Oh how I loved Indianola... thank god my parents were progressive enough to realize that not all…read morekindergartners were meant to sit in rows of desks! Indianola is an alternative school that allows kids to be kids - you start each day on the "carpet" as a group and then go to work stations around the classroom depending on what you want to pursue. Age groups are mixed, diversity is omnipresent and creativity ensues! I was mapping constellations in 3rd grade and did a project on Kwanzaa in 4th... not your run-of-the-mill elementary school experience. And try finding a better school motto than "friends are like rainbows." Can I go back to school here now? Please?

I went to Indianola Elementary from 1955 - 1961. Then it was more traditional in some ways, but…read morethere were students from the neighborhood, which was relatively poor, and students whose parents were professors at OSU. There was a section of the school for deaf and hard of hearing students, and kids were bused in from Fort Hayes Army Base. So it was a diverse, lively, nurturing place. But the picture here is Indianola Junior high, which is off of Fourth Street.

Although I have a personal background serving Special Ed. High School students for a number of…read moreyears, I must admit that the staff I met from the principal to the 3rd grade teachers exemplified what we want to see shaping our youth. By their positive and supportive actions with their students, teachers demonstrated a loving, caring, and nurturing model for individual and groups of students. As an educator, I witnessed teachers who gave of themselves to help build the character and moral fiber of their students. Students responded to the model set for them in that they we're recognized and awarded for "Good Citizenship" (how supportive kind, and encouraging they were to each other on a day-to-day basis). Parental involvement in children's education is encouraged by reading with their child at least 20 mins. a night and providing opportunities for children to continue reading on their own. A child's education in school is stressed as very important to success. Therefore, even if a child only attends school half a day because of a doctor's appointment Etc., it is important that they be in school the other half of that day. I was impressed by the rich learning environment and the positive responsiveness of the children I observed. In keeping with the importance of reading, I was encouraged that they were having a Book Fair while we were there which then carried over into the next day. Needless to say, I added to the support of the school and the children in our home by participating greatly in the Book Fair. I was told that they will provide another Book Fair next February. The school is in need of people who would be willing to volunteer their time and services to help in the Book Fair or just to assist teachers in the classroom.

I am so pleased with the quality of education my daughter has received so far at this school. She…read morehas gone now for three years (two years preschool, now in kindergarten). The teachers have been wonderful and supportive and there is a high level of parental involvement. One of my favorite thing they are doing this year is "seventh grade buddies" for the kindergartners. They come once a week and help out the little kids. What a great way to give the teenagers a sense of purpose and an unselfish attitude. The school runs P-8 in one building.

From the owner: Private Christian School - Preschool through 8th Graderead more

The Wellington is a wonderful school. Small class sizes, great sense of community and an excellent…read moreeducation. We have been very happy with our choice to send our son there. Highly recommended.

All three of our children have attended Wellington since Pre-K. Our older two are now in the Upper…read moreSchool (high school). It has been an exciting, enriching and rewarding experience for all three. Even though we live in a community with a nationally ranked public school system, we chose Wellington because of the small class size and personal attention that a school of Wellington's size can deliver. We have not been disappointed. Our children thrive academically. They also have the opportunity to be in the band, play three different sports (lax, basketball and soccer) throughout the year without worries of being cut from the team (Wellington has a "no cuts" policy) and they can be in theater productions. Wellington encourages diversity in student interests and demonstrates its commitment to diversity in its teachers and in the students it accepts. Wellington parents are friendly, involved and welcome at Wellington. While some schools emphasize "rigor," Wellington seeks "engagement." Wellington students are engaged, active learners who generally are inspired to learn more, do more. It's an amazing place.

Playground review only!…read more Three playsets, plus some older metal stuff. Slides, climbing stuff. Baby K loved it. Several benches for tired parents. Behind the school, so you'll have to walk a bit from the parking lots, plus there is access to the neighborhood behind the school.

I went to this school for two years in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 I loved this school so much the kids…read moreare all so friendly and the teachers have great learning techniques and everyone I knew there was so nice! they had hopefully still have a awesome principal and school counselo. that school feels like home to me even if I don't go there anymore due to my age it will always be my home. such loving and caring teachers, I truly recommend you putting your children in this school I made so many great memories at that school. it was the best school I've ever attended by far and I've went to 4 schools so far in my life.

Indianola K-8 is fantastic! The teachers are genuinely caring, and my kid comes home excited about…read moreschool every day. There's a real sense of community, and the staff actually listens to parents. Class sizes feel manageable, and the programs for art and sports are great. Overall, a super supportive, friendly school that makes learning fun.

This review is just for the playground…read more There are actually 2 small playsets, at either end of the school lot. Fenced in, but open to the public during daylight (non-school hours.) Not huge, but nice if you live in the neighborhood. Not really worth a detour, but it was on our way home. A few benches for tired parents.

Review for playground only!…read more Right beside Weinland Park, which has a big fun playground, there are two little playgrounds at the school. Well, one is for older kids or even adults, just climbing and exercise equipment. In a fenced area is a small playset for little kids. Baby K liked it fine, but with a huge one next door she didn't stay long. It's good-not-great, and the great one wins. But, nice for a break or variety, or if the big one is busy.