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Dolphin Child Academy

Child care agency · Kirkland, WA · reviewed since 2018

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%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%69+10.5Experts 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.
#11 of 80 daycare centersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 87%
5.0 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · 9 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
27%reviews answered by the owner
Jul 2026latest review

Dolphin Child Academy at a glance

Google reviewers rate Dolphin Child Academy five stars based on forty-eight reviews, highlighting a warm environment, caring staff, and personalized attention. Recurring themes include home-cooked meals, engaging daily activities, and on-site swimming lessons that build confidence. Parents also note the stability of keeping children with the same teachers and the facility's convenient location. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts, as all reviews are positive.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 48 reviews (100% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 48 Google reviews (39 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 27% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: July 30, 2026.
  • Service: Daycare Center serving Kirkland, Washington.

Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.

Score profile vs other daycare centers

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.

Satisfaction98Reliability96Craft & service–Value69Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 98 (median 83)Reliability: 96 (median 76)Value: 69 (median 94)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Dolphin Child AcademyDaycare Centers 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.Dolphin Child Academy: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
98
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.Dolphin Child Academy: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.A
96
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: 99.–
–
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.Dolphin Child Academy: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.B
69
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.Dolphin Child Academy: 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: 44.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

48 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars48100%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 39 written reviews

  • Praise62100%
  • Complaints00%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price00%
  • Reasonable4100%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude3150%
  • Would recommend1626%
  • Honesty & trust711%
  • Communication46%
  • Quality & results23%
  • Speed & response23%

What customers talk about

We read 39 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “The teachers are kind, patient, and truly invested in every child's well-being.”
  • “We are incredibly grateful for everyone at the daycare and highly recommend it to any family looking for exceptional childcare!”
  • “From the very beginning, we've felt that our son is genuinely cared for, loved, and encouraged to learn and grow.”
  • “I’ve seen such a boost in my kid's confidence, communication skills, and even his creativity.”
  • “We've had a wonderful experience with this childcare!”
  • “After exploring over ten other options, Angela and her team immediately stood out for their genuine love for the children and their caring, patient ap…”

People customers mention

  • Angela 7 reviews
  • Russian 5 reviews
  • Lena 3 reviews

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

Recent reviews

NevaLocal Guide · 16 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 months ago★★★★★

enjoy environment, very good place to start with child adaptation to child care , smooth and worry free

Kate2 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 couldn't be happier with this wonderful daycare! From the very beginning, we've felt that our son is genuinely cared for, loved, and encouraged to learn and grow. The teachers are kind, patient, and truly invested in every child's well-being. A special thank you to the owner Angela, who has created such a warm,…

Reasonable price
Aleksandra9 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★★★★★

This is a wonderful place for my child. The teachers are so kind, and they serve homemade meals. There are learning activities, music, and swimming lessons. We couldn't have asked for a better place. My son has been going here for almost 2 years, and I want to express my huge gratitude to the whole daycare team. I 100% recommend it!

Anna3 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★★★★★

The best daycare for both my kids, - like second family! If you are looking for a kind, caring, and welcoming daycare for your little ones, I highly recommend Dolphin.

Reasonable price
NadezdaLocal Guide · 13 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. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Over the course of the two and a half years my daughter attended, this place has offered nothing but kindness, support and engaging activities. Angela’s pedagogy is highlighted by patience and persistence as demonstrated by my child overcoming her fear of getting into water, diving. The rest of the workers are nice…

Reasonable price
Esti2 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★★★★★

Dolphin day care is the best day care we could have asked for. Our daughter spent one year at the dolphin and it was a wonderful year. The most important thing is that she felt loved and we knew she was taken care of. Beyond that, we saw how everyday she learns something new, and her Russian become much better. We…

Reasonable price

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 48 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

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

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
NevaLocal Guide · 16 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Neva has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

enjoy environment, very good place to start with child adaptation to child care , smooth and worry free

Kate Utegenova2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kate has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We couldn't be happier with this wonderful daycare! From the very beginning, we've felt that our son is genuinely cared for, loved, and encouraged to learn and grow. The teachers are kind, patient, and truly invested in every child's well-being. A special thank you to the owner Angela, who has created such a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment. Her dedication, compassion, and genuine love for the children are evident in everything she does. It's clear that this isn't just a business to her, it's a place where children can thrive. Our son is excited to go there, and as parents, there's no greater peace of mind than knowing he's safe, happy, and surrounded by people who truly care. We are incredibly grateful for everyone at the daycare and highly recommend it to any family looking for exceptional childcare!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
Aleksandra9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Aleksandra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This is a wonderful place for my child. The teachers are so kind, and they serve homemade meals. There are learning activities, music, and swimming lessons. We couldn't have asked for a better place. My son has been going here for almost 2 years, and I want to express my huge gratitude to the whole daycare team. I 100% recommend it!

Anna Tokolova3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The best daycare for both my kids, - like second family! If you are looking for a kind, caring, and welcoming daycare for your little ones, I highly recommend Dolphin.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
Nadezda RLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Nadezda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Over the course of the two and a half years my daughter attended, this place has offered nothing but kindness, support and engaging activities. Angela’s pedagogy is highlighted by patience and persistence as demonstrated by my child overcoming her fear of getting into water, diving. The rest of the workers are nice and patient. I do recommend this place, because my child always woke up feeling excited to go there.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
Esti Livshits2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Esti has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Dolphin day care is the best day care we could have asked for. Our daughter spent one year at the dolphin and it was a wonderful year. The most important thing is that she felt loved and we knew she was taken care of. Beyond that, we saw how everyday she learns something new, and her Russian become much better. We very much appreciated all the lessons and activities the children got to do with their devoted, kind and warm teachers. For anyone looking for a Russian speaking day care, I recommend the Dolphin with all my heart.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a year ago

Thank you very much for your kind words Esti!

Gints Salaks9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gints has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This daycare has been a wonderful place for both of my sons. From the very beginning, we felt confident leaving our kids in a safe, caring, and positive environment. Angela is an amazing teacher - she taught our boys so many valuable skills and made every day a fun and enriching experience. We’re truly grateful for the love and dedication she showed. Highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a supportive and nurturing space for their children!

Olga Krasnianska3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Olga has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

As a mum, nothing is more important to me than knowing my child is safe, happy, and thriving—and that’s exactly what we’ve found at Child Dolphin Academy in Kirkland. From the very first day, the staff welcomed us with open arms and made my kid feel right at home. The teachers are incredibly patient, kind, and truly invested in each child’s growth. I’ve seen such a boost in my kid's confidence, communication skills, and even his creativity. She comes home excited to tell me all about her day, and I love hearing the little songs she's learned and the new friends she's made. What really sets this academy apart is the strong sense of community and the thoughtful curriculum. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into creating an environment where kids can learn through play, exploration, and encouragement. I can’t recommend Child Dolphin Academy enough—it’s been a wonderful foundation for my kid, and we feel lucky to be part of such a special place!

AnnaLocal Guide · 1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Anna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

A Wonderful Experience at Dolphin Child Academy. I am very happy with the care and attention my child received at Dolphin Child Academy. From the very first day, the staff made us feel welcomed and happy. The environment was warm, inviting, and safe. The caregivers were not only professional but also genuinely caring. They took the time to understand each child's unique needs and personality, and it's clear they were passionate about early childhood development. My child had learned so much in a short amount of time! The progress had been wonderful to watch. One of the highlights for us was the private swim lessons they offer. The one-on-one attention in the pool have been such a great addition to my child’s routine. What also stands out is the communication. I received regular updates about my child's day, from activities they’ve participated in to how they’re feeling. It’s comforting to know that my child is in such capable hands and is thriving in a nurturing environment. Overall, I couldn’t ask for a better place for my child. Dolphin Child Academy had exceeded all of my expectations, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other parents looking for a safe, caring, and enriching environment for their little ones.

AnyaLocal Guide · 29 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anya has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We've had a wonderful experience with this childcare! The staff is incredibly attentive and genuinely caring—they take the time to get to know each child and make them feel safe and supported. The daily activities are engaging and thoughtfully planned, always offering something new and fun to explore. One of the standout features is the on-site pool with a dedicated instructor—such a fantastic way for kids to build confidence and learn swimming skills early on. Meals and snacks are healthy and well-balanced, which we really appreciate. The outdoor play yard is also spacious and well-maintained, giving the kids plenty of room to run, climb, and enjoy fresh air. Overall, it’s a warm and enriching environment that we feel great about. Highly recommend!

Dolphin Child Academy on Google Maps →

Business details