It's easy look perfect on the outside, but everyone's true colors show at some point. Take it for…read moreme, a prior student who witnessed a lot firsthand. The school does not uphold to their "Christian standards" when it comes to behind the scenes. Very homophobic and not understanding or compassionate when it comes to mental health. I did at the school for 12 years and have seen too many situation handled extremely poorly and I am truly disappointed and disgusted by the things that they PICK AND CHOOSE to allow... I would absolutely consider their school to have an emotionally abusive environment. This school has deleted my review on their Facebook page. Seems they don't like negative feedback

Incredible school! My daughter is finishing up 3rd grade and is coming back next year! The…read moreteachers take time with their students, and the size of the classes lend to more one on one time with their kids. The administration cares and is involved in student life. If you are looking for a private school the cost is significantly lover then others.

We enrolled our daughter at Virginia Beach Friends School for her 6th grade year, drawn in by the…read morepromise of small class sizes, individualized attention, and a school culture built on kindness. Sadly, our experience fell far short of those promises, and we made the difficult decision to withdraw her mid-year. Small Class Size Individualized Attention Our daughter's class had only six students -- something we believed would mean more personalized instruction and closer teacher-student relationships. In practice, that was not the case. Teachers were not proactively communicating with us about our daughter's academic performance or classroom participation, despite the fact that there were only five other students in her entire grade. A Serious Bullying Situation That Was Never Communicated to Us: The only other girl in our daughter's class made daily threats -- including saying she wanted to break our daughter's spine and throw her out of a window. This same peer also openly discussed self-harm in the classroom. These are not minor social conflicts. They are serious, ongoing threats that any school should be obligated to communicate to parents immediately. Our daughter started the year strong, finishing Q1 with all A's and B's. As the bullying continued, her grades began to slip in Q2. It wasn't until we proactively reached out that a meeting was arranged with the head of school, the educational director and the admissions director. During that two-hour meeting, we learned that the school had already been aware of this student's behavior, had met with her family, and had issued consequences such as silent lunch -- multiple times. We were well into late January and had never received a single call, email, or notification about any of this. That meeting produced a clear action plan: teachers would make a greater effort to connect with our daughter, and the educational director would meet with her individually each week to help get her academics back on track. Neither of these commitments was ever followed through on by the school. In the weeks after that meeting -- and after we informed the school we would not be re-enrolling for the following year -- our daughter began receiving write-ups for minor infractions: breaking a pencil, tearing up a piece of paper, not asking for help. We also received her Q2 report card, which included a D in PE. Not once had her PE teacher reached out to share any concerns about her performance or participation. In a class of six children, there is simply no excuse for that lack of communication. The pattern of events that followed our meeting, combined with our decision not to re-enroll, felt deeply retaliatory rather than supportive. We ultimately pulled our daughter from Virginia Beach Friends School mid-week and transitioned her to a public school to complete the remaining 2.5 months of the school year. It was not a decision we made lightly, but it was the right one for her wellbeing. TLDR: Virginia Beach Friends School markets itself as a place where children feel safe being uniquely themselves, and where kindness is the school's number one value. Based on our family's experience, those values did not translate into action. Our daughter did not feel supported, seen, or protected for a single day she attended. If you are considering this school for your child, we strongly encourage you to ask hard questions about how they handle bullying, how they communicate with parents, and how they follow through on commitments -- before you make your commitment.

We're in the middle of our second year at VBFS. Our daughter is thriving! She loves going to school…read moreevery morning, and is sad to leave each afternoon. The teachers and staff are all fully engaged and committed, and it shows. The teacher/student ratio is fantastic, with lots of individual attention. The only drawback for us is that there is no dedicated drama teacher or yoga this year. Our daughter loved the plays last year, and the yoga instruction, and misses both this year. But she has LOVES music, art, technology, P.E., square dancing, and Spanish, as well as her regular academics. We look forward to continuing at Friends School.

My adult son went to Independence Middle School when VBPS was transitioning from the Junior High to…read moreMiddle School model. He only went to 7th & 8th grades at IMS. Sixth grade was still elementary school. The school is conveniently located in my neighborhood. So it was an easy bike ride to school. My step daughter played on the then Junior High softball team. The ballpark is located adjacent to the school. During my son's time at Independence I served on the PTA Board & as volunteer pianist for the Chorus Teacher, making it easier for her to direct. The school is one that hasn't been replaced in the School Board's continuing project of replacing schools with glitzy new buildings. This makes me happy since replacement takes away the history one experienced in the former building. The sense of place is destroyed. Today my IMS Voting Precinct looks just as it did when my children attended. That makes me happy. The students that attend the school are from a mix of elementary schools. The children from Thoroughgood Elementary are split between Independence & Great Neck Middle. During my children's era those classmates were reunited at Cox High School. Since redistricting the children attend Princess Ann High School, as do most of their IMS classmates. Voting at the school brings back many memories. Those of us who are neighborhood old timers always run into someone we know at the polls. So I enjoyed my voting experience today for many reasons.

The best teachers. My daughter studied here, it's the best school. I am very grateful to the…read moreteachers of this school.

We had decided when we had children to homeschool so our children could learn a true biblical world…read moreview. We started at home and then found Stonebridge School. What was so impressive to us was the academic ranking nationally among the students, their maturity, self confidence and strong biblical world view. Add to that the personalized attention by every member of the staff and passion for teaching children we see in the Teachers and staff. I believe they are second to none. Both of my boys have excelled at the school and have a maturity and confidence we don't see in many of their peers who attend public schools. This school is worth a visit and once you come to the campus, meet the leadership and see the kids you'll feel good about becoming part of the Stonebridge family.

Stonebridge school has been nothing short of "fresh air" to me and my family. My kids have both…read morebeen there from Pre K through 4th grade. I went to public school and even substituted in local public schools. This school is night and day different. Stonebridge teaches differently and is very non apologetic about their biblical worldview approach and how they teach Christian Self Government. These are principles that don't and won't get taught in public school. Not only have I been over to ALL of my teacher's homes, I've prayed with them, and they have prayed for me. I've had teachers and parents reach out to me asking for prayer and for help. This doesn't happen in public schools. I also see how the parents are involved in this school. You have to be apart and you are to partner WITH the school to instill these principles into your child life. The school will help with direction, but they desire that you and them partner together to make learning fun and educational. Many parents show up for "special" days at school. I've never seen so much parent involvement and every classroom has a "room parent" where we have been invited over to their house for cookouts. They create facebook forums for us to discuss homework and also prayer requests for the children and faculty. Not only do parents help out in the classroom, but last summer we had a "work day" at the school and countless number of parents showed up to paint and help out around the school. Can you imagine that? Parents who are paying private school tuition willing to show up and WORK at a school for FREE. That's how much parents believe in this place. So We have been at the school for 5 years now and not only that, but I have substituted at ALL grade levels. I can't speak highly enough about the attitude of the kids. I have subbed in public schools and you WILL NOT find students who treat adults the same way. Also the students seem to be very close to each other. They go on trips together from when they are small all the way through their "senior trip". This school has also scored the highest score in the country with their seniors the last 2 years in a row for having a "biblical worldview". My wife and I both work in Greenbrier and were driving back and forth to Stonebridge. We both love the school so much that we decided to sell our house and move down the street from Stonebridge. Stonebridge has become a family away from family. We have invested in it and believe in it. It may not be for everyone and is it perfect? NO....Nothing is. But if you're looking for a solid education that is founded in biblical principles, a place for your child to make meaningful and long lasting relationships in life, a place where teachers really care and parents are involved, a place for you as parents to plug in and make many life long friendships; Then Stonebridge is the place for you.

He helped me fight bullies and i like the teachers also ots cool how the school is pretty big im…read morenot gonna lie i HATE the math teacher you should fire her

This school is horrible is not amazing at all i would not want to go back there and be there with…read morethem but they have to be in a place of their choice and not just in their home and not in the way that I would want to be in a relationship W and I would be so sad if I didn't

My son attended HFDS for 3K and 4K and had a wonderful experience. The teachers were kind,…read morethoughtful, and patient with him. The day school's Director was professional, well organized, and considerate. Everyone made us feel welcome and valued. I always felt comfortable with their policies and procedures and I knew my son was well cared for while he was at school. I especially appreciated the school's communication with parents during the onset of COVID, the temporary Spring 2020 closing, and their robust and well-thought out plan for reopening that fall. HFDS has a great program for young children and I highly recommend it.

HFDS has been an amazing school for my family! 3 of my 4 children have gone through the preschool…read moreand my youngest, who is 2, will start next year. The atmosphere is just what we were looking for in a preschool - a loving, caring, nurturing environment where each of my children had such individually special experiences and gained so much confidence from their time there. I only wish HFDS went through middle school!

Beware these wolves in sheep's clothing!…read more LearningRx is a scam business. And the owners, Bill and Annette McLean, are the worst sort of scam artists, who prey on loving parents who are desperate to see their children succeed. They market themselves as Christians, and advertise on Christian radio and elsewhere; and when you meet them, they talk a lot about how their faith and love of children led them into this line of work. But DO NOT BE DECEIVED: The only thing they seem to worship is the Almighty Dollar, and they will do anything, tell any lie to get your money (and it is a LOT of money -- a full course of "brain training" costs close to $10,000). They will look you in the eye and emphatically say "I promise" when guaranteeing that you'll see dramatic results, or you'll get a refund. When those results failed to happen, they pointed to the "fine print" in the contract that gives them an out, because their solemn word as so-called "Christians" counts for nothing. The McLeans may be good at swindling people, but they are utterly unqualified to help children with learning disabilities. After my daughter failed to see any improvement whatsoever, we took her to a real professional, who correctly diagnosed and treated her learning disability (and for significantly less money). Today, she's a good student with mostly A's who enjoys learning--No thanks to LearningRx!

This is a place where the impossible happens! We first brought our daughter to this center unsure…read moreof what they could do and uncertain of what if any changes we would see in her upon completing a program. She was in the SECEP program and had been for two years. She was diagnosed as having mild autism, but that only means her abilities were not as limited as other children who are higher on the spectrum, not that school was any easier for her than others. In fact, starting school soon showed us that we were in for a nightmare. She begged and begged to stay home, she cried and pleaded. It wasn't until finally being put in the SECEP program two years ago that things began to look up. However, after those two years, she plateaued and we were again at an impass. That's when I stumbled on the website for Learning Rx. It is now Hailey's first year as an officially registered student at her school, rather than registered at the SECEP program located at her school. You have to understand, her journey is just beginning, she is still in a special needs program, the hardest part of beginning this journey was getting out of SECEP. We thought this to be an unattainable goal, but now, here she is and her future looks so much brighter than ever! The changes we have seen take place in our daughter seem like nothing short of a miracle to us. She still continues to improve and her journey isn't over, but her attention span, ability to focus, auditory processing, memory and so many other abilities are light years ahead of what they were when we first brought her in. Do not come in expecting an overnight one session or one program miracle, just come in expecting the unexpected and keep an open mind. These folks know their stuff, period!

My child is a rising first grader at this school and I will say whole heartedly that I am beyond…read moresatisfied and even impressed with this particular elementary. I was shocked to have read the first reviewer's comments and completely disagree. From the very beginning they went above and beyond to help me. Last summer, I came here during their business hours to obtain information about enrolling my child for kindergarten. They gave me all the necessary paperwork and explained everything I needed. Towards the first day of school, I was a little excited and impatient about receiving information in the mail and so I called numerous times for information. They were never rude and always so helpful and even encouraging. Fast forward to orientation, parent teacher conferences, etc....perfectly organized. The principal Mrs. Cioppa is wonderful. His teachers are are amazing. The security is on point with Mr. C at the entrance throughout the whole day. I couldn't be happier with Cedar Road Elementary with their faculty and staff. The kindergarteners just finished up a Fun Run this week to allocate funds for brand new outdoor equipment. This is a great school in an even better school district!!

Meh. Grade Entering:…read moreKindergarten Issue: Obtaining basic information for: orientation, supplies, and dress code, and website issues My child is entering kindergarten and I need basic information to begin the school year. Upon searching for all the information and bouncing around websites and placing at least 4-5 phone calls, I finally located everything I need. It should not be so difficult to find this information. Calendars are blank, links are missing, etc. So here we go... 1. Your kid needs a medical check-up/physical prior to entering school and proof of vaccinations. Most doctor offices will have the forms you need on hand. You have to show up to school with these forms, an original birth certificate, and a utility bill with proof of your address on it. It is not required in Virginia to provide your child's Social Security number. 2. Your kid needs supplies: Supplies are determined by what your child individually needs and what they are assigned based on gender. Guess what, pre-sharpened pencils really is a thing...There is also a request/requirement of "one clean athletic sock for wipe boards." Come on now, who buys one sock? Just ask for the set. They ask for Clorox or Lysol wipes but per the individual I spoke to on the phone, they prefer Lysol. *She had to ask someone nearby while I listened. Just specify that on the list then. By the way, you can only find Lysol wipes at Target. You'll need 24 glue sticks. I would be happy to pitch in on one of those old school tubs of minty scented paste. I will not blame teachers for this. However, I find it pathetic that parents are supplying sanitary items: paper towels, soap, and Lysol wipes. Quart sized Ziploc bags. Are those the slide zippers or the original designed ones you prefer? Called about it. Answer: "I don't know. That would be a good question for orientation." Thanks for the lack of effort. Specify it on the list. By the way, orientation is four days before school on a weekday in the morning. The website link for kindergartners has been down for a month. I called because we went to the school and got the official printed list on the neon green paper and I wanted to make sure they were not updating it. I was told by an individual, "Oh, I will let our computer guy know." It's still down as of today. 3. Dress Code: There is no link Based on the county school website (not Cedar Road's none existent link) you will get a note/letter letting you know what the code is "by the end of the first month of school." Wait, what? What parent isn't buying school clothes before school starts? Ugh. *Never got that letter. I called. Girls: Shorts must reach the finger tips Skirts can't be short - probably a fingertip rule too, not sure. Tank top straps - three fingers wide, no spaghetti straps. (Those sexy shoulders and all...) No flip flops Sandals must have a back on them Boys: Apparently, none. At least I wasn't told. The county website is generically broad and spends a lot of time on see through clothing and the standard, "must not be distracting to the learning process" - basically generic and open to their interpretation... Orientation for kindergarten: Is at the end of August, but good luck finding that information prior to August on their page. 4. The links on the page are useless for parents coming to the school for the first time (see above) There really are parents who prepare and do not wait for tax-free weekends and who just want to find information in one spot. Calendars are inactive until August. And seemingly dress codes are different for different schools...I'm guessing. I have no interest in fighting the hoards of parents tearing up the school sections at the stores the weekend before school starts. The cpschools.net site is choppy and not user friendly. I am profoundly underwhelmed, and I am crossing my fingers there will be something done about the website. If there is, perhaps the school would receive less phone calls and teachers would not have to answer phones over the summer. User friendly does not apply here. Finding necessary information, the basics, should not be so difficult and frustrating. I started poking around and attempting to prepare in late June/early July. Schedules change, staffing is limited, etc. I understand that explanation; however, right now it is falling on deaf ears due to the frustration it has manifested. Efficiency and ease of use is an unfortunate downfall for Cedar Roads/ Chesapeake Public Schools at this moment. I will say, through all of my calls, Liz (I believe may be a teacher) has been the most helpful. Others who have answered the phone (I didn't catch a name) have been lackluster at best in their efforts to find and produce answers.