Mary Sears Childrens Academy

If you plan on putting your kids in a daycare, you can't nitpick. Overall, the school has lots of positive qualities. The facility is always clean and neat. The kindergarten teacher is highly qualified with an experienced background. My 5 year old child simply loves it there. He comes home everyday and tells me about all of the wonderful things that he learned and did. Sure, there are things that I think could be better (like the kids MUST eat oatmeal with their breakfast or that I MUST cut a check every week because that is the only payment option), but no place is perfect. My child is happy and I so I'm happy.
--Submitted by a parent

A staff meeting is mandotory about the correct way of speaking to parents during conference time this week. What about the director's correct way of speaking to their staff? Yelling and such is unprofessional and doesn't have to be tolerated. Maybe staff should approach this matter to the director in a professional manner so it doesn't feel like that we are walking on egg shells all day.
--Submitted by a teacher

Disagree with the posters...My son was very young when he went there, thus, day care wasn't a great option. But at the time, he was given lots of attention, a nickname (Super Baby) and often encouraged and always held when he needed it.. Don't put your kids in day care if you are going to nitpick, Mr. John and all the staff downtown were always great!
--Submitted by a parent

It is sad that parents do not know what a great program entails. Children have to do papers exactly the same. Creativity is not promoted or encouraged. The same songs are sung from ages 2-4 and for years. Every day is the same there are no new experiences. This is all very TRUE! there program needs some updating! Sad that parents are deceived!!
--Submitted by a teacher

What a great program and to really have an academy feel. Children adapted quite well to a new surrounding and was very impressed with the level of education. I wish I would have found this school sooner...
--Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough about Mary Sears Children's Academy and their staff. My 3 children have attended the Orland location for over 12 years. The Directors and Teachers were always so loving, caring and supportive to my husband and I and our children. The curriculum is outstanding, it always amazed me how they could get a two year to sing God Bless America and count in Spanish! The teach phonics, reading, math, etc... My children have alll graduated from their Kindergarten program at a first grade level, surpassing the local schools requirments and being at the top of their class. Mary Sears Children's Academy and their long time staff are like our second Family. To this day, my children love to attend on days off and come back every year for summer camp to see all their friends. If you are loooking for a school, Mary Sears is the place!
--Submitted by a parent

I drive 35 minutes to bring my two toddlers to the O.P. facility. These folks are truly n incredible bunch. At night when I ask my kids 'who loves you?' Almost the entire Mary Sears staff has an early mention on their lists! I could ask for a better group of people to trust my kids with everyday.
--Submitted by a parent

5 out 5. this school is by far the best ever. staff in orland park I just love, they treat your children as if they were their own. a mother of 3, my oldest started at 6 weeks and my twins also. I drive 25 minutes to keep them in the best environment, and I live by 3 other child care and pass 2. be smart and check them out.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Mary Sears for almost 4 years now, since she was 3 1/2 months old. From the 'baby' room on up, she has learned many things much earlier than I ever expected. The teachers are very good, patient and loving. They all follow the 'respect' school program and all are extremely well behaved. Classrooms are structured as early as 2 years old. I also have my 21 month old son there. His wilder personality will definitely test the teachers. But, I have complete confidence in everything they do from activities, to toilet-training to discipline. I should also mention that they have many special activities planned for the kids. Some examples are pony rides, clown and puppet shows, music shows, sledding and snowmobiling, and a special party for every holiday. A great school for children to learn and have fun and parents to feel comfortable and confident!
--Submitted by a parent

What a great school! The school is based on the concept of 'Respect'. The teachers are firm but kind and compassionate. My daughter has been attending since she was 2 1/2 and loves going to school. The classrooms are relatively small so there is a lot of individual attention. There is always something going on at school. Field trips, art projects, learning projects and too much to write about. To really appreciate how great this school is you need to meet the administrator and teachers. You will be impressed!
--Submitted by a parent