Columbia Middle School

During the kindergarten year, we met some great teachers, but things changed drastically when we encountered one teacher who created an extremely stressful class environment.

We have been incredibly happy with the Long Hill school district and the care they place on our children and community.

While children have had caring teachers and we are deeply grateful for the dedication of our children’s classroom teachers, and building-level staff who show up every day with heart and effort, often working under conditions that lack adequate support and increasing demands. Our overall experience has been overshadowed by persistent failures within the Special Services department—especially around safety, communication, follow-through, and delivery of services our children are legally entitled to. We've raised serious safety concerns through the proper channels, with little resolution or accountability. This isn’t a reflection of classroom teachers, who are doing their best—it’s a systemic issue that needs awareness. To quote another source, “Bayberry is no longer the crown jewel on the hill it once was” Families should be aware that navigating this system often requires significant outside support and self-advocacy. This should not be the norm.

My kids love being at school at The Academy of Our Lady of Peace! They both started in full day kindergarten and now are in 7th and 3rd. The teachers and faculty are so committed to each child! The school community is such a warm, healthy, supportive educational environment. We feel lucky to be part of AOLP!