Parent Reviews

Camelia Bencheqroun

I cannot express enough gratitude to the incredible staff and teachers at The Academy at Cold Spring. They have been truly wonderful in taking care of my child at the daycare. From day one, I’ve been impressed by their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for each child’s well-being.

The environment they’ve created is nurturing and welcoming, ensuring that parents and children feel at ease. The teachers are attentive and patient, tailoring their approach to suit each child’s individual needs. My child is always excited to go to daycare, and it’s heartwarming to see the smiles and enthusiasm from the staff every day.

Jon Stergiou

Great staff, friendly and warm environment, and very engaging for our child!

Dreux Johnson

We’ve had great experience with Academy. Our son started in the infant room and is currently thriving in the toddler room. The teachers have been wonderful and our son is thriving.

David Gan

Great experience with Academy child development center. Staff are nice with excellent genuine caring. Safe physical setting and well-maintained place. Not only a day care, but a great learning place. My daughter is very happy with the center and has made a lot of progress both physically and mentally.

Alan Lichtenstein

We are very happy with our grandson’s experiences at The Academy. He is a kindergartner, yet plays easily with the older kids. Mr. Palmer has been extremely helpful in looking after our grandson and spending quality 1 on 1 time with him. Al (Zadie) Lichtenstein

Erin Cristy

The teachers at Stone Mill Academy are the absolute best. From the time they are infants, they will receive such loving care. It may be hard to fathom another caregiver truly loving your young child; these teachers have amazed me. Our daughters have loved them all since day 1. Now that our older daughter is four, she gets to do all the fun things. They’ve done special music days, trips to the pumpkin patch, and so many fun activities. This team goes above and beyond to give our children wonderful experiences and our girls love it there. Thank you Stone Mill team!

Brenda Martinez

I am very happy with Galway academy. The staff are very nice and kind. My son loves to go to academy every day. I have see a lot of improvement since he is in school. Thank you Galway academy

Terri-Ann Brown

Our son loves Academy and has attended for the past 3 years. The staff has always been caring and friendly and there are many creative activities.

Alla Shapero

We love Academy and so does our daughter! We know she is well taken care of and will be kept busy with the various activities they offer!

Reid Braybrook

We love the team here at Cold Spring, they take great care of our daughter. Our daughter loves going every day and always wants to finish whatever crafts she is working on before leaving. They do a great job helping the kids with school work as well as having fun activities each day for the kids.

Aniket Dutta

Our children have gone for multiple years and continue to enjoy it very much. The staff are wonderful and genuinely care for the children. They always have crafts and activities for the children, which they love. The kids enjoy playing with their friends.

Naanco Woewiyu

Teachers, Administration and staff are all amazing. The school has a very warm and welcoming approach every morning for their students. I am so pleased with everything about this school.

Meaghan Heselden

We have had a terrific experience with our two children at ACDC Stone Mill. The teachers and front office staff are wonderfully kind and caring, and really take the time to work with each child as an individual. We highly recommend this center.

Shann G

“We said “see you later! Never Goodbye”

We met in 2015, Academy @ Galway instantly became Family! The Attention paid to each individual child is UNMATCHED!. My daughter went in a confused 4 year old, went throughout elementary school and graduated a kind, mature young lady. She looked FORWARD to attending any type of care they offered! Even when my pockets told me No. When COVID hit, The director went ABOVE AND BEYOND to check in, via email, and Phone. I’m sorry other reviews are misleading. Truly! They ARE. The One director who has been over the Galway program is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and the staff is too. ANY issues are taken care of Promptly, and Even though my child has graduated out of the program, We’re STILL trying to find ways that will allow her to be involved.”

Angelina Koutsos

We chose Academy because of the environment, both the physical classroom as well as the experienced teachers. The classrooms are large, open, clean, and provide toys and activities that are appropriate for the age. From our first interaction, it was clear that the teachers had an abundance of experience and that nothing my child did surprised them. The teachers and all of the staff got to know my child and shared conversations and interactions that they had with him that made it clear to me that they knew him. They take the time to know each child individually. After Covid, it was a big decision to send him back. After a few conversations and reading through their updated contract with all of the precautions that they were taking, it became a much easier decision. From the time they were forced to close to the time they reopened, we had clear communication. It was clear they had a plan and were going above and beyond to keep everyone safe while allowing children to be together for much needed social interaction and learning environment. The word “clear” seems to be a theme for me and my decision to send my son to Academy. In the world today, we need clarity and transparency to make decisions for our children. Academy provides us with that clarity. Thank you for everything you do!

Daliris & Juan

Throughout the last 5 years, Academy has been like a second home to our family. We felt comfortable with the enriched environment and at ease with the staff from the first moment we stepped into the building. Our daughter started when she was 4 months old, and has been surrounded by love, patience, and care. Every single Academy staff member has made a profound impact on our daughter’s development, now only educational, but socially and emotionally. The love and care they have show our daughter all of these years is something that we will never forget. We know that when we drop her off, they take care of her just like we would. Academy will always have a place in our hearts.

N. Wheeler

Words cannot express the gratitude my family has for Academy. After almost 3 years, we still feel very grateful for the enrichment our daughter experiences each day at the Academy. We love everything about Academy from the programs, to the field trips, to the amazing group of Teachers and Staff Members. Our daughter has learned and grown so much over the years. As a parent, nothing means more than the reassurance that our children are happy. Thank you Academy!

Jenifer Rivera

The entire staff is amazing!! My daughter has learned so much already from her amazing teacher, Mrs. Jimenez! I am very thankful to have found this academy.

Natalie Swartz

My Kindergartener goes to Academy 3 days a week but asks to go 5 😂. We love knowing that he has a safe and fun place to go after school where he continues fostering his friendships and social skills.

John Jenkins

Our son started at the academy during the height of COVID in the infant room during a time when we were a little uneasy to leave him in someone else’s care. Those worries didn’t last long because the teachers have been nothing short of amazing. He is now in the tiny tots room, going on his 3rd year at the academy. Our daughter just started at the academy too, in the infant room. We love the updates, photos, and the interactions our son and daughter have with their teachers. From outside play dates, to art, music, story time, and anything/everything creative, both our kids always come home happy (and our son always comes home talking about something new that he has learned/experienced that day)! I would 10/10 recommend to any parents looking to enroll their children, the academy and their teachers/providers are simply the best.

Latoya N Harris

The Teachers at Academy at Stone Mill are very professional and kind. Our son is always greeted with a smile. We receive a weekly plan of our child’s structured learning and pictures daily to demonstrate how much fun the children had. From newborn to pre-school, Academy is an EXCELLENT choice!!!

Elena & Charles

Our child has attended the Academy at Stone Mill for more than 2 years now. He loves it there and has amazing language and social developement.

Norman H

Our child loves all of the teachers and staff here. He is able to make good friends in a safe environment.

Vilma B Rama

My child loves going to school. The teachers at Academy are all so compassionate and caring with the kids. They have a very strong curriculum and safe environment for the kids.

Kevin Beck

My children were new to Dufief this year after a recent move to the neighborhood. We absolutely loved our old before and after care program, the kids were very anxious about going somewhere different. We have been incredibly happy with the Academy program and staff. The kids are given a lot of freedom to engage in the activities they enjoy. They love the “challenges” they get to participate in (and the minor rewards they earn for success). As a parent, I love the community of friends they’ve formed through academy and that they get so many opportunities to be outside. Highest recommendation!

Joanna Wallace

The aftercare program at Academy at Cold Spring is terrific! The staff takes the time to really get to know your child, and make efforts to really cater to them. They go the extra mile to make it a fun experience for them. They also help with homework which is a huge help for working parents. Overall I highly recommend it!

Giovanni Di Milia

Great program with people who actually care about the kids.

Ayesha Kaleem

This school has one of the best teachers, administration and principal. Iam so happy with the education and staff that now im enrolling my daughter here too although our home school is different. Definitely recommended!

Sahil Rajan

We love Academy at Stone Mill. We have had Academy be a part of lives for raising both our kids (3 & 7) for the last 5 years. We have been through the infant, toddler, preschool and pre-K programs.

Pearla Molina

I can honestly say I loved my experience with Academy @ Galway, being a first time parent sending my baby to school for the very first was extremely nerve wrecking for me but Ms. Azra and all the staff were so reassuring/ so so patient with us. I am not the most easy parent to deal with but what I can say is that every concern down to the tea was addressed when it came down to my child. Mia really enjoyed her first year of school and always looked forward to come to school even when covid hit us and we had to do virtual learning the teachers really made it their priority for the kids to follow the routine at home same as in class. I will forever be appreciative for the teachers hard work and dedication when it comes to the kids! Their safety system is another thing I really loved. Open communication and bluntness is another grate quality! i could trust them with my eye closed and will forever recommend them to anyone looking for child care and schooling! My daughter learned so much, always so eager to tell us about her day! i will miss them so much is this new transition to a new school 🙁 but this is not a goodbye its a see you later!! LOVE YOU ALL

Sahil Rajan

We have been very pleased with Academy Primary School. Our children have been attending the school for many years. Our daughter has made her way from toddler to kindergartner at Academy and our son has been there since he was an infant. We chose Academy because of its wonderful staff, engaging curriculum and their excellent facilities. Our children love their teachers and are excited every morning to go to school. As toddlers, the educational curriculum was not as important as it is to us now that my daughter is a kindergartener. She has excelled considerably and she is now even able to read at a second grade level. It’s harder to keep things from her now when she can read things for herself! The classrooms are large, have engaging toys and games and the school grounds have a great playground for the kids’ adventures. My daughter has made amazing friends at school and our weekends are always full of play dates. We have seen the school through many seasons and challenges over the years. The greatest challenge was that of the Coronavirus pandemic. The school is very organized and was able to work with the State of Maryland to open for classes. The ability that the school was able to open has been vital to our family. We have been able to return to semi normal and we know that our children are in good hands with the measures the school has put in place. Now more than ever, we are very happy to have our children attend Academy Primary School.

Pavel Khrimian & Zara Kocharyan

Thank you Academy Child Development Center for taking great care of both of our daughters, and providing a safe and enriching environment. We enrolled our little one at the Academy after a great experience with our older daughter. The teachers and staff are knowledgeable and caring. We are very happy with the choice we made.

M. Atwill

I want to say thank you so much for the enjoyable time my son spent at Academy school-age all these years!!!

S. Goodwin

The amount of love and support we received from the Academy staff during what had to be the hardest part of my life is immeasurable!

Teshome Gossa

Our experience with Galawy Academy has been nothing short of amazing! The teachers are incredibly dedicated, nurturing, and passionate about helping each child succeed. The curriculum strikes the perfect balance between academics, creativity, and social development, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in our child’s confidence and skills. And also Ms. Azra Ali-West very kindly and helpful to answering parents questions.

Julie Waugh

My three sons (10yrs, 8 & 5) love the Academy at Stone Mill. They go to together each afternoon and most days do not want to go home when I arrive for pickup. They work with the kids on homework and allow plenty of time for play and fun. It’s been a great experience!

Daniella Brauman

I had an incredible experience with this daycare center. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with smiles and warmth. The staff is very attentive to my children’s needs and always went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable. My kids love the variety of activities offered, and every day they come home with stories of all the fun they had. The facility was clean, spacious, and well-equipped with everything my little ones needed. I highly recommend this daycare to any parent in search of a place where their child can learn, grow, and thrive in a loving environment.

Jaleh Fallah

My toddler goes to the Academy’s daycare and my older kid goes to the before/after school program and we are very happy with both programs.

Stephanie Williamson

I ADORE Academy! Both of my kids have attended here since the infant class. The teachers are so dedicated and patient. As a teacher myself, I couldn’t ask for a better staff to be with my kids.

G & S

I highly recommend Academy Child Development Center at Galway because the teachers and staff have been wonderful. My child is excited to go to pre-k every day. They keep him busy and engaged. I found it surprising that my son wasn’t singing in the holiday video they presented because he comes home singing the exact same songs! To me that’s a great sign that they don’t force him to do anything he’s uncomfortable with but still allow him to absorb things in his own way. He is so excited to come home and show off his artwork, our walls have been overrun by all of his paintings. He genuinely looks at his teachers as his friends. We can’t recommend them enough.

Mona Alex

I m very satisfied with the program. My daughter is more sociable and eager to go to school. The teachers are very helpful and have a willingness to take care of the kids needs. Overall Thank you for all you do.

Justin Hobbs

My kids love the team here! They often ask to come early and beg me to stay late. That speaks volumes

Francesca Civano

Love the Academy staff and environment at the Cold Spring location. The director and the lead staff are warm, welcoming and truly caring people. My daughter loves to attend Academy!

Y Zhang

Kiddo loves Academy since they always have friends and fun activities there. The teachers are nice and patient, providing great homework support, healthy snacks and fun art and craft projects. They also have regular outdoor time if weather allows. In addition, a big plus: location!

LR Harris

Our kids go here for after-school care, and they have fun. The staff always have a variety of activities for them to choose from when they go after school. They get the kids outside most days (when the weather cooperates) to get some fresh air and exercise, offer a snack, and they’re available to help with homework. Most importantly, Ms. Toni and Mr. Fernando have a good rapport with all the children who attend and I feel like my kids are in good hands with them!

John Cristy

Our children have flourished at Stone Mill thanks to the truly wonderful teachers!

Sisay Gebregiorgis

Our daughter has been growing in many aspect of development since she joined the Academy last summer.We are very greatful to have very experienced and caring director and teachers working hard hand in hand in her life. Academy is part of our family which gives us a big relief to leave her there knowing she is very happy and safe.We look forward for the coming school year too.

salimatou bah

My child was there for 2020/2021 school year for pre-k. It was his first time in an academic setting & also during the covid lock down. There were many challenges but Mrs. Azra & Mrs. Kim did a great job. My son made huge gains academically & was ready for kindergarten thanks to his experience at Galway Academy.

Lila Purple

My son wants to stay at the Galway center for longer. He loves all the activities and their staff are soo nice. Highly recommend this program. My son asked why he hasn’t started since when he was little. That is how much he loves the place.

Michael Nolan

“We had our three year old at another child care but we were just not that happy with it. When we found Academy, the professionalism of the director was noticeable from the start and it just got better from there. Very quickly we transferred our daughter to Academy and have been happy ever since. Even when COVID struck almost two years into our relationship with Academy, management continued to impress with their handling of the situation and commitment to service. Furthermore, the teachers have become like family. Our daughter loves them and she is truly flourishing here.”

The Barclay Family, Active Duty Military

We wanted to thank you and all the staff involved in Jett’s development. Everyone there was always very welcoming and that never faded. We are glad that Jett was able to be under Academy’s care. I can tell Jett thrive there and loved going (once he adjusted of course). In just the past month, Jett went from a few simple one word phrases to attempting 2 word phrases and experimenting with many more words that he hears and hasn’t said before. Academy has set our standards for child care very high. We were very impressed with how many different activities the program incorporated into his curriculum. Again, thank you for everything and we wish we could have said our goodbyes to everyone in person. We will miss the Academy Family!

Shelley & Patrick McGinness

What a gift to have been a part of the Academy family for six years! It has been a place where our daughters formed friendships, tapped into their creative sides, participated in sports and other outdoor activities and gained self-confidence. They certainly had fun, but they also learned and grew. Most importantly, I know my daughters were genuinely cared about by each and every Academy staff member and we feel extremely lucky to have had the Academy staff, especially Mr. Luis, be a part of their elementary years.