Marble Valley Academy

I spent a lot of time considering what private school to send my child to (second grader who was just in a public school and falling behind) and chose Marble Valley. Both my husband and I did not take this decision lightly. I spent quite a bit of time talking to the director, whom I really liked and felt a rapport with. My husband toured the school as well and was extremely impressed, which is saying a lot for him. My daughter did a trial day and came home raving about her experience. I talked to people who had friends whose kids went to Marble Valley and they said they loved it. So as of this week my daughter is officially there and she comes home every day happy and excited to go back. I know she hasn't been there long enough for me to write a full review, which I will do later, but I just wanted to say that all that I've heard about this school and what I've seen for myself indicate it's a great place for my child. I want her to feel confident about herself and her learning and the small class size at Marble Valley will definitely lead to that. Unlike most parents, I don't really care if she's a superstar math student or superstar anything else. If she wants to be super at something, great. But no pressure from me to make her that way. What matters more to me is that she enjoys learning, that she is around good values and moral character, which she is right now because the kids and teachers at Marble Valley are kind, good-hearted people. And that she is not subjected to CA state's whacked out agenda for public schools. So far so good. Will write back with an update after it's been a year.

Marble Valley has been crucial to my academic success. The teachers are phenomenal and their philosophy prepared me well for high school. I am so thankful for the foundation that I received at this school and I am experiencing the fruits now.

Contrary to the other review, we have not found Marble Valley to be a religious school, nor have they provided religious teaching or pushed a religious doctrine, but the school IS A GODSEND for our family. We have found them to provide a moral, kind, child-centered, child-friendly, high-quality, well-rounded experience. Our son started at the beginning of 6th grade and is now halfway through 8th. We transferred from another private school which our child had attended since kindergarten. Although our child was in excellent academic and social standing at the other school, we were looking for a more full academic and social experience and to give him more personal and intellectual freedom in his school day. Since making the change to Marble Valley, we have seen our child blossom. The way he has begun to speak to what is being learned at school is much deeper and more satisfying to us. And he is happy to go to school each day. Compared to other schools both public and private, Marble Valley's teaching method might seem a bit unfamiliar -- they supplement their curriculum with experiential learning, rather than relying exclusively on rote learning and mounds of homework. The children are engaged in activities and discussions that reinforce their learning and allow them to develop their own intellect, rather than being merely downloaded facts and reiterating and internalizing the teacher's point of view. I would say that the middle school writing instruction is second to none. Our child's standardized test scores have remained unchanged compared to previous years (they have always been well above average), but we find that his understanding of the subjects now seems fuller, and he is more engaged in the process. The teachers and administration seem 100% invested in my child's success and happiness. I highly recommend this school. I would add a couple of qualifiers. Understand your own expectations with regard to high school math placement. This school will work well for you if your expectation is that your child will take Algebra 1 the first year of high school (this is the level at which the majority of kids enter high school). If your expectation is that your child will start high school at a math level more advanced than Algebra 1, you need to have a detailed plan outlined to you by the principal and the math teacher, previous to enrolling. Also, if you are a parent looking for an abundance of school-centered social opportunities for yourself, this school is probably not for your family. However, if you are looking for an environment where your child can be true to their own nature and get genuine learning experiences, this school will fit the bill. Do not be misdirected by the registration and tuition costs that are lower relative to other private schools -- based on our experience, the school provides an exceptional value and would be a bargain at any price.

I am not sure what the pre-school and elementary program was a few years ago before we moved here, but I could not be more happy. My pre-schooler cries when he doesn't get to attend school. Their new pre-school director, Angela Masterson is amazing and exactly the person you want with your littles for their first school experience. My 4th grader is also thriving. He has been attending a few years now and his test scores are above average in every subject. He also hates it if he has to miss any school. He loves to learn and its just an environment that can not be duplicated. If you don't believe me, test it yourself for free during on of their trial days. You will not be disappointed. Meet Miss Angela, and you wont ever look for another pre-school again.

I'm in 8th grade here. LOVE IT!!!!!!