Serendipity Children’s Center

Teachers: five stars. The staff are great. My kids have had a great bond with their teachers. Some of the «floater» teachers are not as good as the ones who are assigned to a specific classroom; one in particular kept my kid sitting on the side for being too rough during outdoor play. (Personally don’t think physical activity should be withheld as a punishment for a 3-​year-​old.)
Setting: four stars. Wish they spent more time outside in the fresh air.
Administration & «bang for the buck»: Here’s the reason for my mediocre review. I really want to give this place a higher rating, but I just cannot believe the tuition rates. My kid should be sleeping on a feather bed, learning three languages, taking field trips to outer space, and eating organic vegetables prepared by a Cordon Bleu-​trained chef for the price. And they are raising it 10 percent next year!
Bottom line: We’ll be looking for another place, weighing pros and cons. There is no money better spent to me than making sure my kid is well-​cared-​for. Just not sure it has to be so inflated compared to the cost of living here.

I am still amazed more people don’t review child care centers. That would be helpful if they did.
We have used three different child care centers in the Olympia area over a period of 5+ years. Two of those I consider excellent, and I would recommend them to anyone. Serendipity is one of the two excellent ones (message me if you want to know the other one).
I believe that the quality and success of these places is determined by strong leadership — by good directors who know what they are doing. They are the ones who can hire the best teachers and retain them. Of course, we are obviously very happy with the teachers at Serendipity. Our child likes them too!
Serendipity is relatively large, with about 3 classrooms per age group. It is well organized and professional, and all sorts of information is available to the parents on daily activities, meals, learning, special activities, etc.
One unique aspect is that there are numerous classes that the kids can take during their day (for an extra charge) there at the facility. They have swimming lessons, ballet, various sports, and more. Imagine avoiding the hassle of taking your kid to these activities… instead, just letting the school do it for you!
So yeah, we are happy with Serendipity.