New Roads School

We couldn't be happier. Wish all kids had the opportunity to be in such a supportive and well rounded environment.

Context: New to the area family. Two kids across two grades (2nd & 3rd).Teachers: We've found the teachers to be very invested in our children as individuals. They partnered with us to provide me context on where my child was strong & where we could invest time. The teachers were patient and did a great job at including all the children in class in teaching. We had one child who is very quiet and would not raise her hand when she did not understand, resulting in not completing in class assignments... and the teacher found that place where she would gently draw my child out; but not make her too uncomfortable. I feel that the teachers care and am very happy with the relationship. One of my daughters, while walking home, just freely said that she loved her teacher. That's a powerful indicator of the relationship these students are developing.Principle: Very involved, and cares. He's doing a great job ensuring a positive learning opportunity. I'd give him an A+.Academic Rigor: My children came from private school (1st grade) and were behind when it came to state testing standards when starting at Grant. Working with the teachers, who sent home (by request) material, I reinforce lessons that got them from behind the pack to the mid-range by mid year. Coming from behind is never easy, but I felt that we left that grade at a reasonable place. I couldn't have done it without great collaboration with the teachers.The following year, one of my children is now in the top percentile (both class and state) and the teacher has given her appropriately challenging material. The other child is still running mid-pack, and her teacher is working with me to reinforce topics as home, still working on her quietness. I am comfortable I can keep her improving and I know I have a partner at the school.Social Commentary: My kids have developed deep and meaningful relationships with their classmates. They occasionally write each other letters, have playdates, and talk about working together on assignments during our walks home. This is important as Grant is in a very diverse part of Santa Monica, with both high-income and lower-income families. There is no perception of "status" among the kids or the parents. I have felt very welcomed and my children, who we check in with often, have not reported any social issues that aren't normal and common for their age. Issues, like bullying, are immediately addressed and have not become problematic.

As an extremely engaged parent here at McKinley who is also of mixed race, I am troubled with some of the reviews here and want to take a second to address them from a parent's perspective. We moved to this area specifically so that our children could attend this school so we had high expectations. The bottom line is that McKinley meets our high standards for delivering superior education and we love this school even more because of our principal Dr. DW! I find her to be receptive, engaging, creative and WARM. You can tell she loves these kids and is committed to helping them succeed.Some of the teachers have been there for 30+ years, while others are new so there is a blend between practices and I like hearing that teachers are working together and collaborating to help my son reach our literacy goals. This is a very multicultural school and also Title 1 meaning that we have a blend of various socio-economic backgrounds. This an OPPORTUNITY for my children to be exposed to new cultures, different ways of thinking and building an environment that is accepting and nurturing. I like that we celebrate this diversity in the school and that they welcome families to be included in initiatives.Just came back from an awesome pizza and math night for families and I'm really jazzed about how many families showed up to learn from math experts and had FUN! I'm also excited about the recent arts night, our multicultural day, talent show, fall harvest and upcoming Jog-a-thon! This is an incredibly fun and special community. Everyone is welcome to help build it into what they envision, but you can't expect teachers to do it all. So roll up your sleeves and come and grow this community with us, our kids will be better for it.

My child's experience at Wildwood has been nothing short of incredible. Caring teachers, work that is interesting to my child. When I pick up at the end of the day and ask how things went, my child says "school was fun." Nothing makes me happier.

I’d like to offer my heartfelt review for this wonderful, caring, and incredible school. By far, the greatest part of the school is the people who make it up: the creative, highly educated and academically prepared teachers; the present, friendly, professional staff; the sweet, diverse and supportive student body…My young children run into school excited to learn, and run up to me when I pick them up, with smiles on their faces, chattering about their day. The principal, Mr. Browning, is hands-on, kind, and cares deeply about maintaining academic standards and a safe and equitable learning environment. Saint Anne’s is an intimate school, with much parent involvement. I felt welcome right away when we started at the school in August of 2023. There are programs at school like the orchestra that rounds out the education, and after school has STEM projects if you stay after with Boys and Girls’ club (run but the wonderful Xaria). I’m excited to hear about improvement projects that are lined up, such as a small climbing area for the TK/K, and an area to play soccer that will be coming down the pipeline. It’s such a special and unique school that strives to put the social-emotional well-being of our children next to the other priority of academics. A no-tolerance policy for bullying, and the mission of raising our little ones into confident and upstanding young men and women is woven into the fabric of the school and its vision. I’ve been so happy hear and would recommend interested parents to come and check us out!

My family has had a truly wonderful experience at Crossroads. The teachers are thoughtful and invested in providing rich and meaningful content as well as supporting the social and emotional growth of students. The school community has been welcoming and supportive with many opportunities for parents to connect with teachers, administrators and each other. Both of our children have been very happy at school!