Sloan Creek Intermediate School

Our experience with the previous school was very concerning and, at times, upsetting. One of the most serious issues involved a safety-related incident during dismissal, where our son was released without our knowledge or authorization. We later found him outside the school, alone and crying. Thankfully, he was physically safe, but the situation was extremely distressing for us as parents.In addition, the overall experience had a noticeable emotional impact on him. For a period of time, he experienced frequent nightmares related to school, which was very difficult for us to see as parents.There were also other moments where I felt communication and handling of situations could have been more appropriate and supportive for a child his age. After raising these concerns with Allen Independent School District, I felt that the response was more focused on supporting the school’s position rather than fully addressing our concerns, despite the information we provided.Ultimately, we made the decision to transfer him to another school. Since then, the difference has been very clear. The new school is highly rated, and the contrast between a lower-rated school and a higher-rated one has been very noticeable. The environment is more welcoming, leadership is visible and engaged, and there is a clear culture of treating students with care and respect. This change has had a very positive impact on our son’s well-being, and it was one of the best decisions we made for him.

Good teachers and administrators. Provides a variety of programs.

I have two kids who currently attend the Living Ethics School. Before we found this school, we were at a public school in a great school district. Although my kids didn’t encounter academic or behavioral difficulties there, I saw how learning was becoming a task for them. It became all about the homework and grades/scores. I wanted to see their curiosity lead to a learning experience that had more purpose. When I found the Living Ethics School, I was drawn to the nature and the small community-feel of the school. They have a 30min. snack recess and an hour lunch recess, where they get to run around, climb trees, look for bugs, and make forts. Coming from a school where they didn’t allow kids to run on the blacktop, my kids were elated! Once they started their new school, they didn’t want to miss a day. During long breaks, they would tell me that they missed the trees at school. I love the fact that they have something interesting to tell me at the end of the day. Another great aspect of this school is the mediations that are facilitated by the teachers when conflicts arise between kids. My kids have become better at explaining their feelings in words because they are given the chance to do so. They have improved in expressing themselves in general, as there are many opportunities, including presentation nights held multiple times throughout the year, and the times they are allowed to draw and paint while listening to stories. It is very apparent that my kids have become livelier since we moved to this school, that even their grandparents tell me how they’ve changed. I recommend this school to parents who see the importance in learning through nature, fostering children’s curiosity, and fostering social and emotional development.

This has been one of the best school engagement experiences yet. I have two at Olson and absolutely love it.