When we first looked at Abiqua, 7 years ago, we couldn't image our son attending a better school but NOW, I can not recommend this school as a safe, learning and nurturing environment. My son attended Abiqua from K-4th grade, and this year (5th grade) we chose to homeschool. The new school philosophy is so far from what the founding mothers would have hoped for, gone are the "HEART skills" that we all held so dear, replaced with bullying that is ignored by management. Abiqua did a fair job with the elementary school but this has declined over the last few years. The community pride that once existed at Abiqua was extinguished by the new management, which believes that exclusivity with no regard for diversity is the best approach for building a strong school community. It is unfortunate that the new management did not listen to the school community, and their concerns with the damaging changes that were made over the last 3+ years. I waited until my son finished Abiqua before posting a review online because we suffered from the abuse and repercussions of speaking up about the damaging changes at Abiqua, and did not want our son to suffer further. I also would like to thank Yelp for being fair about the reviews posted, as Abiqua has other reviews on Google and Great Schools removed. read more

The rank is a result of their 'sign and pay - regardless of whether your child attends, gets kicked out or dies. We did a site visit and was impressed with the school and program. Our daughter did a day test run and really enjoyed it. We were ready to bring her in the following Monday to start attending when I got a copy of their agreement. It was the most one sided contract I'd ever seen and refused to agree with its terms. We arranged a meeting with the school's head and office manager to see if we could work something out, but to no avail. When I raised scenarios about moving out of the area, or a protracted illness where my daughter couldn't attend school they said they'd be reasonable. I asked why that couldn't be in the contract. They said 'trust me'. They finally asked me to submit what I would like to see as amendments, which I did, but never received a reply. So with the $1300 per month we saved we have enrolled out daughter in classes outside of public school. And have money left over. I think the school itself is fine and I'd be happy for my daughter to attend. But, contracts are written to be enforced and I won't sign one that requires me to pay a full year's tuition whether attending or not. read more

I have 2 children at Abiqua in the middle school. The older one transferred in kindergarten mid-year from another school that could not meet her needs, the younger followed the next year. They are very different student types, as well as personality types but Abiqua has given them both the tools to thrive and excel in so many ways! The teachers really care, they go above and beyond to find unique ways to enrich the curriculum in ways that are interesting to them as individuals. They have classmates that are at many different levels and are just as happy. I read the negative reviews, I know most of the students that they're referring to - remember that there are 2 sides to every story. If you're looking for a new school, or if you haven't looked at Abiqua lately, go visit Abiqua Academy, talk with the happy, confident students, and see the learning that is going on there. Then judge for yourself if it's the right school for your child. read more

We have loved Abiqua every step of the way. Our child has thrived in a very safe learning environment where she has been encouraged to do her personal best. She has learned how to be a thoughtful writer, a critical reader, and an analytical thinker. The middle school program has evolved into a cohesive collaborative between teachers. Social studies and language arts themes are tied together creating thought-provoking essays and projects. All this is done in a way that she has felt safe to take risks in the classroom and learn freely. Students are encouraged to treat each other with respect and honor each-others' differences. We recommend Abiqua highly. read more

What use to be Abiqua School run by the Head of School is now Abiqua Academy and is run by Wealthy Board members who are only concerned with what their own children need and with no concern for other children or what use to be the Abiqua Community. There was a big exodus when the current Head of School took over and got rid of the not so fortunate students. Good Board members quit and took their children out of Abiqua because their values had changed so drastically. They may as well have politicians running it. read more

We've had our three children at Abiqua since kindergarten. From these early years, all the way through middle school, Abiqua teachers have cared for our kids as if they were their own. Abiqua focuses not just on academics but on supporting the child socially and emotionally. If you are looking for a place that your child will have a chance to maximize his/her potential, I'd definitely consider Abiqua! read more

Our children have attended Abiqua since kindergarten. Our oldest child is now in Abiqua's high school. Looking back at these past ten years, we couldn't be more grateful to Abiqua's teaching staff. They are devoted, encouraging, challenging, and supportive. 5 stars just aren't enough! read more

This is the best independent school in Salem. The school's mission doesn't impose religiously mandated classes on children and the H.E.A.R.T. skills (Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork) are found throughout the school. read more

Abiqua Academy provides a challenging curriculum while offering the support students need to be successful. Through reinforcement of HEART (Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork) Abiqua is a safe and thriving community. read more

My son is receiving and excellent personalized education at Abiqua. They have engaged interested teachers and happy well adjusted students. They combine the latest technology with highly educated staff and innovative curriculum. read more