Shadow Valley School

It's closed down and it was a mess in the end

Please do not send your child to this school if they are under the age of 5. The school has a major problem with aggressive and abusive behavior issues with children from 2 to 5 years old. There is not enough staff to handle these issues and administration just tells staff to redirect or remove them from the area. The staff is told not to punish or hold the offending child accountable just redirect. The parents are not told about the behavioral issues or staff is told to downplay the issues. The children are out of control. Bullying is ignored and is constant in these class rooms. The administration staff ignores these issues and just advises the staff to gently ask the children to be kind to each other. There is no punishment or time out ..just constant screaming..yelling..biting.. scratching and physical violence ..just try and walk the halls..

This school is incredible. We moved from CA for my son to specifically attend this school. We couldn't be happier. The school is aesthetically appealing, clean, high ceilings, lots of natural light/windows & subdued colors. They really work hard to make the environment soothing for the children. On any given day you will hear soothing music playing, smell essential oils being defused. The little ones are taught about grace, courtesy, social skills, conflict resolution, self help skills/autonomy, self soothing, etc. They really teach to the whole child. They don't put math/science/reading above any other life skills, which is huge. Many days they have "gratitude circle, meditation circle, or massage circle," where they get to practice these skills. The stimuli/materials available also make learning fun. They are made from natural materials so you don't need to worry about what is off gassing/leaching around your child. And, they are so visually appealing, little hands want to reach for them. These Montessori materials make abstract concepts become concrete & fun to master. The staff members know the children intimately, due to the small size of the school. From admin to assistants the adults are patient, enthusiastic & energetic with the children. We love the school. Mrs. Sam, my son's teacher is a rock star. She is equal parts strict and spunky. In her calm/quiet way she teaches children about boundaries, and yet she is so full of pizzazz. Mrs. Claudia has compassion & grace for days. Mrs. Lisa (front desk) always has a smile & wonderful recommendations/solutions. Ms. Maddie is by far the most compassionate, attuned & in touch principal I have ever met. Ms. Z will patiently and enthusiastically answer your little ones 391 questions! Ms. Isa will cut you grace when your little human makes a less than stellar choice, if she got a penny for every time she said, "That's okay, don't worry," she would be in the top 1%. I am an educator myself & have worked in many different districts, this school is truly a gem. We are so blessed to have found it. The children are truly treated like family, loved on, safe, nurtured & can therefor thrive.