Child care agency · Grimes, IA · reviewed since 2023
iHow 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.54SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#38 of 45 after school careiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 16%
4.7★★★★★38 Google reviews · 7 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.36★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
9.1%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Dorothy Mae Kids Academy 4.7 out of 5 based on 38 reviews, with the owner replying to none. Families frequently praise the center for its clean facilities, engaging curriculum, and consistent communication through daily photo updates and a dedicated app. Staff are noted for their responsiveness and low turnover, helping children develop social and academic skills. However, one recurring criticism involves the billing process, specifically errors in splitting payments between separated parents and uncommunicated fee adjustments.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 38 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 38 Google reviews (36 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Most recent review: July 6, 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)iEach 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: satisfaction and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Dorothy Mae Kids AcademyAfter School Care median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 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.Dorothy Mae Kids Academy: 71/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.B
71
ReliabilityiReliability · 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.Dorothy Mae Kids Academy: 49/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.C
49
Craft & serviceiCraft & 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: 89.–
–
ValueiValue · 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.Dorothy Mae Kids Academy: 33/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.D
33
MomentumiMomentum · 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.Dorothy Mae Kids Academy: 60/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
60
Replies to reviewsiReplies 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.Dorothy Mae Kids Academy: 33/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.D
33
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
38 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars3592%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars13%
1 star25%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 36 written reviews
98%praise
Praise4098%
Complaints12%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
83%fair
Great price00%
Reasonable583%
Overpriced117%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude1229%
Would recommend820%
Quality & results717%
Communication512%
Honesty & trust512%
Speed & response37%
Price & value12%
What customers talk about
We read 36 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The one year old started in the baby room, moved up to 1s and every teacher in all rooms are amazing/caring and stimulate learning.”
“I would recommend DMKA to anyone looking for quality care in the Urbandale/Clive/Waukee area.”
“They do an amazing job with the kids and are always very good at keeping us informed of any changes with your kiddo or with upcoming events.”
“Teachers there are fantastic and very communicative”
“All the workers genuinely love our kids and are excited to greet them each morning.”
“The teachers are quick to respond to any questions and management responds quickly as well.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
CChloe7 reviewsiTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
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 learn at Dorothy Mae!
Reasonable price
CChristinaLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
I’ve been sending my kids here for the past couple years and have been really happy with the quality of care provided by the staff at Dorothy Mae. The teachers are fun and engaging and truly care about my kids. The activities they do are creative and help my kids develop new skills. I would recommend DMKA to anyone…
Reasonable price
AAlliLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We’ve been going to DMKA for the past 3 months and have all good experiences. My baby smiles every morning when I’m dropping her off, which reassures me that she loves it there!
BBenjamin7 reviewsiTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Fantastic, local organization for childcare. Our 2yo has been well cared for and we couldn’t be more happier with the work the folks are doing at DMKA. If you’re in between centers, DMKA is the way to go!
Reasonable price
AAlicia3 reviewsiTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Amazing child care for both my 1 and 4 year old. The one year old started in the baby room, moved up to 1s and every teacher in all rooms are amazing/caring and stimulate learning. They start youn with coloring and activities, I was so surprised to have my one year old attempting coloring/fine motor skills. My 4…
AAngie4 reviewsiTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Dorothy Mae Kids Academy is such a great daycare for kids, my son is always in a good mood going into school and good mood coming out. He has loved every single teacher and truly enjoys being around all his new friends and classmates. They do an amazing job with the kids and are always very good at keeping us…
Our last center was “good enough” and we’d been there for YEARS and I saw no reason to switch- but finally at the persistence of my husband I entertained the idea of visiting Dorothy Mae “just to look” since it was really close to our house. By the end of the tour I was saying “how do we sign up, I want to switch today!” Haha and we’ve never looked back
We were having some issues with our last center’s potty training policy- Dorothy Mae welcomed my son with open arms and were very accommodating to our potty training style! He was back to being potty trained within days of us starting there.
I then had a baby girl who started in the infant room and we’ve been so so happy with the care she has received! All the workers genuinely love our kids and are excited to greet them each morning. We love DMKA!
We’ve now been here for 2 years and no regrets! It’s now my daughters turn to potty train and she is doing fantastic!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
C
Chloe Watson7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chloe has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
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 learn at Dorothy Mae!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
C
Christina WellsLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Christina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve been sending my kids here for the past couple years and have been really happy with the quality of care provided by the staff at Dorothy Mae. The teachers are fun and engaging and truly care about my kids. The activities they do are creative and help my kids develop new skills. I would recommend DMKA to anyone looking for quality care in the Urbandale/Clive/Waukee area.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
A
Alli ConradLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We’ve been going to DMKA for the past 3 months and have all good experiences. My baby smiles every morning when I’m dropping her off, which reassures me that she loves it there!
B
Benjamin Willcockson7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Benjamin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Fantastic, local organization for childcare. Our 2yo has been well cared for and we couldn’t be more happier with the work the folks are doing at DMKA. If you’re in between centers, DMKA is the way to go!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
D
Dominic BilottaLocal Guide · 145 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dominic has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Amazing child care for both my 1 and 4 year old. The one year old started in the baby room, moved up to 1s and every teacher in all rooms are amazing/caring and stimulate learning. They start youn with coloring and activities, I was so surprised to have my one year old attempting coloring/fine motor skills. My 4 year old has learned all of letters and has great Pre-K skills that she would be ready for Kindergarten if she had met the cut off for Kindergarten. Love this daycare and almost feel like family!
A
Angie Martinez4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Angie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dorothy Mae Kids Academy is such a great daycare for kids, my son is always in a good mood going into school and good mood coming out. He has loved every single teacher and truly enjoys being around all his new friends and classmates. They do an amazing job with the kids and are always very good at keeping us informed of any changes with your kiddo or with upcoming events. Definitely a great place to be in and just great overall atmosphere.
B
Briana Monique4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Briana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had a great experience at Dorthy Mae. The staff is amazing, very clean and well managed. My kids had a blast there. A great place where your child can learn at any age and on their app you are always updated with pics and messages.
J
Jocelyn KovaleskiLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jocelyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Although the teachers and academy are pleasant enough, the billing process is sub par. They don't knowhow to correctly split bilking between separated parents, so when they DO figure it out they bill for more than one week without telling anyone causing issues with your bank and don't care one bit about any fees whatsoever. Then , when they have an emergency and have to close the entire daycare without an email and hardly any notice prior to Monday...do they even OFFER a refund. Nope. They are all about THEIR profit and could care less about the financial security of their members.
