Full disclosure, my child has been interviewing here. We've got some specific needs that weren't…read morebeing met at the crummy local elementary school (no stars, HISD) and so we went on the hunt. A certain snotty school pretty much passed on us because of my child's needs and I was forced to accept that we might need a "special" school. Sad and nervous, I set up an appointment for a parent tour the next day. Whether we get in or not, I can honestly give them five stars for the work they are doing. Where we've never felt like we fit in, there was a school where we could. This school is K-8 and just off of Montrose at Chelsea. Their goal appears to be to give children the ability to learn and develop skills in a safe environment with the intention of getting the kids back mainstreamed. It was crystal clear immediately that these people have the best intentions and the knowledge to fulfill those intentions well. This place is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it is clear where the tuition goes. The ratio of teachers to kids is incredibly low and the children and staff alike seem happy. Ah, I forgot what that looked like. Best of all, the school was filled with kids just like mine. He was very relieved to finally be in the class and not stick out like a sore thumb. I don't know whether we'll be here in the fall, but I would highly recommend Joy to any parent whose child's needs aren't being met in a classroom setting due to ADHD, Tourettes, Autimism or the like. Check it out and cross your fingers

We absolutely love Rainard school!! What an incredibly supportive environment with small class…read moresizes and unique attention paid to each student. Truly a tailored education and a place where kids are recognized for their unique talents.

I checked into Rainard when looking at the private schools in the area and was really impressed…read more The staff was informative and helpful in every aspect and they seem to have a lot to offer. Before being placed in the school, the child must go through a battery of tests - the most important is the I.Q. test on which the student must score 135 or above. If you make it through the screening, you must then apply for consideration to be accepted to the school and pay your $75 fee. If there's a spot, you'd better not second guess your commitment to Rainard because there is a non-refundable reservation fee of $800. At the time we checked into the program, there was no high school. We were concerned about what happens to a child coming up in this sheltered environment then going into a larger public or private school for the last few years of basic education. Now they have implemented a high school and those problems are solved for those attending. The small campus is sweet and certainly an alternative style of teaching but of all of the campuses we investigated, this was among the priciest. We'd heard bad things about it from people that had placed their children here then opted to put them back in public school or another nearby private institution. In the end, we decided the risk was too great for us - it was a very difficult decision but since we got so much bad word of mouth, we backed out of the admissions process. But, if you're looking for some out of the ordinary summer programs, Rainard is among the best on the West Side. Their Summer Incitement Series offers a variety of non-traditional learning experiences that are great for any child. A good sampler if you're looking to get your feet wet in this special school for gifted students.

This school is incredible at developing little humans!…read more Until I found this school, I thought every program for kids under 5 was daycare or glorified daycare (where the kids dress like little adults and maybe learn how to count to 10). My first daughter started going to Sherwood at the age of 3 and I have been blown away by her growth. The environment they have created at Sherwood inspires curiosity, engagement, and learning. The curriculum allows every child to progress at a speed that is just right for them in every discipline, building on their strengths and supporting their weaknesses. If that's not enough, the day-to-day skills they practice in class carry over to the home, she is organized, independent, helpful, and attentive (for a 4 year old). She just finished her first year and there is no doubt in my mind that she is staying. She also has a little sister now that will be joining in 1-2 years.

My wife and I found SFMS when we enrolled our (first) daughter when she was 18 months old. We now…read morehave two graduates from the school, one child in upper elementary, and one in lower elementary. The administrators and the staff have been unfailingly attentive, helpful, caring, and professional with our children and with us over the 15 years we have been attending. The American Montessori Society's listed values (https://amshq.org/About-AMS/Who-We-Are/Mission) are Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Inclusiveness, Responsibility, Enthusiasm. Not surprisingly SFMS teaches and demonstrates these values -- learning about different cultures, religions, and aspects of inclusiveness and diversity including mentioning that transgender people exist. (Please see an earlier review for why I mention this.) Over the years my wife and I have observed many classroom sessions on topics both factual and cultural/societal. The lessons we've observed have always been non-judgmental and age appropriate. About as preachy or as harsh as they get is, "It's bad to be mean to people." When our son had trouble transitioning into a new classroom setting out of Early Childhood the teachers for his class (including the same one mentioned in the other review) met with us. We discussed the school's concerns and worked up a plan that involved changes with both the school and our family. It included a suggestion of a psycho-educational evaluation which we accepted and I am so glad we did. Based on the evaluation and advice from the psychologist we were able to make classroom changes and find a tutor to help address the issues motivating his acting out. Over the years I'm aware of two other cases in which the families were asked to leave because the child's behavior was a direct threat to other students. I would characterize how the school addresses concerns about behavior as accommodating but with the best interest of the specific child and other students' welfare as the primary driver. This school brings out the best in their students both educationally and as "good people". The teachers' love of teaching and of the students in their care is obvious. The administrators are all former teachers and work hard with the staff and families to make SFMS such a great place. I would recommend this school very highly to anyone that is looking for such things.

I can only do a review of the playing field where my granddaughter played lacrosse last weekend…read more The school was a bit of a drive from our home in Kingwood, I had forgotten that this section of town seems to have all the businesses selling used car parts so this nice private school seems a bit out place among salvage yards. That being said, the field my granddaughter's team played on was very nice, really good AstroTurf and while the bleacher seats are a bit hard, I was glad I brought my stadium chair. At the halftime I used the men's restroom, it was quite clean and modern. In the end my granddaughter and her Atascocita team mates beat Saint Pius by a good margin, both teams were very sportsmanlike and shook hands afterwards. I wish our politicians could be as nice to each other! Here are a few pictures I took of the game.

I feel very upset after there was a situation with a freshman volleyball mom yelling at me. We were…read morereffing and I had my friend do the score for me for two minutes so I could text my mom who was with grandpa who is very ill. Reeses mom started yelling at me to get off my phone. I understand that so I told her that someone else had it taken care of cause I'm texting my mom. She then continued to yell at us and verbally harass us. The coach did nothing about it. I'm very disappointed in the way they acted especially because this is a private school and they were not representing it very well. Then whole team then decided to start being rude and acting up about it P.S. I could give zero stars I would

The Fay School offers a truly exceptional elementary education experience and is one of Houston's…read moretop-tier private schools. It is a nondenominational institution, and the faculty is incredible, so welcoming, and deeply invested our children's growth, both academically and personally. Its outdoor education program is amazing. Students are given opportunities to explore, take risks, and develop confidence beyond the classroom. Fay is intentional about shaping well-rounded individuals, not just strong students. They teach emotional intelligence which is invaluable. Beyond academics, the sense of community is truly special. From the moment you join, you feel like part of a family. You are supported, valued, and connected. The school also has a unique way of "doing everything big," whether it's events, programs, or celebrations, creating a vibrant and enriching experience for both students and parents. Our time at Fay was incredibly positive. They have frequent alumni reunions as well, and I am still friends with some of the teachers.

The Fay School does not do anything about bullying. Both my sister and I are Fay alumni, and we…read morewere both bullied terribly during our time there. For example, the administration actually attempted to suspend my sister when her bully pushed her, and my sister--who had a broken foot at the time--merely pushed back lightly to defend herself. This girl bullied her for years, and nothing was ever done. In my case, I was bullied to the point where I was completely isolated, unable to learn social skills, and had no friends. The mental health toll was so severe that I am almost not here today because it was so incredibly bad. They do not teach empathy or individuality. There are basically no extracurriculars. Furthermore, they do not teach history or science in nearly any regard. The teachers near-exclusively focus on the children who are already the best in their class, completely refusing to teach or adapt to struggling children. For instance, I was told I was horrible at math, even though I tested at a 12th-grade reading level in 5th grade. I am now earning an AAS degree while only in the 10th grade. I was never stupid; the school just refused to teach me. I would not recommend this school. It is probably one of the worst choices in Houston next to Linear. The only upside is the Fay Forest, because that was super cool, and the big playground.

WOW! This school is amazing! My son got bad grades at Aldine, Johnson Elementary. He explained that…read morehis school didn't do the requirements, so we moved here. Turns out, great idea. His grades turned into 60% to a 100%! Full on F to A. I recommend moving your kids here.

Great safe school accompanying a beautiful language. Exceptionally great education. The environment…read moreis always clean

There is nothing like visiting a great school, my kids attended this school years ago and I had not…read morebeen back since I had a brief visit in 2020. But let me tell you they have a new and improved facility, but the wonderful learning criteria is still state of the art experience. This school has been in existence since 1966 that is longer than I have been alive. When you see teachers that love what they do and retire and return speaks volumes. I had a fantastic visit with the old and new teachers. My granddaughter will be going to the pre k school in August and I will return as a volunteer to give back to the community. Wish I had more than 5 stars to choose from.

My children have been a part of this school for the last 17 years and I must admit I have never…read moreseen anything like this!!! During the past 10 years I have watched the level of education decline and some of the best teachers leave. The administration has always been very biased, but I never thought I would see it at this level. They LIE, misrepresent parents etc. Several students/parents will now be faced with going before a judge due to their poor education system and lack of management. I cannot believe how this school has gone down. I to waited for several hours for administrative personnel to complete my child's paperwork. It was only done after my current principal threatened to contact TEA. Best advice know what you are getting into.

My experience with Ms. Lifsey as a first and second grade teacher has been very disappointing. I…read morewitnessed her speak harshly to children, including insulting, yelling at, and unfairly punishing students, including my own child. A teacher working with young children should show patience, encouragement, and care, but Ms. Lifsey consistently failed to do so. It also seems these concerns are known by the administration, yet little has been done to address them. While many other teachers at The Branch School have been caring and supportive, this review is specifically about Ms. Lifsey and the administration's handling of these concerns. I would encourage parents considering first or second grade placement here to ask careful questions before enrolling their child.

Best school for grand daughter so far. Really like it. Christmas program was fantastic. Check it…read moreout.