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 69%85+58.8Reliability 31%77+23.7Experts Score= 83Not enough data for value, 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.83SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#3 of 8 special education schoolsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 71%
4.8★★★★★53 Google reviews · 10 photos
96%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2.9%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.
Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Lake St. Louis at a glance
Google reviewers rate the preschool 4.8 out of 5 based on 53 reviews, with the owner responding to 98% of them. Families frequently praise the staff's dedication, noting frequent daily updates and photos via an app, healthy meals, and a welcoming environment that supports child development. Recurring themes include strong communication and smooth transitions for children joining from other care settings. One criticism involves a registration fee and unfulfilled enrollment promises, where a parent reported receiving no clear answers after multiple follow-ups.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 53 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 53 Google reviews (51 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 25, 2026.
Service: Special Education School serving Washington, Missouri.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other special education schools
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 satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
This companySpecial Education Schools 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.Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Lake St. Louis: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 82.A
85
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.Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Lake St. Louis: 77/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.B
77
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: 55.–
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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: 100.–
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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.Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Lake St. Louis: 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 33.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
53 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars5196%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star24%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 51 written reviews
90%praise
Praise8390%
Complaints910%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3336%
Would recommend1617%
Speed & response1213%
Quality & results1011%
Communication1011%
Honesty & trust910%
Price & value22%
What customers talk about
We read 51 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The teachers are fantastic as well: nurturing, patient, kind, and genuinely caring toward the kids.”
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommend Little Sunshine’s Playhouse!”
“She is naturally a little more reserved, so seeing her become more comfortable and open up so quickly has meant so much to us!”
“…ulfilled promises of an immediate spot, and a non-refunded fee after delays and conflicting excuses.…”
“We have had such a wonderful experience with Little Sunshine’s Playhouse Lake St.”
“The classrooms are always incredibly clean, the food is freshly prepared, and communication with parents is excellent.”
“She STILL talks about how much she loves her favorite teachers, which honestly says so much about the love and relationships they build with these kiddos!”
“We paid a $350 registration fee after being told our son would have a spot within three months.”
People customers mention
Sarahlinda8 reviews
Janice7 reviews
Sydney7 reviews
Jamie7 reviews
Michelle6 reviews
Jenna5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
CChelsey5 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 month ago★★★★★
Little Sunshine’s is truly one of a kind. Our son feels at home here and EVERY teacher has been so so great. Janice, Madeleine, Jordan, Emma and Laila are among some of the most dedicated and kind teachers we’ve had! We have had nothing but positive experiences here and they put in so much work to make us feel seen and valued!
BBrianna2 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 month ago★★★★★
The teachers at LSP work so hard to ensure your child is successful! They have gone above and beyond in easing the worrisome mind of a first time mother. The frequent pictures and daily updates are really so unique and special! We love LSP!
VVidushiLocal Guide · 12 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 month ago★★★★★
We absolutely love Little Sunshine’s Playhouse in Lake St. Louis! Our toddler daughter, who started as an infant there, is thriving and it gives us so much peace of mind knowing she is happy, loved, and so well taken care of.
Jen, SarahLinda, and Janae are wonderful administrators—always warm, approachable, and…
NNadeesha2 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. · Edited 4 months ago★★★★★
Absolutely amazing school with wonderful caring staff. ❤️. My son is lucky to have Katie and Danielle as his teachers. They're just simply the best.
AArielLocal Guide · 14 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★★★★★
Ms. Ella is such an amazing teacher! She has been with the school since it opened and knows all the kiddos so well. She is hardworking, dedicated, passionate, and a true natural at what she does!
Painting
GgangarapuLocal Guide · 24 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. · 8 months ago★★★★★
We are extremely happy with Little Sunshine Playhouse! Lake st.Louis location.The teachers here are truly caring, patient, and dedicated to helping each child grow and feel confident every day.
A special thank you to Sarahlinda, the Assistant Director, for her outstanding support and kindness. She goes above and…
Little Sunshine’s is truly one of a kind. Our son feels at home here and EVERY teacher has been so so great. Janice, Madeleine, Jordan, Emma and Laila are among some of the most dedicated and kind teachers we’ve had! We have had nothing but positive experiences here and they put in so much work to make us feel seen and valued!
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
We’re so glad to hear that your family feels at home at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Lake St Louis! It means a lot to know that Janice, Madeleine, Jordan, Emma, and Laila have made such a positive impact on your son’s experience. Our team is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment for every child and family. Thank you for sharing your kind words, we look forward to continuing to support your family’s journey with us.
B
Brianna Bullerdick2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brianna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The teachers at LSP work so hard to ensure your child is successful! They have gone above and beyond in easing the worrisome mind of a first time mother. The frequent pictures and daily updates are really so unique and special! We love LSP!
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
We’re so glad to hear how much you appreciate the dedication of our teachers and the peace of mind our updates provide. Supporting families, especially first-time parents, is something we take great pride in at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Lake St Louis. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we look forward to continuing to be a special part of your child’s journey.
L
Lexi S3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lexi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I seriously cannot say enough good things about Little Sunshine’s!!!
We’ve been with Little Sunshine’s for almost a year now, starting with our oldest daughter who recently “graduated” and headed off to kindergarten! She STILL talks about how much she loves her favorite teachers, which honestly says so much about the love and relationships they build with these kiddos!!
We’ve tried other preschools over the years, so I can honestly say from experience that Little Sunshine’s is in a league of its own!! The difference has been night and day for our family, and I only wish we would’ve found them sooner!
Now our 3 year old is there, and we are SO excited for her to finally get her turn!! In such a short amount of time, she has already come out of her shell SO much. We are seeing so many signs of growth, development, confidence, and independence already, and it has been amazing to watch. She is naturally a little more reserved, so seeing her become more comfortable and open up so quickly has meant so much to us!
One of my favorite things about LSP is honestly just the feeling you get when you walk through the doors. Drop-offs, pick-ups…it doesn’t matter! Everyone is ALWAYS so welcoming and genuinely happy to see you and your kids. I never have that uneasy feeling leaving my girls there because I truly know they are being loved on, cared for, and treated like they are their own. As a mom, I don’t think you can ask for a better feeling than that!!
And I HAVE to give the biggest shoutout to Sarahlinda, Ms. Janice, Ms. Amy, Ms. Tinisha, Ms. Nigel and Jen!!! You guys have created such a loving space for our family, and I hope you know how much that means to us. The way you love on our girls and make our entire family feel so welcomed does NOT go unnoticed!!
It’s definitely bittersweet that our oldest has moved on to kindergarten, but we are SO happy that we get to continue our LSP journey with our 3 year old…..and I’m already so excited for our youngest to be there someday too!!!
We truly feel like we hit the jackpot finding Little Sunshine’s. If you’re looking for somewhere your babies will be genuinely loved, cared for, encouraged, and celebrated, THIS IS IT!!! Five stars doesn’t feel anywhere near enough!!l
Response from the owner · a month ago
What a joy to read your heartfelt words! It means so much to our entire team at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse to know that both your daughters have felt so loved and supported here. We’re especially grateful you mentioned the warm welcomes at drop-off and pick-up, and we’ll be sure to share your kind shoutouts with Sarahlinda, Ms. Janice, Ms. Amy, Ms. Tinisha, Ms. Nigel, and Jen—they’ll be thrilled to know the impact they’ve had on your family. Watching your youngest grow in confidence and independence is exactly what we hope for every child, and we’re honored to be part of your journey. We look forward to many more wonderful memories together!
Warmly, The LSP of Lake St Louis Team
V
Vidushi YogLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Vidushi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We absolutely love Little Sunshine’s Playhouse in Lake St. Louis! Our toddler daughter, who started as an infant there, is thriving and it gives us so much peace of mind knowing she is happy, loved, and so well taken care of.
Jen, SarahLinda, and Janae are wonderful administrators—always warm, approachable, and responsive. The teachers are fantastic as well: nurturing, patient, kind, and genuinely caring toward the kids.
The classrooms are always incredibly clean, the food is freshly prepared, and communication with parents is excellent. Most importantly, our daughter is excited to go, learning so much, and comes home happy!
It’s such a wonderful, nurturing environment for little ones, and that feeling of knowing your child is in good hands is priceless. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommend Little Sunshine’s Playhouse!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Little Sunshine’s Playhouse in Lake St. Louis. We’re delighted to hear how much your daughter is thriving and that you feel such peace of mind with our team. Your kind words about Jen, SarahLinda, Janae, and our teachers mean a great deal to us, they truly care about creating a warm, nurturing environment for every child. We’re grateful for your trust and look forward to continuing to support your family’s journey.
Warmly, The LSP Lake St. Louis Team
N
Nadeesha Madhubashini2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nadeesha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ms. Ella is such an amazing teacher! She has been with the school since it opened and knows all the kiddos so well. She is hardworking, dedicated, passionate, and a true natural at what she does!
Services: Painting
Response from the owner · Edited 3 months ago
Thank you, Ariel, for your thoughtful review! Our teachers at LSP of Lake St. Louis are so dedicated, and your kind words mean the world to them. We’re thrilled to see your little one thriving, and we appreciate your continued support!
G
gangarapu keerthiLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews gangarapu has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are extremely happy with Little Sunshine Playhouse! Lake st.Louis location.The teachers here are truly caring, patient, and dedicated to helping each child grow and feel confident every day.
A special thank you to Sarahlinda, the Assistant Director, for her outstanding support and kindness. She goes above and beyond to make sure every child feels safe, loved, and valued. The way she personally takes care of the kids and supports both parents and staff is truly amazing. Her positive attitude and genuine care make a big difference in our experience.
The environment is clean, welcoming, and full of positive energy. Our child loves going to school, and as parents, that gives us great peace of mind.
We highly recommend Little Sunshine Playhouse to any parent looking for a nurturing and trustworthy place for their child!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you, Gangarapu! Reading your review truly made our day. We love hearing that your child feels happy, safe, and inspired at LSP of Lake St Louis. Our team works hard to create a nurturing environment where every little learner can grow, explore, and be themselves. Knowing that your family feels supported means the world to us. We’re so excited to continue this journey with you!
R
Roshelle Miller5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Roshelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
All of the teachers are so dedicated and caring. They truly care about the kids education and setting the foundation for a love of learning at an early age.
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you, Roshelle, for your thoughtful review! Our teachers at LSP of Lake St. Louis are so dedicated, and your kind words mean the world to them. We’re thrilled to see your little one thriving, and we appreciate your continued support!
D
Daniela SanchezLocal Guide · 44 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Daniela has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have had such a wonderful experience with Little Sunshine’s Playhouse Lake St. Louis. Our child transferred from a sister location and the transition was absolutely phenomenal. The staff has been incredibly kind, welcoming, and supportive every step of the way.
You can truly tell how much they care, our child is learning so much and is always happy to be there. The environment feels loving, safe, and well-organized, and the teachers go above and beyond to make families feel at ease.
We are so grateful to be part of this community and highly recommend them to any family looking for quality care.
Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thank you, Daniela! It’s wonderful to hear that your little one is happy and growing at LSP of Lake St Louis. Our teachers are passionate about creating a positive, engaging environment where every child can explore, learn, and feel confident. Your kind words mean the world to us and encourage our team to continue giving their best every single day.
D
Danielle Fulkerson8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Danielle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We absolutely love Little Sunshine’s Playhouse! From the moment we walked in, we could feel how caring and welcoming the staff are. They go above and beyond every day to make sure each child feels safe, loved, and engaged. The teachers do such a wonderful job balancing fun activities with meaningful learning — our little one has grown and learned so much since starting here!
The facility is always spotless, well-organized, and full of bright, happy energy. Communication with the staff is excellent; they keep us updated and involved, which gives us so much peace of mind. The hours work perfectly for our family, and the location couldn’t be more convenient.
We’re so grateful to have found Little Sunshine’s Playhouse — it truly feels like an extension of our family.
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thank you, Danielle! We’re so happy to hear that your little one is thriving at LSP of Lake St Louis. Our teachers take pride in creating classrooms full of curiosity, creativity, and care, and your review is a wonderful reminder that our efforts are making a difference. We’re honored to be part of your child’s journey and grateful for your family’s support.
