Castle Academy

Love it!! Every school is not for every person and it's good when you find a place that is good for you! My 3 children have been there for many years and we love it! Ms. Maureen does have her finger on the pulse of the school and that's why we are there. Love it or leave it that is my motto. You can't make everyone happy, but boy are we happy!
--Submitted by a parent

When I first looked at this school, I was happy with what I saw. But look deeper and you will change your mind. I did put my children in there, for only 2 months. I saw a change in there composition and it was not in a good way. I didn't realize I was putting my 3yr old into boot camp. He is a typical 3yr old boy who at times was to play, well they had enough and called me one day at work and asked me to pick him up and not bring him back because he didnt sit back in his chair. Seriously!! I read reviews and thought ok, well you can't make everyone happy. But this a child facility who doesnt want to have to handle children. and the owner maureen has her thumb on everyone there, they won't even answer a simple question, and she will sit in on a phone call silent and never let you know she is there. SNEAKEY!! DONT TRUST HER. Just glad to be out there, and within a week my children were back. New school doesnt see the issues that Kids Castle complained of at all!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Very unhappy with this school, although the school is the most sterile school in the nation (smell of bleach daily), my daughter's teacher was cold, unloving (pre-K). My daughter use to tell me that she did not want to go to school nearly every morning. Although the academics are advanced, the teachers seem to forget that they are 4 year olds quickly. My child started displaying agressive play while attending. I observed her on several occasions, what I found was my child playing school with her dolls and yelling at them, telling them to get away from her desk, teling them they could not go to the bathroom and once I heard her say "what do I speak Chinese". Remember she is talking to her dolls. When I would pick her up I would hear other tearchers yelling as well, this appeared to be an accepted means of discipline. Friends of mine that sent their kids there also have removed them as well for simiular reasons. I would never recommend this school ever.
--Submitted by a parent

Maybe a great school at some time before now. The special classes, such as Spanish and computer classes, are often cancelled or ignored. My children has not had a single fire drill. Teachers are often concerned with their needs over care of the children during field trips. Teacher absences are extremely disruptive to the entire operation -- to the point where services are not provide and lunches are negatively affected. The teacher seem to try, but many are children themselves. It seems more like a summer camp, than a school. Difficult economic times seem to have had a profound affect upon this once great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school and my children do as well. The kids do watch TV until 8am when school officially begins. Before 8am, they can also go to a area were the children may eat their breakfast. After 8am, they move to their respective classrooms. Most important are my children's test grades. The Terra Nova tests are taken every year and my children's levels are all above average compared to other children their age and grade. We love the programs; Computer, Art, and Spanish. Not only are they learning to speak Spanish but to write and read it as well.
--Submitted by a parent

Before I decided on this school, I was like you reading all of these reviews to see if I was making the right choice. Well, after one visit, I felt that I was making the right choice until I starting seeing the 'bigger' picture with this school. Yes, it is true that there is entirely too much TV watching and that the staff does not come off as the friendliest group in the world. I have to tell you that I am very disappointed in this school. Staff members bicker all the time regarding the children and there is always yelling among the staff. Bottom line..why pay for this when you can get the same if not better education in a public school for free.If you live in NJ and own a home,you are already paying for it! If private school is your only choice, please pass on this one.
--Submitted by a parent

I just re-enrolled my 2 children and I need to tell everyone that even with a tough economy I wouldn't put my children anywhere else. I can drop them off anytime after 5:30 am and pick them up late and I know they are safe. My one child is 3 grades above and my other child is right where they need to be with a lot of help. I would tell anyone to try it. It fits anyones needs.
--Submitted by a parent

Every school is not for every child. Castle Academy is an a remarkable place for children. I teach there and know for a fact that all the teachers have 4 year degrees and are state certified. We do have an art program, just not an after school art class. All the children receive art lessons 2 times weekly. I love teaching here and have loved it for many years. Again, every school is not for every parent. Come and see for yourself. You will really love it.

I can't tell you how great this school is! It is that and more. My family has been there for 9 plus years and every minute has been great. Ms. Maureen runs a tight ship and we love it!
--Submitted by a parent

I sent my son there for 2 years. He is ADHD and they did not have the patience, the teaching staff or the knowledge to work with him. Their best advice was to medicate him and as a punishment when he didnt behave send him back to the kindergarten teacher who could best work with his behavior. He is now in pubic school and his teacher doesn't believe the records from Castle are about the same child. The public school teachers are actually certified teachers (most as castle are not) and are trained to work and teach kids. My son is doing great is thriving and loves school. The principal at Castle actually told my son and I that he and his behavior were unacceptable and if it didn't change she would kick him out. Can you imagine having someone tell your child they are unacceptable?
--Submitted by a parent