Druid Hills High School

I'm a grandparent of a past and current student at Claremont. We could not be more thrilled with the staff and high standards of everything at this school. They even offer a play performance every fall that is fantastic! It was thrilling for us and our grandson's parents to see him on stage and having the time of his life, mistakes and all. It gives them confidence and the ability to overcome stage fright at such an early age. Skills that will build and last a lifetime. We watched him interact and work with other kids for a common goal and he just seemed more grown up in one evening. Our granddaughter has moved on to 3rd grade and her school does not offer this incredible experience and we sure do miss it but we're grateful she had it for three years at Clairemont. Kudos to your principal and music director and many others for recognizing the importance of this experience. We can see how much extra work it causes you and you are so appreciated for it!

Fernbank is a wonderful public school with a small, tightknit community vibe. The teachers, staff and admin are so personable and get to know your student and your family personally. The feeling of community is wonderful, and both of my kids are excited to go to school everyday. There are many ways to get involved as a parent and engage with your kids in the classroom. I highly recommend reaching out for a your if you are considering the school- you'll feel at home as soon as you are in the doors!

My child has been at this school since kindergarten. I definitely believe your experience can be teacher dependent because like with most things some care and some just don’t. We have yet to be blessed with a teacher that really values her role as a teacher. I understand that teachers DO NOT get paid enough and do not have enough support. My expectation is to collaborate in my child’s learning especially if in the classrooms there is a lack of support for the teacher. However, there is a huge communication in regard to all things but most importantly my child’s education. From what I heard this did use to be a great school. I tried to give grace initially because I heard that things had changed but at this point they have just not gotten better. There are activities for parent engagement but the notice you get maybe about 48hours or less. So far with my child I get no real communication or information on what he is doing in school or how I can reinforce it at home. It’s not for lack of trying I ask questions and typically get no response or some type of deflection. Also this site says ratios are 1:12 which is false, they are typically 1:25 min. no matter the classroom, traditional, traditional inclusion, or Montessori classroom.

Such a huge disappointment. We spent seven years there. I wish I could get my time and money back.

My experience at the Paideia elementary school was deeply disappointing and, at times, distressing. The pay was low, and the overall environment was chaotic, unstructured, and unsafe. There were no clear rules, boundaries, or consistent behavioral expectations for students. Children were often left unmonitored and left to their own devices, as if telling them “no” was considered a form of harm. As a result, many students were being physically assaulted by their peers, and the adults responsible for protecting them seemed largely indifferent.Aggressive and combative behavior was normalized or overlooked. Students regularly violated boundaries and refused to stop when asked. I was told that enforcing boundaries wasn’t realistic because the children “weren’t used to hearing no.”There was also a disturbing racial dynamic. Students frequently told racist jokes openly, and when I brought it up, my manager admitted that there was a racial problem at the school — but advised me not to let them "win" or "run me off.” That response made it clear that protecting POC from racism was not a priority.The school culture was steeped in nepotism and cronyism. Many staff were clearly hired due to friendships, relationships, or family ties rather than qualifications, experience, or genuine passion for working with children. It felt like a “good old boys” environment where connections mattered more than competence.Despite communicating early on that the environment was not a good fit, I was repeatedly pressured to stay. After firmly stating I was resigning, leadership attempted to fire me — after I had already quit. I was also denied previously approved accommodations and gaslit about whether they had ever been discussed.The physical building itself was alarmingly unsecured. Given the degree of emotional dysregulation and confrontational behavior I witnessed daily, I did not feel safe — physically or emotionally. This was, without question, the most unprofessional, disorganized, and harmful school environment I have ever worked in.

We switched to Hess Academy last year in 2nd grade and our sensitive 3rd grader is thriving! The teachers and staff are so positive and supportive to our sometimes challenging child. They patiently deal with issues that arise with compassion, understanding, and action. There is also a terrific SLP who works with the kids weekly to offer additional support for some of the ND children. She really helps my daughter with social skills and undesirable behaviors. Hess is very much like a family and we are so appreciative of the kindness and love they show our family.