Roland Hayes School

Date: July 2023. We absolutely love Baldwin! My 4 year old reads, and it began with Phonics at school at age 3. They use fun activities like preparing a huge birthday card to encourage writing, reading and drawing. Social emotional development, learning through play, varied fun crafts and activities, fun and informational themes for each week and so many fun events throughout the year to involve families. The principal and staff really care about the students. Safe drop off and safe pick up. My kid loves school and looks forward to it. Teachers also recognize different paces or stages of development and learning and pace the teaching as per the child's stage. Scribbling or pretend writing is also encouraged as a step towards writing. Communication with teachers is easy and transparent. Date: July 2023

This school is perfect if you have a cookie cutter child. Unfortunately my daughter has both medical and mental problems and this school was too busy enforcing a no candy policy to help her. Some of the teachers are amazing but the principal and a few other support staff members made my daughters 2 years in this school a nightmare. I have thankfully moved her and are dealing with that situation privately with BPS but please just pay attention if you see something off it’s because it is.

I do not recommend this school. The teachers and school leadership will play students/ families favoritisms, during the school years and especially on the seventh grade private school applications. Sadly, these will be based on other criteria than academic achievements or personal conduct. I regret going to MAA. If your child is a high achiever, and you are thinking to enroll in later years at MAA, you better remain in public schools and get a fair application for private middle school/ high school.

Your school’s commitment to strengthening Jewish identity, academic excellence, and providing outstanding teachers truly inspires me. The combination of exceptional educators and a strong focus on heritage, culture, and values creates an environment where students can thrive both intellectually and personally.

We are rounding out our first year at the Chestnut Hill School and we are nothing but confident we made the right choice sending our child here. Highlights have included exposure to an array of quality “special subjects” starting with the youngest age group; an ideal blend of compassion and high expectations; Learning Partners (ask Admissions staff about this – it’s such a lovely feature!); and an emphasis on whole-child wellness and strength of identity. Selfishly, as parents, we have been so happy to meet many families who are interested in fostering friendships and are equally invested in the school. This makes showing up for events fun, and thanks to both the staff and to an awesome Family Association, there are an abundance of opportunities to connect throughout the year, which I’m not convinced we would be getting elsewhere. Five stars all around.