Crestline Elementary School

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.

We moved our kids into the school system from a private school. They made an easy transition, and I found the academics just as challenging. I did not grow up in Alabama, but everyone was very welcoming. A great sense of community- amazing teachers, counselors and administration

I’m puzzled by the rating Great Schools has given this school, as it is so far removed from the reality and the rising state report card grades. My children have attended Avondale since the wonderful First Class Pre-K program. The teachers, administrators, and community partners are all phenomenal. The beautiful building, teaching farm and tennis courts on site, slate of after-school clubs, and active parent community all make it a special place.

For the past 8 years, our family has been part of the grades program at Alabama Waldorf School, and our lived experience has been one of deep care, inclusion, and genuine community.As an LGBT household, we can honestly say we have never felt merely “tolerated” here. We have felt welcomed, protected, and celebrated. We have consistently witnessed transgender, questioning, and LGBT children treated with compassion, dignity, and respect by teachers, staff, parents, and students alike. Several members of the school community are themselves LGBT or have raised LGBT children, and that lived understanding shows in the way children are supported as they grow and discover who they are.Academically and developmentally, Waldorf education has been extraordinary for our child. The delayed approach to reading and academics is often misunderstood, but it is rooted in respect for childhood development. Children first learn through play, storytelling, creativity, movement, relationships, and hands-on experience before abstraction and testing. Far from “falling behind,” most Waldorf students develop strong attention spans, curiosity, emotional intelligence, creativity, and a true love of learning that serves them exceptionally well later on.Our child has blossomed here into a confident, compassionate, morally grounded young person who genuinely loves learning.Beyond the education itself, the parent community has become one of the greatest gifts of our lives. We have built real friendships, found support through difficult seasons, and watched our child grow inside a vibrant, nurturing, deeply human community.

Terrible school. I would wholeheartedly not recommend this place to anyone. The administration is unfair and openly discriminatory, and students with special needs are treated horribly. Instead of providing support and proper education, they damage students’ confidence and negatively affect them long term. Favoritism is a serious issue here, and students are not treated equally or based on merit. The school prioritizes certain groups over others rather than creating a fair and respectful environment for everyone. Please warn others to avoid this school. Their treatment of students, lack of proper support, and poor educational environment show they do not deserve to enroll more students.

St. Rose Academy was a big part in our decision to move to Birmingham. It seemed like a great, nurturing place for our children, and we assumed we'd be in town for a good while. Six years later, we have no regrets! We have four boys who are all very different but have been served very well by their teachers, all of whom work together but are allowed their own individual freedom and emphases in the classroom. Of course, a main attraction is that the school is owned and run by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (aka Nashville Dominicans). The formation and virtues they teach the kids will always be with them; I know many alumni of the school, and while they are all different people, they are people of integrity who you'd want to have as friends. I appreciate that the school has made a commitment to racial diversity as well: of course, the kids don't notice that...they're just all friends! There is also great economic diversity in the school. Some people pay full price, some pay very little, many pay something in the middle. Even though it is a Catholic school, there are many non-Catholic families, none of whom are excluded in any way (either parents or children). This is very important to our family, as we want our children to grow up around people of all races, socio-economic levels, and religions so that they will know how to make their way in the world. Academically, St. Rose is always the highest performing Catholic school in Birmingham. Gifted options are available, too. The school has adequately addressed instances of bullying, too, to the point that I have not heard of any incidents in the past few years. Religious education is excellent, and the administration is both efficient and adaptive. If you think St. Rose might be a good fit for your child, just check it out! We had little money six years ago, and the principal at the time worked with us. We are eternally grateful. Go Knights (although our family thinks the historical mascot, the Llama...associated with St. Rose of Lima herself...should come back!!!)