We live in Novato, so Spring Hill means a daily commute for us, but honestly, I'm happy to make…read morethat drive every day knowing my kids are receiving this kind of education and are this well cared for. It's worth every minute. I genuinely cherish those 20 minutes in the car, on the way there or on the way home, listening to my kids get excited about their day. My 2 year old will tell me all about how creeks evaporate and how the rain coming down is really just that same creek water returning from the clouds, or about the flower arrangement she made today with her friends and teachers. My five year old talks about practicing her B sounds in class, or tells me stories about what she read with her classmates, or the painting she did, or the field trip hike she's taking with her class to learn more about the lifecycles of plants and animals. Those little windows into their day are everything to me. We honestly didn't plan on switching schools. We were happily settled at another school and figured we'd stay at least another year. Then we toured Spring Hill, and that plan fell apart pretty quickly. The Montessori toddler and primary classrooms completely won us over, and once we saw how the older kids on the TK-8 campus learn through hands-on projects instead of worksheets, we were sold. We enrolled both of our kids and haven't looked back since. The difference has been huge. My two littles have thrived, academically, socially, all around. They come home talking about what they built or figured out that day, not just what they memorized. That kind of engagement is hard to fake, and it's made learning feel exciting instead of like a chore. The teachers are honestly the best part of this school. They're deeply engaged with each child, taking the time to understand how every one of my kids learns best and meeting them exactly where they are. Schools we toured had classrooms of 26 kids to one teacher, with kids parked in front of tablets for large chunks of the day. Spring Hill takes a much more deliberate approach to technology, so kids can stay present and engaged. Teachers actually have the bandwidth to work 1:1 with students. Seeing that other environment, the contrast was immediate and honestly a relief. I do want to be upfront that the school has been through a lot of changes lately. What's kept me feeling good about it is that the board is made up mostly of parents, and they've made it clear they're relying on feedback from families like us to help guide where the school goes next. It doesn't feel like decisions are happening behind closed doors. It feels like something we're building together. If you're considering it, go see it in person. Walk through the classrooms, see the kids in the middle of a project, get a feel for the community. That's what convinced us to change course, and it's been one of the best decisions we've made for our kids.

We absolutely love Spring Hill. Our kids are thriving here and learning so much more than they did…read moreat their previous schools. The teachers are passionate, engaged, and really get to know each child. They challenge students to reach their individual potential, so the learning feels incredibly personalized rather than one-size-fits-all. Academically, it's hard to beat. we've especially loved seeing our kids become genuinely excited about math and the project-based learning in science and other subjects. We also appreciate that the strong academics don't come at the expense of social-emotional development. The school really supports the whole child and creates an environment where kids feel known and cared for. There are lots of community events, and the parent community is warm, welcoming, and tight-knit. We've been incredibly happy with our experience and, most importantly, our kids love going to school.

I would not recommend this school to my worst enemy. The staff and administration seem FAR more…read moreconcerned with potential liability than the overall well-being of the students. And quite frankly, many seem under-qualified for the positions they hold. This school is incredibly understaffed and underfunded - and it shows. To start - my first grader was allowed to walk away with a stranger on the FIRST day of school because his teacher "assumed" the adult he left with was a parent. When I spoke to the principal the next day, she asked me if my six-year-old "knew where he was supposed to go" and stated she did not have a full understanding of the transition process because she was new. She then attempted to place blame on the Boys & Girls Club and my child. When another student's family member mentioned to the teacher how chaotic the first grade classrooms were due to a lack of staffing/support, parents were swiftly sent a notice that they would not be allowing family volunteers back into the classroom until the "behaviors" were under control. Seems counterproductive. When my son's behavior was in question and I had asked to observe in the classroom, I was quickly limited to 45 minutes and had to be accompanied by an administrator. I was told this was standard policy. My son showed no behaviors during my observation time. When I mentioned this, his teacher stated she "didn't think he would show behaviors while I was in the classroom". I brought this up during a meeting with the superintendent, he seemed to question the limitations placed by the school and stated they should be welcoming me to observe if there is such concern. Mind you, he had previously been principal at McKinley Elementary. When my son was sick and asked to call me during school hours, he was told he could not contact me because he did not have a fever. When I questioned this with the teacher/administrators, I was told that the school typically does not let students contact their family members for illness related matters unless a fever is present. A family member of another student had witnessed an adult in the cafeteria yelling at my son for kicking a milk carton and was so bothered by it that she felt the need to intervene by telling the staff member that she was being inappropriate. Though my son's teacher was made aware, she was not the one who informed me about what had happened. I was notified by the family member who was witness to the incident days later. I was also told by my child's teacher that administration had prevented her from speaking to me about certain matters regarding my child and my concerns. We only saw results/change when we went above school administration by notifying the district office and superintendent about our experience. The current principal's exit was announced less than a year into her new position and it's clear to see why. These are just a handful of examples. I have spoken with many families who have shared similar experiences. In my opinion - there are MUCH better elementary school options within the PCS district and within our community. I encourage any family considering McKinley Elementary for their young ones to do their research beforehand, tour other schools, and talk to family/friends who are familiar with McKinley Elementary. We felt comfortable having our child attend McKinley due to their "stellar" reputation and it was a huge mistake. Don't let the awards plastered all over the school fool you. I hope this review helps to inform other families.

If you value your child's emotional wellbeing and overall development this is not the school. The…read morecurrent principal gaslights parents instead of taking accountability for the rampant bullying and lack of structure and fulfillment for the children. Teachers encouraging parents not to speak to other parents about each other's children and experience at the school is verbally discouraged by educators. The school is also blocking transfers to other districts. There is no way this school has 5 stars. Overall traumatic. Ask the parents of students. Not the administrators.

Best decision my husband and I made!! We were looking for a place with traditional values and…read morestructure with a strong academic curriculum. When we came to St Vincent's it was all of that along with one big community of like minded, kind people. The schools organization and amazing teachers made my kids feel happier and calmer while at school. What a breath of fresh air! Highly recommend!!

It was a simple decision to enroll our children in SVES over seven years ago. Since Kindergarten,…read morethe faculty and administrators have been unwavering in their commitment to teaching to rigorous academic standards, inspiring a love of learning, and providing a compassionate yet disciplined approach to educating the whole child -- from academic, social, emotional, and safety perspectives. My children absolutely love their school and their teachers and the parent community has been just as wonderful for our family. We are grateful to have such a gem of a school with a rich history in our community.

I have 2 kids that go to Loma Vista. We have been here since TK. The dual language immersion…read moreprogram is impressive. Both of my students have done well learning a new language and culture. The PTA is active and works with the administrators to provide a well rounded fun experience for the students. There are lots of family events to embrace the community. Every teacher we have had has been kind and caring and teaches to the child as an individual.

Kinder parent here! So lucky to have a school like Loma Vista where kids and families from all…read morebackgrounds and cultures are included. The dual immersion Spanish program is close to incredible! Giving my kids the gift of a second language while understanding and experience other culture is invaluable.

Pretty chill school, shout out to ms. saxon for being chill and actually letting us have fun in…read moreclass. Also shoutout to mickey for giving me an extra chocolate milk one time.

I went to Cherry Valley for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade…read more I have memories of playing Double Dragon on the play ground, I saw a skunk in a hole and got scared, they made root-beer in a caldron for Halloween, Mr. May was my 2nd grade teacher, and I think Mrs. Leno(?) was my 1st and 3rd grade teacher, we used to play wall-ball when the older kids weren't using the wall, I got stung by a bee, I liked to play with dinosaurs in the sandbox instead of learning to read and that's about it. The school wasn't and isn't very diverse. Stats 2007 Number of Studens: 337 Low Income: 14.7% Caucasian: 83.7% African-American: 1.8% Asian: 2.7% Hispanic: 6.2% Native-American: 0.6% I think I had a good time here. My parents pulled me out when my sister went to Jr. High because Cherry Valley has some weird hippie school schedule and they wanted us to all have vacations at the same time.

I went to SoMo for 7 years, and I super enjoyed it, I loved our past band teacher Mr.Day too, he…read morereally taught me a lot. I now go to KJHS and am going into my 8th grade year, because of Mr.Day I have really excelled in band. So thanks Mr.Day!! One thing I have to say is watch out for bullying, I had been bullied since 2nd grade and never really got resolved, but that could've just been my experience but 100% would recommend!!

Principal does nothing about bullying and yard dutys are annoying as hell. Forced to do running…read moreclub which is an optional thing. One yard duty that thinks she can ban every single piece of play equipment for no reason and be rude

This was an ok elementary school...I only really went to this one...but still. I think the best…read moregrade was Kindergarten and then first grade...the others weren't anything special. I think I hated fifth and sixth grade the most, but I bet that had more to do with the other horrible children around me, not so much the school itself. I liked the big grass fields the best, good for walking around at recess. I still speak nice words to and about a couple of people that went here with me, but only because they didn't turn into asshole bitches in jr high and highschool.

I never thought I'd be writing a review on school I've loved so much for my children. My oldest who…read moreis now in high school use to go here and it was perfect. True that the school looked a little run down before and the principal wasn't as involved as the new but it served great. Around when my oldest child was on their last year the school started to undergo changes. Don't be fooled by the new tech savy and multi-language school, for it lacks the proper teaching to students. There always will be those few teachers that actually do care about their students but it doesn't seem to be the case anymore. The school now focuses to much on the California standards instead of social development. The teachers always seem to never have time to speak and engage with students/ parents 4 years after my eldest child left it was time for my youngest. We were so happy that our child had gotten the kindergarten teach my eldest child had gotten when she/he was little. The problem with the school is that teachers don't seem to care about students with learning disabilities as much as children who don't need help, my youngest for instance. My youngest loves the class but the teacher doesn't engage with he/she and sees to be getting tired of him/her. Some to maybe most don't have the energy or patience to be teaching, especially teachers with younger kids. Do not make the mistake we made,sending your kids to a school just because is close to you or simply because you are assigned to that district. Do your research and when you visit schools look around and see if students are engaged and make sure the school meets your child's needs.

We have only been here for six months and feel like we have been welcomed with open arms by staff…read moreand fellow parents alike. All the teachers in the school seem to know our children's names. Parents all greet each other warmly each morning during drop off and will introduce themselves to newcomers. Becoming involved in school programs and committees has been easy. The PTA officers are completely approachable and excited to have new parents get involved. The Kindergarten teachers have a deep understanding of early childhood development and the importance of creative, imaginative play and artistic expression as part of the daily curriculum. The kindergarteners are thriving academically and exceeding state standards in this low-pressure, nurturing environment. We feel that this school is a hidden little gem that needs to be discovered!

My son has attended OA for 3 years. In my experience with the school, I think the teachers and the…read moreprincipal truly care about my son's growth. He has struggled in a few areas and they have worked with him to improve his skills and grades. The only issue I see is student to teacher ratio - initially this started out 22 to 1 and now it is 30 to 1, which is too much for elementary students. Also, OA has a very low student population (~250) which ensures the students are lost in the shuffle of a big school.

We're in our sixth year at Live Oak and adore the school. The tk/kindergarten is pure Waldorf magic…read more(play-based, pre-literacy taught through stories preparedness for writing by developing hand strength with finger-knitting, etc.). The grades have a lovely balance of Waldorf and mainstream education but are unwavering in teaching to the whole child. The curriculum is true to Waldorf in keeping pace with the child's development and is designed to match the children in where they are in their experience of themselves and the wider world. Our middle school is also a gem! Handwork, movement, and music is integrated into all the grades K-8 The parent community is very involved, invested, and warm. The teachers and staff are loving and committed. As a community we celebrate and receive grounding in our seasonal festivals and traditions. We have been very happy at this school which feels like a second home.

From the very beginning of our journey as parents, we had our hearts set on Live Oak--- a strong…read morecommunity based TK-8th grade school focused on educating the whole child through thoughtful and intentional Waldorf inspired curriculum and philosophies. Something that I learned on a school tour and is a great example of how they teach is that the children learn to sew by hand in Kindergarten, and continue throughout the grades, and then when they learn about the industrial revolution, they get the chance to sew on machines. They get to embody and truly understand how that dramatically sped up the world. We began in 2020-- quite the intro! Now in our 3rd year, we are so excited about the leaders of the school and all the new ideas being shared and soon to be in action. We could not be happier or feel more blessed by the teachers our children have, and to be at school that still has blackboards, little to no tech in lower grades with a strong arts foundation and focus. It has strong parent engagement, and it is clear that our voices matter. Their is so much kindness and care oozing from every corner, as well as cherished traditions, rituals and special seasonal events in every grade knitting us all together as families. Each kid from TK- 3rd grade has an older "buddy" from a higher grade which bridges the divide even further and creates a real sense of connection. My 1st grader got to wave to an 8th grader and feel quite special that they got to spend time together. I have watched graduates of this school grow to be in their 20s and let me say, WOW. Inquisitive, critical thinking, sensitive, open minded, independent, creative, respectful, unique and wildly talented humans!

dont go to the school but it low key sucks just because ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooread more

W school W teachers shoutout Mr. Yu just let us have phones in class otherwise its pretty goodread more