I moved my little guy here in the middle of the spring semester because I wanted him to be in a gentler environment, one that was holistic to his being, and also a place that really appreciates the outdoors and caters to that. My child has really grown in his language skills (he came from a Spanish immersion school where he really was learning a lot of Spanish, but he was also missing a lot of English). The best part is that while there isn't anything formal about the pre K class as there shouldn't be anyway for this age, he has retained everything he learned from his two prior schools which means the school is still integrating that learning somehow. He loves being able to take off his shoes in the classroom and that it feels like home. He comes home singing the meal time song (he's been there less than two weeks). He's proud of the work he does there and asks us to hang it up. If we didn't have to move schools for other reasons I would keep him there as long as I could because my three year old who was partially potty trained (just urine) has become fully potty trained after two weeks there. I think a lot of the influence is that the school goes up to the 6th grade so seeing and being around older kids who are leaders has really encouraged him to feel like he is going to a big kids school too. We absolutely love this school and the people there. read more

I would not waste my $100+ dollars just for application fee and then being told my daughter could not attend this school waste of money and time only to be turned away with no explanation!!! read more

A caring and unique learning environment and for our 2 littles. They have been thriving at Bayou Village for 4 years. BVS's Waldorf orientation and the calm learning experiences have beautifully nurtured them in their developmental journeys. It is also worth mentioning that their teachers have made us feel that our children are in a safe and positive place. read more

Attentive, dedicated teachers and staff. A very loving and safe environment for my Kindergarten aged child. It is an inclusive place with a special philosophy and style. read more

Great school my daughter is sad on the weekends because she loves going to school, what more could you ask for? This school has formed a lovely strong community which is m, in my opinion m, the most important thing for our kids and their peers read more

We've been at BVS for 6 years now and loved every minute of it. My daughter started at 2 1/2 and is now in the 2nd grade, my second child is in kindergarten, and I'm hoping I can send my youngest next year! I sing this school's praises to everyone who will listen. It's one of a kind. The teachers are very nurturing, loving and kind (in fact, I feel like they love my kids like I do!). The kids learn without feeling like they're learning and LOVE school. There's tons of outdoor play time. My kids have become confident, well-spoken, empathetic children and probably the biggest benefit is how much they look forward to school and have a positive association with learning! If you're thinking about enrolling then definitely book a tour and you will be blown away by the gem this school is. read more

Bayou Village School has been a wonderful learning environment for my son. He loves his school and teacher. They do open too late for me to drop him off but we love BVS so much we have someone drive him to and from school from my work. They are expanding their school play area for the 2016-2017 school year. We look forward to another year with BVS next year when my son is 4 and attending 4 full days of school. Pros: Play based environment Loving staff Small child to teacher ratio Great natural environment No TV All weather play environment!! Teaches kids how to think, not what to think Aligned with HISD academic calendar Flexible days/time allowed Home-School classes Cons: Before-Care opens too late for me (7:30 AM) Expensive after-care Doesn't accept credit card payment. read more

BVS is a Waldorf inspired school which has both an early childhood daycare program and a grades program (1-5). There is much to like about the school including the natural lighting, outdoor playtime (rain or shine), focus on dexterity/free play and exploring and nurturing creative skills. We have 3 children here, 2 in the pre-k/early childhood portions and one in the grades program. The grades program works differently from traditional schools and is very suitable to one of our children's needs. As with most private schools, parents are encouraged to volunteer to grow the communal atmosphere. read more

Wished there had been more communication. If removing my child from this school helps them in that department and also encourages teachers to lead and parents to step back and allow them to, then I am glad I wrote this review. BVS has potential if someone would take the reigns. There's a lot they need to establish to be what I wanted to see in them: Genuine kindness, understanding, communication, consistency, etc. (All things that pertain to their aspirations as a close knit community). I might add they have not had a single teacher return after a school year ends. The new year (2013-14) they will have 2 remaining teachers.The rest have been or will be replaced or quit. This was a great issue with me because many teachers quit or were let go and the remaining faculty did not relay this important information to parents until AFTER re-enrollment fees and paperwork was turned in. This is unethical and dishonest. This speaks volumes as Waldorf/Steiner philosophy the teacher is an integral and greatly crucial aspect to a child's development. It was my deepest wish that they excel, however, I could no longer risk my child's education waiting for that to happen. read more

This is our first year here and we have had a lovely experience. My daughter is 2 and it is exactly what I was looking for in a preschool. It's truly an extension of our homelife with thoughtful activities and kind and caring staff. They read, sing, dance, cook and prepare food together, enjoy tons of imaginative play with natural toys, and explore various art tools and techniques. What I appreciate most about their curriculum, and I am sure is true for many BVS families, is their value of, and engaging in, outdoor free play. The kids are outside A LOT during the day building structures, making mud pies, stomping in puddles, staring at the sky, and making leaf crowns. BVS fiercely defends a child's right and NEED to truly play and they preserve the precious childhood years by allowing children to BE CHILDREN. The space is beautiful and inspiring to a child's eye with whimsical decor and color palettes to allow the child's imagination take the wheel. Children not only need a school like BVS in our fast-paced world .... they deserve it. read more

I love this school for my 4 year old son. Why? Main reason: he LOVES it. He always come home with stories about his friend and in a happy mood. read more

Our daughter has been there for 2.5 years and we love it. Sending our 2 year old son there in the spring. Love all that a waldorf school brings to her life and ours. read more

I was really excited for my son to attend this school. I had been looking at Bayou Village since he was 18 months old now he's three. I like what the school represents, the staff was nice during the tour but they are impossible to get a hold of both by phone and email. We paid $100 for the application fee and were told there were immediate openings in my child's age group. A month has gone by we've left multiple messages and gone up to the school to check the status. We were told someone would contact us for the interview. That never happened. We never heard anything for an interview or how to get on the wait list or what the next step would be. I would say be cautious before you submit an application here. We've had to find some where else for our son to attend. read more

We love Bayou Village! My 4 YO is there in the mixed-kinder class with kids 3.5-5.5 and she loves it. Every day she plays outside, gets dirty, and gets to be a kid. They learn how to make things with their hands, like food and crafts. And, the environment just feels magical and sweet; the teachers are excellent. Every day when I drop her and pick her up, I feel absolutely confident she is being loved and getting healthy support to become a well-rounded and happy kid. If you're considering for both younger and grades-aged kids, I strongly recommend a tour of BVS and researching the benefits of Waldorf education. Other things: (1) They offer both before and after care, as early as 7 and as late as 6 p.m., so perhaps this wasn't available in prior years but it is now. And, the after care teachers are awesome too! (2) I think many, if not all, of the current teachers have been with the school at yeast several years and teacher retention with the current administration seems really, really good. (3) I think the school has really grown into itself, so if you considered it a few years back and decided no, I'd suggest taking another look. (4) Tuition is now paid online and can use CCs. (5) After-care is cheap in my view (compared with my older kid's after care at her HISD school). read more

Bayou Village has been an amazing school for both of my boys, providing a safe place for them to learn and experience the world around them while nurturing a lifelong love of learning and engaging their imagination and creativity. They had never "loved" going to school before enrolling at BVS but now they are happy and excited when I pick them up every day to tell me what they have played and learned. The teachers are exceedingly caring and patient, giving each child the confidence and the space he or she needs to develop their potential. The parent community is one of the most supportive I've experienced, highly committed to preserving the magic of childhood and developing a rich educational experience for every child. I can't think of anywhere better for my children to grow into the strong, compassionate and smart individuals they will need to be. read more

We love Bayou Village School, our son is 4 years and 7 months old, we moved to Bayou Village after a very bad experience in a Montessori school, it was a very stressful environment. After his first day in this wonderful school he cried because he didn't want to leave and he hugged his teacher as he never did in the previous school. Ever since that day it has been a wonderful experience, his imagination has sparkled, he invents games and songs and enjoys nature, but what has been more important to us, he has developed more his compassionate side, looking for others well being, including animals. On top of all that, the parents community is wonderful, we've felt welcome since the very first day and it has been an amazing experience! read more

I have tried everything with my son (5th grade). He's done public school, homeschool, unschooling and Montessori. He's always had a tendency to refuse school. Bayou Village is only one he wants to go to!!! I think it's because of the homey environment and the small classes, that he feels comfortable. He is a little behind for his grade level and his teacher is great at working with him. I like that they have the same teacher every year. That way, the teachers get to know the kids really well. I also love the amount of time they get to spend outdoors. It's much more balanced than any other school. The kids don't feel so cooped up like at other schools. Waldorf "inspired" is a wonderful choice for us and I'm so happy Houston has this option!! I love the small community feeling that this school provides. And lastly I love all the hand work that they get to do, whether its weeding or knitting and crocheting. I think that is really important and something that other schools have lost. We are very happy here! read more

We love the Bayou Village School. My daughter is now in the Kindergarten class and we love it. She is a bit shy and she has gained such confindence from attending this school. Her attention to detail and care for nature is incredible. Waldorf cares so much for the experience of learning. It really is a gift to send her there. read more

Our children have been in Waldorf Schools for 11 years now and we have cherished every year of our journey. We are so grateful that Bayou Village School has now brought this incredible education to Houston! I highly recommend the grades program. It offers opportunities to choose from a 1 to 5 day option which is so unique and flexible to suit all families interested in a wholistic education designed to nurture the child's spirit as well as their hands and heads. read more

This is my son's first year at Bayou Village and it has exceeded our expectations thus far. We tried public school and found it to be lacking in the basic fundamentals of childhood development. Since starting his Waldorf education, his perception of school and learning has shifted, his imagination has come alive and he shows curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. read more

We attended BVS for 1 year, then my husbands job had us relocated, but golly, it was hard to leave this fabulous school! 3 of our kids attended in the preschool, kindergarten and grades programs and we just felt so at home there. There have been a lot of changes ( many taking place while we were there) but I felt the changes were always in the right direction. They were necessary and good for growth. I loved that i never had to worry about my kids being fed junk food, or being inundated with commercialized "kid garbage" that is so pervasive in our society. it was kind of an oasis of creativity and imagination for children...the way childhood should be, in my humble opinion. It's a beautiful community of committed parents and staff that we were so happy to be a part of. We miss BVS terribly! If you want a gentle, loving, play based, hands on approach to education, I encourage you to check out BVS! read more