From the very first phone call to schedule a tour, I had concerns. The admissions representative,…read moreBailey, seemed rushed and inattentive, failing to record basic details like our names correctly. Despite traveling from the East Coast specifically to visit this school, we were not greeted warmly upon arrival. The security guard was stoic and silent, which set a cold tone. Bailey, who had been warm with another family just moments before, barely acknowledged us. I had to ask if she was Bailey because she was simply standing there, staring. When she finally acknowledged my child, she referred to him as "frienddddddddddd," which felt patronizing and unprofessional. Children, like adults, deserve to be addressed by name--respect starts there. During the tour of the four- and five-year-old classrooms, I noticed a stark contrast between what was shown on the website and what we experienced in person. When I mentioned that we unschool and take a more global, play-based approach to learning, Bailey assured me the school was play-based as well. However, the children looked more like they were in a traditional, rigid environment--seated in silence, not engaged in any type of play. In one of the classrooms, a little girl was visibly distressed and crying in a cube. No adult approached her. She remained that way throughout our entire visit--clearly struggling, and clearly ignored. This was heartbreaking. A child in distress should never be left alone, especially in a setting that claims to prioritize emotional development and care. I genuinely feel for that child and her family--because if that were my kid, I'd be pissed the hell off. That should never have happened under any competent care or planning. Throughout the tour, Bailey made inappropriate comments and assumptions about my child, labeling him without taking the time to observe or interact meaningfully with him. She stated the school wants kids to be fully conversational and etc. I attempted to explain his receptive language is fine but we are working on expressive. She cut me off but isnt this what the school is about?!?? She repeatedly stated things would be "hard" for him and suggested we consider a different school--again, without any real engagement or insight into his capabilities. My child has unique birth-related challenges, but no formal diagnosis, and that is not Bailey's role to assess or determine. She is not an evaluator or clinician; she's in admissions, and she should have remained in that role. The labeling continued, even after I explained that my child has never been in a traditional school setting. Her comments were dismissive and rooted in bias. I also noticed she treated other families quite differently--more warmly and respectfully. It was hard to ignore that we were the only Black family present, and the lack of diversity in the school was glaring. It felt like we were being treated differently based on race and perceived class. At one point, she even ran over to my child's advocate--without my consent--to state that this school "wasn't a good fit." That decision should not have been made, let alone communicated, without me present. I am the parent, I am the one paying tuition if we were to enroll, and no one should be having side conversations about my child without me. In the same breath, I have to address Bailey's repeated, unnecessary comments about referring families to Westwood and feeling she should "get a cut" from it. That was unprofessional, irrelevant, and made me uncomfortable. It had nothing to do with my child or his well-being. She continued making assumptions, bringing up things like "eloping" (which has never been an issue for my child), and referencing challenges unrelated to our experience. Her tone was judgmental and dismissive. She even brought up her own child's struggles, which seemed like an attempt to connect but came off as self-centered and irrelevant. Also, let me be clear: none of my child's doctors have diagnosed him with anything. What he lives with are birth injuries--documented and longstanding. For Bailey to make assumptions or push labels as a paper-pusher without medical expertise is not only dismissive but absolutely out of line. One of the most inappropriate moments was when she brought up finances--implying that the school/area might be out of reach for us. That was completely uncalled for. If I flew across the country, arranged lodging, transportation, and made time for a school visit, then clearly I can afford the school. It was offensive, intrusive, and deeply disrespectful. My financial situation is none of her concern. Frankly, y'all owe me money for this BS & unprofessional tour. Another alarming concern: the persistent racial homogeneity. There were no Black or Latino children enrolled that I could see. If the school is so "inclusive," where are the students of color? It feels like there are culture/race issues here.....stay away

The above statements was 3years ago. It is now 2000. Caden has almost caught up with his speech. He…read moreis a happy, confident and very social child. He makes friends easily everywhere he goes. His social skill exceed my expectation for him. He his now getting occupational therapy for fine motor skill and he loves it! We love all his teachers. Thaden is successful in middle school. He finally made an A in writing which is one of the hardest subject for autistic kids. He is taking advance math like trigonometry . He has lots of friends and even took a girl to a formal dance. I think the foundation at Parish gave him the confidents and skill to cope with life and thrive.

This high school was a bitter disappointment for my daughter and me. She went as a freshman and…read moretransferred out this year as a sophomore. The school administration tolerated bullying and was not helpful at all to my daughter. Blaming her was their solution. It took a toll mentally on her. They did little to support her mental health. It was not a fit for her. The class sizes were too big for much one on one assistance. The struggle was real. She is in a school now where she is thriving.

My parents were in debate of which all-girls' college prep school to send me to. I campaigned…read moreheavily for SAA bc the recruiters showed up vibrant, positive, and self-possessed. The other all-girls' school recruit team showed up withdrawn, and resigned. SAA is a place for ambitious girls, or to make one. Peers are COMPETITIVE. The '-' and '+' to your 'A' will matter to them. They'll make a stink when they outperform you, or sulk when they didn't perform as well as you. As a student, you'll get accustom to so many girls being smart, pretty, AND rich. To restate, if you're simply both pretty and rich, this won't be enough for status. High intelligence/high academic performance is valued here. Know that none of us alumn regret attending here. When I went onto co-ed undergrad, grad school, and the working world, we're all dismayed and astounded by our female peers, who evidently didn't attend an all-girls' college prep run by feminist(s) ...nuns; They'll lower their performance, not go for things, or simply question themselves in moments of alpha male posturing, and such guys' conscious and unconscious inferences to themselves being better than any of us. F*ck that sh*t! [Ahem.] Your daughter won't be naive to sexism. We get to more lucidly see how sexist boys and men (note: not all boys and men are sexist) get in the way of our own productivity, and ambitious aims. Because of SAA's relationship w all-boys' prep schools, there's a stark contrast of experiences --5 days a week you're with ambitious, talented, fearless young ladies who enjoy the pursuit of accomplishments. There's no contending w unconscious favoritism invested toward the success of boys in the classroom (wc studies have revealed are present in all manner of teachers). There's no teen marathon to display physical perfection; Cluttering our time --bc exposure to guys is confined to particular classes, lunch, and outside school hrs. I only applied to U.T. Austin. Luckily I got in. I do regret I didn't pursue my school counselor's recommendation that I apply to Sarah Lawrence College. The ways of public school peers, at U.T. Austin, was a shocker. Including those IB tracked! I ultimately pursued art, so I'll present what unfolded, thanks to being immersed in the culture of SAA. After finishing my Psychology degree at U.T. Austin, I worked for a yr at the State Legislative Council. The sexism (and racism) was high that legislative season. Despite all that drama, it wasn't in the way of my work. Their data showed I was 99% accurate (a.k.a. highest performer). I forgot the next highest performer, but I know it wasn't 98%. Three of the straight women were threatened in some way (mostly job security) by the wounded egos of our male colleagues' unrequited love. For me that was the first conscious moment that I knew no SAA girl would plead for understanding from juvenile, unprofessional men. We handle such people differently. After that job, I pursued a Fine Arts degree at U.T. Austin. On my arrival, I found that the department's art stars were only guys. I remember noticing all their well-rendered paintings of phallus pleasures and hyperbolized woman-child imagery. Needless to say, I was unimpressed w the ruse of pornographic fantasies contextualized in high art materials. ...I made art that employed my psych. degree and (minor in) sociology, as well as the skills I picked up at the Texas Legislative Council (i.e. reading legalese). By my second yr I won the first unanimously-voted merit award (the most prestigious Fine Art department award at the time). Same semester, I got published into a book that my then-professor also got selected for. I went on to be a Skowhegan Resident, which at the time was the top international art residency in the world. Just under 1% of applicants were accepted my yr. I got to study w Janine Antoni, Glenn Ligon and Kerry James Marshall. --To reiterate, SAA culture positions you well. I graduated from my dream grad school, Pratt (was #1 pgm att). I also made first cut for the Whitney program, Yale grad pgm, and full acceptance to Columbia U. ...So my four stars for SAA is bc 1. I wish the counselors informed us of the unfair details of an Ivy League. I only declined Columbia bc it was the first yr of a grad art program. I had no idea the cache of "Ivy League" would yield too many benefits to mention here. Also know, there has never been a year I regret not going to HSPVA. I would choose SAA for every young female in Houston. So would my alumn peers. SAA's also missing that last star for two more reasons: 2. It is extremely odd that nearly all my peers (and I) married white men. What are we not learning? 3. We need better brother schools. WHY were SJ boys allowed to chant, "TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP...!" at SAA girls, leaving many in tears and most feeling shocked, wholly betrayed and unsafe. Now my cousin and her SAA alumn peers are politically active college women. Well-versed, intelligent, and ambitious.

My daughter is now in her 4th year at St. Thomas - and over those years I have come to know several…read moreof the faculty and parents, including the headmaster, Michael Cusack. They truly have my respect, not only as teachers.. but as thinkers, innovators, and leaders in education. The curriculum is challenging and encourages an understanding of the liberal arts and sciences, balanced by the values of forgiveness, love, and understanding deeply rooted in Christian belief systems. Their Scottish Arts program is unbelievable to see and I am constantly amazed at the artistic abilities of the students who have been encouraged over the years by the school. My daughter, who deals with sensory issues that affect her learning, has always been treated with the utmost respect and has been encouraged to embrace new ideas while being challenged by proven methods of teaching that instill an understanding of the world around her while teaching her to effectively communicate those ideas. I am not an alumni and I was only aware of the school through long time friends. But, having faced the challenges of the current public school system with our oldest child, my wife and I came to believe that a private school was our only acceptable option for our youngest child (and any future children). We explored several private schools in Houston and decided on St. Thomas' based on a tour of the school and talking with faculty and others who knew of or had experienced the school. Also, I believe that the tuition is quite reasonable compared with other private schools in Houston that we considered. We intend to keep our 8 year old at St. Thomas' through 12th grade and we plan to send our 3 year old there as well when she reaches school age. I would also encourage any parents considering a private school education to meet with Mr. Cusack and the faculty and see it for yourself. I believe that you will like what you see.

My daughter attends school here. She is currently in 9th grade and as been attending since 4th…read moregrade. This school offers a great classical education to its students. The teachers are awesome and the administration is very helpful. They also have a Scottish Arts program which is excellent. The band is full of bagpipers and drums. There is also a Scottish dance program which has produced many U.S. champions. If you are around the Meyerland plaza area around 4pm you will hear the bagpipers practicing.

The best elementary school. I went to Mark Twain elementary school when I was a kid. The teachers…read moreand students are great and diverse.

My older son attended St. Mark's Episcopal School from 5th-8th grades; my younger son started there…read morein 1st grade and just finished 8th grade. We couldn't have been more pleased with the school. Strong academics, caring teachers, administrators that take time to know each and every child, motivating coaches for every sport, and a wonderfully supportive family community. It is truly a gem.

Schools are composed of several layers. They are only as good as the individual student, individual…read moreteacher, individual principal, etc. the building is old and overcrowded. None of which an individual can change. It is what it is. Some teachers are fantastic and some are just getting a paycheck. That's the way it is everywhere in the public service arena. The AP scores for this school are far above state, national and international scores. The STARR test scores are above the majority of other similar schools in the state. Overall, a good place to get an education IF a student wants to do their part to get their education.

I didn't even know you could even rate schools!…read more What I loved about this school, is how they have MANY language/elective classes. From Japanese to Russian to Arabic, of course, Spanish/French. But not many schools I know has a Japanese language class! Bellaire is also known for wide variety music and fine arts programs. The last I remembered, Bellaire Debate team won a National competition. Dennis and Randy Quaid (both known actors) attended and graduated from this school! This school brought good memories. and I love the teachers.

I have made my living for over 20 years mediating full-time. I have served on the board of Texas…read moreAssociation of Mediators for the past several years & I'm a past president of the Association of conflict resolution -Houston chapter. I have taken all of Dr. Manousso's training except the initial 40 hour & family law training which I took through the Harris county dispute resolution center. In fact, I repeated her elder mediation training in 2022 because I wanted a refresher & to learn more. My biggest complaint about her elder mediation training is that I wish it was 10 hours longer to discuss how to deal with diffcult, angry people at mediation. Once you take her class, you can repeat the class for free - what a generous offer! I might not agree with her on everything but she has a passion and commitment to elevate the field of mediation. For full disclosure, she refers her family law cases with children to me since I've also been a licensed TX attorney over 33 years. I take at least 15 hours of advanced mediation training each year. Each year I take legal continuing legal training classes & advanced mediation training to continue to elevate my skills. Every teacher's approach is a bit different. Even after 20 years, I'm still learning. I refer many people to Dr. Manousso for her trainings. Unfortunately in TX I'm aware of some unethical people that take people's money but deliver an inferior product. In summary, only take a training by a trainer endorsed by the Texas Mediator Trainers Roundtable (TMTR). I encourage people to take mediation training from different people because each trainer's approach is unique and each brings different strengths to the training process.

Dr. manousso and her team are very knowledgeable about mediation, in theory and in practice. I have…read moretaken two trainings with her team and can attest to the high level of quality you will get. For context, I have been in many trainings and workshops for the past 10 years, both in and beyond dispute resolution - these folks have what you're looking for! Dr. Manousso is clear and firm in what does and does not constitute mediation - which is immensely helpful because the term is often used very loosely. Combine the knowledge with practical skills developed in these courses, and you'll be set up for success. On top of that, Dr. Manousso is kind enough to share her insights and tips for folks just getting into the field even after the course has ended. Now that's great value!!

I am writing this review because I was shocked that yelp has not taken down the one star review of…read more"Concerned P" which is clearly a fake name which Yelp clearly states in now allowed. This user has zero friends and only 4 reviews. I reported the review and Yelps response was that the review has been previously reported. Hmmmm.... The user states that Emery Weiner only accepts wealthy white Jewish students which is 100% false. Two weekends ago I had the pleasure of attending a Big Brother Big Sister event and met a lovely African American young man who is in the BBBS program. The boy comes from a low income family and is in HS at Emery and is excelling! In fact my cousin attended the school several years ago and was offered the a scholarship. The school enrolls students and hires teacher of all walks of life and income background. As for the school, the teachers are highly qualified and the facility is top notch. The school also offers West U little league and other sports leagues to use their grounds. The school is extremely welcoming to the Houston community as a whole. From what I understand is 100% of the seniors are college bound which is fantastic!

Best school ever . Awesome teachers and a beautiful campus. Nurturing environment. Send your kids.read more