First Colony

All agreed on these. Why? For emotional support, we'd have tiny lessons each month just so they'd make sure we were all well. Family. They would make sure we'd ask our family for help on HW, etc. Safety. I know all schools have done the drills, I know, I know. But not just that, they also added covers to our doors. Special education. Of course. Anyone with disabilities were surely given the support! I've always seen extra classes for them! Learning. My teachers would try to make learning fun sometimes! Of course we had our laugh. Lastly, teaching. Teaching was always made sure we processed everything in our minds.

The teachers are rude. The staff doesn't help with serious situations. The students are super disrespectful to the teachers. I used to be at this school a long time ago and I still remember parts of my experience. My mental health is still affected negatively from it to this day. Please do not bring your kids here. If it seems good it is because they are covering up the bad reviews from recent experiences. Just listen to where your kid wants to go and make sure it is good.

I went to highlands for 7 years, pre-k to 5th and it was AMAZING!! The teachers were all so kind, all the office staff was really caring, and I really think I learned a lot compared to any other school I’ve been to. Would really recommend :)).

The principal, Macklin is former military and runs this school like a boot camp. No care, compassion, or patience with the students. I had students with learning disabilities and she would call them into her office and yell at them. They would return to my classroom in tears. She kept a male teacher employed for years, knowing he regularly yelled at the students so loud it could be heard all over the school. This teacher would also slam his classroom door and throw things in the classroom in front of students. After a school program in the cafeteria where the students performed for their parents, the principal waited until all the parents left to yell at the students because the program wasn’t perfect. So sad! This was a horrible place to work, and I would never let my kids attend this school.

Ex-student here. While I was at this school, a teacher spread rumors about me and caused me great emotional distress. Also, while my sister was attending this school a fresh off the boat chinese kindergartener got her pants pulled down by 1st grade boys while she was washing her hands. The principal said that because she was chinese and new to America, she probably misunderstood, as if pantsing wasn't a disgusting action and instead a language barrier. Truly disappointed. Additionally, the teachers here pick favorites, and don't even try to hide it. If your parents are in the PTO, born in America, not disabled, and is generally likeable by teachers, then go here. Otherwise, stay far away.

Riverbend Montessori provides a very well-balanced curriculum that emphasizes math, reading/grammar/literary analysis, cultural studies and fine arts. We left the public school system after the 4th grade and witnessed an immediate change in our son. I thought Montessori was a laissez-faire approach to learning but that is not the case at Riverbend. The curriculum is structured in terms of content but flexible with how each student learns. The classrooms are mixed grade levels but the students operate at their own pace. Some are more advanced in math whereas others are not. The teachers are very much in tune with the students' academic, emotional and social developments. Learning is very tactile, utilizing tools (beads, boards, etc.) to reinforce understanding, not just memorizing. Homework is assigned with a purpose; incorrect math problems must be corrected to ensure mastery of the topics. Books are read and literary analyses are performed to understand setting, plot, theme and characters. Laptops are used for research but very much controlled and monitored. Field trips are common in order to reinforce their curriculum. Creativity is another strong point of this school. They have an annual play where all students have a role and creative writing when students present to parents. Elementary-aged students learn instruments (ukeleles, kalimbas) and recreate famous masterpieces (Van Gogh, Vermeer, Warhol, etc.). The culmination of all the hard work is on display at their end-of-year Art Festival where students showcase their art and perform musical ensembles.The teachers are nothing short of incredible; they are vested and believe in their students. They spend extra time with students and manage all field trips, including overnight ones. They encourage natural curiosity; champion building responsibility and accountability through hard work and perseverance; allow students to learn from their mistakes; and encourage them to advocate for themselves. After two years with this amazing school, we see a much more confident and mature child who is ready to take on new challenges. My only regret with Riverbend is not enrolling sooner. If you are looking for a school that will develop your child your child's love of learning, critical thinking skills and sense of responsibility, this is the school. If you want a babysitter, please look elsewhere.