Analyzing 9,108,2729.1M ReviewsFor 25,80125.8K Experts
We graded 9 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
From 3,157 Google reviews of 45 top-rated after school care nationwide; 9 of them in Grimes, IA. Updated November 9, 2026.
Pick the job — we re-rank companies by how customers rated that exact job.
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of after school care).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
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| 1 |  Cadence Academy PreschoolGrimes, IA | A 93How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%97+56.9Reliability 26%93+24.3Value 15%83+12.6Craft & service penalty90−1Experts Score= 93Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.99 | — |
| 2 |  Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development CenterGrimes, IA | B 72How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%76+41.5Reliability 24%54+13.1Value 14%78+11Replies to reviews 7%91+6.4Experts Score= 72Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BC–BAA | 4.78 | — |
| 3 |  The Goddard School of WaukeeGrimes, IA | B 70How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%76+41.5Reliability 24%66+16Value 14%66+9.3Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Craft & service penalty95−0.5Momentum penalty67−3.3Experts Score= 70Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BBABBA | 4.78 | — |
| 4 |  New Horizon AcademyGrimes, IA | B 69How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%73+39.8Reliability 24%59+14.3Value 14%78+11Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Momentum penalty70−3Experts Score= 69Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BC–BBA | 4.75 | — |
| 5 |  Hickman KinderCareGrimes, IA | B 69How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%77+42Reliability 24%69+16.7Value 14%44+6.2Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Craft & service penalty95−0.5Momentum penalty80−2Experts Score= 69Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BBACAA | 4.80 | — |
| 6 |  Tender Years Daycare & Learning Center 4Grimes, IA | B 63How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%62+33.8Reliability 24%63+15.3Value 14%90+12.7Replies to reviews 7%33+2.3Craft & service penalty89−1.1Experts Score= 63Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BBAA–D | 4.68 | — |
| 7 |  Dorothy Mae Kids AcademyGrimes, IA | C 54How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%71+38.7Reliability 24%49+11.9Value 14%33+4.7Replies to reviews 7%33+2.3Momentum penalty60−4Experts Score= 54Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BC–DBD | 4.71 | — |
| 8 |  Kiddie Academy of UrbandaleGrimes, IA | C 48How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%50+31.8Reliability 28%28+7.9Replies to reviews 8%95+7.8Experts Score= 48Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | CD––AA | 4.52 | — |
| 9 |  Johnston KinderCareGrimes, IA | D 29How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%48+26.2Reliability 24%23+5.6Value 14%1+0.1Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Craft & service penalty0−10Experts Score= 29Grade D: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | CDFF–A | 4.45 | — |
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
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How the 9 after school care we rated in Grimes, IA compare, and what customers praise most.
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
Average stars per company.
Share of Google review highlights.
All price verdicts left with reviews.
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.
Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
The 9 best-rated after school care in Grimes, IA average 4.7★ on Google across 439 reviews. Cadence Academy Preschool has the top rating (5.0★). Updated November 6, 2026.
9 companies that meet our bar: rated 4.5★ or higher on Google, with a meaningful review history (439 reviews combined) and currently operating. Request a call back and the company will phone you directly.
“We made the decision to move our 1 year old to Cadence from another center due to the tenure of the staff at Cadence, the established curriculum and the smaller class sizes. We have been nothing but pleased with our…” — Google review
“I recently visited YBR to conduct the KidSight vision screenings for the children and was deeply impressed by the experience. The staff was incredibly caring, attentive, and supportive. It was inspiring to witness…” — Google review
“We love Goddard. The teachers are incredible and really care about the development of their kids. SO happy this is where our little is learning everyday.” — Google review
“My grandson has grown so much since being at New Horizon Academy. His teachers Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jen really care about him. The facility is always clean and everyone seems happy working there.” — Google review
“My daughters have been going to KinderCare for years and I can’t say enough positive things about every teacher and director there. From the communication to the fun activities my kids get to participate in it’s…” — Google review
“Choosing a daycare is an important decision and I feel we made the right one when choosing Dorothy Mae. Our daughter loves her time there and the teachers love her back! We can’t wait for her to continue to grow and…” — Google review
“My 2yo has been going to Tender Years in grimes for about 2 months now. They have always been so welcoming and caring to my son since day one. As a parent we all worry about our children's well being, but at Tender…” — Google review
“We absolutely love Kiddie Academy!! It is by far one of the best daycares in the Des Moines area. The staff is so warm and friendly. The teachers take such good care of the kids and send the best pictures/updates…” — Google review
“Bri was so friendly and welcoming, she answered all my questions and made the process so smooth! I was very anxious for my kids first day but they were so reassuring. This first week has been great, such an amazing…” — Google review
We scan Google Maps for after school care listings in and around Grimes, keep only open businesses whose main category matches the service, and require a Google rating of at least 4.5 from at least 20 reviews. Companies are ordered by a confidence-weighted score that balances rating and review volume. We do not accept payment for placement.
Cadence Academy Preschool has the highest Google rating on our Grimes list: 5.0 out of 5 from 91 reviews (as of November 6, 2026).
Cadence Academy Preschool has the most Google reviews among the companies listed here: 91, with a 5.0★ average.
Only open Grimes-area businesses whose Google category matches the service, rated at least 4.5★ from at least 20 Google reviews. They are ordered by a confidence-weighted score of rating and review volume. Placement is never paid.
Analyzing 9,108,2729.1M ReviewsFor 25,80125.8K Experts