Gymboree Play & Music Ctr

I read the previous reviews and agree with the positive ones. I suffered from postpartum depression and I was told I should join activities such as Gymboree as a way for my child and I to get out of the house. Well, my son started at about 8 months and now he is 14 months and he absolutely loves it. Yes, there are some staff members who are younger, but we shouldn't take their age as a sign of performance. I was not around when the teacher in question was at Issaquah, but I do know that many people have been switching from other locations to be at Issaquah, because the staff there are both wonderful and caring. I am now going through a major health issue and the people, both staff and parents have been extremely supportive of me. I love the fact that they know all the names of the children that walk through that door. It is a safe and nurturing environment, one that I continuously tell all my friends about. In fact, we loved it so much, we had our son's 1st birthday party there. Pros: Caring & wonderful staff more

I used to take my kids to this Gymboree when it was under the previous owners, and I have to agree that it was not very good at the time. However, I was able to try it out since they have changed owners and moved to their new location, and it was FANTASTIC! What a refreshing surprise! Their new space is WAY better than the last one (bigger, fresh paint and equipment, nicer entry area, newer, sparkling clean bathrooms, etc.) Since reading the post below I actually inquired about that specific teacher (Angie) and found that she had been let go (apparently management felt the same way about her performance as the reviewer). The teachers are young, to address the other reviewer's issue, but I'm finding that the new teachers they have now seem very excited to teach and do a great job. Classes have been great for both of our kids. The really love their teachers. In fact, we hear about Teacher Erin (also the manager) all day long. This place has really turned around in the last year. I'm very impressed and my kids will continue to enjoy this location for a long time to come. Pros: Great experience, my kids LOVE it and I can see the benefits more

I used to attend the Gymboree located in Seattle (NW Market St) and it was fantastic. The employees were warm, well trained and I always looked forward to attending. After moving to the Issaquah area we decided to try out the local location and I have been sorely disappointed. The teachers over all are young, do not have good singing voices, rush through songs and activities and though they say they are about to lead a discussion for parents (as previous reviewer commented) the teacher has no interest in what she is talking about and does not do a good job of leading. All of the teachers for the most part seem so untrained that they are constantly reading off of a notecard to remind themselves of what to do.\r \r During our learn & play class we were told to do specific nursery rhymes on specific play equipment with babies from ages 6-10 months. She (Angie) did not demonstrate and then left us all to do the activities alone while she wandered and continuously checked the clock. Class ended over 5 minutes early. As a former elementary school teacher I know the importance of good teaching and of the ability to make connections with parents and children. I do not find this happening at this location and even my husband has gone to class and returned saying it was not run well.\r \r In summary, it's really not worth the money and if you've been to another Gymboree this will certainly disappoint. I myself am moving on to give the Redmond location a try even though it's a longer drive. Also, they charge far more at this Gymboree than at the Ballard location which is laughable given how well the Ballard one was run in comparison. Pros: It's better than staring at a wall Cons: Lack of training, too expensive for what you get, etc. more

Took my 4 month old during a 12 PM play date and the class leader, who was pretty young, leads the class with singing and activities. However, as part of it they ask the parents serious questions so they have something to discuss. In our class it was ""Do you have a person(s) selected as Guardians"". That would be okay except the person moderating the discussion clearly had no interest in receiving the answers and barely understood the gravity of the subject (I think due to her age). She robotically moved on to another person when an answer was received and replied robotically as well. Felt very odd. The mothers seemed to be getting the same vibe. Also, if you're not into having to sing publicly, then it can be somewhat uncomfortable while you try to learn their songs and appear at ease. Pros: Different surroundings and interaction for your little ones Cons: Cost / Limited Schedule / Insincere forced discussions more