This is in response to Blue R's comment below:…read more I have been a parent at Gabriel Park Preschool for the last two years and I don't think you have the right school. My son was in the 3 year old class last year and our teacher is beyond kind and compassionate and none of what was described in your post happened at our school while we have been there. There was not a child with genetic condition or diabetes enrolled last year, nor was there a decline in enrollment. Also, our president was male last Fall and our teacher has not left (and hopefully never will!) I am so sorry you experienced what you described, it sounds truly horrific! I just want to make sure you leave this under the appropriate school so that families can be warned.

We LOVE Gabriel Park Preschool! This is my daughter's first year. She is in the youngsters class…read morewhich is 2-3 years of age. She looks forward to school each week and I am always excited to see the new craft projects and hear about school. Teacher Jen is amazing! She always has fun new ideas for the kids and they just love her. This is a really fun and creative environment where children are able to go at their own pace and learn and play in their own create way. I can not say enough wonderful things. If you are looking for a cooperative preschool, this is it!

I am updating this review in response to the school owner's public reply…read more Our then 7-year-old child was accepted based on Activate's admissions criteria--the same criteria the school continues to publish today. We did not mistake Activate for a therapeutic school, nor did our child need one. He attends a general education classroom. The owner's response reinforces my original concern. Rather than recognizing overwhelm and dysregulation through the lens of neurodivergence, sensory processing, and nervous system regulation, he characterizes our child as having "behavioral challenges" and publicly suggests that my child required a therapeutic school while discussing our experience alongside children he describes as "violent, destructive, defiant, or runners." This response clearly illustrates the problem I am trying to point out. He pathologizes the neurodivergent children he claims to understand and serve. Our child became dysregulated in an environment that was not working for him. Instead of examining the environment, relationships, or adult response, the child was blamed. Regulation is foundational to learning. A neurodivergent child struggling to regulate in a learning environment does not automatically have a behavioral disorder or require a therapeutic placement. I did not write a review at the time because I did not yet have the language to describe what we had experienced. Now that I do, I believe it is important for families to have this information when considering placing their vulnerable children at this school. Some children can have wonderful experiences at Activate. The experience was traumatizing for our family. Both things can be true. Based on our experience and Greg's responses to my concerns--both when the situation happened and now--families should not expect reflection, accountability, or collaboration when things don't go as planned.

Our son had 4 amazing years at Activate, 2nd through 5th grade. We will never forget his time there…read moreand will always be grateful to Greg, teacher and founder of the school, for taking a chance on a kid who was struggling in the chaos of a traditional classroom. We knew our son needed a change of environment, and at a time when teachers and even friends were turning their backs on us, Activate embraced him. Negative behaviors melted away, and in their place a funny, creative, theatrical, and truly empathetic kid blossomed. This school changed the trajectory of our son's life, and now he confidently embarks on to middle school. "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."

The teachers are amazing. However, we decide to go to another school because many of the parents…read morearen't very friendly. Specifically the 1st grade parents for the 2023/24 school year. There were parents that were welcoming, but I'd say the majority felt like they were in an exclusive click and unwelcoming. Unfortunately was a bigger factor than the good education.

We have loved this school for many years. I attended here as a kid, and it is encouraging to see…read morethe school has remained strong and committed to its mission for decades. Our son is now in middle school at West Hills. He has made good friendships, learned from caring and well trained teachers, and joined an outstanding community with Jesus at the center. I give West Hills Christian School my highest recommendation!

Small tight knit community of great folk. I feel very greatful for all the faculty that serve with…read moretheir whole heart . I would highly recommend this place if you are looking for a Christian alternative to public school.

I will never let by kid see this school ever again, because teachers here are unacceptable for…read moreexample Mrs. Boyette is racist, rude, and has no patients and suspends kids for talking to there friends when asking friends for questions because she doesn't teach anything. this is just one teacher that has done this to my kid. this not acceptable and gave briberies to my kids friends to not tell there parents. i have tried to confront the teacher but nothing happened because its a Private school. if I where you i would not send your kids here.

We've attended Bridge City Montessori for almost a year now and we couldn't be happier. Our toddler…read moreis thriving; growing social skills, curiosity, and independence. We love getting photos of him working on new skills and learning about a new continent every month. He really takes pride in the American Sign Language (ASL) he's learning and teaches us new signs every week. The teachers are friendly and supportive, classes are small, and the parents are a close friendly community. I couldn't recommend them enough!

BCMS offers lessons in both ASL and spoken English! This is something that had a profoundly…read morepositive influence on our son. He was challenged by the classroom materials but expressed how he, "could do hard things!" We are so fortunate to have such an amazing program that supports children so lovingly as they attain a wide range of skills. We saw vast improvements in his verbal, social, and cognitive skills. He also developed some strong friendships that we continue to this day!!!

We sent our kiddo here and could not recommend it more. The loving community and play centered…read morelearning were exactly what we were looking for as a first school experience. Our kid has a love of learning because of her time here.

Literally the best 3s,4s, and kindergarten experience we could have ever asked for. Beyond grateful…read morefor the amazing, hardworking teachers and families who make the school what it is. A true community where all of our kids can learn and thrive.

The main Ainsworth School was built in 1913. It added wings, colonies and adjacent classrooms. It…read moreis Portland's oldest continuously operating elementary school. Our group has meetings in the band room of the oldest part of the main school. Staff is great. Super cool, they have adult-size chairs and tables for meetings! My discovery was that an over 110 year old school building is perfectly excellent! I have had arguments with parent friends over the primacy of green schools and fancy new construction. My primacy is involved parents over everything, by a mile. The cleanliness, spirit of student work posted everywhere, the humbleness and economy of instruments, sheet music and more, demonstrates concretely what is really important for kids. Parents. Ainsworth School and any Portland school is a perfect venue to engage for meetings and to draw together all neighbors to do something in the neighborhood.

The transportation issue with this school is dangerous. No place to drop off kids. The buses pickup…read moreon dangerous streets. Seems like a good school but they have no place for student drop off so you are forced to drop kids off on busy streets.

Here is a haiku about Puddletown: Perfect, wonderful…read more and exciting just as well you should join right now! I joke, but it really is an amazing school. I have attended for 9 years and the community, the experiences and the curriculum are all great. Please enroll in the middle school program there so I am not a lonely 8th grader next year... - A Puddletown Student

My daughter joined the Elementary program at age 6 after enjoying several years at another…read moreMontessori preschool. The transition was very smooth and now in her 3rd year there, she's still doing wonderfully. The community (parents, administration, teachers, support staff) are all relaxed and intelligent people that clearly love and value children. The Montessori philosophy and learning environments are authentic and beloved by the children. There's plenty of interaction between the children and the outdoors, with fun interactive garden experiences and an interesting outdoor play area. Tuition is the same as most other Montessori schools, and they offer before and after care, and plenty of opportunities for parents to volunteer. Good times!