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Central Valley Early Learning

Preschool · Spokane, WA · 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 64%50+31.8Reliability 28%27+7.6Replies to reviews 8%23+1.9Experts Score= 41Not 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.41SCORE
CGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#132 of 138 preschoolsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 4%
4.5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · 1 photos
82%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
15%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.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Aug 2026latest review

Central Valley Early Learning at a glance

Google reviewers rate Central Valley Early Learning 4.5 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. Parents frequently praise the supportive staff, caring environment, and effective communication, noting that the school provides free preschool services. Recurring criticisms involve long pickup lines in hot weather, where children wait on concrete, and concerns about the school's authority over parental decisions or perceived dishonesty in administrative matters.

  • Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 22 reviews (82% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 22 Google reviews (14 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: August 24, 2026.
  • Service: Preschool serving Spokane, Washington.

Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.

Score profile vs other preschools

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: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction50Reliability27Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews23Satisfaction: 50 (median 88)Reliability: 27 (median 84)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 23 (median 51)
This companyPreschools 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.Central Valley Early Learning: 50/100 on this factor. Category median: 88.C
50
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.Central Valley Early Learning: 27/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.D
27
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 97.–
–
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 90.–
–
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.Central Valley Early Learning: 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.Central Valley Early Learning: 23/100 on this factor. Category median: 51.D
23

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

22 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars1882%
  • 4 stars15%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars29%
  • 1 star15%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 14 written reviews

  • Praise1083%
  • Complaints217%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Would recommend542%
  • Staff & attitude433%
  • Quality & results217%
  • Communication18%

What customers talk about

We read 14 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “I would recommend this preschool 1000%!”
    “I do not recommend this school based on my personal experience.”
  • “( our children) so with this being said I think we should all thank the staff and stay patient as I know your time waiting in line is as important as mine.”
  • “The staff at elc does an exceptional job especially at valet.”
  • “Everyone here is very nice and takes care of my son :-) great communication in pre-K.”

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

Recent reviews

Timothy2 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. · 10 months ago★★★★★

My daughter has gone here for 3 years now and absolutely loves it , the teachers and staff here are amazing . Best school in town for pre K.

chrisLocal Guide · 65 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. · Edited a year ago★★★★★

The staff at elc does an exceptional job especially at valet. With 500 students most being picked up by car , they endure the heat and cold weather to keep all the children safe while waiting for parents. I know first hand how long the lines get but I keep in mind central valley elc is proving a free preschool to…

CandaceLocal Guide · 12 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. · a year ago★★★★★

The teachers and staff are amazing. It is a very supportive and caring environment. I couldn't have asked for a better place for my kiddo to start off his schooling years!

Daylon2 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. · a year ago★★

Went to pick my daughters up not only sitting in the line for 20 minutes it was a 97 degrees and they were waiting on the hot concrete for a almost 30 minutes there were kids screaming and saying their butts hurt it and when my daughters got in the car, they said they were burning. Do not recommend

Nicole1 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. · a year ago★

I do not recommend this school based on my personal experience. I strongly encourage other parents to explore all other options first and consider this school only as a last resort. One of my main concerns is the way the school operates as if they have more authority over your child than you do as a parent. That…

AshleyLocal Guide · 28 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★★

I would give a 5 star rating but due to this place wants to lie after my child that has not been there since covid my child was 3 yrs old when she started there and my child has not been there 5 years I would watch your back on putting ur child in this school they will lie to everyone including the state even after…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.5 ★★★★★ 22 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
Timothy Price2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Timothy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My daughter has gone here for 3 years now and absolutely loves it , the teachers and staff here are amazing . Best school in town for pre K.

Doug QuamLocal Guide · 143 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Doug has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Granddaughter loves her new school!

chris gaffneyLocal Guide · 65 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews chris has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The staff at elc does an exceptional job especially at valet. With 500 students most being picked up by car , they endure the heat and cold weather to keep all the children safe while waiting for parents. I know first hand how long the lines get but I keep in mind central valley elc is proving a free preschool to many who could not afford privately ran centers. This amazing staff deserves the up most respect for what they do day in and day out for our most precious commodities. ( our children) so with this being said I think we should all thank the staff and stay patient as I know your time waiting in line is as important as mine. Stay safe and have a great day.

Candace ShawLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Candace has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The teachers and staff are amazing. It is a very supportive and caring environment. I couldn't have asked for a better place for my kiddo to start off his schooling years!

Daylon Walls2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Daylon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Went to pick my daughters up not only sitting in the line for 20 minutes it was a 97 degrees and they were waiting on the hot concrete for a almost 30 minutes there were kids screaming and saying their butts hurt it and when my daughters got in the car, they said they were burning. Do not recommend

Nicole1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Nicole has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I do not recommend this school based on my personal experience. I strongly encourage other parents to explore all other options first and consider this school only as a last resort. One of my main concerns is the way the school operates as if they have more authority over your child than you do as a parent. That dynamic was troubling and, in my opinion, inappropriate. I believe families deserve a school environment that respects parental input and truly collaborates with them—not overrides them.

Ashley HaleLocal Guide · 28 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ashley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I would give a 5 star rating but due to this place wants to lie after my child that has not been there since covid my child was 3 yrs old when she started there and my child has not been there 5 years I would watch your back on putting ur child in this school they will lie to everyone including the state even after so many years glad I didn't put my other child in that school

Sarah Welch13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This school is amazing, my kiddos loved it there, teachers and staff are super great with the kids, providing a safe learning environment.

Heather Thomas4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Heather has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Love, Love, Love this place!! This is the most amazing preschool ever! They really care about their students and your whole family, not just the teachers but the office staff as well! They bend over backwards to help you out if need be. I would recommend this preschool 1000%! I will be moving out of district for next school year, but will drive out of my way to make sure my son gets to go here for his 2 years of preschool! Just amazing!!

Patricia MaherLocal Guide · 37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Patricia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Preschool

Central Valley Early Learning on Google Maps →

Business details