Aldersgate Christian Learning Center

"My sons were attending Aldersgate for years, and we never had any issues with the previous staff, as you can see by my earlier review. The staff changed in March 2023, and classrooms quickly began closing because staff members were frequently quitting. Literally every staff member mentioned in prior 5 star reviews quit, Tanya, Emily, Kayla, Katie, Bre, etc. We were very understanding about early pickups and such because we knew they were trying their best. Then we were notified on a Tuesday afternoon that the infant room was closing at the end of the current week. While it was late notice, we understood that they couldn't have a room open with no staff. Thursday evening comes around, and they send a message saying the infant room would not be open because they did not have staff for Friday. I politely emailed the pastor, Ben, requesting a refund for Friday because we pay in advance. He wrote back, referring me to the handbook about prorating of weeks. The handbook specifically says no prorating for sickness or vacations. I have never asked for a refund for early room closures or not having staff on other days, but infant care is expensive, and one day was about $60. I emailed him back saying the handbook did not apply because there were no teachers being paid, and they were literally pocketing money from families, and the situation was not our fault in the slightest. He did not respond. I emailed him a second time, and he still never responded. I also have tried calling the center to speak to the director, but they won't pick up the phone. I am not sure how you can call yourself a Christian, and then treat people the way you do and literally steal money from them when they do the right thing and pay in advance for services. This pastor needs to do some soul searching on what is morally right."

"Our son attended the preschool for several years, we always felt part of the family there. He enjoyed going to school and the activities that were included. Watching over children is a thankless job and while even as parents we make mistakes, Aldersgate preschool did a wonderful job with our boys. The leadership works extra hours and very hard to ensure a safe, clean, and fun environment for the kids. I would have no concerns sending my children there."

"My daughter started in the infant 1 room in November 2022 at barely 4 months old. I could not be more thankful for the full time teachers she has had in the infant room 1 & 2, but sadly none of them are there anymore. The school has gone downhill since the old director left in mid march and a new one took over. They have lost all of their staff, besides maybe 4 teachers & kids are constantly getting injured. They close rooms with zero refund and let very sick kids come to school. When two of the infant teachers were out for the day, the fill-ins did not feed a baby in the infant class all day until 430pm! Unacceptable! As of now, the new director gave a 3 day notice on a Tuesday that the infant room would be closing for good and last day would be Friday. With how horrible an 3 day notice is, they cancelled the last day Friday with no credits for the cancelled day. With both infant rooms closing for good, it is leaving many parents without childcare or a second option. People are losing their jobs because there are no other openings for infants around Pinellas county before January 2024. This place is in shambles and you should not send your kid here no matter how desperate you are. A real shame. I would give negative stars if it were possible."

"We have been apart of the Aldersgate preschool family for over 3 years now. Our family is very happy here and would highly recommend them. We have always treated like family. Great teachers and staff. Will be very sad when our daughter graduates this year."

"Both of my girls have had an amazing experience at Aldersgate since they were 2 years old. The staff makes you feel like a part of the family. My oldest was so well prepared for Kindergarten and I have no doubt my youngest will be too. I have had several teacher friends tell me they know when a child attended Aldersgate based on how much more prepared they were for Elementary school. It is a blessing to see they have already made lifelong friends and as a parent I believe I have too among other parents and staff. Very glad my family is a part of the Aldersgate family."