Sierra Hills Elementary School

After three years at Live Oak Waldorf School—starting in kindergarten and now in first grade—I can say, with real confidence, that this is the kind of place families hope exists. The care is tangible the moment you arrive: children are known, greeted, and guided with warmth, and the campus feels calm, safe, and intentionally supervised. Drop-off and pick-up are organized and steady, and we’ve always felt our child is both physically safe and emotionally supported.What has stood out most is the quality of the teachers. They are deeply capable—clear expectations, strong classroom leadership, and a steady tone—while also being genuinely kind. When our child has had a hard day or a social challenge, the response has never been dismissive or dramatic. It’s thoughtful, developmentally appropriate, and aimed at helping children learn how to be with each other. Over time we’ve seen meaningful growth in confidence, independence, and empathy.Academically, we’ve been impressed by how strong the foundations are without pushing kids too fast. Literacy and numeracy are built in a way that feels integrated and human—our child is learning, but also staying joyful about learning. The emphasis on storytelling, hands-on work, movement, and the arts isn’t “extra”—it’s part of how understanding takes root. We’ve noticed better focus, richer vocabulary, and real pride in work, not just worksheets completed.Communication has been another bright spot. Teachers are responsive and specific, and we never feel surprised by what’s happening. We receive helpful context about classroom rhythms and what the children are working on, and when something needs attention, it’s handled early and respectfully. That trust matters.And then there’s the environment: outdoor time isn’t occasional; it’s woven into the day. The 40-acre campus gives children room to breathe, explore, and connect with the seasons. It’s hard to overstate how grounding that is—especially for young kids.If you’re looking for a school that develops the whole child—while building strong learners and strong humans, Live Oak is worth a visit. We feel grateful we found it, and even more grateful that our child gets to grow up here.

I have have had four children graduate from Forest Lake Christian and thank God for the good Christ centered education provided for them. While not perfect, they are attempting to instill in their students hearts a love for Christ and to equip their minds with the tools to serve Christ no matter what their calling. My chief criticism is regarding the contempory style for their chapels and music. Whatever happended to hymns? Also, the broadly evangelical mind set that does not clearly understand the Biblical issue of separation, i.e., Roman Catholics are not Christians if they are following Roman Catholicism teaching of a "works righteousness" rather that "Sola Fide", faith alone in "Sola Christus", Christ alone!