Wonderful caring staff who support each child's education, listening to needs of students and…read morefamilies, and supporting their growth and character and Christian faith.

So grateful for the Pac Point Schools…read more I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Pac Point community. This school has exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment we joined, we were welcomed with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine sense of care. Both of my children have a few unique needs, and something I value as a parent is having responsive teachers. The teachers have not only been responsive, but also insightful and supportive. One of my children has a hard time sitting still, and the teacher provided a recommendation for a special 'wiggly' seat. It instantly helped with focus and staying seated. My other child was struggling in a subject, and the teacher took the time to assess the challenges and helped me better understand the learning needs. The staff genuinely go the extra mile. From the front office staff to the P.E. and academic teachers and yard monitors, everyone seems to genuinely care about the children. When we started two years ago both my children were in elementary school. This year one transferred to the Jr. High, and I can say we are just as happy with that campus. I spent time researching this campus to make sure it was right for my child. The new principle is amazing and was more than happy to meet with me and answer any of my questions. The campus and class sizes are small, which has been ideal for my child. They have interesting, modern electives, and are always looking for ways to add activities for the kids. I took the time to review the academics and was happy to find they put a lot of thought into making sure it is rigorous and prepares the students for the next academic level. I couldn't be happier with our experience and wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing and academically strong environment.

I personally feel guilty about how much paperwork and forms, emails, communications, and phone…read morecalls we forced onto the school staff and Principal Codiga. Emily is enrolled at programs this summer and next academic year that require feedback from school. Principal Codiga always helped Emily, encouraged her, and got back to us even on her personal time. Mrs. Richardson and Principal Codiga would respond to us on weekends, early mornings, late nights. They really gave us the feeling that we were a family together and Emily really prospered from the extra and personal care from the administration and teachers. Las Animas has staff that really cares for and loves the community. They have a mission of raising a successful generation. This shows in the progress of students and in the administration's caring behavior. You can do your work because you have to to make a living. Or you do it because it's your passion - and Animas has so many staff that are there because they really want to nurture the students. Schools, administration, teachers are all underfunded in general. They could have many good reasons to ignore us. They could have waited until they had time at work. Honestly, there's nothing we could do to force anyone. They already had too much on their hands. Instead, they were patient with us and always went over and beyond to help. Every time another form had to be signed, I thought, "Oh no, I have to bother Mrs. Monica and Principal Codiga again." We actually started out having another 2 schools help with forms (so three could take on the weight of the paperwork), but the other institutions rejected helping further due to red tape / bureaucratic reasons. Or the Summer and Fall programs specifically asked for Las Animas info. So everything fell on Principal Codiga to help Emily and she really did. The Principal also took many opportunities to encourage Emily on extra-curricular pursuits. She took interest in Emily's successes and this was incredible motivation for Emily. Mrs. Richardson is amazing at communication and feedback, getting back to both parents and students. She arranged for her class to have extra games, coordinated with Holiday Drives for material for students. Despite how busy she was, she took time to contact and thank every donor that gave resources to help her class. She even shared extra material with other classes. Emily's teacher taking her personal time to thank the community helped me so much because I met all the people who donated. Getting a thank you from the teacher herself meant so much to the community, and encourages them to donate more to help kids year after year. Mrs. Richardson also helped so much with aiding parents to become volunteers, so the students could have more positive parents around to help them or have fieldtrips, dances, celebrations, etc. What Emily's mom and I really appreciate about Mrs. Richardson is that Emily was often ambitious with her academic work. Instead of discouraging her or saying something was too hard or difficult, she encouraged Emily to try. When she succeeded, she congratulated Emily. When Emily failed, she never had the attitude like "I told you so." Mrs. Richardson was always positive and Emily has left Las Animas with confidence and a willingness to both try and fail. I'm a believer that success does not occur without failure. Thank you to Mrs. Monica, Mrs. Hortencia, Mrs. Isabella, and so many other administrators and teachers whom I have a hard time remembering their names. (I have documented brain damage / injuries - so I have issues with memory). If I forgot to mention your name here - please contact me. Thank you Las Animas To the District: You need to give the staff I mentioned raises. If you have teachers and a principal that have the heart to spend their personal time getting back to parents, studying and signing extra paperwork, looking into how they can help, fundraising or coordinating donation drives, being positive to students - you pay them enough to stick around. Otherwise, the school loses irreplaceable resources. You need to fight to get teachers and admin the pay they deserve. It's your responsibility and you do it before they look to other careers or schools.

Ok from a former student from las animas I have things to say, don't do yearbook because sometimes…read morethey give out free ones, please sign yellow notes one time my parents did not sign it and I went to the principal office, don't use the bathrooms cause kids look over the stalls to just hold it only use the bathrooms if it's an emergency, I'm 100% sure they serve the same food since I left. I would pack a lunch in stead of getting hot lunch the only reason I would get hot lunch is for holiday cookies or chocolate milk.

I went to this school for 10 years, and it felt like home to me. Sadly im in high school now, but I…read morerecommend bringing your kids here, its worth it. They have the best teachers and a really cool principal. I really miss this school

We are entering year 4 at this school. I'm very happy we decided to enroll our daughter here. Her…read moreSpanish has improved and is able to change from English to Spanish on the spot. Whether reading, writing or speaking. All her teachers have been great. The administration is very responsive to any inquiries I've sent their way.

Mr. Otteson (principal) is a real gem he is always out talking with parents and shaking hands of…read morechildren. If i had a problem he took a genuine interest in getting it resolved. Good teachers, good staff, happy people never condescending. The way they get kids involved in reading is by far the best ive ever seen. My son use to get bullied in Hollister and at El roblea he was not bullied at all he was happy and making friends. It saddens me we have to move and find a new school. I would recommend this school to any friend or stranger. Their special needs program is good, if your child is gifted they will do great there and if your son is like mine who struggles with his work and to make friends this is a good place for kids like him too.

We are so grateful for the incredible teachers in Junior Kindergarten Room 23 at Oakwood School --…read moreMiss Kaelie, Miss Tammy, and Miss Jessica. The support, kindness, patience, and genuine care they show their students truly goes such a long way. Over the past year, we have watched our daughter completely transform into a confident, curious, and bright little girl since starting in Room 23. Miss Kaelie is an especially kind and passionate teacher who truly uplifts her students and helps bring out their potential. Our daughter has learned so much this year and has absolutely blossomed both academically and emotionally. We cannot say enough wonderful things about the teachers in this classroom. They are always positive, encouraging, and focused on helping their students grow and succeed. We are incredibly thankful for the impact they have had on our child and our family.

As a proud parent to two Oakwood students (one in middle school and the other in high school), I…read morehave been very pleased with the school and how my children have developed, both academically and socially. It's great to see how involved the teachers and administrators are in ensuring every child on campus is getting the attention they need to be successful. I would highly recommend this school to new families to come check out for themselves and see what makes this place special.

This is the preschool that everyone wishes for their child. Creative, playful, routine,…read morestructured, inventive, friendly, caring, patient, skill-building, independence-building, optimistic, lots of outdoor time, age appropriate pre-academics, and wonderful class size, 12 kids with 1 teacher and 1 assistant. Blossoming minds was founded and is operated by Jill Wall former Las Madres president in Gilroy CA. She is wildly qualified as a certified elementary school teacher in California, having taught in schools for many years before founding Blossoming Minds. In addition, she has the experience of raising 3 amazing kids of her own. She has used all of this knowledge and training to build the PERFECT preschool. No matter what preschool philosophy you're looking for (Montessori/free-play/traditional/nature/Social Emotional Learning), you will find the best concepts from all interwoven into Ms. Jill's curriculum and activities. Most class days begin outdoors with free-play on the playground/sensory tables/big vehicles so that kids can workout their morning wiggles before they start the day. The kids may then work on a thematic play-doh project, building project, or skill-building activity. Next, I adore that there is a communal snack for the kids as it creates the environment of dinner party for 12 little friends. The day may culminate in an art project that brings out the theme of the week. There are new themes every week from autumn apples, winter ice fishing, Dr. Seuss week, Valentines loving friends and family, spring rainbows & blossoms in the garden, lucky leprechauns and so many more. Each month, Ms. Jill selects a few letters, shapes, and colors to incorporate into the themes and activities each day. While allowing for a lot of creativity, Ms. Jill sprinkles in pre-academics to many activities without the kids really recognizing that they're learning something new that will help them in the future. Raisins and cheese cubes at snack -- they might be building a fun pattern with them, jumbo push-pins dotting around a pumpkin print-- they're learning how to hold a pencil, communal snack -- they're learning how to be part of a group & share, planting silk flower stems in a pot -- textures of sand and holding a pen, sticker time -- we might be learning how to count, puzzle time -- we're learning spatial awareness, frequently practicing songs with phonics -- we're building skills to eventually read, songs with numbers that use our hands to count -- we're learning math and motor skills, making a reindeer out of play-doh -- we're building hand strength for future writing. I adore that there is so much imagination throughout the day but that the activities are organized and very well thought-out. Between the format and smaller class size, preschool descent into chaos is completely avoided. Children know what to expect, they know the routine, they relax, they feel safe, they build their social skills, and can really enjoy their day. Ms. Jill is so experienced, she has a real optimism and is seemingly ready for any kid-type that walks through her door. I highly recommend Blossoming Minds to anyone seeking a joyful and foundational start to their child's education. My review likely won't do Ms. Jill's preschool justice, but know that it is MAGIC!

Miss Jill runs an amazing pre-school. Both of my children attended, which means I was a parent…read morethere for 6 years. Miss Jill provided engaging lessons that sparked curiosity and learning. There was ample opportunities for learning through creating or exploring. She had amazing sensory tables and crafts. The playground and outdoor facility was like no other option in our area. The academics were on point. She uses alpha friends (phonics program) which truly gave my kids a strong foundation for reading. If you're looking for somewhere for your 2, 3 or 4 year old- look no further. This was the very best place for our two boys to begin their education.

St. Mary is a family to us. Kinder grad was so sentimental. Faith formation was invaluable with…read morereligion classes and First Communion. The teachers support our children intimately and the environment provides so much security and growth. We have grown to love the other students and families. It's hard to describe how special this school is. We knew it the moment we stepped foot in the hallway. To hear children singing Christian songs in the morning, to morning prayer during AM assembly to children re-enacting Stations of the Cross. Every school mass has children leading. To hear their angelic voices in unity during mass is more precious than gold. Our children pray fervently and with full faith. I can't thank St. Mary enough for the intentional care each faculty and staff member pour into the children. I highly recommend St. Mary

When Student was 11 and got A's in her college courses. We had actually informed Student that since…read morethese were college courses (and no other options were available that semester with Covid) getting F or D's were perfectly Ok - even expected. When I saw she had near perfect scores, I was impressed, but I also felt burdened. I knew I had a child that was going to need excess resources and there wouldn't be a clear roadmap. Normally I would teach and coach her in math, chess, homework, computers, tech etc. But I feel the roles got reversed really early. I don't know if it's a national or international issue, Santa Clara or Gilroy, but I've seen a trend recently a lot of students have been leaving SC schools: eg students getting pulled out for homeschooling (so much so that CA agencies are aware of this trend). Other Asian families in the Gilroy area complained the local schools were racist, prejudiced. Unlike some nearby schools, whether it was a student like ours that needed special academic challenges, or other students with diverse or difficult backgrounds - (I want to make clear that most "trouble" students are actually extremely bright. I also think many, many students are capable of college level study early. Just the logistics can be really difficult) - St. Mary's welcomed both the students and families, parents into a large family. Now Student is 14 and mom purchased a brand new race motorcycle for her. She plans when she turns 15 to ride legally (as CA DMV allows). So it's really a matter of months that she'll have her own vehicle, and riding motorcycles on her own. There was this really narrow window of opportunity for teachers and staff, administration, other families and parents to help Student. St. Mary's really was (not just saying; actually) formed a village and gave the guidance, help, teaching, discipline, love and faith needed - really very badly needed - to send Student and Family in a good direction. It's difficult for me to recall names, but... Thank you Principal Ervin, Mrs. Dowd, Mr. Williams, Ms. Layman. Thank you staff Mrs. Emily, Mrs. Karen Moreno, Mrs. Tanaya. Dawn for constantly reaching out to us, late night urgent text msgs to get media / projects we missed; including Student in all the media presentations. (I'm getting help on this comment so will be adding names). Thank you St. Mary's staff holding up an entire school travel bus just to take Student on board. Any other school would have just left Student behind. We completely forgot about the huge school trip. With my background, I really thought I'd be the last person having no idea how to parent. God, Jesus operates in and within St. Marys. God makes good better, and those in difficulty - healed. We were so blessed to have their Love and Faith; we watched not just Student, but many students taken in - regardless of challenges - improved, cared for, and sent to High School with Blessings. I remember multiple times really wishing St. Marys had a high school. I felt really insecure about us having aged out / graduating from Marys. We really appreciated the positive feedback from staff, teachers of our parenting. I'm not an expert, but I feel a lot of students this age - they're happy to get the dress they want for Prom / dance, the top-of-the-line GoKart, the best cell phone. But often, Student was very very disappointed I couldn't quickly get her a McLaren W1, the HP4 race bike equipped with "straight Akrapovic pipes"... I had to write emails to Service departments asking them not to take instructions from Student, as she had a $32,000.00 "mod order w/ rush" she put in herself on my vehicle; calls emails from MacLaren on the "new vehicle" I was apparently about to purchase. (She has admits having all my banking info and self-taught computer programming; went from creating AI entities / avatars on Roblox straight to hacking my accounts). Even though I knew Student would need to get a career and make her own money one day to buy McLarens, I did often feel I couldn't give Student the resources she wanted to pursue her interests / passions. St. Marys had that Holy Spirit or just kind-heartedness to compliment us on ways they saw good parenting, and that gave us a real sense of relief and satisfaction. Especially for me, I'd never been a parent before. (There's no reddit for this kind of stuff). Ideally, God is always in our lives, whether we have everything figured out or not. If or when you can't handle things, you need God. Whether your student / kids are already good, or facing challenges, God is the best option and St. Marys has God's presence to improve the students and families that go there. I recommend you do everything possible to have your child at St. Marys. Divine guidance / school is available in Gilroy.

This is the hometown/country school that stands far and above any public or private school…read more Children are grouped by ability, not age. Because of this, every child has the opportunity to excel at his or her own pace. My kids are each doing work and progressing well above the typical grade level work, because of the way they are grouped. The staff here is fabulous. Each child is treated as as an individual. The children are taught that with actions come responsibility, and they are expected to be responsible for their actions. Classroom sizes are small (6-10), which greatly contributes to the positive leaning environment.

The headmistress of this school does not regularly pay her teachers. Please consider this when…read morethinking of sending your child(ren) and your money to the school.