Redwood Day is great in so many ways, from the teachers, administration, the beautiful campus, and a true sense of community. I have two kids at the school, and I am grateful that I made the decision to send them here for these very important years of their education. For math, the School uses a hybrid form of Singapore Math, which for most parents seems very different from what we learned, but it works (and has success metrics – Singapore students have one of the highest math mastery in the world). They use a different model in the Middle School for the 6-8th span that equally prepares students for higher level math in High School. Redwood Day has ways for kids who need or seek more in math – my kids are always challenged. They also have a Math Olympics program and programs/staff to help students who may need additional support. I have never found Redwood Day to be lacking in helping my kids learn, grow, and master math. Culture and celebrations are also very integrated at the school – which celebrates everything from Latin, African American, Asian American, and Jewish Heritage months to Women’s History. Redwood Day is super inclusive, and my kids come home learning a lot about their friends’ cultural traditions. No school is perfect, but I believe that Redwood Day is always evolving, changing, and listening to the parent community. For discipline, I’m thankful for the social and emotional learning that starts in K and goes through 8th. Kids learn about choices, options for dealing with conflict, and what and how to make different (and better) choices when there is conflict. Kids learn self-awareness, self-regulation, critical thinking, and agency in working out their own differences – with the guidance and oversight of teachers, coaches, mentors, and role models. Personally, I prefer that my children talk through issues with their friends, take accountability, practice humility, and have the support of trusted adults to help them navigate challenges. Not everyone is the right fit for any school – and as a parent, it is absolutely on us to ensure that we find mutual synergy with the school, teachers, faculty, and community. For me, Redwood Day was the absolute right choice for my kids – and I know they are more because of it.
