Irondale First Baptist Child Development Center

Overall we've had a good experience with this school. The teachers are amazing and there are a lot of opportunities for community building here. The main issue is that some of the parents need to parent their children better. Also there is a huge learning disparity across the board in the classroom ... I know this comes from ESL and children not being read to, etc ... so the challenge is always laid upon the teacher to teach to those who are so far behind while also trying to keep the higher achievers busy so they don't become bored and/or not learning what they need to learn.

The reviews for this school needs updating the front office support are amazing and made me and my kids feel welcomed. The principal goes over and beyond , she’s so sweet and cool. My kids love this school after transitioning from Georgia, they love the xtra care the teachers, principals, etc gives. I love this school.

Horribly mishandled school with under qualified staff, unpleasant student body, incredibly outdated rules, terrible teachers that have mental breakdowns and teach 3-4 weeks behind, and an overall feel of the building that can be only be described in the nicest way as purgatory. If you raise any concerns questioning the choices made by the staff all your issues will be swept under the rug and forgotten about. Good luck trying to get in touch with anyone, as emails are notoriously left unreplied to and problems unresolved! Parent and student alike will have a downright terrible time. If you’ve enrolled your child into Jefferson Christian Academy, be prepared to have your child come home crying from the isolation and pressure from faculty and students. Staying in such a small place and being the only authority of the place gives teachers incredibly large heads and students narrow minds. I could go on forever with my experience with JCA but to keep it short I say do not enroll your child unless absolutely necessary. And I mean COMPLETELY absolutely necessary.

My experience with Highlands is as a parent of two who started in kindergarten, as a board member (now chair), and as the brother whose sibling's children went through Highlands as well. So, over the nearly two decades of experience with the school, I can say that Highlands is a one-of-kind primary school opportunity for families in the region. The academics are comprehensive and appropriately preparatory for high school, but interspersed with them is a focus on public speaking, leadership skills and personal confidence, all while keeping an eye on what is perhaps most important -- the joy of childhood. Highlands is able to achieve this through an experienced faculty, a strong administration, and a healthy student/teacher ratio. (A lovely campus in suburban Birmingham doesn't hurt!)For those in the Central Alabama area interested in the independent school experience, Highlands is a fantastic option for your family.