Free Orchards Elementary School

Working to improve overall scores and student progress

It's an excellent school. My kids are getting a quality education and get to learn Spanish. We have had a great experience.

They kept my first grade daughter after school with out my permission. I had no vehicle to go get her after they made the mistake of keeping her. The principle and teachers took no blame and did nothing to help the situation. I had to pull her out of school and will not be sending any of my kids back here. We’ve had multiple other problems with first grade teachers reading books about sexuality and multiple problems on the bus ride with older boys being inappropriate and nothing was done. I will be homeschool after this horrible experience.

All of the very dedicated teachers at Fern Hill make this my choice for the Number One school in Oregon. They all are very focused on the children and help them in any way they can, especially with their reading program. This is a bilingual school so that makes it all the more difficult to teach successfully.

Swallowtail stands out as a remarkable Waldorf institution that fosters a nurturing and holistic environment for children. As a parent of two students at the school, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact it has had on our family.The emphasis on outdoor learning, farm activities, and movement allows children to engage with nature and develop a deep appreciation for the world around them. My children thrive in this vibrant setting, where their innate curiosity is encouraged, and they are surrounded by care and love from dedicated educators. The school’s commitment to a screen-free environment further enhances their ability to connect with their peers and the world, promoting healthy development and creativity.Community involvement is a cornerstone of Swallowtail School, creating strong relationships among families and staff. This friendly and safe environment fosters a sense of belonging, allowing children to grow and learn together in a supportive setting. What I truly admire about Swallowtail School is its commitment to treating each child as a unique individual. The faculty meets them where they are, fostering their growth in a way that encompasses the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The principles of Steiner education are beautifully woven into the curriculum, enriching not just the children's lives but ours as a family as well.I can confidently say that I am a better parent because of the values and practices I’ve learned through our involvement with the school. Our family has grown stronger, and my children are not only happy and well-adjusted but also thriving academically. Swallowtail School has truly nurtured their development into whole, intelligent, and joyful individuals, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

At first, we really liked Saint Matthew for our children. Unfortunately, the quality has deteriorated over the past couple years and I see no real improvement happening anytime soon. The communication with families about what is going on at school is abysmal, there are a burdensome number of required volunteer obligations that don’t take working parents into account, there aren’t enough staff to properly supervise the younger kids. We also have zero insight into the curriculum. Other schools post them on their website, but Saint Matthew does not. When I asked my child’s teacher for a copy of the curriculum, I was told it wasn’t available. And there really is a bullying problem. Overall this has been a disappointing experience.