Normandy Elementary School

My boys attended this school for five years. I feel the administration did not honor my role as a mother raising two boys to follow Christ. In my impression, instead of helping to support us as a family, in 2019, they pushed us out the door in an exceptionally unkind way.Schools must uplift the family to meet the needs of the children. I will continue to pray for the leadership at Westside Christian Community.

Our family loves this school. It has been a great educational experience for our children. The teachers are CERTIFIED Montessori teachers and the philosophy is a completely integrated part of the school in every way. We feel very lucky to attend Ruffing.

Prior to applying I spoke to the previous directress and the new one, teachers at multiple levels, admin, board members, and current families. I asked pointed questions about upholding state learning standards and how they help 20+ unique individuals meet their goals. Their answers were satisfactory so we applied. Unfortunately I feel we were misled. I have been working through Ohio’s learning standards from the government site this summer and have found huge gaps in my child’s knowledge. Children are routinely asked to repeat grades, teachers only informing families after it’s too late to course correct. Neurodivergence of any type is not acknowledged at this school and special needs families are dissuaded from applying. I have met five other families from MCS who had similar experiences. I never felt my child was unsafe at MCS. I love their focus on nature, ethnic diversity, and kindness. I think their sweet spot is preschool and they do that very well. It could also be a great fit for families who value unschooling or child-based education that isn’t academically rigorous. But families that intend on transferring to top performing public and private schools in the area should consider other options.

We decided to send our children to St. Bernadette in 2021 and couldn't be happier with our decision! They are currently in 1st and 2nd grade and are thriving. The teachers are phenomenal and the principal is top notch. The curriculum is challenging and fun. Our children have learned and grown so much over the past year and a half and we are confident that they are receiving a fantastic education with a foundation of core Catholic values. They are involved in activities such as Girl Scouts, Cross Country and Track and Field. There is truly an activity or organization for whatever your child is interested in. St. Bernadette is a wonderful fit for our family!

Does not support the needs of children differently abled or neurodivergent. Will dismiss students that do not behave a certain way. Some of the teachers and administrators do not do well to hide their disapproval of certain students.