Prodigy Learning Center

3345 West Hunting Park Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19132

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 07, 2023

My son went to this school for 3 years, everything was great, until he was transferred to the 3 year old classroom. The teacher Stephanie Ceballos, was very disrespectful to me, my mom and my sister. We tried a mediation with the schools director and assistant director and that Monday after our meeting the teacher continue to do the same things we told her not to do. After that, we gave our two weeks notice. One week later we notice some positive changes and I spoke with the director and told her we wanted to continue with the school. But she told me they gave my son spot away. But something told me she wasn't being honest. So one of my coworkers called to get info for her son, which just happened to be 3 years old and potty trained and surprise, they had many spots available. So I wouldn't recommend this school .
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2018

I am so pleased that we decided to send our daughter to Universal Pre-K at Prodigy. As a veteran Philadelphia public school teacher myself, I know the signs of a good a school and the signs of good classrooms. My almost four-year old daughter is safe, happy, and stimulated. She talks about her learning, and she loves to use new vocabulary words she learned with her teachers. The school is orderly and clean; my daughter's teachers communicate very effectively with my family. I love receiving daily reports and photos. All staff members I have encountered have been professional and friendly.
Submitted by other on May 11, 2017

A bad school the administration doesn't help their teachers needs. Too many bad behavior problems for then to learn.
Submitted by other on July 28, 2016

it is disappointing that a disgruntled employee has tried to inhibit future children, parents and employees from attending this wonderful and warm school.as a parent and member of the community, all i have ever seen are smiles and the assurance that my child is in a safe and loving school environment. the small class sizes reinforce the fact that someone is always looking after my child. everyone at the school knows our name and they always address us by name. the sense of family and togetherness is what is truly important in an academic setting. teachers care about their students. administration cares about their students. i see many staff working together for the sake of children. it takes a village to raise a child and at Prodigy, it is just that.
Submitted by other on June 24, 2016

The K-5 "Academy" lacks a principal or any kind of qualified supervisor. The director and administration do nothing to support the teachers in the Academy and teacher turnover is high. There is a computer lab that has been off limits for 3 years and had brand new computers (at least 10) still in boxes. A SMART board that we are not allowed to use. All of this was bought with state grant money which is a shame that tax payer dollars paid for equipment and resources that the students who need it can't even use. The only reason they can't use it is laziness. It is inexcusable that for at least 3 years no one has taken the time to clean out and set up a computer lab. When staff offered to, they were at first ignored by administration then lied to that it would be done over the summer. The owner/director has a dog and a baby in her office and is pretty much inaccessible to parents and staff. Teachers try and buy a lot of the materials out of their own pockets. Staff is stressed and tired and it shows from having no support from administration in terms of behavior, supplies, PDs that are actually specific to elementary education.
Submitted by other on May 05, 2016

Prodigy Learning Center is AWESOME!!!As a very attached parent and educator myself, It took me over a year to find a suitable daycare for my two children. My search for quality daycare was exhaustive. After several reviews from family and friends, along with my own research and visits, my family chose Prodigy Learning Center. The facility is bright, clean, and child-centered. There are children art projects decorating the walls throughout the building. Lesson plans and newsletters are posted outside each classroom for the parents to view. The Classrooms are arranged in centers for the children to transition to throughout the day. Currently, the facility is being further beautified. The outside play areas are AWESOME and separated by age. The facility is safe; gated and has key pad access. The teaching staff is very nurturing, accommodating, and understanding of both child and parent. The teachers are accessible to the parents. The lines of communication are open. I speak with my children's teachers' daily and I am not rushed or ignored. The curriculum is age-appropriate and research based. My children have grown so much, academically, socially, and emotionally. They complete art projects, sing songs, have circle time, etc. They look forward to going to Prodigy each day. They love their teachers' and their friends. My extended family remarks about how much they have learned because it shows. Several of my family members intend to enroll their children's in the fall! No facility is perfect. If you are looking for Perfection, then you will have to stay home with your child as there is no perfect place or perfect people. There are times when you come and the key pad is malfunctioning. You may have to speak with the staff about an issue that may arise. Things happen. But if you want your child to be nurtured, to be encouraged to be their best, to be safe, to be clean, and to be well-fed by people who genuinely love children and have their best interest at heart, I highly suggest that you give Prodigy Learning Center a try. You will not be disappointed.Sincerely,A Proud Prodigy Parent
Submitted by other on September 15, 2015

My son just started at Prodigy and I am in love! Everyone is so nice and helpful. The school is very hard to get into and I am so happy I have found this center! Teachers and administrative staff are very professional and caring. Every teacher knows my child and addresses him by his name. I think that is wonderful considering there are a lot of kids to remember. Staff are very flexible and accommodating. I was very nervous being a mom that has never had her child in school but they put you at ease you can check on your child any time of the day and they have cameras in all the classrooms! I would highly recommend this school! Keep up the great work!
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2015

This is by far the worst school in the city. The smell of urine hits you in the face as soon as you walk in. The staff is uneducated and untrained. The management staff is unprofessional and seems oblivious to the needs of young children. The school has somehow aquired a star 4 status, yet they can't even maintain basic DPW standards. They also participate in the Pennsylvania Prek Counts program, which is a free program for low income families. I am not sure if the attending families are blinded by the "free" price tag, but they should definitely do their research on ratios, staff credentials, health and safety standards....because none of these are being met. The fact that this school is still open, let alone receiving State funding is very disturbing. It makes me question all the State funded programs that are meant to support best practice in Early Childhood. My advice, keep your kids safe. Stay away.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2015

My children currently attend Prodigy in the infant room and the before and after care program. I have had nothing but a great experience here. The staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and they will accommodate you and your child. My oldest son attends the before and after school program and he loves it! He is dropped off and picked up by one of the school buses. When he is off he is able to attend for the full day and he is picked up by them when he gets out early, even if it is an emergency. When he comes in for afterschool he has snack and he starts his homework. He does not always complete his homework but for the amount of time he is there the amount of homework he gets done is very realistic. You cannot expect them to complete your child's homework everyday. He has also attended the summer camp program which he also loves. They go on a lot of trips and do fun activities with them during the day. My daughter is in the infant/toddler program. I LOVE her teachers! She is learning so much and she cries when I come to get her from school. I feel very comfortable leaving her at school.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2015

I have many different issues with this school and I'm am overly dissatisfied with the employees that work at this school. I attempt to utilize the before and after but it was such a inconvenience for me due to my child being left at school on more than one occasion, which leads to my next issue they have no organization and communication skills between the employees are horrible. As a parent I would never recommend this place to anyone that wants responsible and reliable care.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2014

My daughter was able to transition and feel welcome at Prodigy. Her pre-K experience prior to going to the upper level was really good. It was well organized and very clean. I was apprehensive with her going upstairs as I found the setting lack luster and somewhat unkempt. However, she is in a class with an attuned teacher who is disciplined, creative and fun. The majority of interaction with staff has been one of professionalism; except for one or two who need to develop appropriate social skills and courtesy. If correct, it currently has 3 Keystone stars. I'm not sure of training and certifications of some younger staff which should be considered. The school has a very strict anti-bully policy. I would have a better sense of security if more adults adhered to screening other adults who come in behind them when using personal pin to enter building. Engaging with other parents is a challenge since everyone is in a rush to drop of children and go to work. Anyone considering school, please support funding efforts.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2014

My child attended this school for two years... When he started in the first grade I notice he wasn't learning anything. This school start from daycare up to the 5th grade, but it's like the whole school is just a daycare. The administration is horrible and fight amongst themselves about everything. The building is so unorganized and the staff doesn't seem happy at all. If you want your child to be in a place where playing and behavior issues will ruin their day, this place is the place for you! They don't even have a principal ! A school without a principal is bound to fail, the boss has two jobs so she doesn't have time to worry about your kids! One warning stay away from this ratchet whole in the wall.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2014

I had to pull my two year old out of this school when I realized he spoke better English than most of the staff there. I was horrified to find out the "retired grandmother" who I thought was helping out was actually the Assistant Director! Her grammar is terrible and she goes around calling everyone "love". She is very unprofessional and does not seem to know anything about the education field. The upstairs doesn't seem much better. No one is ever there to assist you and if I do see the upstairs supervisor, she is always too busy taking care of her son to help. Even though the teachers seemed caring, I couldn't trust a school that would place such uneducated, unprofessional staff in charge.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2014

I love my son's toddler teacher who is above awesome (Ms. Kelser); however, the school could use some tweaking. The administration seems to be very disorganized with handling business. The keypad on the door is always broken, the center could use a janitorial cleaning, and the administrative staff could be better at handling daily issues. Of course the classoom aides are slightly "hood-rat ish", but that comes with the Philadelphia territory and the job. Coming from a horrible daycare experience, this is by far NOT the worst; however, it could be better.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

The teachers here have been great so far but the administration is another story. They are very disorganized and unprofessional with how they handle everyday business. It seems like they care more about money than anything else which is evident in the school's appearance and disrepair. The also do not have a cleanly crew that comes in apparently so it is very dirty inside as well.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2012

Great for play!!!!! But I can leave my child home if all I wanted was for him to play!!!!!!!!!! To expensive for your child to only PLAY....,, Not Enough ACADEMICS!!!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2011

The center would have great potential if there were a better quality of teachers and assistants.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2011

Although we love the teachers and my child has made great friends, the administration and the attention to quality and regulations by the administration have made this an undesirable place to be. Most times the security keypad doesn't work and the door is open for anyone with no monitoring. The ratios are always way off - averaging what looks like about 30 toddlers to 2 caregivers. 1 week notices for field trips that parents must accompany their child on because of age.... whenever parents try to address the concerns they get bulldozed with gladhandling. pretty sad because this has the opportunity to be a GREAT daycare and school, but looking at $ instead of quality has damaged its chances.
Submitted by other on March 29, 2011

Too much play for the price with unskilled aids caring for toddlers. No homework for toddlers just play, play and more play. Need to invest in high quality teachers instead of the typical, uneducated hood rats.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2010

I have reentered my girls here for camp and the upcoming school year for K & 2nd grades, and my son for pre-school. I am continually satisfied with the staff support and the great teachers here. My girls attended as little ones, and I am more than satisfied with this school. I have recommended it many times over, for parents looking for more than just a babysitting service, and those looking for a solid place where their children are safe and can grow. Prodigy rocks!