I think what I like most about Barstow, having attended small schools nearly my entire educational…read morecareer, is its size. The students there are going to have grades with 30-50 kids, tops. One of the last junior classes I worked with had 40 students. As you are going to find at most elite private schools, there are a ton of students who love to learn and are dedicated to hard work. It doesn't hurt that it's a beautiful campus, conveniently located, with a good deal of tradition. Scott Hill, head counselor here, also happens to be awesome.

Pricey private K-12 school. Haves and have-lesses.*** Very bizarre stratification and a really…read morestrange range of teachers from top-notch excellent to worst of the worst. I attended this school in the 1980s, long before Yelp, but I still have some trauma/scarring from it, and I think that the administration needs to pay attention to things that it absolutely ignored back then. Rumor has it now that it doesn't, still, which is not atypical of education, but if admin can read this and do better, it should. Major emotional scarring can arise from attending school here as it was in the '80s. Best teachers: Mrs. Teal, Mr. Gratwick, the two French teachers and one French/Latin (Mrs. Mensch (sp?), art teachers Bay and Rosser. Worst teachers: Mr. Eldridge, Mrs. Teller, DiMaria/DeMarea (?), and Ms. McFadden, who was more into breeding dogs for a living than teaching 5th grade.* Questionable: Eisen (English), Harper (math), the creepy young science teacher Scott something.** The music teacher was good, but I was still a Jew who had to sing Christmas songs year after year. *Eldridge was a social climber who was more interested in hobnobbing with rich people than he was children's educations and yet somehow was middle school principal. When I was nearsighted and couldn't see the chalkboard he called me an airhead in front of other kids. Never considered that I literally couldn't see the board, and at age 10, I didn't know either! Dog breeder McFadden, same. Not attuned enough to think about eyesight as factor. DeMarea (?) was the crappy English teacher for 7th and 8th who said, "You want to start a new thought? Start a new paragraph." I learned everything I know today about writing from the public high school I attended with better teachers when I left Barstow. **Eisen was brilliant and a great teacher, and I learned a ton from her, but her disciplinarian ways were intense, and she literally taped some kids' mouths shut. They were terrible pompous kids who technically deserved it, but even for the '80s this was draconian. Mr. Harper was a great math teacher, but I was gifted in math, and because I picked up algebra, etc. from self-teaching and never had to "study" (who needs to study algebra? you get it or you don't; you solve for x) he told all the other kids, in front of me, that I was lying when I said I didn't study. WTAF? Not that it would have been okay if he told them behind my back. But REALLY?! Algebra is formulas. You don't need to "study" algebra. Once you click the formulas you're done. 20+ years later when I was taking the GRE, I had to re-teach myself algebra, and I did. It's not a daily-study memorization thing. Telling other kids I'm lying because I "get" math is NOT OKAY. ***Haves lived in Mission Hills in mansions, some with indoor pools. Have-lesses were me: I had everything any kid needs and wants--my own room, things I wanted for my bday gifts, never was hungry. We took vacations and had material things. But we were very much "wrong tracks" because we weren't society and didn't jet off to ski resorts and spas and Europe and live in mansions. Mr. Eldridge really catered to only the "haves" in an obvious way. As diversity and inclusion become fashionable topics of the day--too little, too late--I think it's important to note my experiences here, and I wish I had sooner. I'll forever be grateful to my parents that they gave me a choice about high school, and I was able to attend public school for "free" rather than the $5k annual tuition at the time for Barstow. Was public school perfect? Of course not, but for the thousands of dollars difference it was a no-brainer. And overall, the quality of teachers and administrators was actually better at public school. If parents are considering sending kids here, please observe very carefully and ask a lot of questions. If you're on the KS side, chances are still quite good that public school is better when weighing money, diversity, and quality of instruction/admin. Missouri? Possibly even the same.

This school has been such a disappointment. There is a teacher there who bullies the students, and…read moredespite multiple attempts by students and parents to advocate to the teacher, the principal, board members, etc. - they double down and say that they approve of his teaching. This is so extreme that many students have had private testing to note their skill level as above average or even gifted, but the teacher tells the students to their faces that they aren't smart, can't read books, insults their disabilities, reminds them of every mistake they have ever made in his class and does so with insults and stern. He is harsh in his presentation and grading, and only teaches rote memorization without critical thinking or interest in the ideas of his students. It has made many kids hate going to school, and many are leaving the school at the end of the year, but regardless the principal would rather stay the course and actually try to punish students who speak out. What you are told by the admissions is not what is actually true of the school. There are very limited options for learning outside their standard curriculum, much of which is quite remedial and with the assumption that your kid will not go to a good college. I've seen multiple students have soul crushing experiences. They have been without a school counselor for almost 4 months despite that many of their students are in major mental health crises. I have even seen them call the parents of a student that they know is in an abusive home to complain about speaking up for themselves to abuse from this teacher. It's so heartless and dangerous. Multiple students are showing signs of anxiety from things happening with this teacher and the principal. They will make no adjustments at the school to address these issues, even if the students have written diagnoses. There are major issues regarding racial/ethnic/religious equity and inclusion. The school isn't ADA compliant despite having a student that needs an elevator - it has been broken all year. They refuse to have parent meetings including conferences have a zoom/phone option despite having a parent that requires that for participation. I have seen almost no hands on learning in any class. I think that this school has probably changed and likely used to be better than it is now. I've never seen a school think so poorly of it's own students and be so eager to push out anyone who needs anything. There's also a lot of mismanagement. There are a few teachers who are real gems, but go elsewhere if you can unless they have some major staffing changes.

If you're browsing Yelp for a good lunch spot, but suddenly decide to look for a small, private,…read moreliberal school for your children, you're in luck! This place is very special, and my daughter has thrived in the small, customized environment. Kids are encouraged be themselves, and the only cookie cutter I see is they're all different. Check this place out especially if your child marches to their own beat. Art, theater and music programs are standouts (shocking, I know, based on the first five sentences of this review). Here's a picture from a middle school science field trip, though.

Our family had a wonderful time at WPP and I would recommend this program to any family with young…read morechildren. The teachers are incredibly caring and the entire team does a great job communicating with parents. My daughter looked forward to school every day while she was at WPP!

We absolutely love Ward Parkway Preschool! I cannot sing enough praises of the staff-- from the…read moreadministrators to the classroom teachers, everyone is so genuinely kind and caring, and it is obvious they're there because they love what they do. They have a special way of making every child feel seen and loved, and their communication is topnotch. This is our daughter's first year, and we plan to keep her enrolled until she starts Kindergarten. We highly and enthusiastically recommend WPP!

Best School ever! Teachers and management are AMAZING! Our twins love it here! As a former asst…read moredirector and pre k teacher at different facility I am very conscious of how teachers and staff are treated. Happy teachers means happy kids. I am beyond impressed with New Horizon North Olathe!

We have been at this school for 10 years and I cannot say enough amazing things. If you are looking…read morefor excellent academics in a Christian environment, this is the place. The teachers here have loved my children so much. Two of my kids have had academic struggles, and they have an exceptional program for those with challenges. This isn't just any Christian school, this is a rare find and what's keeping us planted in Kansas City. A unique approach to education with their parent partnership program. Check this school out!

Horrifying! Terrible staff. Always changing people. They have infants and toddlers in a small room…read more Some days there were older children playing in the room with the toddlers as well. Very chaotic. Children were always crying when I was there. I picked him up a couple of days with a dirty diaper. He was freezing one day with no socks and his outer layer was taken off and they had put it in another child's bag. One day a child started crying because they took something from her then yelled at her saying unacceptable. This past week my child had a bruise on his leg. It could be from falling but at the same time I felt something was just not right with this place. They don't care about the well being of your child and just want money. Don't send your child here!

It is March and I am already receiving plenty of freshman info for my son regarding next fall. They…read moreare really proactive in getting kids involved in their education. The clubs and programs continue to get better every year. I have attended plays, games, and art shows here; all excellent quality. The staff is superior to any I have experienced elsewhere; from the custodians, lunch ladies, office staff, teachers, counselors, librarian all the way up to Mr. Mershon. I feel blessed that my daughter was able to graduate from here. Because of the caring mentors and helpful advice she received, she is now attending USC with a near full ride scholarship. This was something I never would have dreamed possible for our family and I am so thankful. My middle child is currently completing his first year here and has loved it, especially his band experiences. Sadly, we will have to move this summer and it will take our family out of district. I fought hard for the ability to stay but it wasn't to be. Even so, I hope that he will carry with him the seeds of success that, I know, they have already been planting. I deeply regret that my last child won't have any opportunities here. We will always be Staley proud!

I graduated from this school in 2015! The school pays for the AP tests, offers prep for the ACTs,…read moreand has amazing teachers and extracurriculars. I probably wouldn't have gotten into the university of my choice of it hadn't been for this school, its teachers, and the amazing counselors. Definitely a school that goes above and beyond!

Great school and the people here are great and the teachers here are simply just the bestread more

My son is thriving here and my daughter can't wait to go next year! Fantastic teachers and 21st…read moreCentury Academies.

Huge lack of communication with teachers and parents. They use different apps or multiple different…read morenumbers to contact teachers. Teachers seem to be very unprofessional. My oldest child usually loves school and does well. He hates this place and never wants go

My 3 kids have attended here for over 7 years now. We absolutely love it. Small school where the…read morekids are known and seen. Admin team is pretty new (in past 3 years) and they fantastic as well as a wonderful set of teachers. We are blessed and grateful!