I attended Summerfield for thirteen years, and my education prepared me exceedingly well -- not…read moreonly for college and law school, but for life itself. In many ways, SWSF served me better than higher education: the academics were rigorous in a way that required genuine thinking and original ideas, rather than the passive reproduction of others' thoughts. I learned how to collaborate with people different from myself, a necessary skill in any job. My teachers challenged my assumptions and helped me grow as a writer, mathematician, and scientist -- and as a human being. The arts and music, although no longer central to my daily life, broadened my perspective and made learning feel beautiful and meaningful. I am deeply grateful for this education and for all the paths it has allowed me to travel.

Please take the two negative reviews with a big grain of salt. Clearly these families are upset…read morewith their experiences, but it's extremely misleading and incorrect to say that this wonderful school does not value diversity or is some kind of cult. I am a parent of a child there and I couldn't be happier. This school is oriented around Waldorf methods of education, which are all about honoring and supporting the diverse experiences and opportunities of a natural childhood for all children, and minimizing the homogenizing cultural effects of screens and media that are around us all the time. What's more diverse: 20 kids doing 10 different things outside in trees or fields, or 20 kids all talking about the same video game? Families are encouraged to embrace this approach to support their children's growth, and to avoid putting children in a position where they may feel tension or conflict between school and home. It can be distracting and disruptive for kids to come to school talking obsessively about superhero movies or video games when they can instead focus on the biodynamic farm on campus, sing songs, do handwork projects, learn to walk on stilts, or create games together using the natural materials around them. There's even a circus program available for kids. This approach inspires children to be creative, curious, and engaged with the world around them; to develop confidence and practical skills; to minimize peer pressure to conform with unhealthy standards of popular culture; and to avoid the proven negative impacts of screens and social media. Everyone in the class benefits when families are willing to make efforts to embrace this approach, regardless of the extent to which they are successful; and, while there is always some variation in the degree to which families adhere to these principles at home, the school and the school community warmly welcome all families who are choosing Waldorf methods for their children. For anyone who values the Waldorf approach in their child's school experience, there is no better place than Summerfield.

this is a very good school, my teacher, Ms b is the best. She got us a pet fish and we've been…read moreloving it, but the food is not so good, but it is something and the playground is very funny. But it could work on some tiny improvement. First thing is I find lots of dog poop when I am walking on the track in the morning but the best thing about my school is my music teacher, I think that's how you spell her name and I love this school and I hope it does not be closed ._. bye

Very beautiful school and everyone who I met are very friendly! And there have huge playground and…read morelots area where the children can play games! Amazing!

Two stars for communication as a parent to a teacher, assistant principal, principal, coaches…read morecommunication is just pathetic!!!!!! So this is not the only reason they're getting one star we just sat through a two hour senior ceremony as they sent my son a letter saying he was going to get an award for something after two hours of sitting in the hot humid gym with all his friends there was no award obviously a miscommunication but I am steaming mad my son is hurt and embarrassed sitting with his friends for two hours as they all receive awards and he gets nothing thanks a lot staff!!!! Just imagine this is your kid they had really tried hard his last year as a senior and got very good grades really excelled and proved himself was all excited he was going to be sitting with his friends receiving an award for all his accomplishments and his name was not called put yourself in my shoes I think you'll be pretty pissed off too! Thank God he is done here! shame on you Montgomery high school staff. So the other part was we bought our son a car and a few weeks later somebody had backed into at Montgomery high school parking Over $5000 worth of damage when I went to the school to ask them if they had video they said "we don't think so?" I said "well can you check please this is a hit-and-run on your property" and three weeks later they said "I don't think we can find it we don't think our cameras go back that far into the parking lot" thanks for nothing & thanks for your concern not once did anybody say they were sorry.

I highly applaud the professionalism and dedication of the athletic department, especially with…read morerespect to the basketball coaches. It is unbelievable how much time these coaches volunteer during the week and one the weekends. And these coaches are amazing mentors to the players. And I want to say a special thanks to Coach Mathis for all that he has done for my son. Simply cannot cannot say how wonderful these coaches are to the players and how important they are to the community. We are truly blessed.

This summer I returned to visit Strawberry Elementary School with fond amazement: Teachers take…read morestudents on trips to Washington D.C. The science classes are insightful, intellectual, not like anything I have ever seen in New York City, Las Vegas or Santa Barbara, California. How amazing is this treasure in Sonoma County! Each class was as academic as a museum. The teachers specialize by constantly training. They are literally finding new ways to make the students brighter. Brilliance seems to follow every student as the teachers work so hard preparing new ways for them to learn. I interview them. I sat down with international visitors. We watched them prepare to make the students smarter. The teachers I met had students that went on to graduate at Harvard University and Stanford University. In Santa Rosa, they prepare young, and find themselves ready for the best university on the planet. The academic interest in the students progress is extraordinary. The teachers get the parents energized. I began decades ago with the first students when the school opened. The irony is I remember when the builders were developing the school from the ground up because the houses in the area where as new as the building of Strawberry. We played soccer in a lake of mud nearly forty years ago. Now the grass is fresh, green and lively. As children years ago, we were going to Bennett Valley and Yulupa before Strawberry opened for business. Later I won the Bennett Valley Teachers Award thanks to the excellent leadership of my teacher, role models, because they were the adults I knew as my father was sick with cancer and my mother worked full time as far away as Marinwood near San Rafael. I say that the teachers of Strawberry allowed me to succeed because the events, awards, the care they gave me led to the confidence that helped me in career today. I see that the teachers are even better now with their increased technology, new text books and the trips like that one to Washington D.C. How extraordinary!

Thank you, thank you and thank you for restoring my faith in our education system! My son started…read morekindergarten at evergreen in Rohnert park...yikes! We enrolled him in 45/15 (evergreen), since the research I did shows that children retain education better when they don't have long breaks like summer. Thankfully I sold my home, moved back to west county, enrolled our son in Apple blossom and closed escrow. Phew! Lots of transition and apple blossom made the change of schools extremely non stressful! I was expecting what I went through at evergreen. What a blessing! His new teacher is AMAZING! I am thoroughly impressed with them in their entirety! The office staff are a joy and the principle makes a recognizable effort in getting to know each child and family. The computer lab just got fully updated and WOW! Bravo!! My son looks at learning as FUN, instead of a chore now and has long forgotten the terror he endured at evergreen. Thankfully he is resilient and strong! I am infinitely appreciative for this PUBLIC school! We played with the idea of putting him in Waldorf and in my opinion...This is a great balance. They even have a garden! Yayyy! And bravo again! Also, this school makes me WANT to get involved! My son's previous school had the complete opposite effect on me. Best kindergarten in Sonoma county! :)) I was even lucky enough to chaperone "the hungry catepillar" @ the Wells Fargo center. I am looking forward to the years that follow! :) Happy Monday! Time to get ready for school! :))

this school is the best school i ever went to! you make so many memories there. i cant wait for…read moreother bright souls to go here.

Just an amazing school! My four year old started there this year and we feel so blessed to have…read moresuch a highly functioning, fun and beautiful school. Mrs Hextrum is an amazing director and very supportive of families. The staff is incredible - my kiddo loves all the teachers. Lots of art, science, outdoor play, singing, music...just a gem of a school.

My 3 year old goes here. I am in love with this school. So peaceful and calm. They give me a review…read moreon how my daughter did everyday that I pick her up. Very organized. They make my daughter feel so special in her own individual way. She always comes home so happy! I love the garden in the back, and the fact that they don't use microwaves. Janine is very sweet. And makes you feel comfortable always. My favorite Montessori school in Santa Rosa!

Best preschool ever! Our two boys went there and loved their experience. It's a warm, safe place…read morewith an amazing property!

I can't sing the praises of this preschool enough! BCNS is truly a special place. My son is in his…read moresecond year here, and he always looks forward to going to school. My daughter can't wait for her turn to attend. The teachers are wonderful. They are caring & experienced. My son's teachers Ms. Julie, Ms. Nancy, Ms. Vicki, and Ms. Ally are the best of the best. They really love the children and it shows in how happy all of the children are. My son development has flourished here. Besides the usual educational developments like numbers, letters, motor skills, he's learned how to take care of his basic needs, be more independent and interact in a group of children. I love that the school uses the play based learning method & also gives the children ample outdoor playtime. The grounds are beautiful. It's like being in the country with big tree, gardens, and fresh air. BCNS is a great community where the teachers, parents, and children all become friends. They also have a wonderful summer camp program.

First and foremost, I just wanted to take a tour of the school, no commitment. However it seems at…read morethis school that is not an option. When I called I was told they only have a "tour season" what ever that means. Which I would think would be right about now for the Aug 2017 school year but apparently this "tour season" it's already over and tours are not given at this time. Instead I was instructed to go on the their website to get all the info I needed and fill out an application to be put on a waiting list. Hmmmmm, waiting list for a tour? I'm not even sure I want my child to go here as of yet. Why would I want to be put on a waiting list for school I wasn't even allowed to see?? Kinda of hash stance to take for a school who only has a 3 star rating. Any case, first impressions are everything to me whether it be on the phone or in person. Needless to say this was not a good one. With so many choices for preschools in the Santa Rosa area I'll be moving on ...

My kids have been attending College Oak for approx 3+ years now. I love this school, their…read moreteachers and overall lifestyle. They compost, garden, feed the chickens, do art all day, build relationships, gain confidence, etc -- what more could you ask for in a school!