La Petite Academy on Garners Ferry Rd 7460 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209

"I must admit that I was somewhat hesitant placing my child at this location, but it has been a great experience. The staff is very attentive and caring. The updates on my child’s progress throughout the date is greatly appreciated. It doesn’t hurt that I’m able to check in by video at any point during the day."

"My son attended this facility for almost 2 years. In the beginning we had minor problems that were resolved. But, since May it has been nothing but a headache. He received an official write up for having a tempter tantrum and hitting the teacher when he was addressed. (The teacher was brand new fyi) But nevertheless i signed this write up and was very understanding about it. Never gave push back on it. At that point I realized he was showing out at school. Started actively working on some things at home to try to make it better at the school. His teacher says “whatever you’re doing at home it’s working he’s doing a lot better.” A week or two later the director comes to me asking would i like to enroll my son in a “10 day behavior program” … although I was confused and hesitant because I was under the impression he was doing better I still agreed to this “program”. Before they even started the “program” he received another official write up for hitting a child with a toy, touching himself and not laying down for nap time… all 3 reasons pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I feel that all of these things were just going to lead up to expelling my son which I feel was their end goal so I removed him before that became a thing. Also, there is an investigation going on about a teacher who mistreated my son while in their care. I do appreciate the fact that she was fired before i even found out about it. Lastly, the “curriculum” being used is very kiddy. I feel like my child will learn so much more at an institute that has more structure and that actually creates bonds with the children and has patience with 2 year olds unlike La petite. They are also not correctly staffed and the ratio is always inaccurate and still always finding time to call a parent about their child’s behavior when you don’t even have enough teachers in the facility is ridiculous. Just wish I would have done more research before placing my child here and I am thankful that he is OUT of there!"

"The worst experience ever. I would never send my kids here yet alone work for any of the La Petite Academy schools in the Midlands Area. I originally started in the West Columbia area and it was horrible! I was so stressed that I was having nose bleeds. When relocated to this location, although the setting was a bit calm, the center was just overwhelming. I felt as though the kids were being robbed of their education. I worked in the baby room and I was just overwhelmed with a bunch of babies plus kids from a ONE YEAR OLD ROOM! It was just too much. They always messed with my hours and my money. I had to go. The turn over rate is ridiculous."

"Let me start by saying that this is a first impression review. I visited this school today because I'm considering putting my 19th month old son in a school for a couple of hours one day a week. Here is what I saw... As I walked in I was closest to the 4yr old class. The director is speaking to me and all I can hear is the teacher beside me talking to these 4 year olds like they were dogs. "Put your head down!!!! Do not touch that table!!! Rolling her head and eyes "I said DONT...I don't like that etc...etc..." It was possibly the worst form of communication that someone could have with a 4year old. I don't know about anyone else reading this but if anyone is gonna talk to my kid crazy...it's gonna be me. I follow the director and we head into the toddler room (the room my son would be in). The kids were eating and the two teachers were changing diapers. It was mute...and I mean there wasn't a word. No cheerful baby babble, the teachers weren't talking to the kids, there was no eye contact or interaction during changes. I see a teacher changing a diaper and a child...a toddler innocently reach out to her and she very quickly said his name and harshly said stop. She then laid each kid on these plastic squares that they apparently nap on. Can I just say how incredibly depressing this place felt. For the record I'm a social worker, who has not only worked with children but has worked with kids with a lot of special needs. Communication, eye contact, affection, smiles, all of these things are desperately needed for a child to progress emotionally and physically. With that said...I was there a total of 10 min. Had I been there longer I might have seen different, but what I did see was enough that made me want to write this review."

"I absolutely love this childcare center! The Director and Teachers are wonderful and nurturing! This is a great learning environment. My son enjoys going to school and learning each day. La Petite Academy is quality childcare! LPA is the BEST!!"