N Orange Rd, Athol, MA 01331

I just want to say that the reviews of this school that claim it's "too laid back" are really puzzling to me. Maybe the school has changed, because I don't find it lax at all... kids get appropriate (but not ridiculous) amounts of homework, the work is presented in a fun and enjoyable way, and kids are excited about learning. And they have recess, which is important (on a beautiful, well-equipped playground by the woods). They are encouraged to be kids but also to learn... and to CARE about their learning. Yes, they address some teachers and staff by their first names, so what? They respect them a great deal and what's more, there is actual caring, personal concern and affection in this school community, and kids ENJOY going to school. More likely, I think parents used to very traditional, rigid schooling models may just not be used to kids who are learning because they WANT to... if it looks like "fun" instead of "work" they are suspicious? Well, I am all for that apparently very novel concept that school and learning SHOULD be fun, not agony! This school accommodates many learning styles, not just the left-brain, sit-still-for-hours type. But they are learning!