This review is for their online program. We were very optimistic about this program. We homeschool…read moreour 2e son to avoid inevitable teasing (our son is autistic and very earnest). We paid $1,400 for a two week trial (classes offered 4 days a week). On the second day, a classmate couldn't stop talking about how there were now "stupid people" at Big Minds. The teacher worked very hard to get this student to switch gears but he was locked into convincing the class how stupid our son is. I received an ostensively neutral email apology saying this was rare and they also explained why they never stopped the boy. They said they never publicly reprimand students for anything. While the other student continued to verbally attack my son after every comment he made, no one stopped him as is there policy. While this surely helped that student save face, my son wasn't similarly protected. They asked if we'd reconsider their school. We said no. We were interested in their school because it seemed like a safe space for 2e kids. For my son, it was not. They didn't offer to refund any of the money we paid for the trial and we didn't ask for it either. We just wanted it to be over. After all of this I was still willing to accept that sometimes these things happen: no hard feelings. We had also paid $800 (total is now $2200 for 2 weeks) for our 6 yr old daughter to trial part time. She did one day from her 2 week trial and it was obvious she was too young. Admissions kindly offered the following: "Since you have already paid for the shadow weeks, however, how about we switch over to the HSSP program and I get some 1:1 coaching lined up for her!" This was BEFORE (10/4) my son was bullied. The next day, AFTER my son was bullied, we made it clear we would not be enrolling. Three weeks have now passed, after giving them our final 'No Thank you', and we never heard from them again. The tutoring offered "since we had already paid fees" disappeared. They knew we weren't potential 30k/year tuition payers so we weren't worth the effort or resources. That's when I realized we were just potential revenue and nothing more

Having our son enroll at Big Minds 2 years ago was one of the best things that has ever happened in…read moreour family! The school's unique structure allows the students to embrace learning and unleash their creativity and growth. All of the teachers are trained in how to support and guide the students in this very caring environment. Our son looks forward to school everyday and we look forward to his continued growth and development at this positive and supportive school. It truly is impossible to say just how wonderful Big Minds is. I am forever thankful that we heard about it. Our initial tour and meeting at the school lead to successful shadow days and we knew this would be a wonderful place for our son.

This isn't the best school. I've came here years ago and didn't have the best experience. Teachers…read morewere mean and I was brainwashed with Catholicism. I pulled out of this school and went to public school for my senior year. Best decision ever. I don't know what the school is like today but this was my experience.

Great school! Just walking around the beautiful and clean campus you see how happy the students are…read moreto be there. The teachers and administration are top notch.

On Wednesday February the 19th we picked up our boys from Ygnacio Valley Christian School. We…read moreheard a very disturbing story. We always ask our boys what they learned and how their day went at school. On the way to Parish Hall our son was saying, repeating a couple times out loud "I really love school" Teacher, Mrs. Lauren Hopkins (Mrs Lauren Coley) responded to our son's enthusiasm by saying "your dad says you hate school." We were absolutely devastated to hear that Mrs Hopkins would make such a false statement. A teacher's responsibility is to build up a child and to grow him. We believe her words made in front staff and children are demeaning and an attempting to embarrass our family. The principles and mission of YVCS is to nurture a child's mind, spirit, and character, providing a purposeful education. When we drop our boys off at school, we are trusting that the school upholds these standards. We've witnessed some staff at YVCS being awfully rigid to rules and principles. In the beginning of the year, we were often bombarded with negative things said about Luke. We questioned if they were over-emphasizing on disciplinary actions. Our question today is what happens when staff breaks their own rules and responsibilities? Do they hold themselves to the same high standards they hold our children to? As his teacher, we questioned why doesn't Mrs Hopkins concentrate on our son's strengths? He's an incredible leader, he's curios, active and loves to help his classmates. He actually loves to learn. Our sons have over 100 well-made videos on YouTube with their dad exploring subjects like science experiments and building rockets, learning about animals and exploring insects, building a treehouse, creating crafts and adventuring the great outdoors. There's been a number of times where I've picked up our son from school and we've noticed that the "wind has been out of his sails." It is usually in relation to how he feels like he has failed again. Mrs Hopkins words were verified by other staff and kids who overheard her destructive and careless words. We understand God to be one of graciousness. We expect that our child be treated purposefully, with understanding, and with favor. It is also our desire that staff at YVCS be treated with the same care and purposefulness. It is for this reason that we want to school to review Mrs. Hopkins words and follow them with purposeful action. UPDATE: He was removed from his classroom by the school principal We were NOT notified of this change nor did we receive a phone call or email, nor did we receive an apology from the teacher or Principal Mrs. Ilyn Kagawan.

My son has been attending YVCS since entering the 6th grade and now as an 8th grader almost…read moregraduating I can say we are so sad to have this be our last year with this amazing school. Not only has my son flourished academically, socially but also spiritually! He has been surrounded by loving/caring teachers and faculty who have shown a deep interest in his young life. The school is small which allows teachers more individual attention to each student and they REALLY get to know each child's strengths and talents and work to develop those areas especially (while still working towards increasing weaker areas of strength). This school feels more like a family and that is a HUGE change from the public school environment my son came from. My son has expressed his love for the school. I am so happy we decided to enroll him. One of the best investments ever!!

We have had our children enrolled at Stewart School for two years now and have had a positive…read moreexperience. We appreciate that Stewart is a small school with an active PTA and parent community. Despite budget cuts that have impacted the entire WCCUSD district, Stewart's leadership has remained communicative and committed to building back and strengthening school culture. We made the decision to send our kids to Stewart because of the Dual Language Immersion program, and have not been disappointed- they both can read in Spanish and English and have been exposed to many cultural experiences that they would not otherwise have been.

We have loved our time at Stewart! My son started at Stewart as a kindergarten with an amazing…read moreSpanish dual language immersion teacher. He is now in 5th grade with another amazing teacher. He is excelling well above grade level and speaks, reads and write in both Spanish and English even though we are not a Spanish speaking household. My daughter also goes to Stewart and had the same teachers as he did. She is in 3rd grade with a truly great teacher, Maestra Reyes, and also excelling. The culture at the school is what drew us there. It's very inclusive and friendly. The PTA and admin staff hold events for the community to come together including academic nights, community potlucks and movie nights. Since this is a TK-8 school the students get to stay on the same campus making the transition to middle school a breeze. Stewart is a true gem in Pinole!

Best elementary school ever. I went there 55 years ago. The staff was amazing, Mrs Polito, Mr.Kyle,…read moreMrs Stacy, Mrs Holder to name a few

All 3 of my nieces and nephews attend Washington the teachers seem to be in a bit apprehensive when…read moreit comes to disciplining the children however the location as well as the classes are clean they always keep the parents informed of what's going on

Absolutely love this school. My son has thrived and actually enjoys going to school. Both teachers…read moreand the rest of the staff have been wonderful. Very involved and caring. I read a few comments complaining about the Biblical views, well, this is after all a Christian School that teaches Biblical truth and not a watered down version of it. Berean actually applies the Bible as God has commanded, so it is appropriate that the school is against certain behaviors and actions. As a parent I appreciate that and my son seems to find it a great place to be. This school is truly a gem for believing parents and teenagers in the Bay Area.

I attended Berean for both my freshman and sophomore years, and unfortunately, my experience there…read morewas extremely disappointing. As a student of color, I often felt unwelcome and unsupported. Throughout my time at the school, I experienced repeated bullying and racist remarks from other students. Despite these incidents being brought to the attention of staff, little to nothing was done to address the situation appropriately. What made the experience even more upsetting was the clear favoritism shown by staff toward certain students. Discipline and school policies, especially the dress code, seemed to be enforced unfairly. I was dress coded numerous times for outfits that other students wore without consequence, which made the treatment feel inconsistent and discriminatory. The environment at the school became so toxic and emotionally draining that I eventually transferred to another high school because the bullying had become unbearable. Instead of feeling safe and supported in what should have been a positive Christian environment, I felt isolated, targeted, and silenced for most of my time there. In my opinion, the school did not reflect the values of Christianity, such as kindness, fairness, compassion, and inclusion. No student should feel forced to leave a school because of bullying, racism, or unequal treatment.

I'd suggest you pick a different school in Orinda to send your children to. Many families have had…read moredifficulties with the principal and even though there are some good teachers, the climate is terrible. It is pretty - but its not enough.

Growing up in Orinda was not always pleasant, but I have always had fond memories of attending…read moreWagner Ranch for my first 4 years of elementary school. I had serious hesitations about moving back to a place that so seriously lacks in diversity but the community at Wagner has been surprisingly wonderful and far more diverse than the other elementary schools in Orinda. The teaching staff is excellent and the principal, now in his second year, is not only an experienced educator but a great leader. I would highly recommend this school!

Murwood has been the most amazing experience for both of our kids. From our fabulous principal, to…read morethe diverse student community, amazing teachers, incredible after-school program, and truly outstanding PTA, I honestly don't think there's a better school. We feel so lucky and blessed to be part of it.

Wonderful teachers who love their students! The diversity of the school is amazing. It's a happy…read moreplace to learn. We love Murwood!