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Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools

www.primroseschools.com
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Primrose Schools Overview

The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

  • Primrose Schools has 1.5 star rating based on 47 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.

  • Rating Distribution
  • Pros: Building is new and nice, Teachers, Educational focus.
    Cons: Horrible communications, Would not recommend, Front office staff.

  • Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: "Under this leadership team, you won't stand a chance if you are an honest and good person who will not allow others to intimidate you. And if you can handle the ratio's, that's a plus! But if you call for help when you have 15 or less kids, you would be accused of the inability to maintain classroom management, regardless if you have to change 2 little ones' soiled bottoms while the rest are running amuck or if you become overwhelmed at any point, etc. Good luck!", "Tiffany Vandergriff Is one of the best! We enjoyed having her as my girls teacher!", "Do NOT enroll your kids", "I don’t recommend bringing your kids here! they see these kids as dollar signs!", "Please do not send your child here nor work here".

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Primrose Schools - Toxic workplace
Primrose Schools - CHILD ENDANGERMENTPrimrose Schools - Incompetent and UnreliablePrimrose Schools - Scratches my doughter facePrimrose Schools - Scratches my doughter face - Image 2Primrose Schools - Violent offenders working at South Charlotte locationPrimrose Schools - Primrose Of Lawrenceville North - SCAM !!!!
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This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Toxic workplace

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Primrose Schools - Toxic workplace
Original review updated Mar 13, 2025

I get terminated for speaking up for myself and on behalf of co-workers who complained so much but were afraid to talk about issues to leadership. I let it weigh on me for months; the stress is not worth the damage to your health, I know that now.

Working with children is my pride and joy - my reason for staying for years. I didn't get to say goodbye to them or to the friends I'd made or to the wonderful parents who knew me well. From day one, the gossip was the biggest challenge - to not join in, that is. I'm at fault too; I admit it, but it's another beast altogether when your supposed 'director, mentor' takes first place at it.

She talked so awful about employees (except for the 3 or 4 who were her besties) and families in such a judgmental way; it was disgusting. Before she became the director, I just tried to not let it bother me, but since filling the position, nothing has changed. She does not know how to handle serious situations, complaints, or any work relations at all; she merely laughs when she doesn't know what to say.

And worse, a former co-worker recently told me she overheard that director talking with her 3 front-line teachers about me, saying awful things. Her behavior definitely does not meet Primrose School standards of quality, positivity, and professionalism, as she indicates is my downfall in the attached screenshot of my termination email.

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Pros:
  • First pro are the precious children
  • Meals are free
  • Flexible schedule
Cons:
  • On the corporate level
  • High turnover
  • Sometimes very poor and unsupportive leadership team

Preferred solution: What I would like to get is the vacation hours I accrued in pay. It was over a weeks' worth of hours. It's a shame, I was wrongfully terminated and then I don't get to see any of that.

User's recommendation: Under this leadership team, you won't stand a chance if you are an honest and good person who will not allow others to intimidate you. And if you can handle the ratio's, that's a plus!! But if you call for help when you have 15 or less kids, you would be accused of the inability to maintain classroom management, regardless if you have to change 2 little ones' soiled bottoms while the rest are running amuck or if you become overwhelmed at any point, etc. Good luck!

Jacobyne-Marie T

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Fort Mill, South Carolina

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

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Primrose Schools - CHILD ENDANGERMENT
Original review updated Jul 19, 2024

If i could give this a 0 i would! DO NOT LEAVE YOUR KIDS IN THIS ESTABLISHMENT!

THE FRANCHISE OWNER AT THE FORT MILL LOCATION IS THE MOST INCOMPETENT PERSON TO WALK THIS EARTH! He is in charge of billing but I found out yesterday from the now ex- Director (who was truly a kind soul!) that he is the franchise owner which explains a lot of the carelessness with which he runs the school. Amazing teachers (for the most part, MS TAYLOR YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW GRATEFUL I AM MY DAUGHTER WAS CARED FOR AND TAUGHT BY YOU) but absolutely disorganized due to poor leadership (the franchise owner Robinson)! I have attached below the response from the franchise owner, a solid TWO BUSINESS DAYS after I visually saw a teacher neglecting my 2 year old child the morning prior at 9am, and with proof of said teacher (MEGAN)texting another teacher at the school, confirming that she was not paying attention to my child who was fussing and harming herself despite no other kids crying!

No follow up prior to the conversation attached.No sharing of said footage he saw (there are NO CAMERAS IN THE CLASSROOM SO WHAT DID HE SEE? WHY WAS THE FOOTAGE he claims he has not shared with me to vindicate the school? Food for thought!) AN ABSOLUTELY DESPICABLE HUMAN BEING! I told him my 2 yr old daughter (involved in the incident) would no longer be Attending the school But my one year old would continue until a Spot opened up for her at the school i was moving her sister to.

I found out the next morning (TODAY) through a verbal message he left With the now ex-director, (despite having my phone number and Procare account to communicate with) that he was unenrolling my ONE YEAR OLD CHILD For no reason, other than that, he is the franchise owner and reserves the right to do so. Flabbergasted is not even the word to describe what I felt hearing that.

In hindsight, I am grateful he did that and showed his character because it Magnifies his incompetence in leadership or professional skills and DECENCY. I REPEAT: if you love your children, Steer clear of the school!!

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User's recommendation: Do NOT enroll your kids

Anonymous
map-marker Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

Tiffany Vandergriff

Tiffany Vandergriff is one of the best teachers! We enjoyed having her as our girls teachers shes caring, loving, and always on top of everything!

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User's recommendation: Tiffany Vandergriff Is one of the best! We enjoyed having her as my girls teacher!

Eamon Mxm
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Unprofessional director

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I honestly really thought primrose was a really great school, when I applied to work there I loved the atmosphere, everyone was really sweet and laid back, funny, etc. Working there for this long I can definitely say everything changed, the director is unprofessional for an example there was one teacher who got caught hitting a child in the bathroom by one of the directors but the of course the director didnt say anything!

that teacher would always hit those kids especially the ones who she knows couldnt talk really well!! she would pick and choose.

The other director is so unprofessional watching tiktoks and scrolling on facebook while theres a really sick child, the child was super sick to the point where he was starting to shake, he had a high fever of 103 there multiple codes being called but no one came to check on the child. the teacher that had the child took him to the office because of his condition, the director got mad at the teacher because we arent supposed to bring kids out of the classroom to the front even if they are sick which is very crazy to me, she told the teacher that next time she needs to wait until someone comes to the classroom, keep in mind the child is sick with a temp of 103!!!

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Cons:
  • Just beyond unprofessional

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: I don’t recommend bringing your kids here!! they see these kids as dollar signs!!

Clydia Pss

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Smyrna, Georgia

Primrose Smyrna West - Not What It Used To Be

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Original review updated Feb 07, 2024

We had always received such positive feedback about Primrose School of Smyrna West from neighbors, friends, and colleagues so we were confused as to our two year experience while there. As we continued to do research it seems all of the positive reviews were under the previous ownership.

Under current ownership (Nitin Gulia) we have witnessed multiple teachers resigning (mid school year), several front staff quitting, as well as kitchen staff departures. Additionally, the new talent they are bringing in typically has little to no experience (read: cheaper pay). The primary reason we pulled our children from Primrose is the constant disruption to their learning as a result of these changes. Do not let the upcoming shiny new playground distract you from the fact internally as a daycare provider this location is cutting corners, resulting in staff turnover causing a noticeable lack of continuity throughout the entire staff.

This unfortunately trickles down to the children and their learning.

Regrettably, with the premium pricing Primrose School of Smyrna West charges, we as parents did not feel like our kids were receiving a premium day care experience. We would not recommend this daycare.

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User's recommendation: We would not recommend this daycare.

1 comment
Guest

What happens or has happened to that particular establishment saddens me. I had to move on because I genuinely care about the nurturing and education of young children.

Ap A Eny
map-marker Winfield, Illinois

Threats

They allow teachers at Primrose School of Haymarket to threaten and blackmail people while caring for infants in their program. One teacher has sent me more than ten texts with direct threats, slurs (even a racial slur, and I am not a person of color), and has contacted my job numerous times to try to get me fired.

This is all happening because she was having an affair when she was going to visit family out of state, the person it was with happens to be someone I have children with. She has been harassing me since their affair ended and is relentless. The corporate office and the management at Haymarket completely dismissed my concerns.

I have lost my job over them allowing this behavior. Please don't let {{Redacted}} teach your little ones!

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Preferred solution: Apology

Demonnae B

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Verified Reviewer

Physical Assault and wrongful termination

On 04/05/2024 I was wrongfully terminated without any proof of allegations. They lied on my form stating I said things I did not, REFUSED to pull up cameras or show any evidence of their claims.

On 04/04/2024 Kristi (the OWNER) grabbed and pushed me to get out of the classroom with 2 eye witness there and I also told Glenn about it as well which is the other owner but nothing was done about it. I have filed a police report on her due to this. This school should not be opened. Their turn over rate is horrible for being open only 6 years.

They had a pedophilic woman work there knowing this, until I reported her to state as soon as saw what she did. At first I didnt believe it until I saw it myself. The director Tanya Mackenzie would make sick jokes with the lady every morning saying dont kiss the kids today then I seen it for myself. She then wanted me to lie about it.

This was all reported to state. This school is an endangerment to children.

They also know higher ups which is why so many things have been pushed under the rug. They dug and searched up my coworkers medication without permission which is against HIPPA laws, they forged signatures of employees as well.

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Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: Please do not send your child here nor work here

Anonymous
map-marker Las Vegas, Nevada

Neglect

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The leadership team has allowed a known abuser to continue working around children. They have admitted to knowing that this teacher does these things.

They have just swept it under the rug.

They seem to place the abuser on leave then just simply bring them back later.

DO NOT TRUST THE LEADERSHIP TEAM THEYRE LIARS!!! PARENTS BEWARE

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User's recommendation: DO NOT ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN HERE (LAS VEGAS LOCATIONS)

Michelle O Gcd

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Norman, Oklahoma

Taking $$$

I worked for primrose for only 5 days and they are now charging me $150 saying that that's what my training cost is. I think this is wrong and it should be against the law I will be contacting corporate asap.

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Loss:
$150
Pros:
  • Nice facility
Cons:
  • Too many kids in one class

Preferred solution: My full paycheck

User's recommendation: Be careful

Kristin B Sao
map-marker Phoenix, Arizona

I did not enjoy the work environment. Too strict and too much yelling and not enough fun activities for the kids.

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I worked at Primrose School of North Scottsdale and was not paid for two weeks of work after I left.

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User's recommendation: It is a place where your child can learn to work hard and learn a lot but they also seem to have a lot of trouble getting along.

Madeline S Ise

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Franklin Park, Pennsylvania

Incompetent and Unreliable

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Primrose Schools - Incompetent and Unreliable

Let me start out by saying that I should have trusted my gut about this place. I initially reached out in January 2022, when I was 3 months pregnant, because I knew that waitlists would be long.

The director, Ashley, responded to my online form submission via email and then disappeared. It took a follow up email, a missed phone call, and a comment on Facebook to finally get her to call me back a month later at the end of February 2022. Almost all of her email communications were delayed and she was unresponsive. I tried calling many times, but not ONCE have I called this place and had someone answer the phone.

These were the first red flags.

Still, I scheduled a tour with Ashley in March. The tour went fine, and she told me that a spot would be available for my infant in November 2022 for Fall enrollment. She sent me home with the paperwork. My husband and I took the night to think about it, and the very next day scanned and emailed our application to Ashley.

She responded and confirmed she received the application and told us "Welcome to Primrose". I emailed her again to ask if I could drop off the $150 deposit in person, as I live right down the road, which I did do. Ashley again emailed me after this and told me she received my check (she wasn't available when I arrived) and "Welcome to Primrose". My check was cashed shortly after.

Now, in September, I'm making plans to go back to work and email Ashley for an official start day.

Two weeks go by with no response. I call - as usual, they don't pick up the phone. Finally, I sent ANOTHER email and she responds back that she 'regrets to inform me' that she never processed my application through their system and therefore she never actually reserved my spot - despite cashing my deposit. That was it - no offer to return my deposit, no mention of a way to remedy the situation, not even information on when a new spot might be available.

I thought for sure there was a mistake.

I called Ashley's direct line and the main line to the daycare - big surprise, no answer. I left voicemails on both. I got tired of waiting and sent another email to Ashley saying that I didn't understand what was happening, as I'd submitted an application, paid a deposit, and was welcomed to the school. She responded to my email and told me that it was her error, but there is nothing they could do.

The soonest availability for my daughter would be June 2023 when she turned a year old. I emailed her back and told her to call me, I wanted to speak on the phone.

I spoke with both Ashley (Director) and Liz (Owner) over the phone. Both were unapologetic, unsympathetic and nonchalant about the entire situation. Liz said "I don't know what you want us to do, we're just humans here." Yes, we all make mistakes, but when I make a mistake, I fix it.

This is a mistake that is going to cost me greatly financially, professionally and emotionally.

My options are to take a leave of absence from work, pay almost triple to hire a full-time nanny (if I can even find one on short notice) or to sacrifice both the quality of my daughter's care and the quality of my work by juggling both.

Yet, Primrose doesn't care.

So, ask yourself if you want incompetent, unsympathetic people caring for your child. And if you do decide to enroll at Primrose, double, triple, quadruple check that they do their job

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Loss:
$10000

Preferred solution: Compensation

User's recommendation: Don't put your child's care in the hands of people who don't care.

Anonymous
map-marker Lincoln, Nebraska

Mean teachers

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Students separate kids.Horrible teacher.teacher pushed kid off a chair.gross bathrooms.Sickness always going around.

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User's recommendation: Don't send your kids there

1 comment
Guest

Thank you who wrote reviews. I would never send my child there

Danielle W Qkf
map-marker Ankeny, Iowa

Staff member concerns in ankeny location

There are many concerns with how the Ankeny school of prairie trail location is operating. Please, please email me back.

Staff members are quitting left and right, and leadership isn't doing anything to solve the problem, even with documents stating what the problems are. They allow abusive teachers to continue pay roll even with parents threats to DHS.

this is not how a business should operate. its disgusting and embarrassing to have a business operate this way.

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Pros:
  • Educational focus
Cons:
  • Dangerous
  • Horrible communications
  • Front office staff

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

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Anonymous
map-marker Brockville, Ontario

Toddler dis-enrolled . Dissatisfied with this school

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Do NOT enroll your toddler in this school

The particular franchise in reference is located in Lees Summit, MO -specifically referring to the toddler group. There are 16 toddlers with 2 staff.

This is unacceptable.

The teachers are unqualified in regards to child care. One can view their online profiles on the daycares' website. Many are young & may be attending post secondary school. Most assuredly, they are underpaid for the responsibilities they incur on a day-to-day basis.

I imagine job satisfaction falls well below the acceptable level. Hence: There is NO continuity of care. High staff turnover. Here is the particular scenario:

Toddler was enrolled for approx 3 mos.

(attended 1/2 of this time) : Between holidays, family vacations, later drop-off & earlier pick-up & continuous calls from the staff to pick this child up early for various reasons. The weekly FT rate was still adhered to.

He learned to bite(never exhibited the behavior previously) as well as the odd occasion of hitting(incommunicable frustration-which is common at this age as toddlers develop language skills). Staff were observed cleaning or a time consuming task of taking photos of the children to send to the parents, as required by the organization. The parents of this toddler attempted to work with this daycare to alleviate & work through any issues they were apparently experiencing in the classroom setting.

Books as recommended were purchased and used by the parents; Several qualified outside resources were consulted

A qualified educational resource person was brought in for observation of this toddler - both in the home & classroom setting. The home setting observation was highly satisfactory. The conclusion while in the classroom setting was this: the observed toddler was the least of the problems in the classroom. The classroom was described as chaotic.

It was observed that the toddler was struck by another & did not retaliate. There was NO structure. The child was disenrolled shortly after stating the daycare could not provide the 1:1 care they felt this child needed. There was absolutely NO acknowledgement/feedback of the resource persons opinion/observations by the Director .

The parents of this child also sought & received several other educated opinions about this toddler (Pediatrician, MSW person,etc). Observations were that this toddler is a normal toddler with normal behaviours. The parents are well educated & work from home for Global companies. It caused much disillusionment & emotional damage regarding their thoughts & feelings on their parenting skills & their child's development.

Upon further research, it appears this particular school has similar scenarios in regard to disenrollment. Perhaps it is time to look into the functionality of the school.

This is another organization run from the top where they have no clue/concern on what is going on at the base level.

It is all about the financial gains/status.

The child care resources for parents are scarce and many are forced to continue with the Ill equipped child care centers that are available. Very sad as these children are our leaders of tomorrow.

I strongly suggest to anyone thinking of enrolling their child in a Primrose school to think twice & do your research!!!

It may look appealing from the outside, but it's the inward workings that count!

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Pros:
  • Building is new and nice
  • Facilities were nice
Cons:
  • More of a daycare center
  • Not a learning center
  • Go to another school

Preferred solution: Investigation into the negative practices of this franchise

User's recommendation: Research before enrolling your toddler in Primrose

Anonymous
map-marker Midland, Texas

We were suddenly dis-enrolled

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We moved to Midland in the fall of 2019. We needed childcare and went with Primrose Westridge.

The new daycare had just opened prior to us enrolling our daughter. We trust the Primrose name and have been happy with the care. We have since had another baby and he has been with Primrose since September 2020.

My husband and I are both doctors. He is an orthopedic surgeon and I am an OB/GYN.

We depend on childcare to do our jobs. That saying Primrose is sponsored (?not sure if that is the correct name) by several different oil companies.

We were just told that our youngest child is no longer enrolled at the childcare due to the oil companies taking precedence. They have given us less than a month notice to find other childcare options. Needless to say we are extremely disappointed and heartbroken that our child's care who we love and cherish have cast us out.

We are just as important to the community as the oil companies.

We help service oil workers who have injured themselves on the job or deliver their babies. It is extremely disappointing and morally questionable.

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Jaxton Xvz

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Dallas, Texas

Management

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First off I would Like to address anyone that is trying to work at this school. They are racist I ran across a lot of problems at this school Im a very quiet person dont really mess with to many people because I am shy...

but they brought plenty of other teachers in the office And asked them if I should be fired. Which is not okay, that kind of stuff is supposed to be confidential and also the lead teacher in the classroom is soo disrespectful, She use to talk to me crazy talk about the color of my skin and also spit in my face and got into my face. When I brought it to my boss they said I was lying and I blamed everything on her and other teachers. Mind you I really dont know that many teachers because Im so use to working in one classroom.

Now Im going to address the part where yall should NOT bring yall children here.

So obviously some kids may hav siblings so due to COVID some kids may had it or they might of been around someone that had COVID when they shut the classroom down they still allow the other siblings to come to school which is not okay because basically you putting the other classrooms at risk. I tried Calling HR several times and the phone rings and go to voicemail, I would love to report this situation

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User's recommendation: If your trying to get your child into this school or even trying to work here don’t do it

About

Related Companies

Roark Capital Group, Hardees, Wingstop, Jimmy Johns, Massage Envy

Summary

Primrose Schools is a franchising company which specializes in early childhood education. It was founded by Paul and Marcy Erwin in 1982. The company headquarters is based in Acworth, Georgia, USA. Primrose Schools is a subsidiary of Roark Capital Group. It serves infants through kindergarten, after-schoolers, their families and communities. Primrose Schools launched Balanced Learning curriculum in 2001. It contains the following domains: approaches to learning, physical development, social studies, creative arts, and math. All schools are accredited through AdvancED. Primrose Schools has more than 300 franchised schools across the United States. The company supports charity organizations including Children's Miracle Network and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Primrose Schools reviews and complaints

Primrose Schools is ranked 82 out of 1276 in Universities, Colleges and Schools category

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