Walnut Trails

My child attended Oak ridge for one year. I did not feel that there was adequate support for children with very high needs for social emotional support and I felt like it severely impacted my typically developing child’s physical and mental health. After transferring schools my child is doing much better! I think the teachers and staff were kind and really care about the kids but there was simply not enough staff for the level of needs the kids had. My child came home sharing some very shocking stories, language, experiences from interactions with other kids. I was very unsatisfied with how bullying on bus was handled. As much as I liked the outdoor model and the staff at the school I could never recommend this school. It was a constant source of stress for me and my child.

Most of the comments are about the food having insects, spiders being everywhere, safety being horrible, and frequent fights. Compared to other schools the fights are low, stats are high compared to statewide, teachers are respectful and actually help you learn if you do the stuff your supposed to and more. There is a bit of racism around. Slurs are heavily punished and have not heard one in my 3 years. If you are considering enrolling your child at BHMS, it is important not to rely solely on promotional messaging. While the school is not inherently bad, it falls short in several areas and may not be the best option for every student. With significant parental involvement and close monitoring of academics, students can succeed; however, there are other schools that may provide a more well-rounded experience, such as Dakota.The school environment is generally safe, and student behavior is kept under control through strict enforcement, though this approach can sometimes feel excessive rather than supportive. While safety and structure have improved and continue to be addressed, these efforts do not always translate into a positive day-to-day experience for all students. The administration is functional but inconsistent, lacking strong leadership in certain situations.The strongest aspect of BHMS is its teaching staff. Teachers are knowledgeable, dedicated, and do an effective job preparing students for the academic demands of high school and beyond. Instruction is generally thorough, expectations are clear, and educators consistently go beyond minimum requirements to support student learning. There are no widespread issues with drugs, bullying (when concerns are properly reported and addressed), or frequent fights.

High school was pretty good. Prepared me for college.