When we were considering Lesley Ellis for preschool, we asked around on the playground, and just…read moreabout every parent we talked to told us, "It's excellent! The only negative is the cost." That matched our experience perfectly. The tuition is steep - though financial aid is available! - but everything else was fantastic, and we were consistently impressed with the teachers, curriculum, field trips, awareness of kids as individuals, interaction with administration, and more. My mom worked for decades in early childhood education, and (as an interested and involved grandparent) was also very impressed. They welcomed/encouraged heavy parent involvement, from "come into the classroom to talk about something you're knowledgeable/passionate about" to occasional parent-meetups-over-coffee in the morning and more. But I was never, ever made to feel guilty about not being able to participate heavily, which was the norm once we had our second kid. (Who also went to LES for preschool, once old enough.) We can't speak to their K-8 experience, but for preschool/pre-K/TK they were fantastic.

Lesley Ellis is an independent school from pre-school to grade 6, but expanding soon to 8th. Our…read moredaughter is in her third year there and we have been delighted with the program. The teachers are an outstanding group and attuned to the needs of each individual student. The administration is truly exceptional as they create an environment where parents, children and the school come together to form a nurturing and vibrant community.

Commonwealth has been an amazing school for our child. They promote a genuine love of learning and…read morescholarship. It's a small school so the kids develop strong relationships with the teachers. And the teachers are amazing... true experts in their field. The academics can be intense but we never found it overwhelming. Overall a fantastic school!

This is an extraordinary school that changed both of my children's lives for the better. If your…read morechild is the right fit for this school, it will change your child's life too. Take the time to read up on Commonwealth's history and its culture (the interactions between students, staff and teachers), because it's nothing like the other private schools in the area. It's truly unique. I cannot recommend Commonwealth highly enough.

There is systemic injustice at Harvard Extension School. Their policies as stated on their website…read moreare not upheld. I had a professor who graded anything beneath a 90% as a 0%. So, in other words, if you don't get an A you fail your assignments. I withdrew, brought this to the attention of the Dean, and asked for financial credit so I could take another course instead. She did not respond but simply forwarded my concern to a registrar who refused to do anything about it. The registrar said, wrongly, that the professor was acting in accord with HES policy. The grading system on the website does not in point of fact map onto the grading system of all the professors. So be forewarned that you may end up with a professor who will give you an F if you get less than an A. Don't waste your money at HES and don't expect the administration to act justly. I've matriculated a different program. HES just lost the 30K they would have made if they would have simply rendered a just decision.

I am extremely saddened to say that HES does not help International Students solve their financial…read moreissues at all. There are no Financial Aid options coming from the university itself, and 2 out of 3 student loan companies that their office recommends actually don't really accept Extension School students. The third one needs a lot of extra paperwork that the school isn't willing to help with. In order to enroll you need to pay in full and you don't get a letter of enrollment until after the drop out period, when it's too late. You can't get a loan without paying and you can't get enrolled without a loan. So it's a chicken and egg situation that has no end. They say the university helps cover for you until the loan is approved, but in reality, you have to pay in full first and they will reimburse you after the loan is paid. Which defies the entire point of asking for financial assistance. There is a very short window in which to apply for the loan after registration before being dropped out for non-payment. Paperwork takes more than a month, which is not nearly enough to get everything done. I've spent hours and hours with both the lending officers and the financial aid officers, and in the end, nothing got solved. Nothing. I am unable to join the courses. I am unable to get a loan. I feel like my potential is wasting away... Harvard has failed me.

The leadership team created by Annmarie Quezada is simply phenomenal. Our child has attended St…read more John School for the last 5 years and loves it. The majority of the teachers have master degrees from Boston College and are excellent teachers. The staff and other educators are meticulously chosen and contribute to the school at the highest level. St. John School is only Catholic elementary school (Age 2 - 6th grade) in the heart of Boston proper and is conveniently located in the North End - and close to all major employers for parents to consider. Many families attend from East Boston, Medford, Revere, Saugus and many Boston neighborhoods. The students are out-performing BPS schools on MAP testing and exceptionally prepared for junior high. The 6th grade students interested in exam schools opt in to tutoring and prep for the fall exams and outperform their peers in many instances. The school community is bar none the best. Families have left SJS and returned because the community of teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, and extended family are exceptional. You cannot find this level of care and community anywhere else! This is also the most affordable private school option for many families who want to instill a Catholic education. All the students participate in what's called the Tower Garden. Ms. Shay created a hydroponic garden that is tended by each class over the course of the year. After the greens and veggies are harvested, they are hand delivered by students to different local non profit organizations like St. Anthony's Shrine and ABCD. Having the option of afterschool from 2:30 pm - 6pm plus a variety of enrichment classes and music lessons, makes this school even more attractive and special. Tours are provided by appointment all year round. And parents are always willing to share their experiences. I should note that a 2 year old program begins in September. That's in addition to the 2.9 yo program. Definitely check out the social media pages too. Facebook and instagram @stjohnschoolnorthend

Where a school is more than just a great education - but an amazing community of families - who…read morevalue education and a responsibility to the world around them. The last remaining Catholic school in Boston proper one understands how it is still here 120 years later, it leads in educational programming from Greek-Latin Roots program, Scratch, Kahn Academy to language and arts. It is a wonderful place for any child to to attend from K3 to 8 - and for any family who is looking for a true sense of community. An excellent school on all levels!

Waldorf School of Lexington(WSL) is a wondeful play-based education where children learn soft…read moreskills, i.e. problem solving and team work, in addition to the hard skills. The supportive staff works to develop the individual child and creates a loving environment for children to thrive. Our family is very pleased with the educational experience our child has at WSL.

Our children went to the early childhood program at this school (nursery and kindergarten) and it…read morewas a wonderful experience. We moved to a different state, otherwise they would still be at this school. The teachers that our kids had were caring and warm; kids got to do a lot of free play with other children and work on their social skills that way; the program also involved a lot of movement and outdoor time, which is so important to young children. Even in the short few years that we were there, I could see how being at the school made our kids more creative and gave them great social skills. Our kids still miss their old school.

We switched our eldest to Fayerweather at the start of 3rd grade seeking a school where the…read morelearning would be significantly challenging, values-rooted, and joyful. We wanted a place where our inquisitive kid could really stretch her edges and feel comfortable taking academic risks (and sometimes making mistakes). Now 12, she has a deep sense of who she is and what matters to her - and this strong sense of self has allowed her to take risks (academically and socially) and push herself as a learner and community member. She understands that justice and community are the essential foundations for learning and social impact. Our younger child (now 7) started at FSS in kindergarten and we have found that, while quite different from his older sibling, he is just as seen, valued, and supported. He has gotten incredible guidance navigating his intensity and high energy, and he is academically challenged in just the right ways - he works on meaningful problems and his sense of accomplishment is significant. Fayerweather has helped him have a voice and language for his feelings, his challenges, and his successes. The loving support and developmentally appropriate and thoughtful curriculum have allowed him to discover his best self and build the skills and agency to choose his actions wisely. FSS is all we hoped, for both kids.

We just started school at Fayerweather this fall, and my 1st grader and 6th grader cannot get over…read morehow friendly the school community is. My son came home from school after his second week of being a new kid (a middle schooler, no less -- in the 6th grade) and said "mom I give it 5 stars!!! Everyone is SO nice, teachers and kids, and I love it!!!." Now that we are four months in, happily his review remains. He also says that his homeroom and math teacher is "literally THE best math teacher" he's ever had. I'm continually impressed with how in touch with my son's learning style the teachers are, and he's growing leaps and bounds. My 6 year old daughter, who is usually shy, is coming out of her shell socially and is really starting to take to reading (which she has avoided prior to Fayerweather). Her teachers are incredible and so in tune with her and helping her to grow where she is ready to, and there is such insight into the social emotional ecosystem of the classroom. Fayerweather has the academics *and* the community we'd hoped for -- the school has a joyful, healthy, connected vibe and is inclusive and diverse to boot. We couldn't be happier.

My son is in the third grade. We've attended since kindergarten. The curriculum is way ahead of…read morethe curve. My child read the Hobbit in the second grade! Small chapter books were taught in grade 1 and book reports were homework. The class sizes are perfect for individualized work and teachers are always accessible. We started trumpet this year! We are amazed at what our son has learned and is learning. Best investment ever.

I love the great education that my child has received from wonderful educators and an amazing…read moreleader in their principle in this excellent center for learning. Most importantly, the Catholic religious formation of our children's minds is an foundation to help them combat the culture of death that is hostile to what's holy and true. It's a such an honor to have this opportunity to give my child a Catholic education free from indoctrination and brainwashing that is prevalent in other forms of learning. Feel free to contact me a referral discount of the fee if you wish to offer your child a Catholic education at nyambura53@yahoo.com

I love this school for my little one! It feels like an extension of our home instead of feeling…read morelike I was sending her to elementary school early.

Two of our kids have moved through Rockland Montessori Academy for preschool and had excellent…read moreexperiences. The teachers are amazing and so dedicated. The curriculum is fantastic- our kids learned so much! They also get outside everyday and do awesome crafts. The school offers many special classes (our kids' favorite was cooking class, from a real chef!) They really create a community for the families, and have many special traditions and events throughout the year. They also offer a great summer camp program that is very well run and convenient. The leadership team is excellent to work with and they run a tight ship. I wish we could stay there forever! But they have given our kids an excellent social and academic foundation for their elementary years.