Redwood Blue Angels Early Learning Center 10271 Sorrento Road, Pensacola, FL 32507

"We moved here in May of 23 and I reached out to Ms Christie from the school to enroll our child for VPK due to the outstanding reviews of the school.. we were assigned to VPK A with Ms Brenda and Ms Sherrie who are sweeter than any two people should be given their circumstances in this establishment.. frequently during the fall session VPK A would be canceled for sick reasons on behalf of the staff.. when notified of a cancelation we would get less than an hours notice that school was canceled.. (one of the specific reasons involved a death of a family member of the teacher during a holiday break and they had plenty of time to notify parents that school would not be happening post break but waited till 1 hr before school started to inform parents) I asked frequently at the front office WHY no substitute was hired or considered for these frequent cancelations and no answer was ever given accept the school year would be extended (with no communication to parents on this matter btw). The frequent cancelations and lack of continuity led my child to having issues with learning. I chose to move his voucher to another school after the Christmas break due to this as well as many other reasons.. the feel is more of a day care and less a VPK driven environment which is fine if that’s what you’re looking for. I really need my child to be ready for kindergarten and didn’t feel this was the right fit for us. The staff isn’t supported by the owner and no plans are in place for emergency situations/sick leave/ etc to support employees. I don’t expect a decent reply back as it seems the last review didn’t get one either but I know of at least two more parents who have left since me for similar reasons. Be cautious that the 5 star reviews are from 5-6 years ago and management has switched over. I did make my grievances known to the front desk as well as the Early Childhood Coalition of Escambia county who runs the VPK voucher program. I hope they turn it around for the teachers sake. They really are so nice and we wish them well."

"Response to owner: Responded like a true passive aggressive business owner. I made all of my concerns VERY clear to all the onsite staff. If there is a lack of communication from you and your staff, that is a leadership issue. As I stated, the caregivers did the best that they could in the conditions given but a 4 year old will not communicate issues they are suffering like an 8 and 11 year old will, as was my specific experience. Get new busses, stop being cheap. I have taken my youngest daughter to this daycare for years and my two older children for one summer session, and I have to say somewhere the management has fallen. The caregivers are the best and really go out of their way to take care of the kids but stay on top of your accounting to make sure all your payments are being processed correctly. Building is also pretty small so sometimes seems like there’s way too many kids in there. Playground is run down. Moreover, they need to invest in their bus vehicles as none of the ACs work and during the summer and over 100° can be a serious issue for children who are sensitive to heat. Overall my youngest enjoyed being there but management needs some work."

"You won't find more dedicated and competent people than Stephanie and her teaching staff. We waited almost two years to get our son into their program and I'm so grateful that we persisted! He has attended preschool, Pre-K and after school care through first grade presently. My first grader reads at a 4th grade level and is very comfortable with the fundamentals of multiplication and division. His academic success and emotional maturity is largely due to the dedication and competence of the Academics Blue Angel teaching staff. Children's brains are developing rapidly during their early years so having the right academic stimulation and attention are paramount to a lifetime of learning. I am confident that because of the attention and curriculum that the Blue Angel staff have provided for my son, he will continue to remain intellectually curious and confident throughout his schooling and beyond. The founder's of the school recently sold to new owners. I can only hope that the new owners retain and support the staff as well as the founders did because they are the soul of the program."

"I can't say enough about the teachers and staff at Academic Blue Angel! My son's teachers, Miss Brenda and Miss Missy, are such caring and wonderful teachers that my son absolutely adores. He started out VPK as a shy four year old that barely knew his ABC's and has now broken out of his shell and just five months later is starting to read! There's a good mixture of learning and playing that my son is excited to tell me about each day!"

"Mrs. Andrea has been the best teacher hands down of any preschool I have taken my kids to. I have 3 children and have moved several times due to work. My older kids are school aged but never did they have such a great teacher in preschool! If you have toddlers she is the one to ask for!"