Harbor Day School

This is a very close-knit school where you will get to know other families and there are many opportunities to be involved. Overall, it's a very warm place. The school secretary is the sweetest person ever and you always feel so welcome and appreciated when you come in the door. Parents (preK, kindergarten and elementary) often are around at pick-up so you have a chance to get to know each other and there is always a class picnic each semester so you can meet your kid's classmates and their parents. It's special. Students are given a lot of autonomy and taught to work on big projects over long periods of time. If you dislike the busy work and constant testing found too often in public schools, it's a great alternative. The school would like more American and local international families and the Head of the School deeply believes in DEI. There are a lot of supports for kids who don't have a German speaker in the family and the preK, kindergarten and elementary team is very strong on this. It's a surprisingly diverse community and something we really value. Of course there is room always for things to get better, but it's a positive environment. I love my child gets to know families from so many different backgrounds and who speak many other languages, in addition to German and English. There's also a school dog at the elementary school. Kids even get to take Buddy for a walk. I think that speaks to the kind of relaxed atmospere here. The counseling staff is really available and involved in helping resolve conflicts. Teachers in elementary really work on teaching students civic skills through classroom and school-level governance. The Ethics classes aren't the most challenging or rigorous but honestly it's great to see students learning about Ethics and we hear about this from our child when she is weighing about how to make decisions. I also think it's a low-stress environment in elementary. Kids are relaxed and mine has always wanted to go to school. Even during vacations, she's eager for school to start again. I think that really says a lot. There are high expectations for the teachers because it is a private school but (at the elementary) we have been so touched by how much the teachers really know and understand our child. The school could do more to build bridges between the US and German systems. Some things - like the differences in parent-teacher communication - is really different and they sometimes forget that we don't know the system

Norwood has been a truly a magical place for both of my children. We joined the Norwood community 8 years ago, when my daughter was starting kindergarten and my son was starting 3rd grade. Norwood has not only provided them with an exceptional education, but also has instilled in our kids a remarkable work ethic, has fostered their curiosity and confidence, and has made them feel “truly known” as individuals. In addition, coming from Norwood, my son was incredibly prepared for high school, more than many of his peers coming from other local K-8 or middle schools. My husband and I have also found the Norwood community to be warm, supportive, and engaging. It has become a second home for our family.

Mercy has been a fabulous experience for my children. I have 2 in high school now and both received merit scholarships and are taking 3 and 4 honors classes. Mercy prepared them for high school and beyond and we couldn’t be happier. The teachers really care about their students and it shows. We have an 8th grader still at Mercy and she is getting such a great education- the sky’s the limit. The teachers, staff, and administration are wonderful and we are so happy to be here. They really care about every student and their success. Moving from public to private was the best thing we ever did for our kids. Mrs. Green is a phenomenal principal and Coach Knecht is amazing. They truly know my kids and care about them. Best thing we ever did was come to this school. Thank you, Mercy, for an amazing education.

My sister has been attending the Woods Academy for nearly a full school year, and unfortunately, our experience has been deeply disappointing. As a child born during the COVID-19 pandemic, she struggles with anxiety in unfamiliar environments and around strangers. This has significantly affected her well-being at school—she refuses to eat snacks or lunch while there.Despite numerous emails to the administration explaining her situation, the only responses we've received are variations of "it's school policy" or vague promises like "we will do our best to support her." Yet no meaningful support has been provided. She continues to sit alone during the day, often isolated in a corner with only occasional interaction from peers. This is not acceptable.A school should be a place where children feel safe, supported, and cared for—especially those who are struggling. Simply telling families to manage everything at home is not enough when the child spends so much of their time in school. The Woods Academy has failed to show the compassion and flexibility that should be expected of any institution responsible for a young child’s development.Not saying that this school isn't for everyone, but it's certainly unequipped and unprepared to aid kids that need some extra attention or help. Please be careful, and make your own, thoroughly thought through decision.