creative World School (CWS). The school always kept me informed, no matter how minor an injury my children sustained. Generally, the staff who cared for my children were kind. I had wonderful interactions with most of them. I had minor complaints – if any – up until the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even the initial handling of the pandemic was reassuring to me. However, three years after the pandemic, the school is markedly different from what it used to be. Issue #1: Hours of operation: Before COVID, the operating hours were 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (with infants from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM). The hours are now 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. With my 8-hour workday and a 30-minute lunch break, my total workday is 8.5 hours. Considering commute time, it's impossible for me to reach the school before it closes. I've been skipping my lunch break for the past 3 years to manage this. As a military family, with only me available for drop-offs and pickups, we can't stagger our schedules within this time frame. They did offer extended care until 5:00 PM for an additional cost. My issue with this is that we continue paying the same amount even with the shortened hours. Instead of charging for the "extra time," they should revert to their original hours. I already pay more in daycare than my mortgage, so I won't hire someone else to cover the additional 1-2 hours of needed care. While I'm fortunate to have a flexible job, most parents aren't in the same situation. Issue #2: Restricted access to the school Before COVID, parents had passcodes allowing them to enter the building for drop-offs, pickups, or to check on their child. Many daycares and businesses restricted entry in March 2020 due to the virus. However, CWS still doesn't allow parents inside, except on staff terms. Drop-offs and pickups are now at the door. This may expedite the process, but it limits interaction to other waiting parents. The school has no plans to allow parents inside, citing faster procedures. To me, it seems the staff, especially the director, avoid parental interaction. Not being able to see where my child spends the day is unsettling. While safety isn't an issue, this practice lacks transparency. I've also heard unverified rumors about activities within the facility. All daycares have issues, but this removes an accountability measure. Issue #3: High staff turnover Staff turnover seems common in daycare due to low pay for their role. However, CWS's turnover has worsened in the past year. Sometimes they ask for early pickups due to staff shortages. While I understand emergencies, this is becoming frequent. No refunds are offered. I've met my child's teacher only recently despite my child being in their class for around 10 months. Since I can't enter the building, teachers should introduce themselves. App messaging isn't a replacement for face-to-face interaction. Communication gaps could improve by allowing parental access. For instance, learning that my child needs supplies like diapers or wipes on the same or next day disrupts my work and finances. If I could enter the building, I'd know what's needed and when. Responsibility now rests with the staff to inform parents. Issue #4: Removal of the "free" week Pre-COVID, families had a free week per year for vacations. This ended after COVID. It was replaced with a half-week if a child was sent home due to COVID. This is no longer offered. So, for the same or possibly higher cost due to inflation (remember the reduced hours?), we receive less. While COVID affected businesses, I don't believe it excuses the aforementioned issues. It's unfortunate that I felt compelled to write this review (I'm not one to complain), given how much I loved CWS in 2018, 2019, and most of 2020. The school's quality has significantly declined and continues to do so. I hope the director takes this review seriously and makes necessary changes to operations."

"Our daughter loves Creative World School. She entered her class in January of 2018. The staff was loving and attentive as she transitioned from an at home nanny to a 2.5 - 3 year old class. She talks about her teachers often, and is learning so many songs and games. She is excited about the activities and having new friends. We would recommend Create World School to any friends or family!"

"We've been at CWS for about 9 months now and have transitioned from the nursery to the toddler room with ease and that's because the staff and teachers take such great care of our son as well as all their students. We feel very comfortable and confident that our son is being loved, cared for, and is getting a great educational start. We love hearing about and seeing pictures of all the fun activities they do each day!"

"Creative World has been like a second home for both of my kids. They feel safe, loved and comfortable there to learn and be themselves. My son is in 2nd grade now and still remembers good things about Creative World. My daughter is in Pre-K and I can't say enough good things about all of the great staff and how they get to know the kids and help them learn and play in a great environment. I'll be sad when she graduates and we're all done with CWS!"

"As a new mom I was beyond nervous to leave my daughter all day at a daycare. After touring a few different centers I found Creative World School and love it! My daughter has been attending for 3 months now and I couldn't be happier with her there. Right away Ms. Alexis and Ms. Star made her feel so loved and every day when I pick her up the afternoon teachers (who are great as well) give me a detailed description of what she did that day with them. I definitely recommend this school! :)"