Bright Stars Learning Academy

Columbia, MD 21044

Phone: (410) 730-5234

NR

GreatSchools Rating

private • Grades KG,1 • 66 students

Bright Stars Learning Academy, a private school located in Columbia, MD, serves grades K-1 in the .

Bright Stars Learning Academy is a private school located in Columbia, MD. 66 students attend Bright Stars Learning Academy.

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Our child attended the infant program from October 2025 until we abruptly withdrew her on May 4, 2026. I want to start by acknowledging that her primary teacher, Miss Desiree, was wonderful—kind, attentive, and clearly caring toward our daughter. We are very grateful for the care she provided.

Unfortunately, our experience with the director, Michelle, was very different. During our initial tour, I specifically asked whether parents receive daily photos through the daycare app, as this was important to us based on prior daycare experiences. Michelle assured us we would. However, after enrollment, we only received one photo the entire time our daughter attended. When we followed up, Michelle stated she never guaranteed photos and does not require staff to send them. Had we been told this honestly from the start, we would not have chosen this center.

There were also repeated signs of disorganization, including required paperwork being lost and requested multiple times.

The most concerning issue occurred in April regarding Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents were asked to volunteer in classrooms from 12–3 PM so teachers could attend a luncheon, and the message strongly implied volunteers would be supervising children. As both a parent and an educator myself, I fully support teacher appreciation, but I had serious concerns about safety procedures, background checks, and whether volunteers would be left alone with children.

When I reached out with reasonable questions, Michelle’s response was dismissive. Rather than clearly explaining safety protocols, she suggested we keep our child home if we were uncomfortable and later stated she would follow up with more information—but never did. Instead, the center later announced it would close early the day of the luncheon due to “unforeseen circumstances,” which only raised further concerns about planning and transparency.

At that point, we no longer felt confident in the center’s leadership or safety practices and decided to withdraw our daughter.

While the classroom teachers were caring, leadership sets the tone for the facility. For tuition of approximately $2,300 per month, we expected professionalism, organization, clear communication, and a strong commitment to child safety.

We have since reported our concerns to the State of Maryland for further review. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this facility under its current leadership.

Posted: July 11, 2024

This School is awful! They left my daughter on the school bus and did not apologize. I was told that my child was left on the bus because the other kids told her she wasn’t on the bus. She never got on and looked for herself. Even after the situation she was very nonchalant about it. No one from corporate ever called to apologize or anything. Now as it stands my little girl will need therapy for this. This is an ongoing wound for us. I think parents need to stand clear of this school. There is not accountability and most of all, YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN ARE NOT SAFE!

Posted: July 11, 2024

Posted: April 2, 2024

Tried this place out even after they had that babies hang itself and that one teacher ripped that babies leg out of its socket. Won't ever make that mistake again, we weren't aware that the academy was going to keep the director, Andrea, the woman that was over seeing both instances. I wouldn't take your kids there. The staff is horrible.

Posted: April 2, 2024

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Posted: August 30, 2023

This is such an amazing school. All 5 of my children attended. Most of the same staff has Been there since 2007, when my children first started attending. From education to personal, the staff was extremely supportive. I would definitely recommend any parent to this school.

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2013

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this place. Not only is it affordable, the teachers truly care for the kids. As soon as we walked in for a tour, I instantly felt comfortable. My son has grown and learned so much from attending this school. It is such a nourishing environment and not uptight, like some daycares can be. Everyone is so professional and the kids truly love them. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone and truly believe it is one of the best out there!

Posted: October 30, 2013

My son has been going here for over a year now and we just love it! Ever since we started I noticed a jump in his vocabulary as well as numbers. The teachers are great and attentive.

Posted: October 14, 2013

Moving my family from NY to MD was a huge undertaking and I worried about how my 2 young kids would adapt their new school environment. Putting my kids in Bright Stars Learning Academy was one of the best decisions that I made with regards to their education and socialization here in MD. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. My kids loved all of their instructors and looked forward to their daily time at Bright Stars! Kudos!

Posted: October 13, 2013

This is a great school/daycare with before and after school care available. My son has been attending since he was an infant, he is in his first year of Pre-K now but still attends after school care at this center. His Pre-K assessment was impressive, and he's ahead of most of his class, I believe this is due to his early education within BSLA. I find the teachers within BSLA extremely engaging, knowledgeable, kind and lots of fun! My son loves it here!!

Posted: October 9, 2013

Bright Stars Learning Academy has been a very supportive, loving, and strong educational platform for both of my children. My son attended Bright Stars from 18 months - PreK and my daughter attended from 8 weeks until PreK. Both of my children are excelling in Howard County public schools and my daughter is in GT.

Posted: October 3, 2013

Bright Star Learning Academy is where my nieces were in preschool. Academically they benefited and were prepared for the next stages of education. The staff cares about the students.

Posted: September 15, 2013

If I could give zero I would. As an early childhood teacher I found this place, specifically service atrocious. Upon arriving I rang bell, a lady shook her finger at me then proceeded to open the door and fuss at me like I was a student. She then stated the kids were sleeping and she forgot to put up a sign. So, basically there is not front desk which is one concern. She then asked who care was for in improper English which was concern number two. I stated my nine month son and she made another rude remark. I told her never mind this is not a place for my child and she slammed the door. Parents please do your research and look around this place. This is not a quality day care, this is not even a decent day care worthy of the three minutes that it took to me drive there!

Posted: August 15, 2013

Bright Stars was an excellent choice for my 2 kids this summer! My family and I were transitioning from another state and both kids assimilated easily into the program.

Posted: June 25, 2013

Disclaimer: This review is based solely on a single phone call to this academy to see if they had space available. The person answering the call was disinterested, bordering on rude, and after telling me they had no space hung up. If that's indicative of the service, buyer beware.

Posted: September 12, 2011

a five star rating for this school/facility is hilarious. point blank period. you can decide for yourself, but i wouldn't waste the trip or the tuition. seriously, if you are thinking about sending your clhild (your most precious blessing) here, please reconsider.

Posted: August 10, 2010

I LOVE this school. My oldest son, now 4 1/2, has been there since he was 15 weeks old. Now his little brother (3) attends the school. The rates are reasonable.The director is actively involved and accessible. The teachers are friendly, caring and capable. It's clean and bright. My kids are very happy there.

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