Reseda

This review is long overdue -not because I had nothing to say, but because I had SO MUCH to say!This is short version as site allows 2500 charachers.I am a mother with an older child in HS and experience with 6 schools due to moves/COVID/ family circumstances. I can compare. Sometimes you pay for what is NOT there as much as what IS. NO bullying in our experience. NO constant drama. NO feeling you or your child did something wrong just by walking through the door. Those things have enormous value.THE FIRST thing you notice at Kirk: the office staff smiles and is eager to help. No stiff faces making you wonder, “Did I park incorrectly? Is my shirt backward? What did I do wrong?” You check the box: “They are kind. They do not lack empathy. Continue.”Kirk values being smart AND kind. Children ask questions, express ideas, and think for themselves - not just memorize paragraphs for tests. More programs or homework do not automatically mean a better school. My older daughter’s 4th grade projects at another school involved tears. At Kirk, my younger daughter learned just as much, if not more, without that hassle.SCHOOL AWARDS - please do not take these for granted! At previous school, 23 out of 24 children received the Principal’s Award. Easier to name who did NOT get it, right? Imagine being that one child.At Kirk, teachers give an ACTUAL SPEECH about YOUR child, and the ENTIRE school listens. Their effort, growth, strengths. Not just a name and a piece of paper. Teachers actually know the children they are talking about!THEATER - the best musical theater program my daughter has attended. Concerts, open house, science fair - amazing!PE COACH - absolutely hilarious and loves ALL children. Thank you, Coach Eric!BULLYING - we have not seen it here. Yes, children argue! But cruelty goes against the whole atmosphere. Being nice is the expectation.PARENTS - the nicest I have met across 6 schools. Kind, sensible parents matter to YOUR well-being, too! Thank you GREATLY. I feel sad that fifth grade is the last year and we will have had only two years of this greatness.STAFF -Ms. Amanda, Lorena, Heather, Mr. Dave, Mr. Robert -AMAZING people who lead by example. My daughter called Ms. Heather “the one who is an angel.” Kirk’s kindness is as valuable as its academics.Parents, invest in your children’s future and avoid the personal toys - cars, bigger houses, etc. Those things can wait. Childhood cannot. Your children and their legacies will thank you greatly