This isn't the best place to take your kid. It's located right next to a Motel 6. Facilities are outdated, old, and run-down. There's a lot of staff turnover and a lack of communication from the principal and staff about safety or anything important. In the classroom, there's a lack of academic skills, and competent staff to deliver a comprehensive academic program. I'm glad I was able to remove my kid just in time, and I'm not the only one. It took a lot of work, including tutoring, to catch her up at her new school. I can't believe they let kids fall so far behind with fewer than 10 in a classroom -- it's embarrassing. They come up with lots of games, field trips, and ways to avoid teaching the kids and spend time outside the classroom. I heard that Barnhart had over 600 students at one point and now has fewer than 170 and this is a number obtained from a head of staff, and still declining, this information alone should tell you what's going on with the school. Good luck. read more

We transferred here due to the Eaton fire. Although it's only been a short time, we already feel that this school is a great place for students. The new principal is warm, visionary, and highly efficient. He quickly offered support and space to other schools affected by the fire, which was incredibly generous. Our child joined the TK class, and Ms. Markis has been wonderfully caring and encouraging. Our child is excited to go to school every day and comes home eager to share what new things they've learned. There are Spanish lessons three times a week, and the TK teacher has even introduced some Chinese daily vocabulary, very practical. The kids get along really well, and the learning environment is positive. read more

This school was not good for us at all....they keep asking for money and donations or else will pay the penalty for not contributing. Plus they are not reliable and can kick students out anytime with no refund, can be just because culture misfit. They don't provide good academic as we expected as part of the steam program. Also, they are not following the age requirement for each grade as California public schools, which means that your child will be dealing with other children who may be older or younger for the team work and projects. Sometimes they lower the requirement to fit in the younger ones. If you are looking for a school that focuses on academic like us, then Barnhart will not be good fit read more

We absolutely adore Barnhart! The class sizes are small so student feel connected with their teachers. Students thrive and smaller class sizes because teachers get to develop a better understanding of what the kiddos need. Although secular, each month the school discusses a virtue that we want our students to embrace. This helps kiddos to be better friends, students and citizens in their community. Big plus: - Project based learning - Grass to play (a rarity among some private schools) - Wonderful supportive community families - On campus mental health professionals I highly recommend the school! read more

We feel very fortunate to have found Barnhart! We have seen our child grow and thrive beyond our expectations. Our teachers are warm, caring, creative, and passionate. Barnhart strikes a wonderful balance of strong academics and social & emotional development - which is what led us to the school in the first place. Another highlight is the smaller teacher to student ratio. This allows for more focus and attention on your student, as well as a more tailored approach to each individual. We also have a very diverse group of families that make our campus well rounded and welcoming. Our specialist in Spanish, Music, and Art are absolute treasures and bring incredible energy and passion to what they do. read more

The Barnhart school was an excellent experience for our family, and an outstanding value for the price point. The culture, community, and academics are great. The attention each student receives, and the accommodations teachers make for the learning differences of individual students is also great. Our daughter left very prepared for a rigorous college preparatory school. The Barnhart experience was so meaningful for our family that I continue to contribute to the school as my daughter enters her junior year of high school. read more

Our daughter attended middle school at Barnhart after attending a couple of elementary schools, so we have seen how other schools operate. Barnhart offered effective teachers and a caring administration and kind and welcoming students. Our daughter really blossomed there and was recently accepted to a competitive high school. The school has strong diversity and instills a sense of belonging with the students. Tim, the recently hired head of school, has brought Barnhart to a new level. And I strongly feel it's going to get even better with some recent hires and new programs. read more

We love being part of this close-knit community--our son is thriving academically, and we truly feel supported. The teachers are passionate and dedicated, and the parents genuinely care about all the students' wellbeing. It's a warm, welcoming environment where everyone looks out for one another. read more

I want to share my experience at Barnhart School, where my daughter is in her sixth year. The welcoming atmosphere starts with the teachers greeting students every morning, creating an uplifting vibe right from drop-off. They consistently go above and beyond, and in the past I have received emails alerting me to special moments and acts of kindness in class. It's heartwarming to see how they connect with students by finding shared interests, fostering a strong bond. My daughter has felt incredibly supported and has loved all her teachers throughout her journey from kindergarten to fifth grade. The new head of school has truly done an amazing job enhancing this wonderful community! read more

The school and teachers are student and community focused! They teach to the child's abilities instead of grade or age level. They focus on the whole child instead of pure academics. We transition from public school and my son now is happy, engaged and challenged. Fantastic school for all kiddos, especially gifted students. read more

Years ago my child attended the most expensive and prestigious schools in Pasadena. Now my grandchildren attend Barnhart, and the academic and social / developmental experience offered here meets or exceeds what was offered at those schools. read more

Barnhart is my happy place. As a parent of two boys who are currently enrolled in the elementary school, I couldn't be happier to have found a place that is such a great fit for my family. My children love going to school and are sad when they are sick and have to miss a day. During our time at Barnhart, I have watched both of my children grow to be caring friends, inquisitive leaners and confident students. I know this is due to the incredible teachers who create a safe learning environment for all. I have always felt that the teachers truly care about my children and have a vested interest in their well-being. Teachers often email to communicate their concerns, and also to share sweet anecdotes or moments when they've felt proud of students. With small classroom sizes, teachers are able to give students extra support or challenges if needed. What I love most about Barnhart is the school's philosophy of focusing on fostering growth of the whole child. Each member of the faculty and staff act in harmony with a specific emphasis on balance, so that students receive quality instruction and also learn about what it means to be kind, accept others, and resolve conflict. We also chose Barnhart because our oldest son is unique. He was reading by 3 years old and exhibited other advanced academic skills. During first grade, his teacher and vice principal encouraged us to have him tested for giftedness. This diagnosis has absolutely been life-changing. We feel like we understand our child and are better equipped to handle the joys and challenges that come with gifted learners. We will forever feel grateful that Barnhart led us on this journey and that the faculty and staff are well prepared and dedicated to helping meet his specific needs. The community at Barnhart is what makes this place shine. From day one, we have felt welcomed as part of the family. We've made life-lasting friendships and truly love our parent peers. read more

Barnhart is such a special place! They recognize that there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to learning. The teachers and administration partner with families in order to create the best learning environment for each child. There is no push for children to be anything other than themselves! Barnhart is a breath of fresh air and we are so grateful to have found them. From the minute we stepped foot on campus we knew we had found our home and friends that will last a lifetime. read more

Can't say enough great things about Barnhart. My oldest has attended since Kindergarten, and sending her to Barnhart is honestly one of the best decisions we've made. You get all the benefits of a private school education (small classes, individual attention, rigorous academics, etc...) without any of the snobbiness or pretentiousness of many of the other Pasadena private schools. The learning environment is inclusive and truly diverse. Barnhart doesn't crank out cookie-cutter kids. It offers a safe, creative space for kids to grow as individuals. read more

During his two years at Barnhart, I have watched my son grow in confidence and overall happiness. I am also very pleased with his academic progress and the consistency of the teaching staff. Barnhart encourages family participation and has very good success with engaging a student's entire family. The school is not cliquish or elitist. The kids, the parents and the staff all seem to be reaching for a common goal - which is an excellent education in an ethical and comfortable atmosphere. I have been on campus many times, and have paid a lot of attention to the details of maintenance and administration and continue to be impressed.. The best way to evaluate Barnhart is to go there and meet the staff and kids. It is a gratifying experience to see an organization repay the high trust we place in it. The environment is simply excellent. read more

We are new to the Barnhart School -- and have only great things to say about the place so far. We came from a reputable public school that delivered on great test scores, minus any consideration of socioemotional development. What we found at Barnhart was a small community with engaged parents, creative children, wonderful academics, thoughtful consideration of values and emotions, and authentic prioritization of children as individuals who can make a powerful, positive, and lasting difference in our society. I see, in the other reviews, negative comments about a head of school, but he no longer works there; the current head of school, Ms. Beilstein, is absolutely fantastic. I do not know the circumstances leading to another, more recent negative review, but I will note that my child was bullied mercilessly at his prior school; at Barnhart, we have witnessed absolutely nothing that comes remotely close to that. The emphasis placed on kindness and communication is real, and the school is far more diverse than many public ones (which is awesome). Okay. I'll stop writing. My strongest piece of advice for those looking at private schools ... Barnhart is a hidden gem (and a far more affordable private school than many others in town). I worry about writing such positive things because, in many ways, I want it to stay hidden. More attention for my own kid!! But I don't believe that some of the prior reviews are up-to-date. And I do believe that the place is truly special. Take a tour. Meet the families, teachers, and administrators. Assess for yourself. I suspect you will find what we've found -- the sort of school, with the sorts of teachers, that parents and kids are overjoyed to discover. read more

I am shocked reading the reviews of this School. (and for the folks who gave this school a 1 star rating, I would give 10 stars if I could.) We are in our second year at Barnhart after many years of our family being strong public school supporters. When class sizes grew too large and bullying became an enormous issue we compared many of the area private schools. With it's very well rounded curriculum, art and physical ed a regular part of the curriculum, we were enticed. After our second year, we are still finding joy in each day our child attends this family values driven school. While there is chapel as part of the week, it is always virtue based, such as teaching our kids to be tolerant, thoughtful, responsible happy young people. As for Mr. Ethan Williamson, yes he runs a tight ship. In the first year he negotiated new contracts for things like the cleaning crew, the phone system, etc and put the money saved back to the school for more opportunities, teachers and curricular activities. (And the bathrooms have never looked better.) Ethan is an advocate for the school at every turn. Last year the school revamped the library, and added a dedicated teaching position for computers, and one for music. Every year, there is more opportunity than the year before. Our child has seen TREMENDOUS improvement in his writing skills, verbal communication, social skills and overall interest in trying new things. To Barnhart, the staff and amazing educators, I am very grateful. Coming to Barnhart was THE BEST educational decision we have ever made. I have said it 100 times, we came here for the education, and got SO much more. read more

I would like to give this school zero stars. Barnhart has a big Bullying problem and Ethan Williamson, the head of school will not do anything about it. It is sad to see so many children's personalities and demeanor crushed by this. They sell this school as one that will help your child with whatever you have going on; bullying, ADHD, medical issues, etc. Unfortunately, that is simply lip service. Even though there is only about 20 children per class, there is not a lot of one-on-one that goes on here. When told about the bullying problem, it only got worse. Parents of the bullies should be held responsible for the damage caused to other peoples property. After calling and advising of the problems at Barnhart, no calls returned and Ethan has no idea about any of it. Maybe he needs to manage instead of directing traffic at pick up and drop off. read more

I have a child in her second year at Barnhart School, and we love it! The school is a perfect balance of a traditional and progressive education where the focus is not just developing academic strengths but also and equally as important, building character and integrity in each child. It's a community of educators and parents and children who help develop a whole child. The staff is kind, intelligent, innovative and fun. The community of parents is equally the same and full of love. I toured so many schools in the Pasadena area before deciding on Barnhart, and within five minutes of the classroom visits, I knew, this is where my child should attend. Perhaps, most noticeable, and the key in having elected Barnhart is the class size. In her Kindergarten class, she was one of six. Let me repeat, one of six! In her first grade class, she is one of eight. The student:teacher ratio truly helps make such a difference in educating one's child and developing the whole child. read more

We are approaching the end of our fourth year at Barnhart and are still VERY happy. Another family we knew from our previous school also enrolled their kids at Barnhart. When asked what he likes about Barnhart, their older child said "the teachers seem happier". I think this is one of the things that's special about Barnhart - the teachers do seem happy and that, obviously, carries over to the classroom and teaching. Barnhart has also hired a fantastic assistant head of school, Miriam Singer. She is incredibly smart and has a back ground in administration at a school that specializes in meeting the needs of kids who are "twice exceptional" (both gifted and have one or more learning differences). With Mrs. Singer on board, it's clear to me that Barnhart truly is a place that meets the kids where they are and works hard to make sure they succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. I still highly recommend this school. read more

We've a loyal Barnhart family since Kindergarten - our son is currently in fifth grade. We're very pleased with Barnhart's mission, values, and overall quality. It's also a bargain compared to other peer schools. We've seen our son and his friends grow and mature into wonderful young people, learning academic subjects, participating in a rich arts program and focusing on virtues and values. He's enjoying the outdoor program, the experiential science curriculum, and developing as a writer through writer's workshop. I'm surprised by the two reviews complaining about the school and I suspect that there is another side to the story in both instances. I suppose it's easy to complain anonymously on Yelp! While it is true that there have been leadership changes, I think they have been positive, reflecting a desire to grow. We've noticed that Barnhart has been steadily growing and improving over the years, and like all schools it has had growing pains, but we are satisfied and most importantly, we believe the school is committed to improving in every area. Most importantly, we have had many interactions with teachers and staff that reflect a sincere commitment to meet every child's unique needs and gifts with an individually-tailored program. I would encourage anyone looking to place their child in a nurturing, values-oriented school that provides a wide array of academic, arts, and enrichment experiences for a price that cannot be beat. read more

I am so honored to be part of the Barnhart community. It has truly been the best teaching experience. The rapport between the teachers & the administration always impresses me; they support us and we believe in them. It makes for a wonderfully comfortable teaching environment. I am supported, yet free to try new things and create a fun and unique learning experience for my class. Having small class sizes are another plus. I really feel like I get to know my students as people as well as learners. I am able to support those that may need it as well as accelerate those who are ready. The community always has fun together. There is a great level of respect between the teachers, staff, parents, and students alike. read more

This is a great school for college prep k to 8. I WENT HERE IN 1969....after a while I returned to San Marino School District to finish out high school...I recently met some students on a local field trip....and asked them about Barnhart school....these BRATS SAID TO ME GET ALONG OLD LADY...Where are the manners of these brats???? I LEARNED MORE MANNER FROM SAN MARINO because old money people have MANNERS!!!5 read more

Barnhart used to be a great school. Amazing families, teachers, staff and administration. The families are still amazing, but unfortunately after the 2011-2012 school year the board purged the school of nearly ever member of the faculty and staff who made the school what it was. They brought in a new Head of School, Ethan Williamson, who thinks he is the new sheriff in town. He imposed a new "communications policy" which prohibits virtually any dissent and demands that parents not communicate about the school unless he approves. The whole thing is Orwellian. The result is a place in no way reflective of the values or togetherness that made us choose it for our kids years ago. Williamson has fostered a PR machine that is dedicated to bolstering enrollment and, once you are there, expect to be milked for every dollar they can extract. We are no longer at Barnhart, and we would recommend you not be either. Most of the positive reviews you see were posted at the behest of the school to improve their public perception. Don't buy it. Check out many of the amazing schools a stone's throw away from Barnhart and you will be pleasantly surprised. read more