Johnson Elementary School

I am really surprised by the negative reviews below. I can't help but wonder if the last one was written out of anger over the changing elementary school start times. While it is not true that the school does not have a second emergency access road (it does) and not true that children can't talk to each other at lunch (they can) I am most surprised by the categorization of the school leadership. I have never met a more phenomenal principal, and between my kids and multiple moves we have been at seven elementary schools. I have experienced nothing but warmth and a true dedication to educating all children inclusively.

As long term resident of Natick, I fully supported my daughter and my son in our public school system which they attended from K-12. Our schools have only improved over time, as one can learn by reviewing the ranking lists of Boston area High Schools. Both of my children excelled in the Natick Schools and were prepared to be accepted, and thrive in Ivy League colleges. They established strong friendships, joined the Speech Team, French Club and Tennis Teams. Now after graduation, they have wonderful connections to the Town and many friends that they stay in touch with from their High School days. There was something for all students at the school, and I found that the administration would allow and accept credit for advanced outside courses. Overall, the public schools in the Boston area are the best in the country. I feel that Natick High School is no acception.The parents, students and school system all have a hand in the students' education.

Riverbend is an amazing place. It is a kind, welcoming school that provides a deep dive education. The physical campus is beautiful with the outdoor space playing an integral role in the school day. The teaching staff is excellent and your child is truly seen and known. We have seen so much growth in our child since coming to Riverbend. It is an approach that fosters focus, collaboration and intellectual curiosity. The kids are excited to go in the morning, come home tired and happy at the end of the day, independently take ownership for homework and projects. The mixed-aged groups have been an added benefit, with younger kids learning from and modeling older kids and older kids having a chance to be role models and mentors. Really can’t say enough good things.

Seven years in, and I can say without hesitation that Riverbend has been the best choice we've made as a family. The clearest proof? My kids actually want to be there — no Sunday-night dread, no dragging feet on Monday mornings. What Riverbend gets right is its emphasis on relationships, meaningful academics, and authentic responsibility. The multi-age classroom model is central to this: older kids mentor younger ones, teachers loop with students across multiple years, and the result is a depth of understanding about each child that's rare. Watching my kids lead assemblies, run service projects, attend Model UN, and spend a full year on a self-chosen research project, I see what happens when agency and curiosity drive learning.I'm also grateful for leadership that knows every family while strategically positioning the school for the future.Montessori is over a century old, but it may be perfectly suited to this moment. In a world reshaped by AI, the qualities that matter most — curiosity, creativity, self-direction, empathy, deep engagement — are exactly what Riverbend cultivates. This school is a gem.