Parkwood

Great teachers and staff. Very communicative and responsive. The PTA and wider community are heavily involved.

There is a mean girl culture that is rampant at the school and it is well known throughout the Kensington community. Many families of past generations who went there say the same thing about the bullying that is allowed to happen and remains unchecked. It is an unwelcoming environment from parents, and the Principle had done nothing about, but seems to favor the primary PTA clique that runs the school. Sadly, the mean girls are just like their parents and it's learned behavior. Unfortunately, the teachers or administration are not redirecting this bad behavior when they see it. It's so ironic they proclaim to value the 4 C's to include compassion, when they actually place no value on those virtues by allowing bullying to spread rampant. There is no doubt families will be removing their funding due to the administration looking the other way.

We've had a wonderful experience here. Our toddler has truly thrived in this environment and looks forward to school every day. The teachers are kind, attentive, and have created a space where children can build confidence, independence, and practical life skills at their own pace.The outdoor setting is something special. The children spend so much time exploring, caring for their environment, and learning through hands-on experiences that simply wouldn't happen in a traditional or typical setting. Believe me we’ve toured a lot of schools! I know the school received some criticism in the past, but I really believe they've come a long way. The leadership has made meaningful improvements, communication is open, and parents are included in the process. It feels collaborative, and the staff genuinely welcome feedback. I'd happily recommend this school to families looking for an authentic Montessori program with a strong connection to nature, lots of outdoor time, and teachers who truly care about the children.