Almaden Valley

We were looking for a supportive and warm environment for our creative, sensitive student and found it at ACDS.We visited over ten different middle schools in the area and the stand out for us was ACDS. From the moment we arrived on campus, we had a gut feeling about the school, the warm, supportive environment, the friendly and articulate teachers and the super helpful staff. Our student started during the pandemic and we witnessed ACDS’ administration, staff and teachers bending backwards to return the students to the classroom while providing as rich of an experience as possible. They poured resources and time into ensuring a safe environment and return. Communication was excellent and we always felt well informed and that our child was taken care of. The school values protecting the joyous time of childhood and when you walk around the place feels happy and full of energy. We found in middle school they also encourage independence and exploration of interests. It’s amazing how many electives the middle school offers (I think it was over 40). Our child loved the maker's space and the leadership classes and always had something to look forward to. He never wanted to miss a day of school.Many of the local middle schools push “rigor” and try to accelerate the kids' academics. We felt ACDS was able to balance rigor through project based learning and by encouraging curiosity. Our child is now in an academically focused high school and thriving both academically and socially so we know ACDS provided a strong foundation. He also grew in his independence and is comfortable with advocating for himself. I think it’s important to note that no school is absolutely perfect, but a school can be the perfect fit for your student. Our child enthusiastically wanted to attend ACDS and had a rich experience overall. We’re grateful for the school.

My child was traumatized while attending this school. At four years old, his teacher used to bang on his desk to “correct” him and, on one occasion, while attending the pre school program a teacher grabbed him by the shoulders and pushed him against a wall because he did not want to go to sleep.After we removed him from that school, he would cry and beg us not to take him there whenever we drove past the school. It took years for him to overcome the fear this experience caused.The teachers do not have ANY credentials, leaving little accountability. Despite the high cost, the school misrepresented my child’s abilities, presenting memorization as reading to impress parents. I am deeply upset that this school continues to operate and hope it is properly investigated and supervised. As parent you think you are giving your kid the best so you pay for a good, safe environment and this is what you get!