Happy Minds Kids Academy

We first attended a tour at Happy Minds Kids Academy, led by the amazing Founder & Executive Director, Ms. Fashana A. Afaz, and were so impressed with how thorough, welcoming, and organized she was that we enrolled our son that same day—everything was set up within two days and he was already enrolled and ready to go! Their programs span infant through Pre‑K, using High/Scope, Montessori, and developmental philosophies to nurture each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, and physical growth through daily activities in practical life, art, music, language arts, math, cultural science, and movement, and they offer half-day, full-day, and extended year-round schedules (with lunch menus available) to suit busy families .The Director, Ms. Yvonne Smith, is incredible—always responsive, never missing an email, and follows up on absolutely everything. Our son’s teachers, Ms. Esa and Ms. Colleen, have been equally wonderful, showing him kindness, encouragement, and genuine care every day. We’ve also noticed how dedicated Ms. Raja Dawood and Ms. Zina Ahmed are with the younger kids—singing, engaging, and creating a joyful environment at drop-off. Ms. Rashmi Katari stood out for her thoughtful guidance and gentle redirection that really supported our son’s behavior growth. And Ms. Maddie Parr has been wonderful at teaching independence—seeing our child happily walk away each day after tidying up at her encouragement is a daily highlight. The warmth, nourishment, and genuine love from every staff member has made Happy Minds feel like a second home. Our son came in barely talking, and thanks to the supportive, structured, and loving environment, his speech and confidence have blossomed beyond anything we imagined. We are so grateful to be part of this community and wholeheartedly recommend Happy Minds Kids Academy for families seeking excellence, compassion, and growth. We love you, we appreciate you, and we highly, highly recommend Happy Minds Kids Academy. This has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Amel chebouli

Placing our two daughters in Happy Minds is one of the best decisions we have made in their childhood. Ms. Fashana and Ms. Yvonne run a wonderful program and they have amazing, loving teachers who treat your child like their own. I left our girls there every day, confident that they were in great hands and having the time of their lives. Throughout 2020, they continued to make their school a safe place for all children and kept parents updated on any changes. Our girls were there from 12 weeks to 2 years old and 2-4 years old and an out of state move is the only reason why we left the school. Our girls were beyond ready for their next level classes and the teachers in their new school comment on specifically trying to keep class challenging for both of them. It has been almost a year since leaving and our girls still talk about their teachers and memories at Happy Minds. If I could give more stars, I would!

My 2.5 year old and 4 year old have been going here for a little over a year and a half now and I have been so happy with this child care facility. The teachers are loving and genuinely care about my kids. Both of them come home and tell me about their teachers and they love the time they spend with them and their school friends. The owner fashana takes security very seriously and has established a very professional care center. The programing during the summer is impressive and the kids have so much fun. Even through the pandemic they were still able to offer the same level of care while also implementing ways to keep everyone safe. I would highly recommend this for care of children of all ages.

Both my kids went and are going to Happy Minds for preschool/daycare. The school is super organized and always puts the kids first. They have lots of play time but also time for learning and crafts. They put on events for the family and for holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. At the end of the school year they have a great performance where all the classes have a song/dance routine and the preschools graduate with caps and gowns. Ms Fashana is the owner and does a great job with her staff, the kids, and communicating with the parents. She puts out a monthly news letter to tell everyone what is going on for the month. At the end of the school year the children have a binder of art and memories that they take home and get to keep. In the summer, they have a summer program with weekly themes and they also go out on field trips to places like Tanaka farms and pretend city. The facilities and always clean and well kept. Everything is very secure with keypad access for the front door and security cameras to keep and eye on the kids. They are always willing to work with the parents for what is best for the child.

I've got two children (3 & 18/mo) at this school. We started when my son was 20 months and my youngest started when she was 14 weeks. We absolutely love this school. It is so hard and nerve racking to find a place that you are comfortable leaving your children all day / 5 days a week. I toured 7 preschool/daycares in the area prior to choosing Happy Minds Academy. When I toured this school I immediately got a good feeling when I walked in the door, it was clean and organized. I was created friendly and professionally by the assistant director and then met with the director in her office. When we toured the school she explained all the different rooms and classes, it was really neat to see the kids in their element and how much fun they were having. I also really like how the ages are split up in the classrooms, while mixed ages play together outside, the class rooms are primarily split by age, with the 2 year olds having 2 rooms, one for older 2's and another for the younger 2's. After my tour I visited the school twice to sit in the toddler room with my son and get to know the teachers. I loved what the teachers had to say about the school, the other teachers, the director and the students. My kids absolutely love this school and so do I! In a home where both parents work full time it's a necessity to be comfortable and confident in the school you choose for your littles. I highly recommend this school, I can't imagine being anywhere else.