Greenhills School

We sent our son to the school from parent toddler through Kindergarten. He was a clingy toddler when he started at the school and is graduating as a very confident Kindergartener ready for first grade. Having attended Catholic school, I truly appreciated the school’s non-denominational focus on values and kindness. His class is tight knit and each child is encouraged to play and be friends with all classmates (“friends”). Academically, the school fosters curiosity. Our son was eager to get to school early and learn what was going to be taught. At the start of kindergarten, he didn’t like drawing or writing. By the end of year, his writing had improved dramatically. His drawing (and appreciation for drawing) had improved so much as well. The kids also did book pockets (take home first reader books) every night for dinner and bed. The class read a longer chapter book together, which they all loved. Our son liked it so much that we read it a few more times at home. All of the classes we were in had very energetic and enthusiastic kids. The teachers engaged them with creative activities, focusing their energy through listening, explaining, and routines. The school reopened with camp in June of 2020 to test protocols and ensure they would be ready for Fall of 2020. The commitment to their students and their development shows in everything they do here.

My older child went to Summers-Knoll through last year (K-5th) and my youngest is still there (now in second). Summers-Knoll has been like a second home to them. They feel loved and seen and have always been super excited to go to school. I’ve never had a day where my kids didn’t want to go. I’m sure that is in large part due to the amazing teachers, excellent field trips and engaging projects. The kids spend hours outside each day and learn things like the “science of sledding”. Really that was a physics lesson (force, mass, acceleration) and one that was absorbed and not forgotten. I have to admit I was a bit nervous about the schools model although I knew according to research project-based learning mixed with lots of time outdoors is the best way for kids to learn (look at Finland). But as an academic the lack of testing and the structure was a challenge for me. However, my eldest daughter thrived and by the end of fifth grade was years ahead in math and reading at a high school level. The school is also diverse and really brings all children and families into the community. My kids have also learned about social justice, different cultures and religions. Overall, the school has simply been an amazing place for my children to be for the last 6 years and so I cannot more strongly recommend this school.

The administration at St Paul is poor. They do not communicate well, and it takes a long time to get a response to emails or phone calls, if they respond at all. Racism is a deep seated issue at this school. It is suggested that minority students would fit in better if they would just act, talk, dress more like Caucasian students. Racism, like other issues, isn’t addressed for months and when it is, it’s a slap on the wrist. There is also a significant problem with bullying that goes unaddressed. Parents are told by administrators that it’s largely heresay, and kids will be kids.