From the very first phone call to schedule a tour, I had concerns. The admissions representative,…read moreBailey, seemed rushed and inattentive, failing to record basic details like our names correctly. Despite traveling from the East Coast specifically to visit this school, we were not greeted warmly upon arrival. The security guard was stoic and silent, which set a cold tone. Bailey, who had been warm with another family just moments before, barely acknowledged us. I had to ask if she was Bailey because she was simply standing there, staring. When she finally acknowledged my child, she referred to him as "frienddddddddddd," which felt patronizing and unprofessional. Children, like adults, deserve to be addressed by name--respect starts there.
During the tour of the four- and five-year-old classrooms, I noticed a stark contrast between what was shown on the website and what we experienced in person. When I mentioned that we unschool and take a more global, play-based approach to learning, Bailey assured me the school was play-based as well. However, the children looked more like they were in a traditional, rigid environment--seated in silence, not engaged in any type of play.
In one of the classrooms, a little girl was visibly distressed and crying in a cube. No adult approached her. She remained that way throughout our entire visit--clearly struggling, and clearly ignored. This was heartbreaking. A child in distress should never be left alone, especially in a setting that claims to prioritize emotional development and care. I genuinely feel for that child and her family--because if that were my kid, I'd be pissed the hell off. That should never have happened under any competent care or planning.
Throughout the tour, Bailey made inappropriate comments and assumptions about my child, labeling him without taking the time to observe or interact meaningfully with him. She stated the school wants kids to be fully conversational and etc. I attempted to explain his receptive language is fine but we are working on expressive. She cut me off but isnt this what the school is about?!??
She repeatedly stated things would be "hard" for him and suggested we consider a different school--again, without any real engagement or insight into his capabilities. My child has unique birth-related challenges, but no formal diagnosis, and that is not Bailey's role to assess or determine. She is not an evaluator or clinician; she's in admissions, and she should have remained in that role.
The labeling continued, even after I explained that my child has never been in a traditional school setting. Her comments were dismissive and rooted in bias. I also noticed she treated other families quite differently--more warmly and respectfully. It was hard to ignore that we were the only Black family present, and the lack of diversity in the school was glaring. It felt like we were being treated differently based on race and perceived class.
At one point, she even ran over to my child's advocate--without my consent--to state that this school "wasn't a good fit." That decision should not have been made, let alone communicated, without me present. I am the parent, I am the one paying tuition if we were to enroll, and no one should be having side conversations about my child without me. In the same breath, I have to address Bailey's repeated, unnecessary comments about referring families to Westwood and feeling she should "get a cut" from it. That was unprofessional, irrelevant, and made me uncomfortable. It had nothing to do with my child or his well-being.
She continued making assumptions, bringing up things like "eloping" (which has never been an issue for my child), and referencing challenges unrelated to our experience. Her tone was judgmental and dismissive. She even brought up her own child's struggles, which seemed like an attempt to connect but came off as self-centered and irrelevant.
Also, let me be clear: none of my child's doctors have diagnosed him with anything. What he lives with are birth injuries--documented and longstanding. For Bailey to make assumptions or push labels as a paper-pusher without medical expertise is not only dismissive but absolutely out of line. One of the most inappropriate moments was when she brought up finances--implying that the school/area might be out of reach for us. That was completely uncalled for. If I flew across the country, arranged lodging, transportation, and made time for a school visit, then clearly I can afford the school. It was offensive, intrusive, and deeply disrespectful. My financial situation is none of her concern. Frankly, y'all owe me money for this BS & unprofessional tour. Another alarming concern: the persistent racial homogeneity. There were no Black or Latino children enrolled that I could see. If the school is so "inclusive," where are the students of color? It feels like there are culture/race issues here.....stay away
