Our daughter attended Namaste for three years, in the same classroom. The gift of her experience is hard to capture in a few sentences. She has continually been challenged and supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Her artwork includes still-life and portrait drawings. She writes her name in cursive and was empowered to read at the age of five. She has solid math skills and knows all the continents...This is but a taste of what she has learned. More importantly, she is empowered to learn. The classroom environment allows her to help guide her own growth while challenging her to work on skills that will help her in the future (including things like using a hammer and nails and taking space in a place like a "peace loft" when she needs to!). She hasn't just learned how to be a student: she has learned how to be a human being in her world and contribute to it. People constantly comment on how "mature" she is for her age. She has self-control, she's relatively independent, she shows empathy for others, she is endlessly curious and asks thoughtful questions, and she can talk rather deeply about her feelings - among a myriad of other notable qualities related to her time at Namaste. The teachers are incredible, and the progress reports are detailed depictions of our daughter in the classroom. The school also encourages family participation throughout the year, including a "bring an adult to school day" and "gardening day." It is a beautiful community. My husband and I often remark on how Namaste is one of the best decisions we made as parents. What an incredible gift to give her this foundation for the rest of her life. read more

My son currently attends Namaste and has been for a little over a year. He was with us in our home until 18 months, and I wanted to be sure he would be in good hands for a majority of the day. From the visit, to the first day, and now an year in, I can't think of another place I would want to send my child. He is so happy there: he talks about his friends, he shares how much he likes his teachers (the guide in his classroom has been there for over a decade - it was important for me to know that the people working there are also long-term and they're happy there), he walks in with so much confidence every morning. My child has grown so much over the past year - from toileting on his own, to dressing on his own, to learning patience, trusting other adults and children, feeding the goats his leftover lunch, spending time outside, interacting with children from a wide age-range - Namaste has it all. I am looking forward to many more years with them, and sending future children of mine there. I cannot recommend it enough. Logistically, the hours work for my family, there is after-school and occasional use hours, the families are kind, there's opportunities for parents to be involved with the community, the school breaks when the district breaks, and they are transparent about the schedule so you can plan around school being closed. There are different payment options. The school updates parents regularly on classroom happenings, and I get pictures of my child in his "natural habitat" regularly. They provide healthy snacks a few times a day. read more

Both of my children attended Namaste through 6th grade and I love the attentiveness, the celebration of each individual, the focus on community, the high academic standards and the ability for children to move at their own pace rather than be trapped by age or grade. The staff is thoughtful and hardworking, the guides are passionate about what they do and care deeply about the children. We recommend the school to anyone who is looking for a place that allows children to develop into their own unique and wonderful human being and reach their fullest potential, not just academically, but as a whole person! read more

The woman who runs this school does not return phonecalls or e-mails - I have tried on two different terms to obtain information about the school and schedule a visit. She claims she never got the e-mails, or one went to spam. Change your settings and check your junk mail, you're running a business in which people will entrust their small children to your care! If she is that out of it with regard to general common courtesies, or cannot prioritize communications with prospective parents/families, it does not bode well for the level of care and presence she would be likely to provide your children. She does not seem to know that we moms all talk about these things - through our local playgroups, tot spot at the Youth Bureau, and other gatherings. Not recommended! There are so many other wonderful options with engaged, caring and communicative staff. Don't even bother with this one. read more