We could not be more grateful that a friend told us about Kirk when we were scrambling to find a school after the Palisades Fire made it impossible to finish out the year at the school our children loved. From the first phone call, we could see that Kirk was a special place, filled with warmth, kindness, professionalism, and so much heart. From the receptionists and custodians to the Head of School and the remarkable teaching staff, we were blown away from the start. They spent hours with us on our first visit discussing how and where our kids would fit into their community, and welcomed them for a trial day the very next day. After the most thoughtful, thorough, and gentle social/emotional and academic evaluations they placed our kids in the best environment (to their financial detriment--we would have happily put our 5th grader in 4th grade, handing over another year of tuition, or put our other children in classrooms where there was more space). The staff stayed late to welcome our kids and rearrange their already-full classrooms to welcome two more, given the circumstances. From that first trial day and every day since, the community has welcomed us all with open arms. My kids were blown away by the warmth of the welcome their classmates and the parent organization gave them (t-shirts and otter stuffies to welcome them on day one!) The outpouring of support and interest my husband and I received still moves us so, so deeply. So now we're here and could not be happier. My kids are loved, supported, challenged, and pushed every day. They're happy and seen and surrounded by the most loving and capable staff. The level of communication is beyond compare and the heart this little community shows in so many ways never ceases to amaze us. It's the quintessential Elementary School experience--book fairs, field trips, Halloween carnivals, talent shows, spirit days, and fun runs galore. It's also the most economically, socially, and racially diverse school we've attended and celebrates the differences among their students in so many beautiful, thoughtful ways. Do I wish it were in a more walkable location? Absolutely. But is it worth the commute? Also yes. Inclined as I am to keep this special place a hidden gem, I feel like I owe it to them and the families in positions like ours to sing their praises. read more

I couldn't be happier with our experience at Kirk. The teachers are caring, knowledgeable, and truly invested in every students success, both academically and personally. My daughter's confidence has grown tremendously. There is nothing more rewarding than to hear your child tell you they love their school, year after year. The communication with staff and parents is excellent. Homework club is an awesome addition that has helped us stay on top of things. We love the special way Kirk recognizes students at awards assemblies, and all the events throughout the year that tie this small community together. Highly recommend to families looking for an exceptional education! read more

Kirk parent here, two kids- one going from pre school to TK and the other been at Kirk since 1st grade going to 3rd. Absolutely love the Kirk Community. Leadership, staff, teachers and the majority of parents are exceptional. There is nothing like it and glad we are in before the waiting list starts going crazy again. If you are looking for a safe, loving environment with emphasis on academics and development- look no further. read more

Both my grandkids received the best education from this school. Every staff member treats you as they would their own family. Such a great experience and foundation for my grandchildren. read more

This school has absolutely changed our lives! Our daughter is thriving, she begs us to stay at school as long as possible, and her little sister will be joining next year. The Kirk teachers care deeply about their kids, and even though it absolutely focuses on academics, it really feels like a whole life approach to growing up. Their social-emotional development is just as important. We consider ourselves unbelievably lucky to have found Kirk, and we tell everyone we know about it. I can't recommend it enough. read more

Enrolling our daughter at the Kirk School in Reseda, CA, was the best decision we could have ever made regarding her education. The Kirk School has been around for over 60 years and is a true gem. Our daughter started in Kindergarten and is now graduating 5th grade. We used to beg the school to find a way to open up a middle school because we realized we never wanted to leave. But, we are leaving soon and are so grateful to this school for all they did for our daughter and family. She got accepted to her top-choice middle school, and that's because Kirk prepared her well for this next phase of her life. Our journey started in the Kindergarten classroom where they had four teachers. In Kindergarten, our daughter was an early reader. The teachers gave her extra reading assignments as they could see her passion for books. Given the low student-to-teacher ratio, they were able to meet each child at their own individual level, and that was truly impressive. It was in this classroom that our daughter started to learn that she could aim high and have so much support in the process. With every year, our daughter has had the opportunity to shine. Many of the teachers and staff have been there for years, and this has contributed to the wonderful community that is Kirk. While our daughter has excelled academically, the school also needs to be commended for how it helps each child grow socially. Given the small classes, the kids have the opportunity to get to know everyone, including all the kids in the other grades and the whole teaching staff. It truly is a family. There are so many activities at this school - inside the classroom and several extracurricular classes. All kids take part in group projects, learn the value of teamwork and are given several opportunities to try new activities, all under the comfort and support of their classmates and teachers. Our daughter participated in the school choir, cheerleading, student government, theater, the science fair, and rock band while she was at Kirk. The director and office staff are unparalleled. They are always available to assist you with whatever you need and have an open-door policy. Their support and guidance over our six years has been phenomenal. Kirk is such a magical place, and we cannot recommend it enough. read more

Another school year started and our other child has started at this amazing school. We truly could not feel happier or more supported by a place. Our children are so happy and want to go to school which just feels like such a gift to our family. read more

Kirk of the Valley has been a blessing to our family. We began our journey at Kirk when we enrolled our son in their Tot Center and are now entering the 2nd grade. I, myself, attended Kirk of the Valley when I was a child. With so many wonderful memories I experienced, it was a no brainer which school we would have our son attend. Our son was diagnosed with a learning disability which was very scary for us as parents. But, with the help of his teachers and staff we were able to identify and navigate this new, unchartered territory. I do not know where our son would be without all their support, guidance, understanding and collaboration to create effective strategies to help our him succeed in his academics. The staff and teachers are committed to each student's individual success. They are truly amazing, accessible, caring, people. Kirk of the Valley isn't just a school; it is a family. They host a variety of events such as Holiday Concerts, Boo Fest for Halloween, Pancake Breakfast, Easter, Coffee Meetups for parents to socialize are just a few of the exciting events we look forward to. I can't even express the gratitude we have to this school. Their support and dedication for ensuring each student has a positive learning experience no matter what level they are at is simply invaluable. read more

My wife and I absolutely love Kirk! Both of our daughters (1st grade and Pre-school) having been thriving there since the beginning. From day one, we felt welcomed by the staff and teachers who are incredibly kind, patient and genuinely care about each child's growth and happiness at the school. We could not be happier and would highly recommend it to anyone. read more

Both my daughters and my friend's children went to this school years ago and it was not a positive experience for us. some of the teachers were okay, but others were not. I asked questions and raised some concerns I had and the director was neither helpful nor comforting. We took our kids out of the school as it was not what we expected. I was surprised to see the school was still open. read more

Our family joined Kirk at the height of the pandemic and could not be more impressed with their professionalism and care for our 3-year-old, who is now thriving as a first grader. With our second child in preschool now having such a positive experience, we often refer to Kirk as the hidden gem of the valley. Families from all over the valley bring their kids to this inviting, supportive, and friendly environment, where every teacher knows your child, despite their grade level. Coming from my upbringing in public school education, I was hesitant about the smaller environment, but it has truly made the community feel like family. Highly recommend! read more

Our daughter has been at Kirk since Kindergarten and is now in 5th grade. Our time at Kirk is drawing near and I speak for numerous families and student- we wish Kirk could go to 6th grade and on! The director is caring and thoughtful and we have had wonderful experiences with teachers in every grade. We are receiving guidance and assistance while applying to middle schools from the director and the 5th grade teacher. Our daughter bounds out of the car everyday to attend school and Kirk does a wonderful job of building students up to feel confident. The assemblies provide excellent opportunities for pubic speaking for older grades and create a unity among staff and student where successes are cheered! There are many community events throughout the year and ample opportunities for parents to volunteer. We could not have asked for a better experience for our daughter. Don't hesitate to send your children here! read more

Total disappointment at the quality of this school and its staff. Kinder teachers spend their days making copies of worksheets for their students to do while they sit at their desks instead of engaging in meaningful hands on learning and exploration. They are everything that is wrong with the school system... so sad what these children have to endure that is labeled as "learning". parents keep looking ... this is not the place read more

Due to lack of good Supervision and attention to students from Tot Center staff my child was injured at kirk school Tot Center , he clefted his lip and it was bleeding, whole lip got swolen badly and he was in a bad pain. I rushed him to the Hospital Emergency Department to see if he needed to have some stitches done. The worst part of the story is that noone from Tot center or school administration apologized and asked about child's well being . This behavior calls Child's negligence . When I tried to defend my child politely from all the wrong and unfair things they did to my child at Tot Center, the lady who is in charge of Tot Center at Kirk school by the name Cheryl Sheaffer became a hater, she was unbelievably rude and unprofessional. Human rights are not protected at Kirk School Tot Center. I regret taking my precious child at Kirk's Tot Center. read more

My husband and I enrolled our daughter at Kirk in the tot center since we felt she needed some socialization at the age of 2 1/2. Our daughter is now 6 and we give her start at Kirk as one of the major reasons why she is so happy and well adjusted today. They really care about the children and whatever their particular needs might be and are so helpful in especially with the transition from the Tot Center to Pre-K. Personally I appreciated how the tot classes were able to go visit the Pre-K classroom to allow them to become familiar with it. Their after school care and summer camp are also excellent and our daughter is always thrilled to start summer camp there. The teachers and staff have always treated us like family and are as excited about our daughter's progress as we are. Kirk is just the best and we are so grateful for it! read more

My two kids have been at Kirk since kindergarten and now in 3rd grade. Warm, friendly, smaller environment great for growing compassionate brilliant children. Take a tour and see if you like it as well. Also maybe the most affordable private school. read more

My daughter went to the Tot Center at Kirk and what a wonderful experience it was for her and our family. The tot center teachers were so inviting to us and helped my daughter blossom. She was so well prepared for preschool when the time came. I sought out a school for her at a young age (2 years) as she needed socialization with peers and the tot center at Kirk was the place for her! We still cherish the tot center to this day! read more

My grand daughter has been at Kirk since the Tot Center and it has been truly amazing. We absolutely LOVED the tot center, and continued at Kirk where she is now in fourth grade. Everyone from Cheryl at the tot center through her current teachers have been beyond wonderful, and it feels like more of a family than a school. I cannot think of a better place for for her to grow! read more

My daughter has been a student at Kirk from 18 month old to fourth grade. The level of individualized care, learning development, and community is unmatched at any school I've visited subsequently. The entire teaching staff from tot center to fifth grade are invested in your child and continue to check in with them monitor their progress and assist in their development throughout. I have been amazed by what an impact the teachers and administrative staff have made on my child's life. The facility is child friendly and engaging, and Encourages play and imagination. The teachers are seasoned and well equipped to handle both students with challenges and those who are advanced. The community is beautiful and parents from all walks of life are truly invested in making it a special place for kids to thrive. The kids that attend here are loving kind and have a great sense of social responsibility and empathy toward their fellow students. I can't say enough positive things about my personal experience and I'm very sad we only have a year left here. If given the option, this is where my daughter would graduate high school. read more

Kirk was the best decision I EVER made for my son. He started in preschool and went all the way through grade 5. The experience there was nothing short of amazing. The teachers, the staff and the parents are like family. They really, really care about the kids and what happens to them after they leave the school. For instance, when it was time to leave the school, the 5th grade teacher sat down with us and discussed WITH me what would be best for my son. This was incredibly helpful and I took their suggestion. When I did they helped me through the entire process and did everything they could to help him get into the school of our choice. Now he is thriving in middle school and even though he has a really hard time focusing, he has been on the honor roll the entire year. When people tell me they are looking for a school, I not only recommend Kirk, but I strongly encourage them to take a tour. The warm atmosphere and attention to the children is second to none. There are so many great teachers that I can't name just one who made a difference. They all made a difference in my son's life and mine. Hilary Felder is the principle. She is newish because the last director retired. The last director was there for over 10 years and, I believe, was only the second director in the history of the school. Before becoming the director, Hilary worked in the classroom and then moved to the administration. She was the perfect person to fill the roll as she is genuinely engaged with the kids and actively works to make the school even better every day. When it comes time to put my daughter in school Kirk will be my first call. read more

I have heard really great things about this school. I've heard that the teaching / learning is very hands on and designed to fit each child's individual needs which is very important and can be hard to do(I would know...I'm a teacher as well). read more

Kirk is truly a gem of a school! I've been a parent at Kirk for several years now, and have two kids at the school. We started in Kindergarten -- the Kindergarten classroom is an amazing place for children to grow and play, make friends, and learn. The teachers treat each child as an individual-- which they're able to do because there are four teachers in the classroom, plus daily parent volunteers, giving them the time they need to truly make each child feel special and give them the attention he/she needs. I am a highly involved parent, and volunteered in the Kindergarten classroom every week last year. I consistently witnessed first-hand how patient and kind the teachers are with each and every student. I am truly shocked and appalled at the review below by Greg W. As I said earlier, I volunteered consistently throughout the year last year, and had the privilege of helping the amazing Kindergarten teachers work with their students. They are incredible teachers! Well-loved by their students (and parents!). I wonder if the below reviewer was ever in the classroom? I didn't see him. Perhaps if he had stopped by, as the teachers encourage all parents to do-- whenever they have the chance, even if it's for 15 minutes one day-- perhaps if he'd seen for himself how the classroom was run his review would read a little differently. I urge anyone considering applying to the school to read that review with a grain of salt, to tour the school with an open mind and an open heart, and definitely feel free to address any and all concerns directly with the kindergarten teachers in person. They, like the rest of the teachers and staff at the school, are highly responsive, have only your child's best interests at heart, and are willing to work with you, the parent, 100% on any issues that might arise... We are so happy at Kirk! Couldn't imagine a more positive experience for our children. Everyone is very warm and friendly, welcoming, and I felt right at home from the first moment I stepped foot on campus. As did my husband and kiddos! read more

Love love love this school. It's like having a huge second family. Very detail oriented and developmentally appropriate. My son has been attending here for two years and his growth has been amazing read more

hi my name is Avarie and this is my dad's yelp account. I am learning how to type. At my school yesterday it was pajama day. There was also an assembly and got a Student Of The Month award. We love Kirk and think it is a really great school. read more

I looked at many schools in the area before I finally settled on Kirk. It was their creative, well-rounded approach to education that won me over. Kirk nurtures the individual, unique spirit in each child while providing a great education. I am pretty sure the teachers at Kirk have found a way to magically squeeze more hours into the school day! At the end of a busy week, when I talk to my son about what he did (reading, writing, math, science, engineering, computers, karate, yoga, basketball, library, music, art, cooking, and more) I can't believe how many wonderful experiences he has. The school also places an emphasis on developing character and citizenship. My son started with just a few hours a week at the Tot Center and loved it so much he went to Preschool 5 days. He is now in Kindergarten and asked me the other day "I am going to get to be at Kirk all the way to 5th grade, right?" Don't take my word for it. Take his. read more

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A hidden gem of the valley! The teachers are so kind, patient and the program doesn't just focus on academics but all around development.

Before i say anything. The 5star reviews you see are not accurate, one is from a 5-6 year old, but heres my review....I had to pull my kid out of this school because of constant "harrasment" From one of the kindergarten teachers. She constantly nagged my wife and I about how our kid is "stupid" and can't follow along with the class just because she was born prematurely. She also forced us to get an exam on our child to prove that she is not mentally challenged (a $400 test by the way). What I want to know is why was she allowed into kindergarten if the teacher thought she was to "dumb". I say this because they do test the kids before letting them into kindergarten. Also as a kindergarten teacher you think they would know some kids are a bit more active then others. One of the most annoying things was for $1,000 a month they supply you with nothing. You have to drive your kid to every field trip, which is hard when you work full time. You also have to pay your way to get into some of the places you go. The scheduling for some of the trips are horrible and very far from where the school is located. The only, only saving grace would be the after care teachers. They are truly amazing. A great example is miss arpee(sorry if I spelled it wrong) but she is truly amazing. You can tell she loves her jobs and loves to see the kids happy and laughing. Along with all of this, a lot of the parents at this school are arrogant, dont know how to park, and constaly think they are better then you, when they aren't judging you that is. My wife, daughter, and I are very greatful we dont have to deal with these people and this school again. NOT WORTH YOUR MONEY. I could go on for a bit longer but I'll save y'all from the drama. Yall have been warned. read more

We had a wonderful experience at Kirk. Our son was in the Tot Center with its director Cheryl Sheaffer . Absolutely extraordinary experience. As an only child we were blessed with this school. Our son was enrolled for 3 years. What an amazing foundation! read more

My son is in PK at Kirk and he literally asks every day to stay longer. He is happy and comfortable and growing by leaps and bounds. This is a real community where the students are nurtured, the teachers care, and the parents are welcome. We are so grateful to have found Kirk. read more

My kid went to Kirt school since last year. First of all she wasn't speaking any English. After very first semester, she speaks and understands most of thing I talk to her. She cooperates, happy, more creative. She seems smarter to me. Thank to all staff and teacher in tot center. You guys are awesome. read more