Mars Hill Pre-School

My husband and toured the daycare and were very impressed with the cleanliness of the facility and teachers. However, the lady we spoke with regarding admissions could not give us a definite yes on availability seven months out. When asked at what point would she know when they would know either way, she could not answer. So I am still unclear why I would pay the registration fee and complete the application if I can't even get a straight answer or a guess either way. She seemed annoyed by questions so we have decided this is not the best fit for our baby's child care. We are pleased we have found a comparable daycare with a very friendly and open staff and management.

Sheltered my foot! Songs from Glee and Rent. Please! Poor choices for a Bible School. Songs from these two shouldn't be allowed becuase of the very fact that these two promote a lifestyle that most Christians don't agree with.
—Submitted by a parent

MHBS is an excellent school! My son has attended MHBS for two years and the teachers, staff and principal (Mr.Derr) have been wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very disappointing, both academically and morally. The school is about 2 years behind that of other area schools, yes their test scores are high but only because the teachers spoon feed the students the answers and alot of the scores are not from core subjects but from secondary subjects. No extra academic clubs to join in k-8 only band chorus and a play. teachers choose to teach down rather than challenge, sat subtest are outdated. Alot of students do not have the behavior that should come from a christian school, their parents would be in shock to see how they behave at school, the school does not notify parents when students are placed in detention they leave it to the child to inform the parent so most parents at this school have know idea what the students behavior has become.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a grandparent to two boys at MHBS. Last year was first experience. Christians parents, children and teachers. God Bless You MHBS

I am a former student, and not very proud to say so. I went to Mars Hill from k-8, and I am so happy that I made the decision to go to a public school. If I hadn't switched, I don't know where I would be today. When I entered High School in the public system, I was behind on Math and English. So any of you who question the academics, go figure. Also, the school doesn't even have an exit exam like most high schools do.. what would one have to say about this? The SAT tests are all old, and not updated, and there is not much offered like there is in the public system. It's also true about fitting a certain mold to be accepted. I feel like it's a little conformist society within itself. Kids wont get an opportunity to branch out unless they leave the school.
—Submitted by a student

My children are graduates of Mars Hill and we as parents feel l very blessed that we were able to send them for 12 years.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student, with children two children that have finished at Mars Hill and one that we pulled. I can say that if you aren't someone then don't bother. I have two students with learning difficulties and they not only disregard but they try and run you off. Kenny Barfield has been a big disappointment, he preaches one thing and does another. My children weren't prepared for college, the teachers spoon-feed the children.
—Submitted by a parent

As a recent graduate, I must agree somewhat with the negative reviews of the school. Mars Hill was a place all about having connections with the right people. The choices of electives were extremely poor. Looking back, it would have been best if I had left MH after middle school and experienced high school at a real school. Mars Hill is going down hill fast. Pardon the pun. The Kenny Barfield/Laurie Mitchell administration is the reason.

I am a Mars Hill parent and just wanted to point out a few things to all those who in their ratings have questioned the sheltered environment and lack of academic offerings. Yes, you are exactly right , MH offers a sheltered environment and by the way, I have never seen a graduate that suffered dramatic effects from 'cultural shock'. Our culture today is awful and I am grateful to have a school where my kids can be 'shocked' when it comes to what the world has to offer. Secondly, to those who have posted that MH does not offer as much academically as do the public schools. For you, three words...check the scores! MH continues to outscore every private and public schools in the Florence area including Lauderdale and Colbert county on the ACT and SAT.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child at Mars Hill but am also a former student. We have been very pleased with the teachers and principal. We like the way the parents all work together and feel more like a family. We feel like it is a safe trusting enviroment when our children have to be away from us all day.
—Submitted by a parent

If i had it to do over my child would have never when to that school, because the other students with connections were given special treatment, it's not what you know but who you know, only good thing i can say was the lunches were catered and hot, not worth the money, way behind in teaching standards, and could care less if your child gets it or not. Ok if you are a baseball, or soccer, basketball, tennis, golf player. Sad!
—Submitted by a parent

Aa a former student I must say that Mars Hill very well prepared me for college and even graduate school. It is a sheltered environment and I say 'Thanks for to my parents for sheltering me!'. I learned enough of the 'real world' on my own. Like any school students have to reach out to be challenged or particiapte in extracurricular activities. There were and are challenging activities such as debate that you find in few public schools. Excellent school in a world of non-praying, trooubled schools.
—Submitted by a former student

As a past student of Mars Hill I find that the academics are not very challenging and have not in any way prepared me for what I faced in college or life for that matter. If you are looking for a safe, sheltered environment where your children will learn to think inside a box, then this is the school for you. Having said that, the teachers really are amazing, caring people, but they almost help out the students too much.
—Submitted by a former student

My experience has been that Mars Hill is very overrated. I believe if you are looking for a very sheltered enviroment this is for you. I found that the public schools have more to offer and more possiblities for the whole child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at Mars Hill and have experienced up through the 6th grade. The school is fantastic and the teachers are dedicated Christians. If I have a problem, the principle and teachers have always worked with me. The thing I treasure most about MHBS is that the teachers impress Christian values on the children when the world is tempting them to walk another way. My husband and I put such a high value on MHBS that it's the only reason I work outside the home.
—Submitted by Renee, a parent

I am a student at Mars Hill, and love it. The staff really cares about the students, and make us feel special. My friends are wonderful, and everyone fits in. No one gets made fun of in a hurtful way, and we all enjoy school. I especially like the music program at MHBS. I love Mars Hill!
—Submitted by a student

A great shool if your kids fit the very specific mold of kid they're trying to produce. Liberals, free-thinkers, or nonconformists need not apply. Very limited range of studies and sheltered environment results in amazing culture shock when venturing out into the real world.
—Submitted by a former student

As a MHBS alumna I am proud to call Mars Hill my alma mater! There is no place on earth with as committed and dedicated faculty and staff as there is at Mars Hill! Mars Hill well prepared me for the college experience, putting me well ahead of my peers at my University!
—Submitted by a former student

I think the school and the faculty are wonderful. I wish all schools were so caring and still have such wonderful acedemic sucess. I am more than impressed. You child is treasured there like you would want them to be.
—Submitted by WANDA SANDERS, a parent