We sent our kiddo here and could not recommend it more. The loving community and play centered…read morelearning were exactly what we were looking for as a first school experience. Our kid has a love of learning because of her time here.

Literally the best 3s,4s, and kindergarten experience we could have ever asked for. Beyond grateful…read morefor the amazing, hardworking teachers and families who make the school what it is. A true community where all of our kids can learn and thrive.

I've been reflecting on my experiences at Nancy Ryles and wanted to share some serious concerns…read morethat I think are important to discuss, especially considering what I've heard from my brother and friends who also attended. First and foremost, let's talk about bullying. Both my brother and I experienced bullying from staff members, which is absolutely unacceptable. Adults should not make children feel unsafe. When I tried to bring this issue up with Arbow. Her response indicated a lack of awareness or acknowledgment of the problem. This is really concerning to me, especially for parents who are considering Arbow for their children. Another incident that stands out to me is when I broke my arm. It astonished me that neither her or the office staff contacted my parents after checking on me. They had no idea what had happened, and that's simply unacceptable. There's a reason school policies exist, and not following them can lead to much worse outcomes. It raises questions about how seriously the administration takes students' safety and well-being. Additionally, I've observed that some staff members are not as kind to students with disabilities. This creates an environment where these children may feel excluded and unsafe. It seems that complaints are often overlooked in favor of maintaining a certain image, which is frustrating. It makes me doubt whether anyone is being held accountable for their actions. The overall atmosphere at Nancy Ryles feels off to me. Upon entering, it seems students are not the primary focus. The cheerful tone presented by the staff sometimes comes off as insincere; especially with Arbow. Making it feel like students are viewed more as subjects to be managed rather than individuals with genuine emotions. I worry about the potential negative impact of such an environment on children's learning. While the administration might claim students are excelling academically, I recall a time in third grade when my struggles were downplayed. If parents are kept in the dark about their child's actual progress and rights, then it becomes too easy for the administration to manipulate the truth. Parents should be empowered to advocate for their kids' safety and well-being. Let's also mention the issue of diversity and racism. When I was at Nancy Ryles I n oticed a lack of diversity among students. Discussions regarding racism were often handled superficially, failing to address its historical context or present-day implications. This lack of understanding can severely limit students' awareness and empathy. It feels as if Monica Arbow cares more about the school's image over honesty and the well-being of its students. There needs to be a greater awareness of what's happening within the school environment, alongside a commitment to listening to students' experiences. Every child deserves a supportive, nurturing place to learn. My dad makes regular visits to Arbow, and both of us expect higher standards than what we've observed, especially compared to when a more compassionate leadership was in place. I've lost respect for Monica Arbow's title and just her as a person because she thinks being a principal is a power. Maia LaLonde · Former Student at Nancy Ryles and going into High School.

Had a blast here, loved the field days! bonus points because it gave me amazing wall ball skillsread more

When I went to this school for all of elementary the principal and teachers said that if a kid…read moredidn't tell a certain situation (such as a mean comment) to the closest adult right away that would be on the child and the other kid wouldn't be punished, I was always scared of bullying and those things happened wayyyy more in this school then any other school I went to in my life.

Great staff and students. :-) Wonderful community with a great blend of cultural backgrounds…read more Awesome after school and district activities like swimming, softball, soccer and dance. Long term principal and teachers who are sensitive to individual needs of students while considering the whole class. My daughter goes to Kindergarten at Durham Elementary. I was probably more nervous than her about starting school and getting into the groove. The teacher has been great. The staff was welcoming and had a BBQ to introduce us to the school. The event could have been more entertaining but it served its purpose. Her father and I also attended a back-to-school night shortly after school began. I was able to learn a lot that night and sign up to volunteer. The school district cannot fund a permanent librarian at Durham so parents take turns filling in. I signed up for that and "monthly binder" duty. Durham has fantastic play equipment and a nice covered area. It is set back behind an old school house, converted to a district building in 1986. It has one of the largest Elementary School libraries in the district and every student has an IPad, even Kinders. I have really enjoyed the time we have spent in this Durham Elementary so far and I'm sure it will continue to be an exceptionally positive experience.

This is a great pre school. It's very safe, the staff is joyful and caring, the programming and…read morelesson plans are thoughtful and communication with parents is excellent. We always recommend it to friends and family.

This school is so special! It's apparent how caring they are from your first contact with Brittany…read morein Admissions, to the front desk, to each and every teacher you encounter. My daughter has absolutely blossomed there thanks to her amazing teacher Mrs Mickel that goes above and beyond to teach these girls (and boys) how to conduct themselves responsibly and with accountability. You won't find this at most schools. I could go on and on... the science lab is so unique for K and up.. I just love this school!

This has been a great school for our daughter. She is flourishing there. We love the staff and…read moreteachers who are friendly and competent and all about our kids. They create and fun learning environment.

The main Ainsworth School was built in 1913. It added wings, colonies and adjacent classrooms. It…read moreis Portland's oldest continuously operating elementary school. Our group has meetings in the band room of the oldest part of the main school. Staff is great. Super cool, they have adult-size chairs and tables for meetings! My discovery was that an over 110 year old school building is perfectly excellent! I have had arguments with parent friends over the primacy of green schools and fancy new construction. My primacy is involved parents over everything, by a mile. The cleanliness, spirit of student work posted everywhere, the humbleness and economy of instruments, sheet music and more, demonstrates concretely what is really important for kids. Parents. Ainsworth School and any Portland school is a perfect venue to engage for meetings and to draw together all neighbors to do something in the neighborhood.

The transportation issue with this school is dangerous. No place to drop off kids. The buses pickup…read moreon dangerous streets. Seems like a good school but they have no place for student drop off so you are forced to drop kids off on busy streets.

We truly enjoy this school, the faculty and the families! This small private MI school offers small…read moreclass settings, advance language art, math and social science for each class. All the teachers are very caring and have direct communication with the parents. They will be opening a brand new school in a larger campus in 2022, we are all very excited. Check out this school, you won't be disappointed.

My son went to this school for several weeks over the summer. Last week they took his class to Blue…read moreLake, and did not apply sun screen on him all day. He has second degree burns, multiple blisters half the size of golf balls on his shoulders. When i called to speak to the school, the teacher in charge that day started yelling and saying it was my 7 year old sons fault for not coming to them to ask for sunscreen. I asked for a refund for the last week of camp due to the quality of care, missing the last day due to pain, and the entire weekend he spent crying and unable to put on a shirt. I was told they wouldn't even meet to discuss a refund for over a month.

This is in response to Blue R's comment below:…read more I have been a parent at Gabriel Park Preschool for the last two years and I don't think you have the right school. My son was in the 3 year old class last year and our teacher is beyond kind and compassionate and none of what was described in your post happened at our school while we have been there. There was not a child with genetic condition or diabetes enrolled last year, nor was there a decline in enrollment. Also, our president was male last Fall and our teacher has not left (and hopefully never will!) I am so sorry you experienced what you described, it sounds truly horrific! I just want to make sure you leave this under the appropriate school so that families can be warned.

We LOVE Gabriel Park Preschool! This is my daughter's first year. She is in the youngsters class…read morewhich is 2-3 years of age. She looks forward to school each week and I am always excited to see the new craft projects and hear about school. Teacher Jen is amazing! She always has fun new ideas for the kids and they just love her. This is a really fun and creative environment where children are able to go at their own pace and learn and play in their own create way. I can not say enough wonderful things. If you are looking for a cooperative preschool, this is it!