Private Schools

We have attended North Wall Schools for almost five years now and have truly loved every minute! The classroom and office staff are key to how delighted we feel. No matter how great the school it is always hard to trust other people with your child, especially when your child can not yet communicate. Some safety measures I have appreciated include the fact that any person picking up my child with my written permission is still ID'd to verify identity. Secondly, The layout of the building, doors, windows, staffing rotation do a great job of making sure my child is not only supervised, but not left "alone" with anyone for a long period of time. And while background checks and careful selection of staff is crucial for preventing harm to children, the physical layout of the campus is one of the few schools I have ever seen that make me confident every measure has been taken to ensure the safety of my child. And the campus is simply beautiful to die for. Tree houses, play equipment, nature trails, apple trees, running water, and chimes are just a few of the amenities. (Although I so wish I had been around when the two story house ping pong ball contraption worked. Could it ever be fixed?) The Christmas Program, Holiday parties, Open Houses and other celebrations are highlights of our year. I see a wide range of cultures, religious, and races within the school community. (Although my child does have like five super blonde classmates balanced out with a variety of children - random chance.) Despite the school having a non-denominational Christian bent I have always felt that all religious are respected, cultures from around the world celebrated, and religion never pushed upon any child. A refreshing break from the public school system that shies away from celebration. I was around for the peanut incident reviewer Amber S. mentions in the last post. If she had only been around to see the phenomenal reaction to what "may" have been a breech in a nut free policy. (As the parent of a child who struggled to gain weight I was continually frustrated that my child could not consume "nut free but processed in a plant that may contain nut" products that improved my child's health because the school has such a strict policy and reads labels all the time!) I also suspect that she did not relay the seriousness of her child's allergy. Nut allergies vary greatly. In any school where a child has a nut allergy that can be picked up from nut oils on toys, large signs are placed on the classroom doors indicating a nut free zone to reinforce the importance. This is something any parent of a serious nut allergy would have discussed before letting their child attend. I am sure she takes better preparations for her child now. But I sympathize, life threatening issues that impact your child suck. Main point, North Walls Schools has always responded to any suggestion or request I or any other parent has made swiftly and with the greatest professionalism.

The teacher is amazing and the small class size offered individualized attention for my daughter. I would highly recommend this school for preschool-1st grade

Never been up there. Always seen it on the hill. Heard it was haunted??

I attended FBA for all of my highschool years (2008-10) except for my senior year (2011) for which I was homeschooled. At that time the school was teaching Abeka curriculum and had video teachers. There was; however, a sufficient number of supervisors who were well qualified and available for assistance, explanation, and guidance both academically and spiritually. They definitely put an emphasis on you fulfilling your potential, but it was not a student to student comparison, it was what they saw you as being capable of accomplishing and they encouraged towards goals, especially if you lacked setting them for yourself. All of this was funneled through and displayed in their Christ-like love and dedication to the Gospel, both at school, at their homes, and at church. The consistency in their lives was especially edifying to me particularly, but I know that it was effectual in the lives of many of my classmates as well. As far as the quality of education, in my opinion I was very well equipped scholastically. I have a well rounded understanding of classical literature (both rhetoric and comprehension of philosphy). Also, when I began at the school I was dismayed at very poor grammar scores, but with some tutoring from my one of the supervisors, I soon excelled to consistently getting high A's in everything related to grammar, not to mention superb stimulation and cultivation in the area of composition and vocabulary (specifically etymology, as well as latin and greek roots). I could have listed similar accolades upon each of the classic courses of study represented at this school, but I chose this one in particular due to it being the most effectual change and benefit to my educational portfolio. To sum it up, I love this school. I know first hand it is not without flaws or shortcomings, but it cannot be said that it is not without a clear and unified purpose. The men and women that influenced me in my years at FBA invested love and time in me on purpose, but not just so my life would be humanly speaking "successful" but that my life would be eternally profitable and pleasing to God, or to put in a simpler manner "to love others more than myself, to love and live like Christ." Thank God For FAITH BAPTIST ACADEMY. May His Grace continue to be upon it.

This school is horrible. The bullying is rampant, more so than any public or private school. When I was there I was constantly harassed and beat up with teachers who did nothing about it. Talking to some friends who had the same experiences as I did at this same school, I came to the conclusion that this school cannot handle bullying. Also, not being a seventh day adventist, but rather a Baptist, I was constantly harangued by teachers who told me that if I didn't quit going to church on sunday I would go to hell. For a second grader this treatment is abuse, and I was afraid to go there after a while. Please don't send your kids here, it will only harm them.

An outstanding school run by an exceptional group of folks who genuinly care about the healthy development of children. I attended back in the late 80's at a different location and cant begin to describe how fundamentaly important and memorable that part of my life was. From neat little activities like arts and crafts, to special guests and science projects, lesson plans always offered intuitive and age appropriate ways to involve a hands on or interactive dynamic which would resonate with our young minds and provide essential cornerstones to base our future education. Generally all my fellow peers whom I have reconnected with over the years went on to achieve notably successful careers. Thank you Mary Lou, Ellie and Chris Wardenberg.

Nice teachers, good ways of teaching, and fun events (Spirit Week and the Christmas Banquet were the best parts)!

We have had a great year at Foothills. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. You are all wonderful.

Jesús

I love this school I wish they had a grade to the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This place is so great! My son loves to go to school everyday. small class size, unique child centered approach.

Good People. The students are kind. The teachers are caring. The admins are helpful. The campus is great.

This year is my first at Grace Academy, and I am continually blessed by the experience. The school community has been welcoming and encouraging, and the students are a pleasure to teach. I love that I have opportunity to invest in my classes and students individually and can share my faith with them in all parts of the school day. This school is grounded and faithful to both its Biblical and Academic purposes.

Excellent preschool. My nephew loves going here and the teachers are nice. Great set-up and organized, consistent environment we feel good about.

We love, love, love Valley Christian! We've had our son there for a few months now and love Ms. Penny & Ms. Whitney and have heard nothing but fantastic things about Ms. Pierce! The teachers are gentle, patient, loving, communicative and so appreciated. Our son isn't perfect but Ms. Penny is so patient w/ him, sees every moment as a teachable, learning opportunity and calls and writes us notes w/ info on how the day went and how they are working w/ him. We were previously at another day school, which has received many accolades and praises, but can honestly say it doesn't hold a candle to the experience we've had at Valley Christian. The kids have structured but fun time during the day and our son comes home singing, smiling and so proud of what he is learning and his arts and crafts. The facilities are older but well kept. Children have access to a good sized outdoor play area and shade. We've had our older daughter in private school for a few years now and feel the fundraising expectations are actually very minimal at Valley Christian compared to that of other "like" childcare and private school facilities. I highly recommend this school and encourage anyone looking for childcare to take a tour, meet the staff and make your own determinations!