Mt Tabor Middle School

We were extremely disappointed with Richmond Elementary, and I feel our child sustained emotional trauma from the experience.At the beginning of the year, our child had anxiety entering the building. My mother, who is a special education teacher in the PCC network, quickly identified that the morning routine was poorly structured and not supportive for children with anxiety. There was no acknowledgement of these struggles, nor any attempt to create a positive, independent transition for students. Unfortunately, this proved to be reflective of many other problems at the school.The kindergarten class lacked sufficient support. Multiple children were highly disruptive, yet there weren’t enough teachers or assistants to manage behavior while still helping the rest of the students progress. The English-side kindergarten teacher seemed universally disliked by the students. She appeared burnt out and disengaged, which negatively impacted my son’s experience.The school seems to only intervene if a situation becomes catastrophic, and even then, the tendency appears to be to push the child out rather than provide meaningful support. This approach left my son more anxious than before, and he now dreads the educational process. He has also developed behavioral issues, and even neutral references to Japanese culture (such as a shirt with Japanese writing) have become triggering for him.While we do have a Japanese-speaking parent at home, the lack of structured, supportive systems at school made the program unsustainable for our child. In my view, Richmond Elementary only works if you are a Japanese-speaking family already immersed in the culture and language.I would not recommend Richmond Elementary based on our experience.

We have two kids that go to St. Rose School. They are getting a superb education and absolutely love going every single day. Both kids had gone to public school prior to coming here, and we have zero regrets. It has been such a better experience in every way. Our kids needed to be challenged academically, which they certainly receive here. Beyond academics, the school focuses on how to be kind and respectful towards others. The principal and teachers are all superb and really dedicated to the school and what they are teaching. We know both of our kids will be set up for success as they go to high school, both academically and as good stewards for wherever life takes them.

My top three reasons for sending my son to Columbia were education, safety and faith. He graduates with honors this year and a large part of who he has become as a loving, caring, leading young person is due to Columbia and the people who work there.