Early Learning Center at Terry Mill

"My daughter attended pre-K 4 here & when I say this place has been nothing AMAZING. When dropping my daughter off for her first day of school I was so skeptical but the energy in the building was so warm and welcoming… and that was not just for the first month of school, it lasted THE ENTIRE YEAR. You Can Tell The staff cares about your child. My child was happy to learn & knew something New EVERYDAY! My baby is reading! Everything about this school was GREAT. I’m so Sad it’s only pre-K 3/4 program. If I could send my child here her whole elementary experience I would ! Ms. Neal & Ms.Stover Really Teach !!!The coach, the art teacher, the officer and assistant principal & Everyone Who helps get the children in and out of the cars EVERYDAY I appreciate your kindness & Dedication to safety not only to my family but every family! I Appreciate The Dedication and the hard work of the Teachers and staff ! Thanks For The Amazing & Experience ! IF YOU WANT SOMEONE TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILD LIKE YOU DO, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU !"

"My daughter attended the ELC for the PreK 3 program this semester (September-December 2022) and she had an amazing experience. To say she thrived would be an understatement. The school communicates through various methods like apps and voicemails. I really loved the voicemails for the reminders of when school would be closed or if there was a theme day coming up. My daughter loved the educational app they use to learn at home - Waterford. The Assistant Principal (Mr. Spince), the teachers, and the officer are all wonderful, enthusiastic, and great with the kids. I didn’t ever really interact with Dr. Phillips. If this school wasn’t across town, I’d happily keep my daughter here and I’d send my other daughter also, but we couldn’t make the logistics work in our favor. I need Dekalb to have more great programs like this across the county. Thank you to everyone at the ELC for helping my baby learn and grow!"

"The School Director was hesitant to answer my questions regarding the program. He as well as the front office staff display poor customer service skills. They are rude and dismissive to parents and family members who make inquiries regarding their services and the logistics of the school. When our family asked questions and looked for feedback pertaining to logistics and their after school program, the front office staff was combative and reluctant to share basic information. The Leader of the school was condescending and arrogant. He lacks the personality that is expected of an individual leading a program for 3 and 4 year olds. I was extremely, appalled at his dismissive tone. As a life long educator I am surprised that Dekalb County Schools would allow this person to lead in a programs with their youngest most vulnerable students. It truly takes a village to train a child, but the culture at the Dekalb Early Learning Center, does not seem to foster that concept."

"My daughter is currently enrolled in the 3K program and this school is awesome. She has learned so much since her enrollment in August. She knows her planets and months of the year, how to write her first and last name and they are working on “greater than less than” comparisons!( That’s Impressive) My daughter genuinely loves going to this school. They use apps to communicate with the parents if needed, and even have the kids submit homework sometimes via the apps. I love the use of technology and that they give homework to support the lessons. This program ha far exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended."

"My son attended this school as a P3 and he is continuing as a PreK student. As a P3, he participated in virtual learning and this year he has gone in person. I am a natural skeptic, but I am so glad that we selected this school for our son. It is NOT perfect, but it is the closest you will find to it in terms of sanitation and educational resources in DeKalb County Public Schools. I really feel that all of the staff members care about the kids from what I have been able to observe in just my pick ups, drop offs, and watching my child interact with the staff through the windows (due to COVID we are not allowed inside beyond the first day of school). The class sizes are incredibly small as compared to other locations (again, this may be due to the pandemic). I think my son's teacher, Mrs. Johnson, is phenomenal and my child has learned so much academically and socially that my words cannot do it justice. Like I mentioned previously, I am a skeptic and always have to examine things very closely before I can make a final call. I am so pleased with the ELC overall, and if you are on the fence, please consider trying to secure a spot for your child here. It has been an incredible start to my son's K-12 journey!"