The Orchard School of West Caldwell

"Finding a school for your young child can be a stressful experience. You're entrusting people you may not know with taking care of your kid during some of their most formative years. Orchard School has been absolutely tremendous. We came to them after a negative experience at a chain daycare for our then-6-month-old. The difference was immediate - rather than crying when dropping her off, she would crawl to her teachers and wouldn't want to come home when we came to pick her up. Her growth since joining the 0-5 y/o class has been astonishing. We've enjoyed watching her become a part of the group - the older kids watch out for and play with the younger ones with a care that reminds us of siblings. The teachers do a great job combining play with educational enrichment activities, and the property has a delightful array of spaces for the kids to enjoy, ranging from a ball pit to a pool to mini-rooms with tiny furniture to a track for biking. The staff is super flexible and understanding; it feels like we have true partners in our child's care and understanding. The most important thing I have to say about Orchard is that its staff sees the kids for who they are. They understand each kid is an individual with their own personality and needs, and they do everything they can to encourage each child to be the best version of themself. Our daughter (now 18 months) is growing into a wonderful little person, and Orchard School has played a huge part."

"Our family has had a positive experience at The Orchard School and would recommend it to others looking for a daycare. It's a family-run facility that is the perfect blend of a home-based daycare and a franchise daycare. We preferred the flexibility that their more personalized attention could offer compared to facilities with more children. The outdoor space is great with a huge backyard, baby pool for the summer, and plenty for the kids to do. For rainy days there is a small ball pit and "clubhouse" that the kids enjoy downstairs. We especially like that the class is a group of blended ages. Our daughter started at 8 months and was the only baby at the time so she became everybody's little sister. Learning around the big kids was great for her verbal skills as well as her physical development. Now she is in the middle age-wise and loves having the younger kids around. The staff goes the extra mile to make Orchard a home away from home for the enrolled families. There are trips (i.e. to the zoo and beach), an annual graduation party where all the kids get a scrapbook, and a wonderful holiday party. We're very happy that we chose Orchard and encourage others to do the same."

"My daughter started at Orchard School when she was about 9 months old and is almost 2.5 now. We've had a great experience, it's a small family run daycare so they really get to know each child well. I love that kids of all ages are together in the same classroom, my daughter has learned so much from watching and playing with the older kids and now is learning to be patient and kind with the younger kids who have joined the school."

"The Orchard School is the cream of the crop! They are professional, caring, attentive and truly put the safety and well being of the children first! I feel safe knowing that my children are in great care!"

"I love The Orchard school! They have the best staff! Very home like environment! They are also very flexible with pick up time! The have many fun activities for the kids! Every June they have awesome graduation for ALL the children and a beautiful album they will present to you at the end of the school year. It is truly the best of the best! Prices are better than most preschools around! You won’t regret it! ~ The Morel’s"