Happy Sunshine Kids

I’ll admit, I had my reservations about progressive education. I wasn’t sure what it would look like in practice or whether it could truly support both academic rigor and childhood wonder.But Walden School has exceeded every expectation. The thoughtful integration of childhood and curriculum here is unparalleled. Students don’t have to choose between joy and depth, they get BOTH! Learning is purposeful, inquiry-based, and steeped in real-world connections, and yet it still honors the magic, play, and imagination of childhood.What I’ve come to appreciate most is that progressive education at Walden isn’t a trend or a talking point. It’s a deeply intentional way of being: where teachers know children well, where leadership is visionary and values-driven, and where growth, intellectual, emotional, and ethical is the goal for every member of the community.As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful to have found a school that sees children as whole people and learning as a lifelong, transformative experience.

Our family recently left Alverno, and while there were some positive aspects during our time there, we ultimately had a number of concerns that led to our decision. We want to acknowledge that most of the teachers we had over the past few years were great.Communication from the administration was inconsistent. Emails regarding important or sensitive issues often went unanswered, while less critical topics received quick replies. This created a sense of selective responsiveness that made it difficult to feel heard or supported.The school regularly holds fundraisers, but there is little transparency around how the money is used. Even after the high school portion of the campus closed, there was no clear update on the school’s financial state, which left many families with unanswered questions.Leadership structure also appeared unclear. Although there is a designated Head of School, much of the day-to-day management seems to be handled by another administrator. There was also a lack of clear, timely communication about school activities and events, which often felt disorganized or last-minute.Parents were not informed when teachers or aides left, returned, or were newly hired. We had particular concerns when the only clearly credentialed Kindergarten teacher was removed from her position and demoted to an aide role. She eventually left the school mid-year, and there was no formal announcement or explanation provided.This past year, two male recess proctors were hired without any introduction to families. One was later moved into an aide position, again without notice, to fill an open aide position.Students share that they are scared of certain staff members, noting they were frequently “yelled at.” There were also ongoing concerns about campus security. For example, food delivery drivers were observed walking through student areas during the school day to deliver orders to the people renting the Villa (for filming or weddings), raising questions about supervision and access control during school hours.Unfortunately, while the school promotes itself as a nurturing and community-oriented environment, our experience was the opposite. Lack of communication, unclear leadership, financial opacity, and questionable hiring decisions all contributed to our decision to leave. We hope the school takes these issues seriously and makes the necessary changes for the sake of the families still enrolled.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in Pasadena is more than just an educational institution; it's a vibrant community that fosters a strong sense of togetherness and support. Stepping onto the campus, the warmth and camaraderie among parents, teachers, and students are immediately evident, creating an environment that values collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals.The school's commitment to building a robust community is reflected in its initiatives to foster meaningful family relationships. Recognizing that a child's education is a collaborative effort, Assumption School actively encourages parental involvement. This collaborative spirit is nurtured through various events and activities that bring families together, creating a supportive network that extends well beyond the classroom.The staff and teachers at Assumption School play a pivotal role in nurturing this sense of community. Their friendly and approachable demeanor ensures that parents feel not only welcomed but also valued as active participants in their child's educational journey. Open lines of communication contribute to a strong sense of trust, addressing concerns promptly and effectively.A highlight of the school's community-focused approach is the diverse array of events and activities that encourage family participation. From engaging parent-teacher meetings to special school events such as Family Fun Night and impactful community service projects, Assumption School provides numerous opportunities for families to come together, form bonds, and actively contribute to the vibrant school community.The sense of belonging extends beyond formal school hours, with Assumption School actively encouraging parent involvement in various extracurricular activities. Whether volunteering for school events, participating in fundraisers, or joining parent committees, there are plentiful avenues for parents to actively engage in their child's educational journey.Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School excels not only in delivering top-notch education but also in fostering a community where everyone feels connected and supported. It serves as an exemplary model for schools aiming to create a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for students and their families.