Newark Junior High School

Having both my kids at Patterson for the last three years, I've seen how the teachers there really help them grow. I love this school which cares a lot not only about students' learning, but also their emotions and feelings. My older kid used to really hate going to school and would often end up in tears during preschool. But ever since starting at Patterson, things have totally turned around. The teachers there really looked out for her and always encouraged my child to express herself confidently. The vibe at Patterson has not only helped my kid academically but has also given her a major boost in self-esteem.Moreover, the school offers a diverse range of enrichment programs which are all led by Patterson teachers. From arts and crafts to dance and movement, debate, drama, coding, band, recorder, and more. Thanks to their enthusiasm, my kids have the opportunity to explore various activities and discover their passions. Ms. Dil (new principal), has brought about a lot of positive changes since she joined in 2022. She's super friendly and easy to approach. You can catch her walking around the campus, helping out kids and chatting with parents. Classrooms have been transformed into awesome maker spaces, flex rooms, and sensory areas, giving students even more cool stuff to explore and learn from.PTA also does a great job working with the school, putting together fun activities like bedtime story nights, fall and winter festivals, celebrations for the school's 65th anniversary, and even free art clubs for students. They're all about building a supportive vibe within the school. Patterson's been awesome for my kids, and I totally recommend it to parents looking for a school that's nurturing and academically challenging!

My child has been attending New Horizons School in Newark since Kindergarten, and I cannot express enough how thrilled we are with our decision. This school is truly a gem, and it has consistently exceeded our expectations over the years.One of the standout features of New Horizons is its outstanding curriculum. It strikes the perfect balance, challenging the children enough to foster genuine growth and critical thinking without ever overwhelming them. My child has thrived under this approach, developing a deep love for learning and a strong academic foundation.Beyond the core subjects, the school offers great language, art, drama, and computer programs. These specialized areas are not just add-ons; they are integral parts of the curriculum that truly enrich the children's educational journey and help them explore diverse interests and talents.The teachers and staff at New Horizons are incredibly seasoned and dedicated. We've always experienced open and consistent communication, making it easy to stay informed about our child's progress and address any questions or concerns. This collaborative environment between parents and educators is a significant strength of the school.What truly sets New Horizons apart is the passion and commitment of the school's owners. They are clearly educators at heart, constantly striving to bring the best and most innovative programs and activities to the school. Their vision and dedication are evident in every aspect of the school's operation.The school also boasts a very active and committed parent community that spans across all grades. This creates a supportive and engaging environment for both students and families, with plenty of opportunities for involvement and connection.On a personal note, my child has been progressing exceptionally well. Academically, he is well ahead of his peers in public school, which is a testament to the rigorous yet nurturing environment at New Horizons. More importantly, he has continued to be expressive, confident, and his unique personality truly shines through.We wholeheartedly recommend New Horizons School to any family looking for a nurturing, challenging, and enriching educational experience for their child. It's more than just a school; it's a community that fosters growth, learning, and individuality.

I’m writing this as a frustrated and disappointed parent who transferred to St. Edward School after Our Lady of Guadalupe closed. We hoped for a warm welcome and a supportive Catholic community, but what we found was bias, condescension, and an overall lack of compassion.Outsiders from Day One:From our very first communication, Principal Tina Cruz referred to us as “former OLG families,” making it clear we were never truly considered part of the community. Despite paying full tuition, we were treated as second-class. The cold, unwelcoming atmosphere made it obvious we didn’t belong.Dismissive Leadership & Poor Communication:As a single mom, I often felt judged. Concerns were met with a patronizing tone or ignored completely. The few replies I got from Principal Cruz often copied generic handbook language instead of actually addressing the issue. I never felt heard.No Support for Neurodivergent Students:My child has ADHD, and the school showed little knowledge or care about how to support him. One teacher told me “he’s probably grown out of it” — a shocking and harmful comment. Instead of accommodations or empathy, we got blame. My child was punished for symptoms of a condition the staff refused to understand.Discipline Without Compassion:Infractions were handed out for minor things — even making a classmate laugh. It felt like joy and personality weren’t allowed. Meanwhile, a clear culture of favoritism was in place. Certain students were treated with leniency, while others — especially us — were written up constantly. It felt discriminatory and unfair.Inadequate Response to Bullying:When my child was bullied, we were told to fill out forms, but little action followed. The bully continued. Reporting the issue made my child feel even more isolated and vulnerable, and the school’s inaction sent the message that their safety didn’t matter.Final Thoughts:We came to St. Edward seeking community after losing our previous school. Instead, we were met with coldness, bias, and neglect. If you have a child with special needs, or if you value fairness and real communication, I urge you to look elsewhere. St. Edward failed us in every way that matters.

Our kids have grown so much since starting at FCS—academically, socially, and in confidence. What we love most is how loving and supportive the environment is. Every teacher truly cares and puts their heart into the kids, and you can feel it every day.The small class sizes make a huge difference, too. Our kids get more attention, more guidance, and more chances to be heard. They’re not just another face in the crowd.We also really appreciate how the school values art and music. Our kids have discovered new interests and feel proud of what they create.Even though it’s a Christian school, there’s absolutely no pressure. There’s one Bible class and chapel once a week, but that’s it. Plenty of their classmates aren’t Christian, and everyone feels welcome.Overall, we’re just grateful. Our kids are happy, growing, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about them. It’s been such a good fit for our family.