I thought it was one of the best schools just because personal things were happening. They didn't want to shake my hand for my son and the principal. I think she is racist with Hispanics. I only communicate it by message through the app that my son could no longer go to class because he exceeded the absence. They don't put themselves in someone else's shoes. Everyone has an attitude from the principal to the employees and teachers. I feel so bad that people like that they play with things and the stability of another being

Exceptional Christian Preschool with Dedicated Staff: I've had the privilege of being associated with The Friends Academy for nearly three decades, first as a parent and later as human resource person. It's with utmost confidence and gratitude that I write this review. As a parent, I've entrusted both of my children to the care and education provided by The Friends Academy, and I can attest to the exceptional level of dedication and professionalism exhibited by the staff. The teachers, many of whom have been with the preschool for years, consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every child receives not only a quality education but also love and nurturing care. In fact, this last month our VPK Teacher was awarded 'Teacher of the Month' chosen from 3500 other qualified candidates by the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. The staffs commitment to the children is evident in every aspect of the preschools operations. The Friends Academy isn't just a place of learning; it's a community built on Christian values of love, compassion and integrity. I wholeheartedly recommend this preschool to any parent/guardian seeking a safe, nurturing and enriching environment for their child's early years.

I do not recommend this preschool. The Friends Academy used to be a thriving, fantastic preschool, with its previous director. However, since taking over in early 2023, the preschool's quality has plummeted under the new director's leadership. The teachers seem to be trying, but they are constantly overwhelmed due to bad staffing decisions. The director lacks experience and customer service. Her communication was severely lacking, with ignored emails and messages, and a disregard for important issues such as developmentally appropriate lessons and practices for children. Teacher turnover is high, resulting in a very obvious decline in teacher quality and inconsistent care for the children. My then two-year old daughter had FIVE lead teachers between February-December 2023. In one instance, I advised the director that my daughter had a milk allergy and should not have been offered milk and she directly accused me of failing to notify the school. I directed her to review my daughter’s files which did indeed contain the required form signed by her pediatrician regarding the allergy. Furthermore, hygiene standards are questionable, with instances of unclean practices directly observed by me as a parent. I personally witnessed the director’s daughter, who was the lead teacher at the time, pass out lunches without washing her hands and began the lunch session without washing the hands of the children in the two-year-old classroom. I brought this to her attention and the director, and I was asked to “have some grace.” In other instances where I presented my concerns to the director, she would often indirectly blame these concerns on the practices that were put in place by the last director as if she did not have the power to make improvements. There was just no accountability on her end. Additionally, the staff reliance on television for managing children is excessive. Children need to run around and play and use their imagination. They should not be offered overly stimulating movies or videos on teacher cell phones or tablets, or in the classrooms. I was often told that the children were offered short “learning videos” which were optional to watch. That was not the case.  The children were often placed in front of the TV, and forced to sit in place. Despite concerns raised, accountability remained absent, making it clear that change is unlikely under the current leadership. I did my best to offer suggestions and resources, and I personally volunteered often. I met with the church pastor several times. He is a truly kind, genuine person; a great human being. Unfortunately, while we both wanted to see the same improvements, they simply did not happen. I withdrew my children in January of 2024. Since then, they have been THRIVING in a responsibly run preschool center. I am actually paying less in weekly tuition at another center that offers more veteran teachers, better teacher to student ratios, developmentally appropriate curriculums, and more extracurricular activities. I do not recommend this preschool and regret that I waited so long before removing my children. I hope this review spares another family from the issues that I experienced.

Love this Christian based preschool! My 2 boys attended since babies and graduated vpk, and now attend summer camp. My daughter now attends and she gets so excited when we pull in the driveway. The staff is amazing! They love our kids like their own and treat us like family. I'm so happy Friends Academy was recommended to us many years ago!

The Friends Academy is a place where your kids will be safe and secure! I’ve been with Friends Academy for 7 years! My girls love it here! They have an amazing staff! The teachers here are hard working and dedicated. My kids learned a lot attending here. I have no complaints at all. Their summer camp program is excellent and the rates are reasonable and won’t break your pockets.

Overall I have been very displeased with the organization, communication, and management of this school. I am not the type of person to leave a review, but I'd like for parents to be aware of my experience. I enrolled my three year old (going on 4) into the school and he was placed with two year olds. Almost a month later, even with wearing underwear and being 100% potty trained, he was still with two year olds. I was told he had to be 'transitioned' to be with preschooler. Meanwhile he was in preschool classrooms with other schools. I enrolled him to this school because they had a part time option. They charged a curriculum fee and registration fee and placed him with two years olds until he could be 'in que' to be with his age group. I have never heard of something like this. I just enrolled him in another program and the director of the other program also thought that was bizarre because he did back up care with them in the summer with preschoolers. Friends academy will place your children where and how they see fit to meet their staffing needs, even if it means they will regress in their learning. The director told me that this is so that the teacher is not overwhelmed and the director also told me she was in the hospital, etc....(not my child's problem!) I was told I will not be refunded for the registration and I will not be refunded for the curriculum fee. Oh well, waste of money but alteast they got paid and benefited from placing my about to be 4 year old son with 2 year old's. One day my son said he was pushed by 2 year old. But I couldnt complain because they are just 2 years old. What do they know!?

My children attended here and I always loved the Christian environment, amazing teachers and excellent pricing!! Wonderful place. ❤️