Hillside Conant School

Mary Lin is what exactly you want in an elementary school. The teachers are great, the parents are involved, and the community supports the school. We love it.

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.

We have been at The Children’s School for the last five years and it has been a wonderful experience. We joined TCS in the Early Learning Program when our youngest daughter was 3. We originally heard about TCS through a family friend and as we went through the admissions process we really fell in love with the school and the other parents we met. Since being at TCS we have loved the community – it’s a wonderfully diverse, down-to-earth, caring community. The teachers at TCS also really make TCS special – they are compassionate, caring, and really focus on knowing and helping your child learn and grow as an individual. As we have moved into early elementary grades we have been very pleased with the curriculum – TCS uses Math in Focus (Singapore math) like most of the other top schools in the area, they have really increased their focus on phonics and follow the Orton-Gillingham approach. It has also been great our youngest daughter has been able to get support for speech right on campus through their Learning Support Services. We are so thankful to have found TCS and believe it is truly a hidden gem in our community!

The classical education approach here is profound. It emphasizes the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty across all subjects, instilling in students a love for learning that transcends mere memorization. The integration of Christian faith into every aspect of the curriculum enriches their understanding of the world and their place in it. From literature to history, science to mathematics, every lesson is an opportunity for spiritual growth and intellectual development. The dedicated faculty at Heritage are exceptional mentors who not only teach but also inspire. They challenge students to think critically, articulate their beliefs, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalized attention, fostering a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.Beyond academics, Heritage prepares students to be leaders with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. Weekly chapel services, community service projects, and extracurricular activities all contribute to shaping well-rounded individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact in society. I would wholeheartedly recommend Heritage Preparatory School to any family seeking an education that cultivates intellectual curiosity, moral integrity, and a lifelong love for learning rooted in Christian principles.

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.