When I first started on Yelp, I had no idea you could review schools. In fact let's be honest, I…read moreinitially joined Yelp because I wanted to be a vindictive bastard and write a rebuking review of a restaraunt where I'd had a pretty bad experience. Sorry, I digress-- I'm prone to straying off tangents. Oh shiny! *Several fruitless hours later* Right, where was I? Oh yes, Elementary school! Ah, the golden days of the 80's and early 90's. Transformers, Thundercats, He-Man, Michael Jackson (before he got weird). Well, I did go here between the ages of five and eleven which was a fairly long time ago. I can tell you that I didn't turn out to become a completely socially maladjusted dishelved individual (well at least not as a direct result from attending Brisbane Elementary School). Generally speaking it was a great school chock full of memories of playgrounds, loads of Elmer's glue in one's hair, oversized pencils and crayons, stacks of board games (absolutely none of which had their complete roster of game pieces), dittos --you know, those purple things before xerox, chalk boards with loads of dust, funky hydrogenated oil laden school lunches and orange afternoons waiting woefully for three o'clock (if only we knew!). So roughly speaking, it's worth five stars. I'd subtract half a star if I could for my Second Grade teacher Mrs. B******** confiscating an errant Transformer of mine and never giving it back-- those things are worth money these days!

My kid goes here. Its a great school! The parent community is so involved, I can't get off the…read moreschoolyard for like half an hour after I drop the kid off but for all the talking and planning. The teachers and the administration are extraordinarily concerned to make sure that my child is getting the best education he could possibly get. We love this school!

I can't tell you what it's like for when your children are in this school, but I can tell you that…read morebased on how they present themselves, I don't think they would be doing a good job at that. To start with, you're asked to message them on their website or email. Cool. And then they'll tell you over email to call and make appointment to tour the facility....why can't you just tell me over email? I took a tour and I wasn't sure about it, so I wanted to arrange another time to come back with my wife. So I called them again, and guess what they told me? "Call back in January." No explanation. Why would you give me a tour just two days ago in September, and then say that I can't have another one until the next year? "That's when the waiting list opens"....got it. I was promptly hung up on. So now it comes time to tour again. We come back and make an appointment over the phone. The school is a school but...the people just don't seem like they care at all. The tour was so lackluster. It took all but like 15 minutes. I've spent more time looking through a grocery store. I don't think they're paid enough to give tours, let alone look after your kids. I've seen high schoolers give better tours at the children's museums. I could have been guided around with a lifeless robot. Hell, if robots could critically think, then they would be like, "...Damn. You're making me look bad." The ratio is 7-8:1, at the toddler age. It's ideally supposed to be 5-6:1. I guess the school is affordable, but it seems too good to be true. It's too affordable for something that's supposed to be Montessori, so I'm suspicious. RESPONSE: "...genuinely wonder if your review may have been intended for a different school." Does your version of Montessori teach children to deflect and gaslight to protect a narcissistic ego?

--With a half-eaten chicken nugget in one tiny palm and a fistful of buttered pasta squeezed into…read morethe other, our then three-year-old turned to us mid-meal and said, in the sweetest, most innocent little voice: "Mommy... Daddy... I think I really love my school." () That was the moment we knew, meeting with Ms. Simin and enrolling our child at Mills Montessori was the right decision. From day one, Mills felt like a place filled with genuine warmth and care. Over the 2.5 years our child attended, we experienced a close-knit, family-like environment that helped shape the foundation of his social, emotional, and academic growth. It's a school we've confidently recommended to family, friends, and coworkers looking for a loving first school experience for their children. His final year at Mills was especially impactful and played a big role in how prepared and confident he was starting his new school. Ms. Jen and Ms. Kaytlin provided incredible attention, nurturing, and encouragement, leaving a lasting impression we know he'll always carry. Ms. Helen is truly a gem--her dedication to phonics and early literacy made a huge difference in his reading and penmanship, and we credit her greatly for his progress. We also loved the variety of extracurricular programs offered. Our child participated in soccer, ceramics, art, dance, Spanish, and piano, all of which he genuinely enjoyed. One standout experience was the Messy Hands sensory class led by Ms. Ineca. We were amazed at how much he loved it and how quickly we saw growth in his sensory confidence and cognitive development--major shoutout to Messy Hands. The teachers, the playground, the programs, and most of all, the warmth and care make Mills Montessori truly special. We're so grateful we walked in for that first tour, and after our experience, we couldn't agree more with our son's words. We really love this school too. -Bryan

All Souls Catholic School has been a blessing for our family. My children have grown academically,…read moresocially, and spiritually during their time here. The teachers are dedicated, compassionate, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping students learn. What sets this school apart is its strong sense of community and its commitment to Catholic values. Students are encouraged not only to excel in the classroom but also to develop kindness, responsibility, and faith. We have always felt welcomed and supported by the staff and other families. I am grateful for the positive, nurturing environment All Souls provides and highly recommend it to any family looking for a school that truly cares about the child and family.

All Souls has been a wonderful school for our children. The friendships and community we have build…read morehere over the past 7 years is irreplaceable. The academic standards well prepared my oldest for high school. The sports program is so well run by the athletic board and has given all our kids a well rounded introduction into competitive sports while encouraging teamwork and good sportsmanship. We love the teachers -- it's clear they love the kids! Thank you, All Souls, for being such a wonderful partner in our children's education.

This review is only based on attending one of their school performances. I was lucky to be invited…read moreto watch my friends daughter perform last night 5/23/24 at Bret Harte. Big "UPS" to the Program Director and the staff/parents that put on the showcase together. I felt it was very well organized and the auditorium was full of great energy; it was a wonderful way to showcase the kids talents and their beauty. You can see the children really enjoying themselves and how great it made them feel; it's so important for kids to feel special and be recognized. The energy from the parents was so great. The parents showed up and showed out for their kids. Fave part of the evening is that the host would call out on the mic if someone's car was gonna be towed for double parking. LOVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT!!!!

Afterschool programs here keep the students occupied and stimulated. Wish I had more time to be…read moreinvolved. They need more volunteers!!

Found this school in the summer of 2023 for my granddaughter. My first impression was really great…read moreseeing the summer school program teachers and aides were very welcoming. Enrolled her to 1st grade and I can say that it was the best decision we made for her. She was always happy and excited not only to see her friends and teachers but the learning experience she has with this school. I can understand the frustration of some parents about the recent changes that the school experienced, however I am also confident that these changes will bring better outcome too. The school earned an accreditation despite the changes and that speaks a lot. On a personal note, I would choose this set up than public elementary school where ratio is somewhere between 20-25:1 (student:teacher) vs 2:1 at HCA. If I am looking for quality education and experience for my granddaughter, I am still going for HCA.

Never seen a school environment where the parents and teachers giving 200% involvement on the sake…read moreof our future leaders. Everyone knows each other children. A very save environment. A small community has its potential. At least I see it from my niece. Due to low enrollment, 1 teacher teaches 2 grade students. Being in the kindergarten last year, she was exposed listening or learning the 1st grade work. Now, she is in 1st grade. It's just the 2nd week of the school year, she did 1st grade homework all on her own.

I am very happy that my two kids can study in VVES because they are very happy to school every…read moreday, and enjoy at school activities. teachers in this school are humble and nice and kind to students . they support students and try to let them improve from heart. they patiently because every student is special. They may have their own personality and abilities, I am appreciative that teachers are very nice to my kids. I can feel the atmosphere at this school is kind, nice, peaceful .

I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. This school is really bad. When I went to this school I…read moredidn't learn anything. My teacher quit in the middle of the school year, and there were lots of bullies. I don't recommend sending your kid here.

UPDATED with important new info!!!! see bottom paragraph!!!…read more See my sister's review for more useful info. crab soccer! parachute games! tan bark! monkey bars! xmas concerts! open houses! Reading is Fundamental! book orders/home readers! -- nerd! pen pals! Outdoor Ed at Jones Gulch! class quilt! wanting crappy school lunches instead of my sandwiches. (wtf was wrong with me) first friend in Kindergarten: April first crush in Kindergarten: Noel selling chocolate and other stuff (but really my mom sold it at work) Getting in trouble because my own cousin (same age who just started school there in the 2nd grade) went complaining to the teacher that I wasn't playing with her during recess! Racing home from school with my cousin in tow and she would beat me to ring the doorbell.. when I had the key... *hmph.. Racing home to go downstairs to sing the song about the flag to my uncle. I can't find the 4 lines, so maybe the school made it up. My sister is 2 years older, so before i started Kindergarten, my grandma and i would go pick her up from school and we would catch ladybugs on the school lawn. :) Some awesome teachers! Ms Brasel, Ms Bianco, Ms Kiyohara, Ms Brown, Ms Lolax, Ms Dunn/Mr Abaya. I went to visit like 10 years ago when my little cousin went there, but most of them weren't there anymore *tear The librarian Ms Leong transferred to my high school.. and she remembered me! I came here for K-5th grade, and instead of heading to the local middle school, i got shoved to a private school. It went from walking half a block to school, to walking down the effing south hill, and catching two buses to school.. Then we moved down the hill. I died a little inside. (and so did my parents wallet..) I kept in touch (sorta via facebook) with one of my good friends Erica. Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to home we go, we had our fun and now it's time to say "Goodbye!" =========================================== oh god totally should be beat up for forgetting: In kindergarten, the class teddy bear named Winchester, along with his suitcase full of clothes was circulated to every student for a weekend.. (talk about germ spreading). Well, my grandmother thought I got to keep him, so she shoved him in the washer and everything.. Hung him up by his ears to dry.. Well, I had to return Winchester, so when I got a teddy bear that Christmas, I named him Winchester.. (Winchy for short)... because I was 6 years old and not very creative. I still have Winchy... but I lost my TMNT toy, and Blaster my Transformer! Tinna got a bathrobe I think.. LOLz. If I find the photo, I'll post it up.. hahahaha

What do you call that playground game where you sit up on a bar with one leg over and you flip over…read moreit as many times as you possibly can? Well, whatever it was called - I was a champ! This is an ideal school to have recess because the space you have is HUGE. We used to have all kinds of parades, frisbee-throwing, double-dutching, dodgeballing, running around, tanbark throwing, all that good stuff. Part of the Brisbane School District - it used to be K-6, and then you'd head over to Lipman Intermediate in Brisbane for the rest of middle school. However, it's now K-5 like all other schools. BOO. Thanks to the following teachers for shaping the first leg of my education: Mrs. Brasel, Mrs. Bianco, Mrs. Brown, Ms. Dunn, Mr. Abaya [now principal at Brisbane Elementary School]. Given that none of the students are of driving age, there's a giant parking lot out front, even when the teachers already have other places to park their cars.

Buri Buri elementary is a wonderful school. Three generations of my family have attended.read more

I had the best memories and experiences at this school. I'm a alumni/Class of 2017. The principal…read morewas very nice and prepared fun activities such as mad science, hip hop class, chess, ukulele, and etc. They also had people come to this school and teach students of a lot of varieties of things of what they like to do. Some activities were zookeepers, Japanese drumming, the harp, and STEM ( Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and it isn't only about fun it is also become people better learners and the teachers are very nice.

It takes a village to raise a child. Well, it simply is not…read morepossible in today's society where both parents work, sometimes acting like two ships passing in the night, and relatives and trustworthy friends are worlds away. Bluntly put, parenting is so difficult. You are alone in all this. I myself have found myself lying awake in bed, terrorized by the thought that I am a bad tempered, screaming, evil banshee and that through the trauma of being under my care, my toddler will grow up to be a ruthless career criminal. The next day I would overcompensate by indulging my child with pricey toys and taking him on amusement park and museum trips. By enrolling my son at Silverspot Co-Operative Nursery School, I unknowingly committed myself to become a better parent. Unlike regular preschools where kids are left by their parents from 8AM until 6PM, one of the major conditions of the co-op is that the parents are fully involved in the day to day running of the school, in addition to other fundraising and volunteer activities spread over the school year. I had hoped that my son would become better socialized through active play. What we received in return was tenfold. First of all, the teachers are passionate about their work. The dutiful teachers remind me of mothers who have extra set of eyes behind their heads. They see everything. When you count in the three parent teachers who work with the teachers in each session, the teacher-student ratio is always or better than 1:5. The teachers are experts in their field, and masters at helping each child to become self sufficient and well adjusted intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially. As far as I have witnessed, even the parents who work their shifts are gentle, upbeat and quite knowledgeable about childrens' behavior and psychology. In addition to the school director and the two permanently assigned teachers for the AM and PM sessions, Silverspot has pre-k readiness classes with another teacher, a music and drum teacher, and dance teacher who come on a regular schedule. No activity is forced on an uninterested/unwilling child, but rather, each child is enticed to become interested in learning new things and engage as a part of a group. Secondly, all the requirements that you are supposed to commit to seem so complicated at the time of enrollment. The monthly Silverspot member meetings, which is one of the requirements, gives you a chance to meet all the other people walking the same perilous path of parenting and are in charge of taking care of your child the same time every week. These meetings have lecturers who provide encouraging and insightful tips on child development and communication. The lectures inspire you to educate yourself to become a better parent. The other members provide a support system in case you are bewildered or puzzled or simply, need more help. Thirdly, the facility has an adjoining public gated and fenced city playground. It is well kept, and the school facilities are well maintained on a beautiful garden setting. The kids enjoy an endless repertoire of different games, chasing, throwing frisbees, racing tricycles in the playground, observing insects and experimenting with sand (and water, if weather permits,) while the garden in the front enables the children to maintain a close connection with nature with its different flowers, plant life and fruit trees. Silverspot also possesses an abundance of supplies, constructive play sets, creativity stations, pretend-play costumes and storybooks, science curiosity equipment, and tactile exploration stations, all neatly labeled and organized after each play session. A major plus. After six months of my toddler joining this "village," I am convinced that I have also changed in my role as a mother. Thanks to the wonderful people at Silverspot, I no longer need to scream at my "willful" child to get him to do things. My child generally no longer needs to misbehave to get my full attention. As a result, I am more confident as a parent and no longer afraid to ask for help or to offer help. I also have developed deep attachments to each beautiful child attending this preschool. Truly, it takes a village to raise a healthy, bright child, and I am so glad to have fumbled upon Silverspot Co-Op.

I'm an extrovert by nature. People who knows I'm friendly and can be social in situations I feel…read morecomfortable. So when I found this school, my initial fear was the social interactions. Will we as a family feel comfortable to opening ourselves to them? Let me tell you, we did. The director, teachers, kids, and parents are all so welcoming. My daughter immediately expanded her vocabulary after her first month. She has made friends with almost EVERYONE: teachers, parents, and classmates. The irony is that they aren't "teaching" in the way you would in a typical school setting. They teach by playing was their philosophy. There's a set schedule for indoor play, breaks, and outdoor play. Not only do they aid in her transition into elementary school but they've also given us tools to be better parents. There were monthly meetings, work sessions, and events where we all learn from each other. She is now an alumi but we miss the school so much. There are times there was actual work to do but you'll fall in love with this school and their education model you'll want to do what you can to make them survive. Thank you Silverspot for being the jumpstart to our little one's education. Best of luck to you all!