Ideal School

As someone else stated already, it seems more like a stage show. More days off than public school. They count party days as school days, and these usually result in half days. Sometimes the school is closed an entire day before and/or after the party to prep or clean up. So one "show" or "party" day results in 2 missed days of school. These also will require parent participation and/or donations on a regular basis. If you have a household with two working parents like us, it will be a problem at this school. I'm not sure we had much communication with the owners after initial tour. This place felt more like a club than a school. The student/teacher ratio is not accurately conveyed either. The experience did not come close to the vision that was sold to us. I will say that I do think there are some good teachers at this school, but I'm not sure the owners allow them to perform at their fullest potential. Aftercare is just a free for all with kids of all ages from all grade levels mixed into one room. Don't just accept what is told to you at time of tour. Trust your gut. Some of these reviews are written by employees of the school, and some are no doubt solicited.

The Ideal School is truly remarkable. Mrs. Soderman has a clear vision of caring for and teaching children to be great in terms of intellect and compassion/humanity. We couldn't be happier with the school and the education our child is receiving.

Why I chose Ideal School for my three children:Whole Child Development & Life Skills Learning: Yes, a great foundation in academics---language, writing, math, science, history, etc.---is critical. Yet, as an adult, I am keenly aware that academic skills are not enough. There is a lot to be said of “soft-skills,” EQ, life skills--- whatever you choose to call them. That is where Ideal excels. They are at the forefront of developing skills that extended beyond great academics. I call it whole child development (they call it whole brain development or IQ+EQ). Ideal provides exceptional development of the whole brain, the whole child---academics AND essential life skills.A Focus on Teaching to Skills, not Teaching to a Test: Tests scores can never tell the whole story. Ideal teaches to the skill, not to perform well on standardized tests. We are training our kids for life, teaching them to live up to their potential; not teaching them to take tests well. That being said, my children are well above grade level on standardized tests. My oldest will graduate middle school at grade level equivalence 13+ on ALL subtest areas on the IOWA test. Last year, every middle school student graduated WAY ABOVE grade level, so my son’s 13+ grade equivalency is not an exception. At the end of second grade, my daughter’s reading level was near the 6th-grade level. Educate children exceptionally well and test scores take care of themselves. The Culture of Ideal: The tone is set from the top by Wendy and Dr. Soderman. They recognize the uniqueness of each child as well as the importance of keeping parents engaged. Education is a family affair. Parental involvement is so essential. The Sodermans are genius at engaging the parents and the family at the school, and not in an obligatory way but in a positive, inspiring way. They routinely have family events, as well as mini-workshops and inspiring talks for parents. There is a special charm to the school I did not find anywhere else. It is as if Ideal is its own village, an oasis of educational paradise. It is a charm that is conducive to kids learning from one another, keeping parents engaged, and teachers all working together as a team. Education at Ideal is rigorous and fun, academic and hands-on, sociable and disciplined. This post is long but still doesn’t fully capture all that my wife and I and our

An excellent school for any parent who is looking to give their child the balance of skills for life, academics and individuality.In addition, they really care about each individual child and do their best to bring out the best in each child.

We are experiencing a parent's dream at this school. My children love to get up and go! They can't wait to share their experiences and activities with me when we pick them up. The communication, mindful moments, curriculum, teachers, students and staff are incredible. We are so grateful to be here.