Hennepin Technical Pathways

I would not recommend Cedar Island Elementary based on my experience with my son. While he attended this school, he experienced repeated bullying, exclusion, racist comments, and a physical incident involving another student.What was most concerning was that these issues were reported to the school multiple times, yet I did not feel that my concerns were taken seriously or that enough was done to protect my child. There were times when he was left standing alone during recess because other students would not include him. He eventually began telling me, “Mom, this school is like a jail. I don’t want to go.”As a parent, watching your child lose confidence and feel unhappy about going to school is heartbreaking. Academically, I believe Cedar Island provides a good education, but academics alone are not enough. Children also need to feel safe, respected, included, and heard.I was particularly disappointed with the new principal’s response to my concerns. I felt dismissed and unheard when I was asking for help for my child.I ultimately made the difficult decision to transfer my son to another school. Since transferring, he has been happier, feels safe, and is doing much better.I hope the school takes experiences like ours seriously and works to ensure that every child feels safe, respected, included, and valued.

After having a child with special needs assigned to Park Brook for preschool, I couldn’t have been happier. In fact, my husband and I decided to transfer our other son from a Christian private school, so he could also experience the fantastic education, culture, and true desire for each and every student to succeed. Park Brook truly strives to meet each child where they are at, and encourages them to be the best version of themselves. The dedication to each student, whether during regular school hours, sponsored weekend activities, before/after school clubs, or in the community is unmatched. The focus on fitness means that all students are not only engaged academically, but given opportunities to move and gain strength through brain breaks, alternative seating, gym time, and out of school hour events. Park Brook balances a child’s need to engage in movement while learning so effectively, the growth seen is unmatched by anywhere else my children have gone to school.

I would like to preface that I do not care if you are religious, homosexual, believe in evolution or don’t; none of that matters to me. What does matter to me is inexcusable intolerantly and pure hate. The curriculum itself was complicit in promoting homophobia. Discussions of LGBTQ+ topics were presented in a negative light, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. The lack of education and open dialogue surrounding sexual orientation only served to further marginalize and isolate LGBTQ+ students. It is crucial for educational institutions to provide a safe space for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, and this school fell drastically short in that regard. I’ve known people of color that went to this school and had similar experiences with their race or ethnicity being targeted. If you’re thinking of sending your children to this school please confirm with them that they wouldn’t mind this. If they are not white or straight, this school may not be for them

This has been one of our best decisions to send our kids to this school. Throughout the Covid era, the school planned four different levels based on cases, that they would implement to stay open & in person. While kids across the street had 2hrs/day in front of a tablet, SVDP had the kids in person for the full day. The following year, the difference in learning was massive. The school does a great job communicating with parents. There are weekly emails from the teachers on the past week and what's coming up. Additionally, the school has further communication on events or all school learning, so you have a notice as a parent. You as a parent are in the know with what your kids are being taught. The principal knows most parents by name and is always open to having a conversation.They have done a good job with not tolerating bullying and making sure that the kids learn to get along with different people. The strong enforcement of "no phones/tech" (other than school items) has been huge in keeping this to a minimum.

My son absolutely loves Step by Step and has really bonded with his teachers. He has learned so much, and has even taught us sign language at home from what he's learned at daycare. Teachers are very friendly and have good communication. Just all around a great place for a little one to start learning.

Shout out to administration and teachers of Nasha Shkola, who manage to create positive and nourishing learning environment for children, despite limited resources. The school has been through many challenges, including moving to new location, but it is a great place for kids who want to learn different language and culture. Last year the school welcomed kids from the Ukrainian refugee families, and helped them learn English and adjust to a new school. The administrators and teachers of Nasha Shkola are professional, kind, and devoted to kid’s education. Based on our kids experiences, we have nothing but respect and gratitude for their hard work.