We completed the full application process with Sonder Creek Academy, including paying the $100…read moreapplication fee. Because we applied a bit late, we were placed on the waitlist, which we completely understood. What was disappointing was the total lack of follow-up after that point. Despite reaching out directly to the admissions officer to inquire about our waitlist status, we never received a response -- not even a simple notification that a spot was no longer available. When a family pays a $100 application fee, there is a reasonable expectation of communication and transparency throughout the process. To add to the frustration, we continued to receive marketing emails about summer programs despite never hearing back about our child's application. The disconnect between their marketing outreach and their admissions communication was striking. We can't speak to the school itself, but based solely on the application experience, the lack of follow-through left a poor impression.

Sonder Creek has absolutely been the best school for my child. We were looking at a wide variety of…read moreschools (public, non religious private, and religious private) to see what would be the best fit and I can tell you from the moment we reached out with interest, to the tour, to our child having his first 1/2 day visit there, we knew this was his school.  Staff is knowledgeable and knows my child to a depth that truly sets him up for success. It also makes me feel comfortable that they are doing everything in their power to help my child succeed and thrive. I love that they allow him to excel academically (even past his grade level) as well as support him with challenging subjects (teachers stay current with where he's at and are skilled at providing support very quickly if the child needs it while also keeping parents in the loop so we can help when needed too) while allowing him to stay with his grade level of peers so he's not only being cultivated in the classroom, but also learning to be social amongst peers his age. A big concern of mine was coming out of covid, my child wanted to so desperately make friends, but I know sometimes kids show no mercy. At Sonder Creek, overall it's been way over my expectations. Very involved parents, attentive staff that keeps you in the loop, and students who are open to connecting to one another.  My child has loved the STEM programs at school (especially the after school robotics class) as well as learning both Mandrin and Spanish (coming from an English speaking household, it's been amazing seeing him now speak another language which we will continue to encourage moving forward). He also is asking to do the after school Art program and this is coming from a child who started off barely wanting to hold a pencil correctly.  The community here is so special and you get to see that when everyone comes together. This was our first year we participated in Trunk or Treat with his school and it was such a blast; we will be doing it again next year. The international potluck is a family favorite to attend (combo of incredible foods from all over as well as mini performances from the language programs with the students is so darn adorable) and the Christmas Concert is absolutely precious. Sonder Creek is our child's school and we cannot recommend it enough.

As a parent of a child with learning disabilities and anxiety, finding the right middle school was…read moreone of the most important decisions our family made. Looking back on the past three years, I can honestly say that this school exceeded our expectations in every way. From day one, the teachers and staff created an environment where my child felt accepted, understood, and valued. Their patience, compassion, and willingness to meet students where they are made an incredible difference. Rather than focusing on challenges, they recognized my child's strengths and worked tirelessly to build confidence while providing the support needed to succeed. What stood out most was the school's commitment to inclusivity. My child never felt singled out for needing accommodations or extra support. The teachers fostered a culture of kindness, respect, and understanding that allowed all students to feel like they belonged. Whenever anxiety became overwhelming, there was always someone willing to listen, encourage, and help navigate difficult moments. The growth we witnessed over these three years has been remarkable. Academically, my child developed stronger skills, greater independence, and a genuine belief in their ability to succeed. Socially, they formed meaningful friendships and became much more comfortable participating in class and school activities. Emotionally, they gained resilience, self-confidence, and coping skills that will benefit them far beyond middle school. We are deeply grateful to the teachers, counselors, and staff who invested so much time, care, and dedication into helping our child thrive. Their support helped transform middle school from something we feared into an experience that prepared our child for the future. I cannot recommend this school highly enough to families seeking a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment for their children.

We are so grateful for the positive experience our daughter has had at Noble Learning Academy this…read moreyear. She transferred from a large public middle school where she often felt lost socially and overwhelmed by the large class sizes and disruptive environment. Looking back, we only wish we had made the move sooner. At Noble, she has found a nurturing and supportive community where she truly feels seen and valued. The small class sizes have made such a difference, both academically and emotionally. She has made meaningful friendships and has really been embraced by both the students and staff. One of the things we appreciate most is the hands-on learning and enriching field trip opportunities that simply were not possible at her previous big public school. We have also been so impressed with Principal Cassie and how involved and hands-on she is with the students and families. Her leadership creates a warm, welcoming environment where the children genuinely feel supported and cared for. The change has been incredibly positive for our daughter. We now plan to send our son to NLA when he enters middle school.

Fusion has been a great experience for our son. He was overscheduled in public high school classes…read morethat had way too many students (34 on average) in Pleasanton, leading to the inevitable student burn out and homework battles. Since moving to Fusion he's been much happier and seems to be learning a lot more than he was in our public high school. The teachers are all young, well-educated, and interesting, which helps our son relate to them much better than with old battle-axe public school teachers. They all seem to have personalities, interests and hobbies that make for much more interesting teacher-student interaction. And the one-on-one teaching style allows the teachers to engage more fully with students than in a traditional classroom setting. Our son likes that he can move at his own pace and that his Friday's are mostly free, giving him more time at home to pursue his own projects. He also likes that he can go to school year-round, enabling him to exit high school in less than three years, more than a calendar year ahead of the normal public school. Fusion does have monthly field trips that he has enjoyed as well as a debate club he recently joined. Probably our only wish is that the staff would monitor his homework completion a bit more closely and encourage him to complete homework in their homework café rather than bringing some of it home.

This school is genuinely one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Shout out to Gabe for…read moredealing with my tomfoolery on a daily basis.

I paid $1000 after being promised pre- and post-program testing to measure my daughter's progress…read more After the program ended, I learned that her initial testing had never even been completed. I received no pre or post progress report. As the one bed Barbra was able to print she was unable to verify the date completed. We had two meetings during this process. At the first meeting, I expected an update on my daughter's progress, but instead the conversation focused on paying for additional services, with no update on how my daughter was doing. At the second meeting, Mrs. Barbra, the owner, threw her hands up and asked why I was there. Once again, I received no update on my daughter's progress. I was also never given the opportunity to speak with the tutor who worked directly with my daughter. Mrs Barbra only wanted to read vague notes. Before I paid, Mrs. Barbra spent a significant amount of time speaking with me on the phone--even on Christmas Eve. She was attentive, friendly, answered my questions, and reassured me about enrolling my daughter. After receiving my payment, however, my experience with the communication and level of attention was noticeably different. I called and emailed multiple times seeking updates after program completion, without receiving a response. It took 2 months to get a meeting with the wonder after my daughter finished. When I requested either an additional seven weeks at no charge so the promised services could be properly completed or a full refund, Mrs. Barbra declined. During that conversation, I experienced eye-rolling, shrugging, exaggerated body language, laughing, and an overall dismissive response. I attempted to speak with two other staff members as well one named Rob, but unfortunately all staff was rude and dismissive. I paid $1,000 expecting measurable information about my daughter's academic progress. Instead, I finished the program without completed testing, measurable results, adequate communication, or a resolution. At this point, I am requesting a full refund. I believe this is a fair and reasonable resolution considering the testing, progress reporting, communication, and follow-up I was promised were not provided. Most disappointing was the way my concerns were handled when I attempted to address these issues directly. I expected a professional conversation and an effort to resolve the situation, not to leave feeling dismissed and degraded.

The online reviews do not match the actual reputation of this school. If you want the truth, post…read morein Vacaville moms group on Facebook. The markers of a successful business are growth and retention. The academy has neither. Don't let them lie to you & tell you they have a waiting list. As their school gets smaller their goal size for a classroom shrinks with it. All 4 of my kids left here very unsatisfied. My oldest was falsely accused of making threats with no evidence to back it up. My middle was bullied for a year and a half. It was brought to the leadership of the schools attention over & over, Ms Barb & Mr Rob took no action. At parent teacher conferences in October we had two teachers bring it up & say they were trying to work on it. We saw no results. We left mid year. My girls both left over a year behind & required 6mo of intense tutoring at Sylvan. They had been working 1-2 with Ms Barb as their tutor twice a week for an entire school year prior to us leaving. She claims to work well with dyslexic children, but she missed it in youngest completely. I brought it up more than once because I have dyslexia. We have since got a diagnosis & the help she needs elsewhere.

We've had a wonderful experience with the preschool program at Stratford, especially in Room 3. Ms…read more Sipra and Ms. Vaishali are incredibly caring, patient, and attentive teachers who create such a warm and nurturing environment for the kids. Our child has grown so much socially, emotionally, and academically since joining their class. The teachers do a great job balancing learning with fun activities, and it's clear they genuinely care about each child's development and happiness. Room 3 has been such a positive and enriching experience for our family, and we're truly grateful to Ms. Sipra and Ms. Vaishali for all their dedication and hard work!

Ms. Gopa and Ms. Sehr are incredibly kind, caring, and dedicated to the children; they consistently…read morego above and beyond to ensure our young ones feel supported. The monthly activities are thoughtfully planned, introducing children to diverse topics that foster language development and fine motor skills in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Furthermore, Ms. Gopa and Ms. Sehr are meticulous in organizing cultural celebrations throughout the year, helping to instill meaningful values in the children. They are always prompt in communicating with parents and diligent in following through on any requests or concerns. Overall, Stratford provides a truly safe, secure, and nurturing environment, and we highly recommend it to any family seeking exceptional care for their children.

My third grade granddaughter has been there since preschool. The outdoor/gardening/cooking…read morecomponent is a great balance to the strong academics. Peaceful atmosphere, lots of beauty.

As someone who moved to the Bay Area about a decade ago, I've often missed the sense of Persian…read morecommunity I grew up with, attending "mehmoonis" (parties), hearing Iranian music fill our home, and being surrounded by our rich, beautiful culture. When it came time to find a preschool for my son, I dreamed of a place that could offer him that same warmth and connection, and Golestan has given us exactly that and more. The first time I stepped into Golestan's "hayaat" (yard), I was instantly transported to my grandpa's garden in Iran. The laughter, the trees, the care woven into every detail. It's such a lively, loving, and vibrant space where my son learns, plays, makes friends, and creates lasting memories. The teachers are absolute angels, deeply nurturing, creative, and so attuned to each child. From the thoughtfully designed classrooms to the fresh, nourishing food (with ingredients straight from their learning garden!), every aspect of Golestan reflects an intentional, heartful approach to education and community. I feel truly honored for my son to spend his days in such a magical and enriching environment, surrounded by love, culture, and curiosity, and I'm already dreaming of the day my daughter can join. Regardless of your background or heritage, Golestan is a place worth experiencing. I'm sure they'll woo you at "Salaam" :)

St. Bernard School in Tracy, California claims to stand for values like fairness, compassion, and…read morecommunity. But my personal experience tells a different story--one where those values were ignored when I needed them most. I was recently removed from St. Bernard for an incident where I acted in self-defense. I didn't start a fight, I didn't go looking for trouble--but when someone put their hands on me, I protected myself. I didn't expect to be rewarded for it, but I definitely didn't expect to be punished either. The school's decision to expel me shows just how broken their system of discipline really is. Instead of investigating the situation fairly or listening to both sides, the administration rushed to judgment. They didn't care about context or truth--they cared about image. To them, it was easier to kick someone out than to admit that their staff might have failed to prevent or de-escalate the situation in the first place. What's worse is the message this sends to other students: if you stand up for yourself, even to protect your own safety, you're the problem. That's not justice. That's cowardice disguised as policy. St. Bernard claims to be a place that prepares young people for life. But life doesn't punish people for defending themselves--it demands it. If this school truly wants to teach real values, it needs to start by practicing them. Let me know if you want to add your personal details, tone it up/down, or include anything specific like what happened in the fight or how they treated you afterward. Want to keep going with this style?

As an alumni of sbs I have to say this school changed my life. 4 stars tho Bec a bunch of teachers…read moreleft and they couldn't find people to hire.

We cannot say enough wonderful things about Stratford School in Morgan Hill! Our eldest son has…read morebeen part of the Stratford family since second grade, and as he prepares to graduate this year, we can truly say that choosing Stratford was one of the best decisions we made for our family. Our youngest is now in first grade, after having an amazing kindergarten experience at Stratford as well. Over the years, we have been incredibly impressed not only by the quality of education, but also by the dedication, care, and support the teachers and staff provide to their students. Our children have grown academically, socially, and personally in such a positive and nurturing environment. A special thank you to Mrs. Violet and Andrea, who have been absolutely amazing. They are incredibly supportive, caring, and genuinely wonderful people. Their kindness, dedication, and willingness to always be there for our family have made such a difference. We are truly grateful for everything they do and for the positive impact they have had on our children and our family. What makes Stratford especially special to us is that it feels like more than just a school it feels like a family. The community is welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in the success and well-being of each child. As parents, we have always felt heard, supported, and confident knowing our children are in such wonderful hands. Watching our eldest grow from a second grader into the young man he is today has been incredibly special, and we are so grateful to Stratford for being such an important part of his journey. We are equally grateful that our youngest gets to continue that journey with the Stratford family. We wholeheartedly recommend Stratford School Morgan Hill to any family considering a school for their children. The education, teachers, staff, community, and overall experience have been exceptional. We are truly grateful to be part of the Stratford family!

I highly recommend Stratford School in Morgan Hill! My daughter attended 5th grade here and has…read morerecently graduated, and we were absolutely thrilled with our experience. The curriculum design is outstanding. The school places a strong emphasis on core academics and genuine teaching. As a parent, it was incredibly reassuring to see a school dedicated strictly to academic excellence and traditional core values, without being distracted by the non-academic social and gender topics that are increasingly prevalent in public schools today. It gave me great peace of mind. I also have to mention how beautiful the campus itself is. The building features gorgeous high ceilings and real wood floors. Unlike so many modern schools that can feel sterile and lifeless--almost like a hospital or an office building--Stratford has a warm, welcoming, and truly premium environment. It genuinely feels like a luxury, top-tier private school. My daughter needed some extra support in math, and her 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Hannah, was a blessing. She was incredibly patient and took the time to help my daughter step-by-step, not just in math but across all subjects. Because of this, my daughter felt comfortable, confident, and loved learning in her class. She also made great friends and got along wonderfully with her classmates. The administration and staff are phenomenal. When we had to make a very last-minute transition to Stratford in 2025 after the school year had already started, Ms. Andrea from the admin team quickly and efficiently handled our enrollment, making a stressful situation so much easier. We also had wonderful experiences with other amazing teachers, like Ms. Ashley and Ms. Patricia. A special shoutout to Stratford's unique Music Class! The music program is fantastic, and the music teacher is exceptional. Our whole family, especially my husband and my mother-in-law absolutely loved the winter and spring programs the school put together. I firmly believe music education is vital at any age, and as a parent, I am so grateful that Stratford is willing to invest so much in the arts. I also want to highlight the school's special after-school Chinese club. My daughter and her classmates had so much fun learning there! It is a wonderful and unique program that you simply won't find at any other school in Morgan Hill. Finally, I want to specifically commend the principal, Ms. Violet. Her management style and the way she leads the school gave me so much confidence. I felt completely secure having my child here. My only regret is that we didn't move her to this school sooner! I highly, highly recommend Stratford Morgan Hill!

My girls will be starting their second year at Stetson! Stetson Academy has been a wonderful…read moreexperience. Coming from the public school system to Stetson has been so amazing and my kids have excelled in all aspects! The staff is caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each student's success. You can absolutely see how much they all care about the kids! They create a positive, supportive environment where students feel encouraged to learn and grow. There was not a morning that my girls said they did not want to go to school, which says so much! Communication with families is excellent, and it's clear that everyone works hard to help students reach their full potential. We look forward to and are excited to be part of the Stetson family! I highly recommend Stetson Academy to anyone looking for a school that truly cares about its students.

Our children have attended Stetson Academy since 2021, and we truly cannot say enough good things…read moreabout this school. From day one, the teachers and staff have been supportive, communicative, and deeply invested in each child's success -- academically, socially, and emotionally. What really sets Stetson apart is the culture they've created. The school places a huge emphasis on empathy, kindness, inclusion, and confidence-building. They support students with varying abilities, and work hard to make sure every child feels seen and valued. My kids genuinely love going to school, which speaks volumes. We also love the parent communication and transparency. Their online portal is fantastic - we can log in anytime to see grades, test scores, behavior reports (both positive and negative), their academic goals, and exactly where they are performing relative to grade level. That kind of real-time insight is priceless as a parent. Stetson is also wonderful about keeping families connected to daily life on campus. They are very active on Facebook and frequently post photos and updates so parents can see the fun, creative, and hands-on learning happening in classrooms. The field trips are amazing, and the project-based, experiential approach really keeps students engaged and excited about learning. We're actually moving soon, and honestly, I don't know how my kids are going to adjust to another school after having such an exceptional experience here. Stetson has set the bar incredibly high for what we believe a great school should be. If you're considering Stetson Academy, I wholeheartedly recommend touring and talking with other parents. For our family, it has been nothing short of an outstanding community.

My daughter's been attending since K and she's had a fantastic experience. The faculty and staff…read moreare very caring and enthusiastic about educating the children and working with them so that they achieve their potential. Yes, the school day is long, but pretty much all the kids I know of from my daughter's classes are happy and are excited to go to school. They're tired, but from having a day of fun learning, not from being drilled with rote exercises. This school prides itself on not being like some of the other private schools in the area that, though also have a reputation for being focused on academics, may be more structured and have an environment where there is more pressure to keep up or be at a particular level. This school finds ways of supporting kids at all levels and embodies the sentiment of succeeding together rather than on intra-student competition. Basis values inclusion, diversity, independence, hard work, analytical thinking, and fun in learning. If these are values you also have and hope to instill in your child, then he/she will thrive here.

staff is terrible always complaints from my kids of how dirty and half-way things are done here…read more Really small campus and head of school is never around, someone else should be running school for improvements because as of now it's pretty bad. Seems to be very male dominated and not a good environment for children. my daughters friends go here and they feel as if this private school is off putting and some teachers have no experience in teaching. play ground is really small, no room for kids to play and cafeteria even smaller. Great experience with smaller staff but head of school needs to change. very rude. they take all your money for no good outcome in your childs learning. cheap, rude and expensive they really get the parents with an experience they can't uphold. put your kids in a better school with better teachers, staff and curriculum and to the head of school 'wagner' do better.