Austin Play Garden

Our kiddo went here for the first 3 1/2 years of his life, and then his little sister joined too, and we only left when we moved out of Austin. Since then we've been searching high and low for a place like APG, where kids get to be kids and aren't forced to sit still all day, where they learn through play, where they are celebrated. Haven't found it yet! The teachers are really great, the toys and environment are great, they are outside all the time, the owners are great as well - they truly get early childhood education and the current research on what's best for kids. APG is a really special place and we miss it every day!

Austin Play Garden is the absolute best place to send your child! My daughter attended starting at 12 weeks old, and every teacher truly treated her like family. Hannah (the director), as well as all the teachers learned her quirks, personality, and interest as she grew up there. Through our daily updates and conversations, it was so clear that the staff really knew her and cared -- she was never just a number. They would even check in on her when she was out sick. I always knew she was safe there. I love that it's a play-based preschool, so the kids can learn through playing and crafts. APG was my only real "village" in Austin when raising my daughter, and they were truly a godsend. They also do a lot of things to reduce teacher turnover on the staffing side, so we hardly ever had teacher changes. I highly recommend them!

We love, love, love APG! My daughter has been going there since January and will continue to do so as long as she can.. Claire and her staff are knowledgeable, kind, loving, and provide the warmest of environments for a young child to grow and learn. I'm no fan of preschools that push littles in to doing fake art projects or force them to learn through rote memorization. Austin Play Garden is different; they allow children to learn the best way, through exploration, curiosity, and collaboration. Additionally, the building is adorable, clean, and loaded with toys and materials that encourage healthy development. I can't recommend APG enough.

After a less than stellar experience with a day care center near our home, we now go out of our way to take our two children (ages 18 months and four years) to Austin Play Garden and we couldn't be happier. The teachers in both classrooms are engaged, nurturing, and sincerely interested in every child. Both of my kids are happy to go to school each day (in stark contrast with the fighting and tears we had every drop off at their old school) and they are excited to share with me what they did in school at pick up. My 18 month old even signs 'love' to her teachers when we say goodbye. Again, couldn't be happier.

I had a very positive experience at Austin Play Garden. The teachers were always kind, nurturing and caring. The children were always happy and well cared for. It's a wonderful preschool!