URBAN SPROUTS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

I HATE negative reviewing ANY business. I hardly EVER do it! Especially those that have, by many accounts, provided a great service to others who have used it previously.... But, I just had the most unsettling conversation with an "executive" at Urban Sprouts in response to an email I sent her Chief Operating Officer, Andrea as to why my child, after being on the waiting list for almost FOUR years (we were on the list MONTHS before he was EVEN BORN) will only be given the opportunity of waiting another year and then at that time, they will review it and see if there is a spot for him. Now, that upset me... he'll almost be in KINDERGARTEN then, and THAT would be nearly 5 years on the list and I am pretty sure I made that clear how ignorant that sounded. And THEN to be DIRECTLY told by this aforementioned executive that as PAYING PARENTS, I HAVE A SLIM CHANCE OF GETTING MY CHILD ENROLLED. WAIT...because I'm PAYING???? Interesting business model, but don't you think it's a good idea to have told us that when we were excited as all get out to get our child on the list????? I was and still am, speechless. And then the attempt to tell me it is my fault for not being informed of how popular their service is vs their limited spots...over 400 on the waiting list...I am still sitting here shaking my head. So, wait...all the fundraising and elaborate fundraising galas and because I maybe out of the bracket to request financial assistance....I'm more than likely not going to get a spot?? Yeah, fishy... On a positive note, I hear outstanding things about the center and I love that for the children. Unfortunately, their professionalism has proven to be on par with the weakest of St. Louis centers and in my personal opinion, "ghetto". But, I hear they throw some really extravagant fund raising parties...yeah, so....hey.

I think that Urban Sprouts is a magical place and the teachers and staff are truly special people. I have never been involved with a school where I feel that the educators are so invested in my child's success. Everyone goes out of their way to say "Hi", offers us suggestions on how to deal with issues at home, and makes themselves available whenever we have questions. The facility is beautiful and warm and the students are from economically and racially diverse backgrounds. We feel so at home at Urban Sprouts and couldn't be happier with our time here.

My son was supposedly put on the waitlist in 2016. It is now 2022 and I have never heard from anyone there about his spot in line. It doesn’t matter anymore because he is 7 now, but it was disappointing at the time. When I went in for a tour and interview, staff seemed unprofessional. Even the director (or owner I don’t remember what her position was) seemed small minded. All in all, it was a pretty and seemingly well kept facility, but I’d question the staff’s knowledge on the actual Reggio approach and I am still disappointed that I wasted my time even touring and putting my son on the waitlist.

We absolutely LOVE Urban Sprouts. They are such an integral part of our community (family, really) involved with the growth of our little girl. The love each teacher and administrator share and give to every child is genuine, and their professional child development program fosters the growth of our daughter, AND us as parents.

I cannot say enough good things about Urban Sprouts! My son has attended Urban Sprouts since he was one year old and we love it! The staff is incredible. They truly care about the children and make every decision with the children's best interest in mind. The programming and curriculum is phenomenal. My son has thrived there and he looks forward to school every day. I highly recommend Urban Sprouts!