Smart Start Academy

My son has attended the central Ave location since 2021. He is now in the Pre-k class and we have seen him grow immensely. The curriculum concentrates on language, science, and math. Hes also always so excited about the enrichment programs offered like dance, music and art classes. We are so glad we found SSA!
Jan 10th, 2024

Never send your kids to Smart Start, local parents FB groups for horror stories about this location. This unfortunately doesn't surprise me. This is one of the MANY reasons why we pulled our son out. It was 5 years ago, but the same ppl are still in charge and clearly implementing the same shady rules. And they own ALL the locations, so this doesn't just apply to the Central Ave one. They were constantly looking for reasons not to pay teachers, such as mandatory training days, many told us they were still in school yet the owners told us all teachers had graduated (who's lying, the teacher, or the owner?), and turnover was SO high and my kid cried being handed off to new people every week. Again, among many, many other issues. I also love how you wrote a very well thought out email about your safety concerns, and the reply only addressed your pay, which you didn't even ask about. I wouldn't be surprised if "HR" was one of the owners. They lie through their teeth and then try to blame you to cover themselves. I've seen and heard countless stories like that UPD: The response from the owner is bizarre, as I never worked as a teacher in any schools, I work in IT. Second, I didn't post any other reviews, a simple search can prove it. Surprised with such aggressive and nonsense response.
Jan 21st, 2024

My daughter loves her Smart Start Family! Smart Start has exceeded all of our expectations. We love all of the classroom activities and our daughter has learned/grown so much since she started attending. Her teacher (Ms. Eli) has also been with her since she started at the Central location and our daughter LOVES her. We also love that they have a vegetarian menu and supply 3 meals/day which is included in the tuition. We moved out of Jersey City but still make the commute in so that our daughter can continue to foster her relationships with her classmates and teachers. I recommend this location without hesitation.
Nov 14th, 2023

How do you not have a background check done when someone is around the infants!!!! Not only that you make people work for free for a week with children whose parents paid tuition! You have strangers who could easily pick up a baby and do something terrible and walk out and have no information to give to the police ect . Not only are you scamming workers during this very tough economy but endangering babies ???? Crazy
Nov 1st, 2023

Oct 23rd, 2023