Let me start off by saying the church is absolutely beautiful. The priest is so kind and checks in…read moreon classrooms sometimes during the day. Which is absolutely wonderful. The principal Mrs. Bala is the most caring person I know she expresses gratitude in all she does. Also she knows every student's name by heart. The American History teacher is very compassionate. She cares deeply about everyone. The English and Literature teacher has a great understanding for helping young learners. She teaches them how to work hard and educates them accordingly. The Spanish teacher is outstanding she teaches students in new ways. She makes learning fun and makes school exciting. Everything else needs to be better developed or up to date.

St. Mary is an amazing little school in downtown Royal Oak for preschool - grade 8. The teachers…read moreand staff are an exceptional caring team and the families form a wonderful supportive community.

I don't know why Southfield schools are getting such a bad rap. They are excellent schools. My son…read moreattends MacArthur and he was reading 3 months after he started kindergarten. The teachers are wonderful. The test scores are high. There is no reason that it should be considered as low as it is. It should rank with the other schools around, but because of its history it is not. That was over 20 years ago!

My son has attended Crescent since Pre-K. I had a few school choices in mind, but after reading…read morereviews this is home. My child and I both love it; from the, teachers, upper staff, helping staff, the students, etc... Crescent sets your scholars up for success. Let me brag a little about a special teacher, Mrs. Norwood-Harris. She's amazing, I could not have asked for a better teacher. She cares for her students and not just there for a paycheck. She goes above and beyond! Thank you all for what you do :)

Enrolling at Crescent Academy was an overwhelming experience. Definitely a culture shock going from…read morea class of 15 to several classes with 20+ students in each classroom. The first graders have their own trailer with over 6 classrooms, just for 1st graders. I thought this was great for children to develop social skills and building relationships with other students. Crescent Academy offers extracurricular activities to include girl's scouts, boy scouts, music, soccer, etc. In addition to activities, they also offer academic assistance for students that may be falling below their academic level. I gather from staff's involvement with the programs they offer, they really care. As it relates to the staff building relationships with the parents, I do see an effort being made since the last time I wrote my review. My daughter participated in the girls scout program, she was a daisy. She had so much fun and there were so many events, trips and meetings to keep the girls just as engaged. She will definitely be participating next year as a brownie. Overall, I feel confident in the academic program Crescent Academy offers. We are looking forward to next year.

I really wasn't supposed to come to Hally Magnet Middle School, but after spending one day at…read moreBeaubien Middle School I knew I had to get out. So after a discussion with the principal, I was able to get into the school the next day. This is one of a few schools in Detroit that you have to take a test to get into, and focuses only on supporting those children who WANT to get an education and learn. I had a great time here, although I only spent two years here instead of three (as most kids did). The teachers were tough and demanding, and it showed in the test scores and exemplary work the students did. Class sizes were small and accommodating, and I left here with a lot of close friends that also went to Renaissance High School and University of Michigan.

Given my beau's family are graduates of Berkley School District, going in with my little one,…read moreexpectations were high. I heard a great deal about the exemplary elementary school experience they had at Burton in Huntington Woods, the strong programs at Norrup, and the fantastic music program at Berkley High School. Considering the lowest degree in the family is a Bachelors and everyone ended up as active citizens gainfully employed in professions they enjoy or love, I'd say the school district met the mark. A generation later, my child has been enrolled in the Berkley School District's "Building Blocks" program since he was twelve weeks old, giving me an excellent view of school system as he advances towards elementary years. Currently we have made it so far as pre-K in the year-round program. The pre-K programs cost about $900 a month for full-time, year-round care, allowing me to avoid worrying about daycare alternatives in the summer, which are few and far between with two working parents and nearly every other relative employed too. Half-day and full-day options are available from 6 weeks to 6 years, and the slate ranges from one day to five a week. Tuition assistance for needy families is readily available and advertised, and I'm fairly sure that kindergarten and pre-K (4-5 year olds) are also free for families under a certain income range. Is it worth it? Every. Damn. Penny. The Building Blocks program at Tyndall uses the HighScope curriculum, a nationally recognized program with measurable benchmarks for all levels, and that combines intellectual and social development with physical activity and age-appropriate goals. All lead teachers must be certified, and they create outstanding lessons that give children lots of time running about outside, playing together, reading, and enjoying group activities or crafts. There's no way I could recreate this on my own without taking an early childhood education program, let's face it. (Never mind I'd go insane with only a 3-year-old for company all day). Their pre-K classrooms are clean, bright, and happy places full of toys and reading centres, science tables, play stations, and more. My little one basically abandons me at the door, says 'Toodleloo,' and off we go. He's got friends made in the infant rooms who remain highly involved in his day to day activities, and new ones integrating happily. Berkley preschools always have events going on -- meet animals, play on drums, have a dance party, learn about dinosaurs. You can tell the caregivers and teachers truly love their kids, and it's not simply a job to them. These are caring, loving people who still keep after their former charges. Success speaks for itself. My child is happy, well-adjusted, and blows his ASC (a standardized measure for how well a child holds up against pediatrically/child educator-approved measures for their age group) scores out of the water. He's never had an issue we, as parents, couldn't work through with a discussion with a teacher on the best supportive strategy to gently encourage good behaviour or pick up another skill with a little practice. My only caveat with the school district is its communication of closed days: you /really/ need to get on the newsletter distribution and read it. I've shown up more than once to find the school inexplicably shut for a professional development day or such, and there was not good signage/reminders. This has improved with time, but I appreciate a handout sent home or whatnot. Pretty small beans compared to the warm, nurturing environment I've had the joy of sharing with my kid, though!

I am a product of this system, namely the high school at this address…read more The most notable thing about the curriculum was a strong emphasis on writing. I remember how easy my classmates found it to excel in college writing classes, while other students struggled, big time. So, if you are looking for a school system to nourish independent thinking, and writing skills (invaluable), you ought to consider Berkley.

I have played kickball Thursday nights with Come Play Detroit at this field for the past two years…read more It is always in great shape and there are often parks and rec employees checking up (so put your beer in cups). Beware - there are no restroom for the public here, and not a whole lot of 'discreet wooded areas'.