As a tai chi instructor, I gave an introduction class to the wonderful of Maple Village, Waldorf…read moreschool who very thoughtful and appreciative of the art presented. It's great to see a teaching establishment provide the artistic world to students who have a thirst for all art forms. Dav-Ekon, the Art of Tai Chi

My son has been going to this school for 3 years, that is until we found out the truth about the…read moreplace we called home. My son has seen his friends get grabbed, physically removed for messing around, get hit (the teachers would defend the people hurting them), and racism. I've also spoken to some of the moms that have left recent reviews to get their feedback, and they told me their reviews were taken down by the school. When me and my husband looked at these reviews we have also noticed that a lot of the stuff stated in the reviews are still happening. When my son and his class went to the park, he saw the teacher yell a derogatory Asian slur at his old classmate, then when my son came home telling me the news, me and my husband were furious that a teacher at the school has taught my son discriminatory language. We were angry that we were paying over $1,000 in tuition per month for my son to learn hate before fractions. I'm about to list more situations in this review: 1. My son is more quiet and doesn't get in trouble at all, but he has watched his friends get grabbed, cussed at for telling the teacher to not touch them, the teacher started a dynamic which disrespects kids, and they're rude to their parents. 2. The teacher would talk about her husbands g-string, and would talk about sexual things that I don't want my son to hear. 3. The teacher would also take away my son's lunch if he had to re-do the work, and there was this one incident where he didn't listen to the teacher because he was starving and just started eating his lunch, then got kept from going to the park when the class was going, then for the rest of the day he was isolated in a classroom and made to think he was a bad person when really it's the school being cruel. 4. During games class, I find it unsafe for kids to play in an alleyway that has homeless people in it, and I also find it unsafe that they have to move every time a car comes by. 5. When me and my husband were on the fence questioning ourselves about if this is the right place for children, we sent our kid to the school the next morning with a tiny notebook and a pencil and we told our son to take notes of everything that everyone says and happens in those bad situations. When my son came home me and my husband took a look at the notebook, and me and my husband were pissed. From what the notebook said we were upset to learn that the teachers actually violently grabbed a kid that didn't do his work because he was thinking about stuff emotionally at his desk. 6. From everything that we have our son tell us all of these people there sound very unskilled, and should work with kids. Me and my husband admired the Waldorf scene of it being creative, hands on, and supportive but these teachers aren't supportive at all to certain kids who are different then what they like, me and my husband talked to the parents of the kids who have been violently punched or grabbed by teachers, or students. And these parents were very nice people, from this other review, I read all I have to say is you shouldn't learn about the school because it's a cult on my prospective, it's not inclusive if not, everyone is supported at the school then it's not supportive at all, the tuition is over $1000 for your kids to be wearing hate,and to be playing in a alleyway with shattered glass and homeless people. And I fully support all of these kids who have left the school because so many kids have left that they had to merge a few grades together because the parents weren't the same truth I have. and every time me and my husband would have meetings with these teachers. About how they would act with other kids. They would deflect it towards the kid who is actually getting bullied because they are different. the school has also let my son learn about the N-word, sexual jokes, sex, and racist jokes from other kids, This school dose not censor what the children talk about. What I have to say after my experience here is get your kid out before this school is a huge waste of money, and time. For all of the people reading this review get your kids out of there, or if you're learning about the school do not let your kid out there, and maple village if you respond to this review don't try to say none of this happened, because you guys know it did.

The school administration needs training on how to deal with domestic violence situations…read more They took away my rights as a VIP when I shared videos of my abuse to other parents (I had no support system out here and dv shelters are not of much help). They have treated me like trash since my abusive ex got custody from a crooked judge and lawyer I asked for my children's attendance records at least 5 different times over more than a month. They responded by INCLUDING my ABUSIVE EX on my email to them and asking "his permission" to share the records with me. This is a clear violation of FERPA and I plan to bring this to the attention of the Department of Education. Naples elementary of Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is violating your parental rights by: * Withholding your children's attendance records, * Asking your abusive ex for permission, and * Including him on communications without your consent, you should escalate this immediately and formally. Here's who to contact and how to structure it: 1. Start with the Principal and School Office Manager If you haven't already, email the principal and CC the office manager demanding a written explanation. But since this is now a rights violation, go higher. 2. Contact the LBUSD Family Resource Center (Custody and Records) This department oversees parent access rights, including custody-sensitive issues. Request to speak to: * Student Records Department * Custody and Legal Compliance Coordinator (ask for the title if not publicly listed) District Email: info@lbschools.net Main line: (562) 997-8000 -- Ask for the Student Records department. 3. Contact the LBUSD General Counsel / Legal Compliance Officer You are entitled under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) to full access to your child's education records without needing permission from the other parent, unless a court order says otherwise. You can send a formal FERPA complaint to: * Office of the General Counsel * Or Director of Student Support Services You can CC both legal and superintendent offices to show seriousness. Sample Email Template (Feel Free to Copy + Paste) Subject: Violation of FERPA Rights and Inappropriate Involvement of Non-Custodial Parent Dear [Name], I am the mother of [Child's Full Name], a student at [School Name]. I am writing to formally address a serious breach of my legal rights under FERPA and California Education Code. I submitted multiple requests for my child's attendance records, which were delayed without justification. I was informed that your staff sought permission from the other parent--[Name]--before releasing the records to me. This is entirely inappropriate and a violation of my federally protected rights. I share legal custody and have full rights to my child's education records. More concerningly, this other parent has a documented history of abuse, which the school has been made aware of. Including him in email threads without my consent puts me and my child at risk. I am requesting: 1. An immediate release of the full attendance and academic records. 2. A formal written explanation of why this delay occurred. 3. A statement clarifying how your staff will avoid involving my ex in future communications regarding my parental rights. If I do not receive a satisfactory response within 5 business days, I will escalate this matter to the LBUSD Superintendent's Office and file a FERPA complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. Sincerely, Jessica Schultz [Phone Number] [Email Address] Would you like help drafting this email specifically to a real contact person at LBUSD (once you know their name), or would you like me to help you file a FERPA complaint if they don't respond? If there's any lawyers that can help me since the principal said she could only talk to my lawyer (and I don't have one, let me know).

As a former teacher and now a grandmother of two girls attending Naples Elementary School, I want…read moreto say how wonderful this small school is for children. A select place that is warm and friendly to all, with caring teachers and staff making it a very desirable choice for children and parents. It does not get any better than Naples Academy. P.A. Flanigan

I'm really glad my kids are out of this school!! The school staff here are all jerks. Ms Liz in the…read moreoffice is always so disgruntled, like everyone is bothering her. The orange lady on the playground, Ms Lee basically does not let any of the kids do anything and when a problem arises on the playground, she doesn't even ask both students for their side of the story. She sides with the white kids no matter what. She gives directions, the kids do as she says and she's still mad saying they are following her directions incorrectly. The counselor Ms Wheels should not be around children! She belittles them and makes them feel bad for wanting to do better?? Doesn't make sense. Many of the good teachers have quit before covid! Being student of the month was almost a punishment because you're not allowed to invite one guest like you could before and you get one slice of pizza and only sit with the principal Dr Richards. The old principal used to offer practically a buffet for the student And ever since Mr Curran left, it became a jail. Luckily this year for anyone reading this, the principal has left and there's a new principal. I don't know anything about him, we left this school, yay! The reason the school gets an extra star is because the parents here are great! The PTA is strong which offers the students 2 extra classes not offered at other schools, science lab and computers. There's also a drama club and lots of other events like a carnival, movie nights, etc.. Just be ready to always have your wallet open. They always want donations.

This is the worst school I've dealt with ever. For Neurotypical kids but especially autistic…read morechildren. Please do not send your children here if you have a choice. They do not care about autistic children at this school. The principal doesn't even know their names. I've witnessed them losing an autistic child during a whole presentation, and nobody looked for him Ben's mother if you're reading this, they lost him at the event at the end of the year, where all the kids were singing in the quad. Nobody looked for him. They let the presentation finish and dismissed before anyone even bothered. My son's class had no teacher for an entire year and they never mentioned that the substitute in there was not even credentialed to be a sub. I was told this by one of their employees. Autistic children are left out of field trips, Christmas concerts, and pretty much all other events. The principal even made the whole school, including four-year-olds walk over a mile in the rain because the "principal"(use that term loosely) didn't wanna change the day of her evacuation drill. Hands-down worst school in Merced

This is a wonderful school. The teachers know their craft. The principal, Mr. Platus, is quite…read morepossibly the best school administrator I have encountered-- and I say this as a school administrator myself. He is visible, proactive, and knows is students. The parents are involved and the school culture is warm and inviting. We moved here from the East Coast this year and my daughter was made to feel welcome and included. That is a pretty big deal when a kid comes to a new school in the 5th grade. I feel incredibly fortunate that my children attend Lowell!

Truly excellent school. Consistently high state API scores. Broad spectrum of education models with…read moreboth GATE and special education programs. Well-qualified and passionate teachers with long tenure @ this site. Huge amount of parent involvement. Thus, a well run and well-funded PTA that supports tons of both acedemic & extracurricular activities. Safe, clean, family-oriented neighborhood. The school is nestled behind 2nd St. and walking distance to beautiful ocean outlets (lagoon, bay, Mother's Beach). My children have both attended since kinder (now 4th & 2nd graders) and LOVE their school, teachers & friends!

I was a student of this school class of 2025…read moreI loved it. funny moments and all. great teachers that cared about grades and homework!

Absolutely Great School, kids are academically challenged and it feels like a close-knit community.read more

We are not year-round family at Westerly, but we consistently return for their summer camp…read more Our eleven-year-old son had attended all the local summer camps in Long Beach--JCC, 49'er camp, the city's parks and recs--over the past few years, and he ranks Westerly the highest among all camp experiences. The staff is accommodating, the hours are flexible (7:30 am to 5:30 pm), and he has a great time.

What can I say. Our family loves Westerly! Our eldest started at one of Long Beach's blue ribbon…read moreschools, but with the huge classes we decided to take a look at Westerly and we couldn't go back. Since then all our kids have thrived in their Westerly experience. It starts with a sizable campus with a beautiful grass field for sports and activities, newly constructed learning studios and the amazing arts village. What a great place to learn. Then the passionate teachers and staff deliver a whole child program, with a better than 10:1 student/teacher ratio. The Westerly program includes: Curriculum and instruction - Enthusiastic teachers with a well thought out curriculum and small class sizes enabling teachers to adapt the curriculum to the needs of your child. Technology/STEM - Westerly recently hired a full-time Director of Instructional Technology to enhance an already strong technology/STEM program throughout the curriculum. Think coding in class, 3D printing, science and engineering fairs, etc. Visual and performing arts - Incorporated in the curriculum is an annual school-wide play lead by the folks at TKTC. The visual arts program is second to none with the kids being exposed to public arts projects, ceramics in the new ceramics studio, mixed media, painting, photography, etc. I wish I could take the classes myself. Wildcat, the after school program is a blessing. Our kids beg to go to Wildcat to play with their friends, work on yearbook, take film, dance, music, robotics and other after school enrichment activities. Athletics - A legitimate, well-run PE program with enthusiastic instruction and basketball, volleyball, football teams throughout elementary and middle school. Music - Every child takes both general and instrumental music as part of their Westerly experience. Spanish - Kindergarten through 8th grade all the kids get introduced to the Spanish language through a dedicated Spanish instructor. Leadership - This is quite possibly one of the most amazing parts of the curriculum. Continuing on the theme of whole child education the Director of Student Affairs leads an amazing program that goes so beyond student council, creating leadership opportunities for so many children. Programs like student council, district representatives, green team, etc., start in Kindergarten and the kids grow in responsibility as the children grow themselves. Each child also gains leadership responsibilities as a student mentor, where each older student is paired with a younger student as a mentor. Service learning and field studies - As the kids grow in maturity so do the service learning and field studies. Our children have enjoyed trips to Catalina and other local camps, but the highlight of the program is a one week trip in 8th grade where the whole class travels to Nicaragua to conduct a service learning project, practice their spanish, and are exposed to a different culture and way of life that they are used to. Community - Westerly is a place where without question every family places a priority on securing a great, well-rounded education for their children. Being in an environment like this is so fantastic. Independent school is not cheap, but in our minds it's the best gift we can give to our children. Westerly also offers significant financial aid support, so if that is an issue be sure to discuss your situation with the school to see if they can make something work for your family. P.S. This may sound like a paid ad, but it's our true feelings about this place. It's really special.

great school!! my 3 kids attended this school and the teachers are phenomenal specially Mrs…read more Albanese, Dr. Beam, and Mrs. Alvarez.

My daughter has been coming to this school since 1st grade (transferred here) All I can say is that…read moreboth of her teachers were great! I love how involved the principal is with the kids. Mrs. Escobar (2nd grade teacher) did an AMAZING job, my daughter loves her so much. All the stuff that she learned amazed me! I've seen so much progress with my daughter. Can't wait to see what next year has planned for her. All staff are helpful, friendly and above and beyond.

bad school, Mrs.platt yelled in my face and made me cry once, also the kids are meanread more