The Nest Academy At Del Ray

UPDATE: Sadly updating this review after we're starting to look elsewhere for childcare. The below is still largely true - we absolutely love the teachers and the parents we've met. Unfortunately, the director we loved was moved to a different Nest location. With her gone from this location and just the overall mismanagement of this place, we're following a lot of other parents in changing schools. They have always been the most expensive daycare in the area but we overlooked it for the people - even through multiple price hikes (far exceeding inflation) that parents receive short notice on and conveniently *after* we've already paid the annual activity and registration fees. The last straw was when they emailed us an updated handbook (again after we already re-registered) that snuck in phrasing that we'd be charged late fees if we didn't pick up our child after the 10hr mark - even though the center is open for 11hrs. Not only does this not work for our demanding work schedules, the hours was a huge reason why we chose the Nest! - it's essentially another price increase. At the end of the day, if you enroll your child here, they will be loved and taken care of, which is why we stuck around for so long. However, you will be paying more than most of the surrounding schools and will be kept in the dark about management/operations/future price increases/policy changes. We'll look back fondly on our time at the Nest. I hope the owners can learn from the feedback we've given them and be better. ----------------------------------------------------------------- I LOVE the Nest. The teachers are amazing and are always happy to greet you and welcome your child. The director is a joy to be around and truly treats every child like her own. She’s also helped us through the confusing process of the military’s Child Care Aware program (spoiler: the Nest qualifies! But also don’t expect the process to be super smooth — it’s the government after all! But the Nest will at the very least do their part). There’s a FB group for Nest parents to connect and it really speaks to the community that’s formed. Besides announcing birthday parties and swapping uniforms, we’ve also come together and collectively shown our gratitude for all the caretakers through group gifts, hosted breakfasts, etc. And lastly, the hours are one of the best in the area - 7am - 6pm. For a dual medical family this is extremely important. If you have the chance to join the Nest community, DO IT. :)

Our family loves The Nest! Our son has been there for about two months now (he started at 4 months old). The teachers and staff are so warm and friendly. I can tell they genuinely care about our little one and it makes me so happy to bring him there everyday. Ms. Ihssane, Ms. Monica, Ms. Yodit, Ms. Ruby, and the director Ms. Elaine are all so wonderful!

My two children attend The Nest Academy in Del Ray and our family has had a very positive experience. Both of them have attended since they were babies and my son is now almost five. They love their teachers and their friends and learn so much at The Nest. The teachers are caring, compassionate, patient, and dedicated to their students. Ms. Elaine is the rock that keeps the school going! It is a nurturing environment in which kids can grow. The Nest is dedicated to working with each child at their own pace, and in making sure their needs are met. Kids develop along their own individual timelines, and The Nest celebrates this and encourages kids along the way. My son is learning to read phonetically and can do basic addition and subtraction, meanwhile he and my daughter also love doing art projects and singing songs and dancing. Kids are able to be kids here. In a very difficult year, The Nest has worked hard to keep kids, teachers, staff and families safe and healthy. There is a real sense of community among the families that attend The Nest, and this has helped ensure protocols are followed. I thank The Nest teachers for all they're doing in what I know is an incredibly challenging and stressful time for everyone.

I'll never forget the evening my 15 mo. old came home reading the letters off my t-shirt, or singing "Old McDonald" to sleep. I'm very, very grateful she has an extra space to learn & be loved. As a mother who attended first The Nest Academy in grade-school, it's amazing to see them pour the same amount of love & respect into these children. Thank you guys!

My child attended nest academy awhile back. I never had a chance to write a review. My child would scream at being left there and i was scared. i noticed they isolated him alot and never called me. Also, he was ill one time, as soon as i walked in i could tell he was ill. the staff did nothing when i asked them why they didnt call when he was obviously ill. My child threw up 15 times and had to be taken to emergency to make sure he didnt dehydrate.I am sure an expose will be done on this daycare some day! Needless to say i pulled him but still feel that i left him there too long! If you see there response below, its interesting they didnt deny the allegation or try to explain or figure out what happened.