Great school went there when I was a kid. I had such good teachers and learned a lot. It was my…read morefirst public school after Montessori.

Our daughter just finished 6th. grade at NBMS and It was a very positive experience for her…read more She loved all her teachers and excelled in academics as well as sports. I was able to witness how the principal Craig Broadhurst and the vice principal Andrew Weiss handled several conflicts that arose. They were professional and quick to act with wisdom. I personally saw how their love and compassion for students and their dedication to creating a safe learning environment was a major priority.

Academics and teachers are top notch. Administration is good, can't imagine a school would be run…read moreany better. However, your experience here is very dependent on your situation going into the school. There is a lot of affluence here as you can imagine, and you'll be exposed to that as parents, and your kid will as well. For most of the parents and kids at the school, its a world they are comfortable with. For those not in that circle, you will quickly realize that it's not your circle...and your kid will too. Towards the end of our time here, our daughter was old enough to understand these things, and that was very disappointing to us. It's a private school with all that it entails; that needs to be understood before deciding on sending your child here. While a good school, it's not for everyone.

Dear readers, as an individual who attended this school in the past, I must honestly express that I…read morefind it to be an unsatisfactory investment for your child's education. My time at SCM was quite extensive, but I eventually transferred to another institution due to the persistent issue of bullying, which remained prevalent from 1st to 6th grade without any effective intervention from the school administration. During my time in 6th grade, I endured both physical and mental bullying to such an extent that it necessitated my admission to a Mental Health Hospital for various reasons. Shockingly, the three girls responsible for this reprehensible behavior faced no consequences, resulting in me missing out on my graduation day and celebration due to their actions. This unfortunate reality extended to my friend as well, as he was also targeted and compelled to switch schools. Moreover, it is important to note that I am autistic and suffer from a chronic illness that causes severe pain when walking or running. Regrettably, the school disregarded my condition and failed to provide any support or accommodation during times of autistic meltdowns. I found their indifference towards my physical and emotional struggles disheartening and disconcerting. When I requested alternative activities during physical education classes to alleviate my chronic pain, the school administration threatened to involve my parents, rather than understanding and addressing my health concerns with compassion and empathy. In terms of education, I observed a significant emphasis on the subjects in which students demonstrated proficiency, while minimal effort was made to help students struggling in other areas. This unbalanced approach hindered overall academic growth and development. In conclusion, my personal experience at this school was largely negative, and I believe there are superior educational establishments available. However, it is essential to recognize that individual experiences may vary, and some individuals might find benefit in this environment. Regardless, I urge prospective parents and students to exercise caution and carefully consider their options before making a decision.

Wish I could give you all ten stars. We feel so fortunate to send our child here. Amazing staff…read moreand teachers, involved parents, great atmosphere. Their after-school program is awesome too. We love Main Street!

We love our school, and are so fortunate to have Main Street School in our community. Two of our…read moreolder children attended when it was brand new, and now our three younger children are attending. Appreciate our principal and teachers, our community of parents, and everything it has to offer. Thank you!

The best elementary school in Santa Cruz county. Their PTA raises six figures every year.read more

A wonderful school. My daughter had several delightful years there. Responsible and caring staff.read more

Can't thank this school enough. As a now grown student, I still look back on this schools'…read moreteachings and absolute life lessons that it has taught me. With patience, nurturing, and all around acceptance, Orchard raised me when one person couldn't do it alone. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I had never felt truer words that befit this schools benefits. It truly helped keep my childhood lively and adventurous, and to this day my thoughts linger on just how grateful I am. If I ever have a kid, I'll do my best to ensure they get to go to a school as fine as Orchard. Only shame is, they used to go from K-8, if I recall. But to know they're focusing their teachings on earlier ages is just as righteous to me.

Truly exceptional place! Our son thrived in this environment. There have been some recent problems…read morein selection of school administrators, but they have been corrected. Would STRONGLY recommend this school. Do NOT believe the baloney rumors you may read. What difference does it make if the school administration is of a particular religious bent if the do NOT (and I can absolutely confirm this!) proselytize?

My grandson started the Preschool at Aptos Academy this year and he loves it so much (age 4) that…read morehe's constantly asking, "Go to school tomorrow?" - he wants to go back even on his way home let alone that evening or the next day! Not only is the school in a beautiful setting but all the faculty and other students are friendly, caring and welcoming! Small class sizes, a faculty that is caring, nurturing and fills the needs/requirements of each student individually for educational/physical/mental growth and well being in the beautiful Aptos community...what more could one want for their child? We feel so blessed to have discovered the Aptos Academy!

They have let a 4th grade teacher who passed covid to all but 4 students of 26 kids remain on…read morestaff. She not only endangered lives of these children who hadn't even the chance to defend themselves, their siblings and parents were also infected. Some of these parents were front line workers that missed treating patients. This teacher has blood on her hands and at this point so does the school for allowing her to continue to teach and endanger children's lives everyday. The bullying too is rampant and that is the first reason we left. They allow bigger kids at the middle school to rule and are neglecting students academic and emotional needs.

Both my daughters went here. They loved it! People that complain about "bullying" should have a…read morecivil conversation with the parents of the "bully." Or you can send your child to a local public school, where they teach CRT, no prayers, no pledge of allegiance to our flag, etc. fights, AND bullying definitely occurs. This is a wonderful school.

We transferred two of our children to Gateway during the pandemic and could not be more…read moreappreciative for the welcoming and yet still rigorous environment. The leadership is excellent and the children have made wonderful friends. I'm very happy with our choice to move them to Gateway.

I went to elementary and middle school here and loved it…read more The teachers were great and the campus is awesome. It's less than a block to the ocean and lighthouse field as well. Say hello to the surfer statue!

Our daughter attended the summer camp at Little Garden Patch and loved it so much. Being around…read moreanimals all day, playing outside, and being in nature while learning is such a brilliant combination. She came home so happy and blissed out every day. Personally, I appreciate the super kind and peaceful energy that Linnaea and her family create for the children. They have all sorts of activities, so that each child will find something they enjoy. They can do lots of physical play, or go read a book in a quiet spot in the garden. We will have our daughter go back next school break. I highly recommend this sweet place.

My 5 year old son goes to this cute kids friendly farm every Tuesday for an after school program…read more We drive from Los Gatos for the experience. Linnaea is so calm and experienced. She talks to every child in a calm voice explaining things and teaching them about everything. The experiences are priceless! Growing tomatoes, feeding animals, making art and craft projects, having story time in a mini outdoor theater with popcorn and so much more. Kids climb on a tree to get to a tree house, swing on a rope, play on a play structure and there is a playroom for indoor play time when it rains or just to change the environment. This is a unique place where kids make friends and learn from kind Linnaea!