Day care center · Grimes, IA · reviewed since 2022
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 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.48SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#40 of 45 after school careiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 11%
4.5★★★★★25 Google reviews · 24 photos
88%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
15%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare 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 the center 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 25 reviews, with the owner responding to 84% of feedback. Positive comments frequently highlight clean facilities, approachable leadership, and engaging activities like gym time and arts and crafts, alongside consistent daily communication through photos and updates. However, lower-rated reviews cite concerns regarding uncommunicated policy changes and inadequate responses to minor injuries, suggesting a lack of transparency in handling specific child care issues.
Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 25 reviews (88% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 25 Google reviews (16 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 84% of reviews.
Most recent review: May 22, 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: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
Kiddie Academy of UrbandaleAfter 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.Kiddie Academy of Urbandale: 50/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.C
50
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.Kiddie Academy of Urbandale: 28/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.D
28
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 83.–
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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.Kiddie Academy of Urbandale: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
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.Kiddie Academy of Urbandale: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.A
95
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
25 Google reviews we collected
4.5of 5
5 stars2288%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star312%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 16 written reviews
100%praise
Praise16100%
Complaints00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude531%
Would recommend425%
Quality & results319%
Speed & response213%
Communication16%
Honesty & trust16%
What customers talk about
We read 16 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The teachers are so kind and really care about our children.”
“We are very grateful for Kiddie Academy and highly recommend!”
“We have had such a great experience and I would recommend this daycare to anyone & everyone!”
“In addition to that, they are responsive and informative - they always know what’s going on with the kiddos.”
“The staff is communicative, supportive, and truly invested in the kids’ growth.”
“…ms have interactive video boards for learning, computers, and I can honestly say I have never sent my kids somewhere that do so many arts and crafts (…”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
SSarah8 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. · 5 months ago★★★★★
We love Kiddie Academy. The teachers are so kind and really care about our children. I feel I never have to worry about the safety of my kids and whether or not they are being treated well. Prior to this, we had been at a different center in the area and these were frequent concerns that I had. The facility is…
LLynn3 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. · a year ago★
They secretly changed the diaper policy and banned 360 pull-ups. My child ended up itchy and uncomfortable, and their only excuse was that regular diapers are “faster” for staff. No concern for the kids at all.
AAllie2 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. · a year ago★★★★★
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 every day. They go above and beyond to offer fun activities for the kids -- water days, fun crafts like…
JJames10 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. · a year ago★★★★★
This has been the best daycare experience we’ve had- after trying two others, we’ve stayed here for years and recommend it often. The staff is communicative, supportive, and truly invested in the kids’ growth.
The director is hands-on, knows every family, and runs a well-organized, positive environment. They also…
RRand2 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. · a year ago★★★★★
Best daycare in town! My daughter is having so much fun and learning so much. The teachers are amazing!
AAmyLocal Guide · 32 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. · 2 years ago★★★★★
We've had such a positive experience with Kiddie Academy! I’m so impressed by how attentive and caring the teachers are. The facility is always clean and welcoming, and the indoor gym is such a great option for when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The leadership team is approachable and always on top of things, which…
We love Kiddie Academy. The teachers are so kind and really care about our children. I feel I never have to worry about the safety of my kids and whether or not they are being treated well. Prior to this, we had been at a different center in the area and these were frequent concerns that I had. The facility is beautiful and clean. The director, Hayley is very approachable. I feel like several of the teachers at KA, not just the ones in their specific classrooms, love our girls and greet them with enthusiasm when they see them around the center. The pre-k teachers are fantastic, and my 5 year old has learned so much and is well prepared for kindergarten. We are very grateful for Kiddie Academy and highly recommend!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
We’re grateful for your kind words, Sarah Hudson. The educators at Kiddie Academy of Urbandale work hard to create a space where children feel supported and excited to learn. Your feedback lets us know we’re on the right track.
L
Lynn Giang3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lynn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They secretly changed the diaper policy and banned 360 pull-ups. My child ended up itchy and uncomfortable, and their only excuse was that regular diapers are “faster” for staff. No concern for the kids at all.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We would welcome the opportunity to address your concerns personally, as we do not have a record of you as a guardian to any children enrolled in our academy. Please give us a call to set up a time to speak.
A
Allie Minnick2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Allie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
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 every day. They go above and beyond to offer fun activities for the kids -- water days, fun crafts like tie-dying, snow cones, etc. We have had such a great experience and I would recommend this daycare to anyone & everyone!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for your kind words about our teachers and staff, Allie. Our team at Kiddie Academy of Urbandale strives to go above and beyond for our families! We are so happy to hear that you are having such a positive experience at our Academy.
J
James von Gillern10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This has been the best daycare experience we’ve had- after trying two others, we’ve stayed here for years and recommend it often. The staff is communicative, supportive, and truly invested in the kids’ growth.
The director is hands-on, knows every family, and runs a well-organized, positive environment. They also offer great extras like gym time during bad weather and special events like zoo visits.
Solid leadership, great communication- highly recommend KA!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for sharing your kind words with us and the community, James. Our staff works hard to provide a safe and friendly environment for all families, and we enjoy watching your children grow at our Academy!
J
Jackson Tran4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jackson has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My sister got bitten 3 times with one scar on the back of the arm still there , no one care when is bleeding and not take any action or serious about it. She is lucky she don't have any infection for it and they don’t tell my mom about it The manager just says it’s her day off every time, and even your kids have problems as for talking to owner and the owner is so busy cause I call the owner and solve problems, good luck put your kids here .if I could give zero stars I would.They have new silly Policy only from there daycare in whole town have it no one else you will hear it that if you bring 360 diaper pull up they wont let you and they say it’s because take 2-3 more minutes ( reason from owner because wasted time for kids to learn activities) so funny if your kids not comfortable how they can learn but they did not care, anyway make sure you know before sign up for your kids they just care for your money , fast and convenient for there employees not for kids not even put kids on first priority, not sure what your kids will learn from them if they don’t have any patience for it.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Hi Jackson, thank you for taking the time to leave your review. Providing high-quality child care in a safe environment is our number one priority and we are disappointed to hear that this was not your experience. We appreciate your feedback and have addressed your concerns with our team.
R
Rand Al-Abdallat2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rand has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We've had such a positive experience with Kiddie Academy! I’m so impressed by how attentive and caring the teachers are. The facility is always clean and welcoming, and the indoor gym is such a great option for when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The leadership team is approachable and always on top of things, which makes a huge difference. They also offer great summer activities, and I appreciate that the meals they provide are healthy and balanced. Overall, we feel really lucky to have found KA and would highly recommend them to anybody searching for a daycare!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to review Kiddie Academy of Urbandale! Our top priority is to provide high quality childcare and we are happy to hear that your family is having such a positive experience with us!
S
Sarah Hartung8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
So grateful to have found Kiddie Academy in Urbandale. The leadership team is amazing and the teachers are so great with the kids. Super clean also which is really important to us. 👍
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you so much for the positive review! We’re happy that you’re happy!
G
Gustavo de souza8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gustavo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We’ve been happy with our decision to send our son to KA. The facility is clean, we appreciate the live camera feeds and photos, and all of the year-round activities they have for the kids.
