Nottingham

Overall we've had a good experience with this school. The teachers are amazing and there are a lot of opportunities for community building here. The main issue is that some of the parents need to parent their children better. Also there is a huge learning disparity across the board in the classroom ... I know this comes from ESL and children not being read to, etc ... so the challenge is always laid upon the teacher to teach to those who are so far behind while also trying to keep the higher achievers busy so they don't become bored and/or not learning what they need to learn.

I would agree with a previous review indicating a high tolerance for bullying. Actually the bullying also comes from the principal as well as a few of the teachers. The principal ignores required documentation and caters to those who contribute financially. The MB School Board needs to be more aware of these issues and take appropriate action.

amazing my kids have learned so much and are always exited to go.

This is a wonderful school. Definitely a 10! As good as it gets. We moved here 6 years ago and have been at this school from Kindergarten thru 5th grade. Looking forward to attending the middle school. We also have a lot of parent involvement which makes a difference.

I attended Alabama Waldorf School from nursery through the 6th grade, and I can honestly attest that Waldorf was incredibly formative in my life. The atmosphere was warm and caring, and everyone knew one another, so I felt a sense of personal responsibility to everyone around me. I was always encouraged to focus on interpersonal relationships, kindness, honesty, and especially creativity, which became really important in my life - I started writing, pursued creative writing in high school and later in college at Yale, and am now getting an MFA in creative writing. I owe much of this passion for artistic creation to my upbringing at Waldorf. I will also add that I especially appreciate the way Waldorf discouraged using technology, playing video games, social media and so on. Growing up without technology gave me a lot more room to develop personally and creatively than kids at other schools were afforded, and I think that's even more important nowadays. I can't recommend Waldorf enough!!

I have had nothing but great experiences with St Francis Xavier Catholic school! I was new to the area when I first came across this school and since being a part of the school community my family and I have felt so included and welcomed! My family and I are also members of the parish but have met many families that are not and have chosen to send their kids to school here as they have also experienced the community here and the invest the entire staff puts into each child and their education! The teachers here work hard with each student to challenge them in their academics while also building up the whole person. I was met with honesty and clarity when I brought forth an issue I was seeing with my child, meeting with both the principal and teacher. I felt very supported and heard leaving that meeting, walking away with the comfort that the staff wanted what was best for my child and for my family and that they were willing to work with us to do that. I can not recommend this school enough!

My experience with Highlands is as a parent of two who started in kindergarten, as a board member (now chair), and as the brother whose sibling's children went through Highlands as well. So, over the nearly two decades of experience with the school, I can say that Highlands is a one-of-kind primary school opportunity for families in the region. The academics are comprehensive and appropriately preparatory for high school, but interspersed with them is a focus on public speaking, leadership skills and personal confidence, all while keeping an eye on what is perhaps most important -- the joy of childhood. Highlands is able to achieve this through an experienced faculty, a strong administration, and a healthy student/teacher ratio. (A lovely campus in suburban Birmingham doesn't hurt!)For those in the Central Alabama area interested in the independent school experience, Highlands is a fantastic option for your family.