Our kids began St Francis in 2021 (5th & 6th grades) and it has been life-changing. It's truly a…read morehidden gem for families seeking a college preparatory education in a welcoming, structured environment. With varied academic levels--including AP, Honors, and two tiers of College Prep, students are both challenged and supported, allowing every student to thrive & receive the individual attention they deserve. Our son struggles with executive functioning and has thrived with the supportive routines; our daughter, a more typical learner, has also excelled. The curriculum is intentionally process-oriented, broken down into manageable segments so students gain mastery, not just memorization. There's a strong emphasis on organizational skills, note-taking (Cornell method), research skills, and effective study habits. The mandatory "Homework Hour" and use of assignment planners help students build discipline and self-reliance; as parents, we appreciate that most homework is completed at school. It's an excellent fit for students with dyslexia or ADHD, but also offers plenty of challenge--including Honors and AP options, for academically advanced or typical learners. St Francis sets high, but appropriate, expectations for all. A previous post mentioned the point system. This system is an amazing way to help students with accountability. The post mentioned 3-10 kids per week that might have to wear the uniform on Fridays. This point system is at the K-8 campus. That equates to about 1-2% of the kids each week. That means ~99% get their homework completed each night and don't have a behavior issue at school. We have not experienced any vaping or bullying, the staff, creates a safe community. Students and staff are respectful and kind. Both staff and admin are accessible, present on campus, and genuinely care about each child. Our experience with the school's college guidance program has been especially impressive; counselors work closely with students to chart a successful course to their desired college. If there's a weakness, it's that the campus buildings and grounds aren't new and flashy. It's important for prospective families to know that the academic excellence and caring community here far outweigh how our campus compares to some of the other newer private school campuses. If you're searching for a school that prioritizes strong values and a college preparatory path, St Francis deserves your attention. We are deeply invested in this community, and are grateful every day for what this school offers. St Francis is one of those rare places where students are truly known, respected, and equipped with the habits and confidence needed for lifelong success. We love St. Francis and are proud to recommend it wholeheartedly!

don't come here, or send your kids here. it will physically and mentally drain the crap out of you…read more this school advertises unity and community, but that couldn't be farther then the truth. the stuff cares about anything but your self worth and your well being. They don't care about how your doing mentally or physically. The counsalrs don't do crap. don't just come here because it's "fancy" or "collage prep" Because that said "collage prep," is just making you work harder in school during summer just so the staff can get a extra pay check. if you want your kids to feel good about them selves, don't send them here. Bullying= they don't help. waste of time and money. do better SFHS

HORRIBLE school. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS TO SCHOOL HERE!! RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!!! My daughter went…read moreto KG for summer school for barley 2 weeks and teachers BULLIED her and took the innocence's away from my 5 yr old. 1. They put your kid in time out without telling parents! (they tried putting my 5 yr old in time out because she made a elephant noise WHEN making elephants with the rest of the class. ) You are A SCHOOL NOT DAYCARE. 2. My daughter had something in her shoe from playing outside so she tried to stop in line and take it out, the teacher told her "i dont care keep walking" and didnt even check her shoe when they returned - because of this my kid had a huge sore on her foot. 3. My husband and I saw a teacher PULL a KG back in line BY HIS SHIRT because he tried running to his mom (who was a few steps away from him). Who grabs a KG attention like this, by yanking them by the shirt? wouldnt you try to get their attention instead of laying hands on them? 4. My kid asked for extra ketchup and the teacher said "you dont get anymore ketchup, do i look like a ketchup farmer?" and walked away. Now, dont get me wrong, my kid can take jokes because we are that kind of family, but this was intentional BS behavior, especially from teachers! 5. My 5 year old came home crying asking why teachers hate her, pick on her and saying how there are NEVER teachers on the playground to come to when she needed help. So, the teachers arent watching 5 yr olds play on the playground? I voiced my concerns to the "summer school principle" and ALL SHE DID was make up excuses, not even acknowledge my concerns. You are unorganized, unprofessional, and def shouldnt be teachers and being in charge of other peoples kids. What excuses are there for a teacher to pull a 5 yr old BY THEIR SHIRT, and speak to them the way they spoke to my kid? And now i cant transfer my kid out of this district because i "missed the deadline" while my kid was getting bullied by the teachers in this district instead? PATHETIC SCHOOL. RUN AWAY. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS HERE!!! THANK YOU WOODLAND FOR TAKING THE INNOCENTS OUT OF MY 5 YEAR OLD AND TAKING THE JOY OF SCHOOL AWAY FROM HER

I love Woodland Elementary! They have very dedicated teachers and staff. I have volunteered there…read moreon many occasions and have seen good things happening. I have been very welcomed and appreciated. This is a title one school and I am amazed at the amount clubs and fun things for the students to be a part of. The dedication and commitment of the teachers truly shows. Their Science Olympiad team is ranked as one of the top in the State. It seems like some parents should appreciate what the school and its teachers do for their kids.

Honestly not that great. I was too focused on my own studies to care about the rumors of some…read moreteachers behaving poorly, but I feel I wasn't taught anything here. They told us they were preparing us for the adult world, but the workload and difficulty at cottage going into a real college was like doing the tutorial for a children's educational game (not unlike those you played on the fisher price tablets in the 2000s) then being thrown into an end game dark souls boss fight. They don't teach you to handle your executive dysfunction or ADHD, they see someone excel academically and assume they don't need help. They didn't prepare me for the adult world, I survived through sheer luck and clawing my way back up to stable ground. That said, while the school itself failed me, there were many teachers who made the hell of my teenage years bearable.

I attended this high school as a young teenage girl, and graduated five years ago. I struggled…read moreprimarily with mental health, not cognitive disabilities which made me much more aware of the injustices that the kids suffer at the hands of SOME of the staff. Three examples: As a minor, at 17 years old, I was locked in a room with the two female counselors (with no adult representing me or any parent present for such a conversation) while the counselors (Tanya & Margaret) randomly started to tell me I should not be having *** at my age or with the boy I had a crush on at the time. I was confused because I had not been active and I was a young girl. When I said that I was not active, they rolled their eyes and said "stop lying, you are the kind of girl. we see this all the time." Absolutely disgusting and inappropriate conversation to have with a minor. My parents were furious. The second example is: I excitedly told my teacher (Wilfred) that I had been accepted to the University of Alabama my senior year! Only for him to turn to me in front of all my classmates and say "You will flunk out anyway" and turned back to his computer. I was laughed at by all of my classmates and my only friend in school had to stand up for me to a teacher who should be viewed as a mentor and safe person, but instead was one of my biggest bullies throughout my time at The Cottage School. My third example was: I was living through a very difficult period of time at home and in my own mind. This put a big strain on my sleeping, and I was not getting proper sleep at all. In the mornings, I was involuntarily falling asleep in my classes and would consistently be punished for it instead of anyone checking on my well being. Especially at a school that is supposed to have been specialized towards children with special circumstances. There were a thousand other instances that led to me deeming my time at The Cottage School to be mildly scarring for me as a young woman. However, I will say that Siree, Roshonda, Ryan and his wife Lydia, Katya, Lynn and Hector were the absolute highlights of that place, and should absolutely be recognized for the amazing and lasting impressions they leave on their students. True empathetic and patient angels, every one of them. With that said, I hope that The Cottage School can learn from what I've shared of my experience.

I love this church! Pastor Jordan and his whole congregation are so loving and welcoming! I'm so…read moreblessed to become a member!

Teachers are amazing and so good with kiddos. Shout out for Special Needs Teachers and PA.read more

This place is awesome so far. The community feel is something that you don't come across often…read more It's also the cleanest elementary school I have ever been in. So happy we have the chance to be apart of this family. Looking forward to a wonderful 7 years here.

I love This school I Acctully go here and they can't stress…read morehow much they prevent bullying and hurtful treading they love all of their students and their lunches aren't scary. All the teachers know your name it's the best school in the county it's always looking for what your kid needs in a learning environment and helps all kids this school is Definetly the best