Bluffside Gardens

There was a parent who reviewed the school from a few years back, saying the teachers don't teach standards and just spew liberal filth. This parent is really off base. I have a senior and freshman at this school, and both are high academic achievers who feel fully supported by their teachers. There is no teaching of any political bias at the school... just facts but some folks want to equate teaching factual history to teaching liberal politics. There's a very active student government, tons of clubs for all interests, great sports, amazing music education (band, jazz band, orchestra, vocal ensemble, guitar and modern band), an agriculture and horticulture area so there's a FFA chapter and more leadership opportunities through that as well. If you are considering NHHS, I would strongly recommend joining one of the magnets (Highly Gifted, STEM, Zoo) or SAS program. But there is a home for all types of learners at this school. Also, the guidance counselors are amazing and really work to make sure college bound kids are on track to meet the UC and Cal State requirements for admittance. Love this school!

With two daughters at Reed at the same time, I have two perspectives. Both my girls are in SAS academies; one is a superachiever, the other gets mostly "As" but struggles with math, as well as anxiety.First, the good: SAS courses are rigorous and almost every teacher is engaged and excited to be there, which of course makes the students engaged and excited to be there. I've been particularly impressed with Humanities English -- there's a real focus on writing and reading full-length novels that I appreciate. History teachers in both Humanities and MAT are sharp and passionate. The MAT course included a unit on identifying reliable sources both in news coverage and in history research that I though was invaluable. And my superachiever has become a fan of math and algebra thanks to her teachers. And the music -- oh, the music! Reed has a phenomenal music program where students can learn how to play an instrument of their choice (their own voice, if they like) and progress to solos and competitions. Both my girls now play multiple instruments... and are actually GOOD. Listening to them practice doesn't hurt anymore! Neither of my daughters has been bullied or harassed, each has a solid friend group and good relations with teachers and counselors.Now the bad. Middle school has been tough for my less confident daughter, who struggled so much with anxiety she stayed home from a good portion of sixth and seventh grade. Counselors were slow to address the issue... I suspect, particularly in sixth grade, that they were overwhelmed with fighting and other behavioral problems elsewhere on campus as students reaccustomed to being in school following the pandemic. Still, my general feeling is that if your kid is quiet, a decent student overall, and doesn't act up but is struggling with school in some way, you'll have to advocate loudly to make sure he or she is noticed and doesn't fall through the cracks. They won't do the noticing for you.And to address the issue of fighting and school safety: it's much better now than it was a few years ago, and even then, it didn't really seem to affect SAS at all. Overall, my daughters feel safe at school.

My child started attending Rio Vista in 3rd grade. We are impressed with the quality of teachers and rigorous academic standards the school has provided my child. The PTA is an integral part in the involvement of parents and the surrounding community. The school holds events that encourage fun, safety, sustainability through the garden program. The music programs are such a delight to watch and it incorporates historical content and entertainment.