Dogwood Lane Children’s Academy

While in the process of relocating, my mother performed tours at several daycares throughout Charlotte. The first thing she told me after her visit to Dogwood was, "Every other place is fine but Dogwood isn't just a great daycare, it's a school." Our daughter (19 Mos.)has currently been attending Dogwood Lane for a year and her development has been leaps and bounds above what we could hope for. The level of care and attention to detail from everyone at DLCA is second to none. The owners are their daily to support the staff, the children and their families. The staff are not only focused on child development and safety but keep an open line of communication with us parents. I am truly grateful to DLCA for also going above and beyond during Covid. They have rolled out policies that are thoughtful and well communicated and not once have I felt that my daughter or my family is at risk under their care. Kudos to the entire DLCA team!
Nov 14th, 2023

While dogwood became a very ideal daycare for my 2 year old daughter being closer to home than her previous daycare. My experience with one of their owners today, Martin Salas, was by far the most unprofessional, and rude interaction I have ever had relating to daycare customer service. Daycare tuition, which is due fridays, has been paid on Friday (no later than 10am) each of the 2 weeks shes been enrolled. However because they have a system where if there is any balance after around 8am Friday (they have no exact time), your methods on file are auto charged and if declined, a fee of $35 is incurred. While I gave the director Kate (who is pleasant) a heads up the payment would be a few hrs at most after the attempted auto draft, there was no mention of a decline fee or upcoming shakedown from the owner over a decline fee, which i would pay, but since nothing regarding it had been communicated yet, or any type of notice email, hey there is a fee, please resolve by date, or immediately, I desired to speak to director first about it. Especially being new and getting into their non traditional handling of payment. Martin, I guess was in today, and after drop off asked to speak. Martin immediately came off unfriendly, and aggressive. Hinting at my child could get removed from the school over this type of issue (no outstanding tuition, no late fee, but a $35 decline fee bc I manually paid 9-10am Friday- day that pymts are due). Keep in mind it was verbally said auto pay is not a requirement at sign up, and listed no where as a mandatory thing. I had no intentions on this becoming the rude and disrespectful issue Martin made it. I advised him pymts would be made in advance going forward, and he still proceeded to say I couldnt do that, he needed different payment methods. Martin was insulting, and disrespectful in his communication saying let me finish talking after i politely told him he was speaking rudely. This is not how you communicate with another adult and paying customer. Martin was also disrespectful to his director Kate, who was also in the room, and attempted to say something to me professionally, and Martin put his hand up to tell her stop and let him finish. Very discomforting experience from someone who should have probably never been customer facing, as he has no clue what proper/professional communication etiquette is. Highly unappreciated & unfair treatment at this school today. Not fair and not okay. I am a kind person, who does not try to break any rules or disrespect anyone. This should absolutely be considered in your decision to enroll here.
Jul 3rd, 2023

Be very cautious of this school. Very cautious. There is underlying profiling/discrimination/racism. Its come to knowledge many black families are asked to do trial periods, white families were asked if their child had to do the same and the answers were no. Owners are not respectful, or good people. Matters are not handled professionally.
Jun 29th, 2023

Apr 16th, 2023

DLCA is where it's at! We have had the pleasure of being part of this school for over 3 years, starting with our oldest, and now all 4 kids have enjoyed it since May 2021. We've seen the school from their beginning stages, how they managed to remain open (and safe) during the covid pandemic, and how each and every day, they've spent time with all the kids to nurture and teach them quality education and curriculum. From the infant room to Pre-K, our kids have been in all the classes, through all the growth stages, and have pretty much met every teacher! The staff is exquisite, and their communication is always timely, transparent, and thoughtful. Needless to say, we'll be here for another 3 years and could not imagine our family anywhere else!
Oct 27th, 2022