Day care center · Grimes, IA · reviewed since 2024
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%73+39.8Reliability 24%59+14.3Value 14%78+11Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Momentum penalty70−3Experts Score= 69Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.69SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#28 of 45 after school careiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 39%
4.8★★★★★48 Google reviews · 17 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.43★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
6.9%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.
Reviewers highlight the center's clean facilities, age-appropriate curriculum, and staff attentiveness to specific needs like food allergies. Communication is a frequent positive theme, with parents noting daily updates, photos, and responsiveness via phone or app. However, low-star reviews cite unresolved billing disputes and concerns regarding staff handling of children, indicating issues with management follow-through and accountability.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 48 reviews (94% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 48 Google reviews (31 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 24, 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: replies to reviews and value; weakest: reliability.
New Horizon 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.New Horizon Academy: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.B
73
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.New Horizon Academy: 59/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.C
59
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.New Horizon Academy: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
78
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.New Horizon Academy: 70/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
70
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.New Horizon Academy: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.A
95
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
48 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars4594%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star36%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 31 written reviews
94%praise
Praise3294%
Complaints26%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price133%
Reasonable267%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
5topics
Staff & attitude1029%
Communication1029%
Would recommend721%
Honesty & trust515%
Quality & results26%
What customers talk about
We read 31 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“New Horizon Urbandale has not only proven to be safe, organized, well maintained, and professional.”
“We really appreciate their communication standards - it shows that the teachers are well trained and that they care about the child’s experience and t…”
“Would definitely recommend!”
“Based on this experience, I cannot recommend this daycare.”
“I feel like the teachers are genuinely happy to see my son every time I bring him in the mornings :)”
“…er with someone new when we first started but the teachers do such a great job communicating throughout the day, sending pictures, and loving her like…”
People customers mention
Urbandale4 reviews
Whitney3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
RRalan3 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★★★★★
My grandson has grown so much since being at New Horizon Academy. His teachers Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jen really care about him. The facility is always clean and everyone seems happy working there.
Great priceService not listed
SSydney4 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★★★★★
As a first time mom, choosing a daycare was not an easy choice. I’m happy we enrolled our daughter at New Horizon Academy! Communication is great and everyone is so kind. My husband and I are thankful for the three lead teachers in her classroom. I can tell how much they care for my daughter and her needs. It gives…
RRaye5 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. · 7 months ago★★★★★
My son has been doing great at this center. He had separation anxiety bad at the last one. Here tho he’s grown so much that he will let me drop him off now with out worrying
Reasonable price
MMark4 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. · 11 months ago★★★★★
As a grandparent, I do not get a chance to see my granddaughter every day. Since she is my first grand child, I also have a realization that she is PRECIOUS CARGO wherever she goes. New Horizon Urbandale has not only proven to be safe, organized, well maintained, and professional...they have also shown a clear focus…
TTiffany4 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. · 11 months ago★★★★★
I can not say enough how much we love this company, especially urbandale location! As a parent i strive for my child to be loved by his teachers and the safety of himself. The director and assistant director do so well at keeping all of our kiddos safe and protected. My son is almost 2 and has learned SO SO much…
DDavid5 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★★★★★
Our son loves it here. The staff is super friendly and our family feels very confident trusting them with our infant!
Great staff who actually care. They took my son’s food allergies seriously.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Carlie, we're glad to hear that our staff at New Horizon Academy cared for your son's needs. Your feedback about our nurturing environment is greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Ralan Nelson3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ralan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My grandson has grown so much since being at New Horizon Academy. His teachers Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jen really care about him. The facility is always clean and everyone seems happy working there.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Ralan, we're delighted to hear about your grandson's progress at New Horizon Academy. It's great to know that Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jen have been so caring. Thank you for noticing our clean facilities and happy staff. We appreciate your feedback and support.
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Sydney Sloan4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sydney has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a first time mom, choosing a daycare was not an easy choice. I’m happy we enrolled our daughter at New Horizon Academy! Communication is great and everyone is so kind. My husband and I are thankful for the three lead teachers in her classroom. I can tell how much they care for my daughter and her needs. It gives this mom a bit of peace knowing how well she is being cared for!
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Sydney, we're delighted to know that New Horizon Academy has been a great choice for your family. It's wonderful to hear that our communication and caring staff have made a positive impact. Thank you for your trust in us!
K
Kaydence2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kaydence has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We're so glad to hear you love New Horizon Academy, Kaydence! Providing a nurturing environment is our priority. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
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Raye5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Raye has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My son has been doing great at this center. He had separation anxiety bad at the last one. Here tho he’s grown so much that he will let me drop him off now with out worrying
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for sharing, Raye! We're happy to hear your son is adjusting well at New Horizon Academy. We appreciate your support and trust in us!
M
Mark Abenth4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a grandparent, I do not get a chance to see my granddaughter every day. Since she is my first grand child, I also have a realization that she is PRECIOUS CARGO wherever she goes. New Horizon Urbandale has not only proven to be safe, organized, well maintained, and professional...they have also shown a clear focus on enmeshed culture and positive climate on a daily basis. You would think that events, activities, and sensory projects might target toddlers and school age children, but my granddaughter is 8mo old and been exposed to these kinds of wonderful experiences since she started there months ago! Finally, as a "long distance" grandfather, the use of technology to update families on health, safety, nutrition, and photos throughout the day is AMAZING! It is my new favorite app!
PS: Miss JoJo is an AMAZING caregiver, she deserves either a raise or a bronze statue in town!
Response from the owner · 11 months ago
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review, Mark! We're thrilled to hear that your granddaughter is having such a positive experience at New Horizon Academy. It's wonderful to know that our focus on safety, organization, and enriching activities is making a difference for your family. We're also glad you enjoy the updates through our app. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Miss JoJo. Your feedback means a lot to us!
T
Tiffany Nelson4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tiffany has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I can not say enough how much we love this company, especially urbandale location! As a parent i strive for my child to be loved by his teachers and the safety of himself. The director and assistant director do so well at keeping all of our kiddos safe and protected. My son is almost 2 and has learned SO SO much with there wonderful curriculum designed so well for each age group!
Response from the owner · 11 months ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, Tiffany! We're thrilled to hear how much you love the Urbandale location and that your son is thriving with our early education curriculum. It's great to know that our team is providing a safe and nurturing environment for your child. We appreciate your kind words and support. If you have any more feedback, feel free to share it with the school directors.
D
David Lyle5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our son loves it here. The staff is super friendly and our family feels very confident trusting them with our infant!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, David! We're thrilled to hear that your son loves it at New Horizon Academy and that you feel confident with our infant care. Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment, and your kind words mean a lot to us. If you have any more feedback, please feel free to share it with our school directors.
A
Ashleigh Miller3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ashleigh has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
New Horizon has been great to work with. We really appreciate their communication standards - it shows that the teachers are well trained and that they care about the child’s experience and the parents’ experience too. We’ve had our children in their care for a few months now and they come home with smiles every day, are excited to go back, and again we are grateful for the staff, director and assistant director. Thanks all!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, Ashleigh! We're thrilled to hear that your children are enjoying their time at New Horizon Academy and that our communication standards have met your expectations. It's fantastic to know that our staff, director, and assistant director have made a positive impact on your family's experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to continuing to support your children's early education journey. If you have any more feedback, please feel free to share it with our school directors.
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Sarah GrundfastLocal Guide · 26 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Laura and staff are very accommodating. The facility is clean and any issues are communicated either through the app or phone call. Staff is always friendly and answer any questions we may have.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Educational services
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much, Sarah, for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Laura and the team at our location have been accommodating and communicative. It's great to know that you find the facility clean and the staff friendly. We appreciate your support and encourage you to share any additional feedback with our school directors.