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Cadence Academy Preschool

Day care center · Grimes, IA · reviewed since 2016

How 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.93SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#8 of 45 after school carePosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 84%
5.0 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · 9 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
15%reviews answered by the owner
Jul 2026latest review

Cadence Academy Preschool at a glance

Google reviewers rate Cadence Academy Preschool five stars based on ninety-one reviews, highlighting consistent themes of strong communication, low staff turnover, and small class sizes. Parents describe the center as providing a family-like environment where teachers are attentive, patient, and focused on early childhood development and curriculum. The excerpts note that staff partners closely with families, sends regular updates, and maintains professional care for infants and preschoolers, with no recurring criticisms identified in the provided text.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 91 reviews (99% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 91 Google reviews (86 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 15% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: July 21, 2026.
  • Service: After School Care serving Grimes, Iowa.

Data from Google, last updated November 6, 2026.

Score profile vs other after school care

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: value.

Satisfaction97Reliability93Craft & service90Value83Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 97 (median 77)Reliability: 93 (median 69)Craft & service: 90 (median 89)Value: 83 (median 83)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Cadence Academy PreschoolAfter School Care median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-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.Cadence Academy Preschool: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.A
97
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow 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.Cadence Academy Preschool: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.A
93
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle 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.Cadence Academy Preschool: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
90
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Cadence Academy Preschool: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
83
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises 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.Cadence Academy Preschool: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 75.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

91 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars9099%
  • 4 stars11%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 86 written reviews

  • Praise8999%
  • Complaints11%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude3337%
  • Would recommend1820%
  • Quality & results1416%
  • Communication910%
  • Speed & response89%
  • Honesty & trust67%
  • Price & value22%

What customers talk about

We read 86 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “They are kind, patient, nurturing, and genuinely invested in each child’s growth and happiness.”
  • “We have loved Cadence Academy and would recommend it for great care and education.”
  • “We have had such a wonderful experience at Cadence Academy!”
  • “The teachers and directors truly partner with us, as parents, and go above and beyond with communicating important updates.”
  • “Our son started Cadence (Then Apple Tree) at age 2 and quickly fell in love.”
  • “We are so happy we selected and trusted Cadence for our daughter!”
  • “…our son didn't get to start there from the beginning) but it is all worth it to leave your child somewhere the love.…”

People customers mention

  • Tree 35 reviews
  • Clive 8 reviews
  • Crystal 7 reviews
  • Darci 5 reviews
  • Center 5 reviews
  • Children 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

Jordan1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

We have loved Cadence Academy and would recommend it for great care and education.

Rhea5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

We have had such a wonderful experience at Cadence Academy! The teachers and staff are truly exceptional. They are kind, patient, nurturing, and genuinely invested in each child’s growth and happiness. It gives us so much peace of mind knowing our daughter is in such a caring and supportive environment every day.…

Service not listed
Katie4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

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 decision to move to Cadence; our experience has been great. Our son is learning a lot and loves the…

Jessie4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

We are so glad we chose Cadence Academy for pre-k for our daughter! The teachers are all so caring and she has grown leaps and bounds since starting. She is off to kindergarten in the fall and I know she will be ready thanks to the education she has recieved at Cadence. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing she is so well cared for!

Breanna1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 years ago★★★★★

We love Cadence Academy, Clive. The small environment provides a family like feel. The education is top notch & the teachers are excellent especially with potty training. Our 2 & 1 year year old attend there (since they were 6 months) and we cannot wait to how they continue grow over the years there!

Aubrey5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 years ago★★★★★

Our family couldn't be more pleased with the care and attention Cadence Academy staff provide our son. The teachers and directors truly partner with us, as parents, and go above and beyond with communicating important updates. So grateful for this community!

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 91 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Jordan Nolta1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Jordan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We have loved Cadence Academy and would recommend it for great care and education.

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thank you for the wonderful review, Jordan! We're so happy to have your support and recommendation.

Rhea Melhus5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Rhea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We have had such a wonderful experience at Cadence Academy! The teachers and staff are truly exceptional. They are kind, patient, nurturing, and genuinely invested in each child’s growth and happiness. It gives us so much peace of mind knowing our daughter is in such a caring and supportive environment every day. One of the things we love most is the extra enrichment opportunities, especially the cooking classes and yoga. Our daughter looks forward to them every week, and it’s been so fun to see her excitement as she shares what she’s learned. These activities have added so much to her preschool experience while helping build her confidence, creativity, and independence. We are so grateful to everyone at Cadence Academy for creating such a warm, engaging place for children to learn and thrive. We couldn’t recommend them more highly!

  • Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thank you for the wonderful review, Rhea! We're so happy to have your support and recommendation.

David Karl Raposa7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Couldn’t ask for more from this center.

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thanks for the 5-star review, David!

Katie Wheeler4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Katie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

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 decision to move to Cadence; our experience has been great. Our son is learning a lot and loves the staff. We would recommend Cadence to anyone who is considering it for their child(ren).

Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Thank you for the fantastic review, Katie! We’re so excited to hear that your son is enjoying his time at our school and that you are having such a wonderful experience overall!

Jessie Barrett4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jessie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We are so glad we chose Cadence Academy for pre-k for our daughter! The teachers are all so caring and she has grown leaps and bounds since starting. She is off to kindergarten in the fall and I know she will be ready thanks to the education she has recieved at Cadence. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing she is so well cared for!

Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Thank you for the 5-star review, Jessie! We’re so excited to hear that your daughter is enjoying her time at our school and that you are having such a wonderful experience overall!

Breanna Langman1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Breanna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We love Cadence Academy, Clive. The small environment provides a family like feel. The education is top notch & the teachers are excellent especially with potty training. Our 2 & 1 year year old attend there (since they were 6 months) and we cannot wait to how they continue grow over the years there!

Response from the owner · 3 years ago

Thank you for the positive feedback, Breanna! We're always happy to hear good things from our families.

Aubrey Villotti5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Aubrey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Our family couldn't be more pleased with the care and attention Cadence Academy staff provide our son. The teachers and directors truly partner with us, as parents, and go above and beyond with communicating important updates. So grateful for this community!

Response from the owner · 3 years ago

Thank you for the positive feedback, Aubrey! We're always happy to hear good things from our families.

Anne Robinson14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We are so happy we selected and trusted Cadence for our daughter! The amount of growth we have seen has us confident that she will be academically, socially and emotionally prepared for kindergarten. They have an incredible staff from the support staff to the teachers and their chef has my daughter trying and liking new foods every day! If you are looking for a school with a strong curriculum, great staff and a place that your kid/s will love… Cadence is for you!

Response from the owner · 3 years ago

Thank you for the 5-star review, Anne! We’re so excited to hear that your daughter is enjoying her time at our school and that you are having such a wonderful experience overall!

Christi Bertelson3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Christi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My daughter has attended Cadence Academy for almost 2 years. My family and I, as well as my daughter love this school! Staff is friendly and helpful. The director (Crystal) and assistant director (Darcy) are always willing to help with any questions or concerns I have. The school is structured but in a great way that children need for a nurturing but educational environment. This pre-school is not a babysitting service but a warm & loving center where my daughter has grown not just emotionally & socially but has thrived academically and is ready for Kindergarten. I am sad that this is her last year but confident knowing that Cadence and her teacher Ms. Monica have prepared her for Kindergarten 😀 I am beyond thankful for Cadence. I 💯 would recommend Cadence to anyone looking for childcare.

Response from the owner · 4 years ago

Thank you for the 5-star review, Christi! We’re so excited to hear that your daughter is enjoying her time at our school and that you are having such a wonderful experience overall!

Derrick Pershall2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Derrick has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Our daughter absolutely loves all of her teachers and friends from school. She loves to tell me all about her day on the drive home. She has learned so much while going to Cadence Academy and I could not be happier with our experience.

Response from the owner · 4 years ago

Thank you for your support, Derrick! We are so happy to hear that you and your daughter are having such a wonderful experience.

Cadence Academy Preschool on Google Maps →

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