When I first started on Yelp, I had no idea you could review schools. In fact let's be honest, I…read moreinitially joined Yelp because I wanted to be a vindictive bastard and write a rebuking review of a restaraunt where I'd had a pretty bad experience. Sorry, I digress-- I'm prone to straying off tangents. Oh shiny! *Several fruitless hours later* Right, where was I? Oh yes, Elementary school! Ah, the golden days of the 80's and early 90's. Transformers, Thundercats, He-Man, Michael Jackson (before he got weird). Well, I did go here between the ages of five and eleven which was a fairly long time ago. I can tell you that I didn't turn out to become a completely socially maladjusted dishelved individual (well at least not as a direct result from attending Brisbane Elementary School). Generally speaking it was a great school chock full of memories of playgrounds, loads of Elmer's glue in one's hair, oversized pencils and crayons, stacks of board games (absolutely none of which had their complete roster of game pieces), dittos --you know, those purple things before xerox, chalk boards with loads of dust, funky hydrogenated oil laden school lunches and orange afternoons waiting woefully for three o'clock (if only we knew!). So roughly speaking, it's worth five stars. I'd subtract half a star if I could for my Second Grade teacher Mrs. B******** confiscating an errant Transformer of mine and never giving it back-- those things are worth money these days!

My kid goes here. Its a great school! The parent community is so involved, I can't get off the…read moreschoolyard for like half an hour after I drop the kid off but for all the talking and planning. The teachers and the administration are extraordinarily concerned to make sure that my child is getting the best education he could possibly get. We love this school!

Our family has had a wonderful experience with our choice of Mills Montessori for our two-year-old…read more He started very shy and had only been cared for at home, so starting school was a big transition for him. His first two months were with Ms. Cali, who was absolutely amazing--so kind, patient, and nurturing. She took the time to make him feel comfortable, supported him through the transition, and helped him come out of his shell.He is now with Ms. Bella who has been just as excellent of a teacher and caregiver. We are so grateful for the care and attention he received during those first few months. It was clear from the beginning that both teachers truly cared about him and wanted him to feel safe, confident, and happy at school. Watching his growth and seeing how much he now enjoys going to school has been so special for our family. We are very happy with Mills Montessori and feel fortunate to have found such a caring environment for our son.

We have had a wonderful experience at Mills Montessori School. The teachers are caring, dedicated,…read moreand highly professional. The quality of education is excellent, and the staff provides wonderful attention and support to the children. My child has grown so much academically and personally during our time here. We have been at this school for 4 years, and we are very happy with our experience. I highly recommend Mills Montessori School to other families!

All Souls School is a beautiful and healthy environment that my kids feel happy and comfortable…read moregoing to everyday. All 3 of our children have attended All Souls Catholic School with my eldest having graduated as part of the class of 2025. We've been here for 10 years. At All Souls, my children have found a warm home away from home, school curricula and extracurriculars that challenge them academically (such as the school's successful Academic Decathlon program for 6-8th graders), and paths to active athleticism fostered here. Outside of academics, parents and children come together to appreciate and kinder the spirit of family. We have never felt that All Souls is merely groups of students who share classes and distant parents that drop off and pick up their kids from school. We look out for each other, we come together to support each other and our children, and I have seen how my children have formed bonds that  transcend far beyond these walls. Transitioning back to the curriculum at All Souls, we've lived the incredible foundation and preparation it has provided my children. Our daughter (our eldest) profited greatly by all the academic resources in her daily classes and high school preparation provided here and currently attends Notre Dame Belmont as an honors student. With my two boys still attending All Souls, I am impressed by the rigor expected of them and how the teachers so seamlessly guide them and encourage them to learn. Communication is efficient and effective with the teachers and it is very clear to us that they give their best effort to their role. Their dedication and heart they've given to this community does not go without thanks and praise. We're grateful for all the moments we've been able to live so joyfully in this inclusive, familial, and academically / athletically stimulating community we call All Souls Catholic School. To any parent looking for an K-8 for their child, if you want to help your child cultivate their confidence in their futures, this family of teachers, parents, and students is for you. Every lesson, every event, every year has been a blessing for our family.

We have two children currently attending 1st and 2nd grade at All Souls. Both started in preschool…read moreand have loved every step of the way. Each has lamented having to leave their teacher at the end of the school year but have instantly fallen in love with the next teacher. As a South City resident living just a few blocks from the school, it makes us feel even more connected to the school and the community. The new principal and all of the teachers that we've encountered are so enthusiastic about the school and the children and it makes us feel at ease leaving them at school each morning. I really hope that they bring back preschool or a t-k program because that is what really ingrained us and I think many others to the school. But Ms Pyun as the introduction to learning at all Souls as the kindergarten teacher is a pretty good compromise until that day returns. Thank you for providing our children a home away from home, All Souls!

This review is only based on attending one of their school performances. I was lucky to be invited…read moreto watch my friends daughter perform last night 5/23/24 at Bret Harte. Big "UPS" to the Program Director and the staff/parents that put on the showcase together. I felt it was very well organized and the auditorium was full of great energy; it was a wonderful way to showcase the kids talents and their beauty. You can see the children really enjoying themselves and how great it made them feel; it's so important for kids to feel special and be recognized. The energy from the parents was so great. The parents showed up and showed out for their kids. Fave part of the evening is that the host would call out on the mic if someone's car was gonna be towed for double parking. LOVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT!!!!

Afterschool programs here keep the students occupied and stimulated. Wish I had more time to be…read moreinvolved. They need more volunteers!!

Found this school in the summer of 2023 for my granddaughter. My first impression was really great…read moreseeing the summer school program teachers and aides were very welcoming. Enrolled her to 1st grade and I can say that it was the best decision we made for her. She was always happy and excited not only to see her friends and teachers but the learning experience she has with this school. I can understand the frustration of some parents about the recent changes that the school experienced, however I am also confident that these changes will bring better outcome too. The school earned an accreditation despite the changes and that speaks a lot. On a personal note, I would choose this set up than public elementary school where ratio is somewhere between 20-25:1 (student:teacher) vs 2:1 at HCA. If I am looking for quality education and experience for my granddaughter, I am still going for HCA.

Never seen a school environment where the parents and teachers giving 200% involvement on the sake…read moreof our future leaders. Everyone knows each other children. A very save environment. A small community has its potential. At least I see it from my niece. Due to low enrollment, 1 teacher teaches 2 grade students. Being in the kindergarten last year, she was exposed listening or learning the 1st grade work. Now, she is in 1st grade. It's just the 2nd week of the school year, she did 1st grade homework all on her own.

Horrible 2 of the teachers liked kids when I went there and all the "staff" are useless and doesn't…read morehelp with any of the kids. They also choose and pick who they like.

I am very happy that my two kids can study in VVES because they are very happy to school every…read moreday, and enjoy at school activities. teachers in this school are humble and nice and kind to students . they support students and try to let them improve from heart. they patiently because every student is special. They may have their own personality and abilities, I am appreciative that teachers are very nice to my kids. I can feel the atmosphere at this school is kind, nice, peaceful .

UPDATED with important new info!!!! see bottom paragraph!!!…read more See my sister's review for more useful info. crab soccer! parachute games! tan bark! monkey bars! xmas concerts! open houses! Reading is Fundamental! book orders/home readers! -- nerd! pen pals! Outdoor Ed at Jones Gulch! class quilt! wanting crappy school lunches instead of my sandwiches. (wtf was wrong with me) first friend in Kindergarten: April first crush in Kindergarten: Noel selling chocolate and other stuff (but really my mom sold it at work) Getting in trouble because my own cousin (same age who just started school there in the 2nd grade) went complaining to the teacher that I wasn't playing with her during recess! Racing home from school with my cousin in tow and she would beat me to ring the doorbell.. when I had the key... *hmph.. Racing home to go downstairs to sing the song about the flag to my uncle. I can't find the 4 lines, so maybe the school made it up. My sister is 2 years older, so before i started Kindergarten, my grandma and i would go pick her up from school and we would catch ladybugs on the school lawn. :) Some awesome teachers! Ms Brasel, Ms Bianco, Ms Kiyohara, Ms Brown, Ms Lolax, Ms Dunn/Mr Abaya. I went to visit like 10 years ago when my little cousin went there, but most of them weren't there anymore *tear The librarian Ms Leong transferred to my high school.. and she remembered me! I came here for K-5th grade, and instead of heading to the local middle school, i got shoved to a private school. It went from walking half a block to school, to walking down the effing south hill, and catching two buses to school.. Then we moved down the hill. I died a little inside. (and so did my parents wallet..) I kept in touch (sorta via facebook) with one of my good friends Erica. Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to home we go, we had our fun and now it's time to say "Goodbye!" =========================================== oh god totally should be beat up for forgetting: In kindergarten, the class teddy bear named Winchester, along with his suitcase full of clothes was circulated to every student for a weekend.. (talk about germ spreading). Well, my grandmother thought I got to keep him, so she shoved him in the washer and everything.. Hung him up by his ears to dry.. Well, I had to return Winchester, so when I got a teddy bear that Christmas, I named him Winchester.. (Winchy for short)... because I was 6 years old and not very creative. I still have Winchy... but I lost my TMNT toy, and Blaster my Transformer! Tinna got a bathrobe I think.. LOLz. If I find the photo, I'll post it up.. hahahaha

What do you call that playground game where you sit up on a bar with one leg over and you flip over…read moreit as many times as you possibly can? Well, whatever it was called - I was a champ! This is an ideal school to have recess because the space you have is HUGE. We used to have all kinds of parades, frisbee-throwing, double-dutching, dodgeballing, running around, tanbark throwing, all that good stuff. Part of the Brisbane School District - it used to be K-6, and then you'd head over to Lipman Intermediate in Brisbane for the rest of middle school. However, it's now K-5 like all other schools. BOO. Thanks to the following teachers for shaping the first leg of my education: Mrs. Brasel, Mrs. Bianco, Mrs. Brown, Ms. Dunn, Mr. Abaya [now principal at Brisbane Elementary School]. Given that none of the students are of driving age, there's a giant parking lot out front, even when the teachers already have other places to park their cars.

His Grade school are the best experience- from Ms Atsumi, Ms Ho, Ms Hillman , Ms Mulligan and Mr…read more Ramich - best season of my son- so accommodating , so warm and nice even the nurses

Buri Buri elementary is a wonderful school. Three generations of my family have attended.read more

It takes a village to raise a child. Well, it simply is not…read morepossible in today's society where both parents work, sometimes acting like two ships passing in the night, and relatives and trustworthy friends are worlds away. Bluntly put, parenting is so difficult. You are alone in all this. I myself have found myself lying awake in bed, terrorized by the thought that I am a bad tempered, screaming, evil banshee and that through the trauma of being under my care, my toddler will grow up to be a ruthless career criminal. The next day I would overcompensate by indulging my child with pricey toys and taking him on amusement park and museum trips. By enrolling my son at Silverspot Co-Operative Nursery School, I unknowingly committed myself to become a better parent. Unlike regular preschools where kids are left by their parents from 8AM until 6PM, one of the major conditions of the co-op is that the parents are fully involved in the day to day running of the school, in addition to other fundraising and volunteer activities spread over the school year. I had hoped that my son would become better socialized through active play. What we received in return was tenfold. First of all, the teachers are passionate about their work. The dutiful teachers remind me of mothers who have extra set of eyes behind their heads. They see everything. When you count in the three parent teachers who work with the teachers in each session, the teacher-student ratio is always or better than 1:5. The teachers are experts in their field, and masters at helping each child to become self sufficient and well adjusted intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially. As far as I have witnessed, even the parents who work their shifts are gentle, upbeat and quite knowledgeable about childrens' behavior and psychology. In addition to the school director and the two permanently assigned teachers for the AM and PM sessions, Silverspot has pre-k readiness classes with another teacher, a music and drum teacher, and dance teacher who come on a regular schedule. No activity is forced on an uninterested/unwilling child, but rather, each child is enticed to become interested in learning new things and engage as a part of a group. Secondly, all the requirements that you are supposed to commit to seem so complicated at the time of enrollment. The monthly Silverspot member meetings, which is one of the requirements, gives you a chance to meet all the other people walking the same perilous path of parenting and are in charge of taking care of your child the same time every week. These meetings have lecturers who provide encouraging and insightful tips on child development and communication. The lectures inspire you to educate yourself to become a better parent. The other members provide a support system in case you are bewildered or puzzled or simply, need more help. Thirdly, the facility has an adjoining public gated and fenced city playground. It is well kept, and the school facilities are well maintained on a beautiful garden setting. The kids enjoy an endless repertoire of different games, chasing, throwing frisbees, racing tricycles in the playground, observing insects and experimenting with sand (and water, if weather permits,) while the garden in the front enables the children to maintain a close connection with nature with its different flowers, plant life and fruit trees. Silverspot also possesses an abundance of supplies, constructive play sets, creativity stations, pretend-play costumes and storybooks, science curiosity equipment, and tactile exploration stations, all neatly labeled and organized after each play session. A major plus. After six months of my toddler joining this "village," I am convinced that I have also changed in my role as a mother. Thanks to the wonderful people at Silverspot, I no longer need to scream at my "willful" child to get him to do things. My child generally no longer needs to misbehave to get my full attention. As a result, I am more confident as a parent and no longer afraid to ask for help or to offer help. I also have developed deep attachments to each beautiful child attending this preschool. Truly, it takes a village to raise a healthy, bright child, and I am so glad to have fumbled upon Silverspot Co-Op.

I'm an extrovert by nature. People who knows I'm friendly and can be social in situations I feel…read morecomfortable. So when I found this school, my initial fear was the social interactions. Will we as a family feel comfortable to opening ourselves to them? Let me tell you, we did. The director, teachers, kids, and parents are all so welcoming. My daughter immediately expanded her vocabulary after her first month. She has made friends with almost EVERYONE: teachers, parents, and classmates. The irony is that they aren't "teaching" in the way you would in a typical school setting. They teach by playing was their philosophy. There's a set schedule for indoor play, breaks, and outdoor play. Not only do they aid in her transition into elementary school but they've also given us tools to be better parents. There were monthly meetings, work sessions, and events where we all learn from each other. She is now an alumi but we miss the school so much. There are times there was actual work to do but you'll fall in love with this school and their education model you'll want to do what you can to make them survive. Thank you Silverspot for being the jumpstart to our little one's education. Best of luck to you all!