Valley School in Ligonier is a K through 9 private institution in a beautiful mountain setting. It…read moreis small, but well endowed. The 9th grade graduation today was for 17 kids, while last year it was only 5. My son was here for the past two years, and it is obvious that he has benefited from the experience. The school is highly regarded for it academics, as well as the time spent bring out the unique individuality of each young person. The commencement comments by the Head of School were about "Voice." The collective, the reflective/inner, and the outer expression of who you are. With a class so small it was clear that she knew everyone well enough to be speaking intimately to them while letting the rest of us see what was most important to their mission. The growth the kids have endured and internalized is palpable. That they have learned lessons beyond the classroom is evident in how they appear to truly care for each other. Job well done!

My experience with this school didn't go well. It is a very small school- and it is clear that if…read moreyou didn't 'grow up' in the school, that your experience will be vastly different than those that have been there for many years. I should have known from the sit-down that we had with the now-former principal Mr. Hobbs--- that the environment is borderline cult-like. Instead of feeling welcomed into the environment--- we were accepted into the school more as a point of caution --- and were repeatedly reminded that 'we don't usually accept students beyond middle school'-- and it was attributed to the fact that we went to a 'secular' school. It was almost as if they thought my child would taint their students. The stories my child would come home and tell me about the misconduct was actually on par or worse than public school. Most of it is ignored or swept under the rug---- and if you are one of the chosen families; those children don't abide by the same rules. Athletics -- I was appalled at Mr. Hobbs' obsession with the length of the shorts that the girls wore--- and coming to sports practices to actually observe what the young ladies were wearing--- it was downright creepy.. Its one thing to want the kids to look respectable and tasteful--- it's another thing to make them feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Again--- this behavior was accepted and overlooked --- it was clear that 'this was how it was always done'. My child had so many inappropriate experiences at the school that when they would come home with another story--- I would offer to step in and was told that the backlash and retaliation would likely be worse--- so I stood down. One example--- a teacher at the school was talking to my child--- and because they were a newer student to the school--- they asked "Do you have a father figure at home?" This was because I, as her mother, always deal with school-related issues. But--- the negative connotation to even ask such a question blew me away. What became clear to us is that the people, staff AND students at the school were used to operating a certain way, and that included making racial, sexist, classist and other inappropriate remarks and there was zero consequence. I guess that's easy to do when everyone else there thinks just like you. So--- it doesn't surprise me in the least that Heritage had all the bad publicity with the sexual abuse coverup. They keep things close hold in that environment and they protect their own. Again, this is one family's opinion, but I think it's important to share with the community and let families decide what is best for them.

This is a great school! My children attend here and we are happy. There is a great family feel at…read morethe school.

My son and many of my friends' children attended Rainbow Montessori and found it an amazing school…read morefull of warmth, respect for each child's individuality and focused on holistic growth. (All kids are now grown college grads!) Miss Kit is the best! Highly recommend!

My daughter has attended Rainbow Montessori for nearly two years. Hands down, sending her there has…read morebeen the best decision we have made for her personal, social and intellectual development. Having come from an urban environment where people really don't care for anyone but themselves, it stunned me to feel the kindness and gentle nature of the students and staff. We're not gushy folks, but it's hard to resist the loving and creative vibe from the school and kids - they are really a family. They are ever ready to help and always look out for each other. If someone is sad or hurt, there's always another child and staff member there to make them feel better. It's part of their nature. The school's director, Kit Hays, is passionate and dedicated to the students and families. She pours her heart into developing the most creative and thoughtful curriculum as well as carefully weaving in modernity and diversity. Not only are the staff skillfully qualified as Montessori instructors, they truly love teaching and nurture all their students. Students are encouraged to develop their existing strengths and are supported to take on new challenges when they are ready (like reading) - really meeting kids where they are and helping them to shine. Kids are not forced into learning; it seems like they sort of bloom when they are ready. Using this gentle approach, it's amazing to see how many kids are reading and counting at such a young age. They integrate many aspects of learning into their daily routine so there's no real separation between laughter and learning - it's one and the same. Even when they play games, there's a thoughtful educational element embedded in the fun. You can tell the kids enjoy every second they are there while, even when they are in "work time". At one point my daughter was having a difficult time going to school, weepy and clingy when it was time to go. Each day when we arrived at school, Ms. Kit and a handful of children were there to greet my daughter - a welcome committee! They literally embraced her and reminded her that she was an integral part of the family. We feel so lucky to have been able to join the Rainbow family (no wonder there's a waiting list every year!) and know our daughter has the educational foundation and confidence to succeed in her entire school career and life. We are ever thankful for all they have given our family. Our daughter is inquisitive, open-minded, thoughtful and thirsty for knowledge and challenges - just like all the children lucky enough to be part of the Rainbow family.

Amazing!!! Private school quality education in the public sector. I was super stoked when my son…read morewon the admissions lottery and was able to start 1st grade at Infinity this year. Finally... a school that appreciates gifted students and challenges them. I hope that when my other two kiddos become school age they will be able to get into Infinity as well.

I sent 3 kids here for various grades. The teachers really create a loving space for them to grow…read more The kids are challenged in lots of different ways, and grow grow grow. :-)

The students here know they are loved, and that they matter, and that life is worthy even amid…read morechallenges. It was a pleasure to share a message with the students and staff - chatting about hope and peace - and to answer so many engaging questions. The school environment is inviting.

This is the best school in the area. Great sports programs, The staff and teachers are very…read moresupportive and just overall great community be a part of.

I attended Highland 9th through 12th grade and I couldn't have more positive things to say. As soon…read moreas I entered I felt welcomed by the community and my fellow classmates. It was truly a home away from home. They have wonderful sports programs, as well as, academics. I truly believe Highland helped prepare me for college. Great school!

Winston Education Campus is a vacant elementary school in Ward 7's Naylor Gardens neighborhood. The…read morearea itself is quiet and beautiful. Since it's vacant, you can only see the outside. The front of the building is gorgeous with a unique etching in the wall that spells out the alphabet. It's a great spot for a photo shoot.

Great school! Small class sizes support the individual attention given to each child. The college…read morecouneslor begins working with the students in 8th grade which leads to an amazing college acceptance list. Kids develope character through the program as well as a strong academic base preparing them for college. And of course, the campus is beautiful!!

The two negative reviews of The Wakefield School are so bizarre! I think the reviewers…read moreare bogus, or they have the wrong Wakefield School. The one in The Plains , Virginia Is an outstanding school (lower school, Middle and high school). The school has a diverse population of bright, enthusiastic students and teachers. The Head Master is supportive and is always ready to meet with parents to help with any concerns parents or students may have. The curriculum is challenging and creative. My granddaughter was enrolled in order to benefit from small classes and stimulating courses. It is the best decision our family has ever made! As a former teacher, I recommend it highly! PAt C.

The Field School is an amazing learning environment. My daughter started in 7th grade after…read moreattending a very traditional school which was stifling for her. The Field School allowed her to thrive by focusing on her strengths and talents and allowing her to apply hands on learning to the larger community and world through the internship program and mentoring younger students. Amazing learning environment. Cannot recommend highly enough!!!!!

Field has been a life-changing school for my daughter (who just entered the 6th grade there this…read morepast fall). From Day 1, the faculty and other students made her feel at home and a part of the community. Many schools encourage students to bring their "whole selves" into the school but Field really means it. The community is tight-knit and there is so much JOY at the school. The art and theater are incredible and the sports have been a great experience for my daughter, with the older girls on the team guiding & supporting the younger girls. The academics have also blown me away. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and fun. And they go deep into their subjects. The faculty not only has a great sense of the students' academic lives, but of their social-emotional lives, as well, and they work hard to make sure the students are thriving in ALL areas of life. We feel so grateful to have found Field! It is truly a special place.