By sixth grade, my daughter had become deeply depressed at NGFS, and we were genuinely concerned…read morefor her mental health. Her early years were positive--she loved the Rainbow program, and we are especially grateful to Beth, who helped her develop a love of reading despite auditory processing challenges. Unfortunately, things changed significantly as she got older. In fourth grade, a tick bite during the week-long school trip was egregiously mishandled--whether due to a lack of protocol or a failure to follow one, the result is that she now lives with chronic Lyme disease. Our family has paid nearly $30,000 out-of-pocket for medical treatment, in addition to the high tuition we had already invested in the school. Academically, she was ahead in math, but when we advocated for her to take Math 1 in seventh grade, NGFS flat-out refused to consider it. After transferring to Greensboro Montessori, she was placed in Math 1 and earned a 96. She went on to earn As in each subsequent math course and is now in a senior-level math class as a 10th grader. Clearly, she was more than capable--she just needed a school willing to meet her where she was. My daughter ultimately asked to leave because she felt isolated and alienated. Although the school promotes inclusivity, she quickly realized this didn't seem to apply to students like her. When she tried to assert healthy boundaries with peers, she was often reprimanded--not for what happened, but for how she expressed herself. Ongoing micro-bullying from peers was never meaningfully addressed, even after I raised concerns. She thrived at Greensboro Montessori in 7th and 8th grade, where we found the environment far more supportive and attentive to real inclusivity. She is now thriving at Grimsley High School, where she has a 504 plan in place to support her health. To be fair, NGFS has a strong writing curriculum in the later elementary years, and my daughter's writing skills like owe much to those foundational years. But it's hard to reconcile that benefit with the emotional and physical toll she experienced. If I had to do it all over again, I would have moved her by third grade.

New Garden Friends School is a treasure in the Greensboro area. There is no other school that…read moreoffers a similar program. This school provides a safe, supportive, and gentle environment, rigorous academics, very low student teacher ratios, incredible academic support both in-class and one-on-one, a gorgeous campus in the historic woods of Guilford College, a social curriculum that teaches peacemaking, environmental sustainability, personal integrity, kindness and empathy, and community building, not to mention a fantastic arts program, and extra-curricular activities. I have been amazed at how my children have blossomed at this school. There is an incredible sense of community here and everyone knows each other by name and everyone is valued. Children are spoken to respectfully and encouraged to speak their truths, and parents are encouraged to be active in the classrooms and on campus. The school values inquiry-based and experiential learning, and outdoor education. I love that my children get to spend so much time outdoors each day and not stuck behind a desk or on a screen. They often have classes outside and regularly go on hikes through the surrounding historic woods. Starting as early as preschool, each class has their very own plot on the Guilford College farm directly adjacent to the school where they dig in the dirt, grow and care for their own plants, and learn about environmental sustainability. Students go on walks in the woods, care for streams, and develop a sense of wonder and joy as they spot fairy gardens and play amongst ancient oaks. It is truly magical. A childhood like this is priceless and we are so grateful that we found this school--so grateful that our children get to experience an education like this.

This is an amazing place! I never worry about my children while they are here. From the teachers to…read morethe administrative staff, everyone is kind, well trained, and thorough. I pick up my children every day better than I left them. From a mom that stayed home with her first child until he was 2. I have never felt very confident about leaving my children under another's care, but I never worry about them at Greensboro Montessori. They love their teachers and their teachers love them. Everything from the curriculum to the manner in which they speak to the children is purposeful and kind. In addition to being well cared for, my 2 children, 3.5 and 1.5, are also learning. My kids have been to other schools and we visited other daycares before we decided on Greensboro Montessori, but none compare. They have a magical formula of learning through exploration and play. They treat children like little explorers and scientists, guiding their play. There is no competitive helicoptery vibe. They simply look for opportunities to tie information into a child's natural exploration. Children explore different "works" rather than cheap toys. They play with sand and water, paint and blocks with the intention of figuring out how we function in the world rather than being "entertained." They also spend a lot of time outside with nature, walking in the nearby woods and gardening which I value tremendously. Children are also encouraged to be independent. Each child is considered at their own level and challenged to do things for themselves in a kind and supportive environment. I was surprised to find when my son started here at 2 all the things that he could do for himself and was eager to do. Everyone needs a purpose and children are the same. This school provides children with a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow. The school also provides helpful seminars on evidence-based gentle parenting techniques and fosters a real sense of community. There are regular events for all ages and opportunities to participate/volunteer. We considered schools that were more budget, providing diapers and multiple meals and snacks as part of tuition, but none had the level of caring and commitment I feel here. This place isn't simply caring for your children and keeping them alive, but constructively and mindfully creating a complete environment for children to become well rounded, empathic, intelligent people.

The school is amazing I love the way that they teach children through unusual methods and really…read moreteach them about what's important like layer of gardening and teaching math on an abacus

The preschool program is terrible and the administration does not care!…read more I was told by 3 different staff members that would be able to stay with my 3 year old on his first day and get him acclimated because he has some attachment and sensory issues. On the 1st day of school, I took my kid to the playground, the teacher opened the gate, ushered my child in, and then off he went into his classroom and I was left confused and very upset. I then received an email stating that no parents are allowed on the playground or inside the classroom at drop off or pick up. I was shocked. This raised a huge red flag with me and it only got worse from there. I was never greeted by any of the teachers at drop off or pick up. Every time I pulled into the parking lot, I saw all 4 preschool teachers congregated in one spot, talking to each other, not supervising, talking to, or playing with the children. When I asked specific questions about my son's day, they replied with general statements such as "It was a good day" or "We played so much today". They informed us that hand foot and mouth disease was going around their classroom and when I asked what their procedure was for washing the toys with soap and water and disinfecting them, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, and washing soft toys in the classroom, the head of the school told me there weren't any policies in place. That they never wash or wipe down the toys and surfaces, but only use a disinfectant spray. This is a violation of the NC state law requirement for health and sanitation in a preschool classroom. I finally get to see my child's classroom and it is disgusting. Grime, food and dirt on toys, chairs, tables, and surfaces the kids frequently touch. Exposed outlets galore and hazardous chemicals are kept where children can reach them. At pick-up one day, his teacher informed me that he had trouble opening his lunchbox and spilled all of his lunch on the floor. She said they do not have extra food for children so, guess what, he just didn't eat that day at school! He was STARVING when I picked him up. Why didn't anyone call me and let me know so I could bring him more food?? I picked him up one day and he had a huge scrape on his knee that had bled. I asked what happened and he said he fell on the sidewalk outside. I asked his teacher what happened and her response was "I don't know". Didn't turn to the other 3 teachers who were on the playground when it happened and ask them if maybe they saw something. Just said "I don't know" over and over.  They do not take the children to the potty before going outside or at any time of the day which leads to frequent accidents. The kids have to change themselves and aren't cleaned off, aren't made to wash their hands, nor do the teachers wash their hands. They spend the entire day outside (no matter how hot it is) where they play by themselves and the teachers socialize with each other. They claim their teachers have "extensive education and experience in early childhood" but only one teacher has some education in the field. AND they took my 3-year-old on a bus, off-campus, and did not tell us!!! To top it all off, when I went to the head of the school with my concerns, she did not seem phased one bit. She made excuses for each issue and offered no resolution. At the end of an hour-long meeting of expressing my legitimate concerns for my child's safety and health, she said "Thank you for bringing your concerns to me, we will try to do better moving forward". That was it. No resolution, no looking into things to find out what is happening, nothing. I emailed the head of school and told her I was pulling my child out of the preschool (yes, even though I would not be getting a refund of my $12,100) and I told her exactly why I was doing so. I did not even receive an email back, she did not care at all. I would NOT put my child here. The staff put on a facade that they are a great, friendly school where kids can thrive and grow but they are the exact opposite!! These are things easily seen if you are paying attention, know what to look for, and aren't distracted by their attempts to convince you the school is "great". You do not want to pay $12,100 for them to merely babysit your child and not keep them safe!! If you currently have your child enrolled here, please start asking more questions and paying close attention, you will see for yourself!

What is up with all the trash on the ground when you enter Grimsley high school? It is…read moreembarrassing! Don't they have custodial or yard maintenance workers? How about getting the students out there to clean it up! What a terrible example for our youth!

Grimsley High School - Best High School around. Has new cafteria!!!read more

Omg i can't believe anyone would recommend this school. It's a complete mess forcing parents to…read morefill out forms that are not legally required to be filled out. The kids are so bad. They take kids for enrollment numbers doesn't matter if the child is violent. Staff hates me because I complain. I moved my daughter out this year because I am sick of it. Carline is insane especially if you have 2 kids at different schools. Teachers don't respond to emails and you are lucky if the deans respond.

I love this school! They do so much to involve families and the community. Students feel safe and…read morehappy there. They offer almost every grade level, so you do not need to look any further for a great school.

This is an amazing school. It has helped my children tremendously, and you can tell that the staff…read moreloves these kids truly check them out.

From the owner: Our mission at Shining Light Academy is to educate and train our students in truth and…read morerighteousness. By doing this, we support and strengthen families and the local church. We believe that not only is it important to know how to make a living, but also to know how to live, with Christian principles providing a framework for everyday living. We have an exceptionally strong academic program, and our standardized test scores consistently exceed national and state averages. Our graduates are also accepted at renowned colleges and universities throughout the country. We also provide extraordinary opportunities in the arts and athletics. Contact us today to learn more about our Christian approach to a well-rounded education and schedule a tour of our school in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Absolutely love the staff at both The Baby House side and Northwest Day side. I have had children…read morein both buildings, and they have always been loved on and deeply cared for. Their hours of 7am-6pm work for my schedule, but as childcare is in high demand, you need to call and get on their waitlist as soon as possible. The facilities are continuously sanitized, the play area is age appropriate, and the teachers are fantastic. If you have a due date, it's time to get on their waitlist.

I wasn't raised in a generation where day schools were looked at as places better than being at…read morehome. But this place teaches my child things I would never be able to teach. And my child's social skills are above and beyond advanced for her age because of this school.