Fairmont Private Schools - Anaheim Hills Campus

My children have been going to this campus since preschool and it is obvious how happy we are because they are already in Jr High. By some of the recent reviews just read, it is apparent that some parents are having a difficult time with changes that are being made. To be honest, both my wife and I appreciate the changes that have been made recent. We now have increased security which puts us at better ease knowing that the school our children attends puts safety first. How can safety measures be construed as disruptive and detrimental as one parent wrote? The parent who wrote that was probably the same one I overheard complaining that they had to walk around because they're keeping the gate locked now. Another change we recently have is a new director. Being a parent for awhile at Fairmont and having two children, one being a bit rambunctious, you get to know the director and staff very well. And yes, we've already had to meet with Ms. Lowe about one of our children and our experience thus far with has been pleasant. We left her office feeling confident with the outcome and discussion. Keep up the great work you have done for our children all these years. We are blessed!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a Fairmont family for years and are very happy. We really liked the former Director and hoped a suitable replacement would be found. We are so happy with the new Director! Most new to such a position immediately make many changes to make their mark and end up with careless decisions that don't work. I really appreciate that she didn't do that and is taking the time to get to know the campus, families, and teachers so that she can make sensible decisions.The minor changes thus far were important and timely given the safety issues schools face. Ms.Lowe has set up personal parent meeting groups by grade level, has held meet & greets, and always offers to be available. While anyone can say that, she's not all talk and I can say this out of personal experience. I needed to speak with her about an issue and she made immediate time for me, followed up w/me, and showed me she TRULY cared. I feel confident being a part of a school with such a sensible, strong, and caring leader. I know she'll continue to keep the children, families, and teachers at the heart of her decision making. We LIKED her before, but after personally experiencing her leadership in action, we LOVE her now!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Fairmont Parent for 5 years now. I have two children currently enrolled and I was planning on enrolling my third, however, we have made the decision to move to another school. I am not sure what is going on with the school but the decisions they have been making recently are disruptive and detrimental. I used to feel like the campus had such a warm family feeling. Mr. Drake and Mrs. Jarvis truly cared about my children, just like their teachers did. The school was managed by educators. Now they have a new director who does not give families the time of day. We had an event last night and it was so apparent which administrators really care and which don't because the new ones weren't there! Unfortunately the administrators who care will probably not stick around much longer. I don't blame them, we aren't. The teachers seem so unhappy too!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Fairmont Parent for quite a while. I love the environment and the teachers. I couldn't ask for more as far as that goes. However, I miss our old director. This new director doesn't have the time of day for the parents. She always has her door closed and blinds shut. I can't ever get her on the phone either. I'm not the only parent having this issue. I don't want to schedule an appointment to talk, I just want to talk...
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the P4 program at Fairmont. I am very happy that we decided to send him to this school. He is 4 and can write his full name and can read. It is definitely a very academic environment for a pre-school but also includes plenty of play time, library time and art. The kids learn while having fun in a warm, positive environment. My son's teacher is invested in her students and is committed to helping them succeed. I have no doubt that my child is more than adequately prepared for kindergarten. Yes, the tuition is high but it's worth it. Fairmont has far exceeded our expectations and we intend to keep our son there long term.
—Submitted by a parent

My child had a fabulous experience in the summer school and camp program. It definitely makes it hard to return to our public school. I appreciated the fact that even though it was summer school the teachers still pushed my son to strive for more. Not to mention the field trips were a HUGE hit in his eyes! I wish private school was in my budget. He would be at Fairmont in a minute.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at this school for 6 years and will be leaving this year. We have had it with the school. Barry Drake the best administrator is stepping down and Mrs. Jarvis has survived again. The new dress code is designed to regiment little girls and take away any freedom. Not even consulting the parents about the changes really got my husband and me upset. We want our kids to grow up in a healthy enviornment not one so ridgid that it has nothing to do with the real world. We are moving the kids to Heritage Oak and after the summer program they attended they say they are much happier. There is just too much turmoil at this school
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a at this campus for 5 years since 3rd grade and it is not for everyone. She is bright, hard working and loves a challenge and faster pace. My impressions are that the elementary school is exceptional for bright young kids. Teachers are very good. Junior high is different. Many of the teachers are top notch, but some are pulled out of their core areas and assigned to teach other subjects and that is where they get into trouble. Mr. Drake is quite good and very concerned about each student. The comprehensive curriculum (Spanish, computer, music, art, PE teams) is really helpful to your child's complete development. Overall when the kids graduate from jr. high here they cruise through high school with top grades in honors classes. If your child needs a slower pace or extra help then I would not do jr. high here. Otherwsie, if you can afford it, your child is bright and loves a challenge, it is worth the investment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my daughter at Fairmont since p-3 and have been extremely happy with not only the academics she is learning but also her social skills. She has blossomed into such a caring and thoughtful kid that loves to help others. We had her repeat kindergarten as she was a little bit slower on her reading and it was the best decision ever. Now she is doing very well and not only reads well but helps other students in her class as well. The staff and teachers are amazing and care so much about our kids. Fairmont is a family owned business and I think this helps make the experience and the school feel like family. The school is definitely not easy but if you don't challenge your kids they will not know what to do in the real world. The technology that is integrated into the school starting even in pre-school is second to none. I would recommend Fairmont to anyone That has to have the best for their child. If your willing to settle for less for whatever reason you may have then there are plenty of mediocre schools in Orange County for you.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Fremont school and we are exceptionally pleased. Our son started Preschool with Mrs. Kellison in P4. He didn t know how to even hold a pencil. Mrs Kellison showed him how to write his name in two weeks!!!! Not only did learn to write his name but, he was proud of his accomplishment and was and IS enthusiastic to learn more. I highly recommend Fremont school. We will always be thankful to have Mrs. Kellison as his first teacher! Thank you Mrs Kellison! We love you and appreciate all you do for our son! And US!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at this school for 6 years and I strongly disagree with the comments below. I am paying for a challenging curriculum for my children. Ms Jarvis has helped challenge my children with developing the advanced reading and math program starting now in first grade. The class sizes are small, there is physical education, art, music, Spanish and computer lab. Things that are not common at public schools. I don't pay for a parking spot, do fundraisers, or sit and chat with parents or administration. However my children are happy,learning and growing as individuals. It is however very expensive.
—Submitted by a parent

my child has attended fairmont since preschool and when we first started the school was extremely friendly and helpful. However over time i feel like the school has become extremely commercialized and too formal in which the teachers are too focused on academics and not as much for the wellbeing of the child. I do believe my child has gotten a good education at fairmont but the struggle they had to go through was not worth it
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible experience at this school. We agree that Mrs. Jarvis has lowered the quality and leadership of this campus. Such a shame.
—Submitted by a parent

We were at this school for a few years and made a switch this past year. We are so glad we left this school! While the tuition is probably the highest in Orange County, the quality of teachers is not. I agree that Mrs. Jarvis is consolidating power and that is unfortunate. She promotes the curriculum only and pretends like it doesn't matter which class the child ends up in - and in reality an individual teacher matters much more than the curriculum. (Mrs. Jarvis' inflexibility and rudenss is quite shocking - you would get better treatment at a public school. I also agree with one of the earlier reviewers that it is only the parents who pay for special parking places and are constantly in the administrative offices kissing up whose kids get to be placed in the "good" classes) There are some good teachers here, but there are also many that are not. Our son really hated school the last year he was at Fairmont and it's heart breaking to see a little one crying every morning to go to school when I knew that his teacher simply couldn't find the right approach. He is thriving at his current school and we are also paying about half the tuition. Best move we ever made as parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We left this school because even though the class size is small, our son did not get adequate positive attention from his teachers. They do favor quiet girls! It has taken us awhile to undo what was done--his teacher told him he could not read certain books, and really brought out the negative in him. He hated school--and that's a hard pill to swallow at the price we were paying. They also changed their reading program which really put our daughter at a disadvantage(whole language just isn't right for a kindergartener). I am a teacher myself, and was deeply frustrated. Both kids are at a better school now, for half the price! They are getting a better education, with more attention, and a very low class size.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Fairmont Anaheim Hills for four years now. The teachers and staff have been outstanding. We've been impressed with the implementation of new curriculum and technology on a regular basis. This school has great integrity when it comes to maintaining its mandate for having a high level curriculum and producing highly accomplished students. We are very involved in our child's education and activities and that has made a huge difference. As with anything, you get out of something what you put in, speaking not only about the kids but about the parents as well. We don't expect Fairmont to raise our child just because we pay tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some management and ethical issues in this school. I won't recommend. Beware of your tuition over charge even after you made a cancellation notice.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in P3 last year and just started P4. All of our interactions with Ms Levin, Ms Atherton in administration, plus the wonderful Mrs Lerma her P3 teacher, have been fantastic. All of the teachers and administration knows my child and keeps her safe and happy. For learning, I was impressed at how well my daughters coloring skills, holding of a pencil, and knowledge of letters and writing improved 100% during the year. For safety, they have double gates and someone who is always at the front desk. I witnessed a child slipping out the gates with another family and Ms Atherton noticed her on the video camera and ran out and brought her back in before the parent even realized. I have nothing but great things to say and I'm looking forward to a few more successful years.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had both of my children at this campus for the past seven years. I drive 33 miles each way to get them here. The school is hard. So is life. Fairmont prepares your children for a competitive world. My children love it here and my husband and I are equally impressed by this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student at this campus and my child has been there for a few years and I agree with person stating the camppus has changed under new leadership and find it interested that 'employees' are giving the 5 stars. My child and 4 of her friends are leaving next year due to quality of the teachers and staff. The school does not even have a school nurse and this year there have been more injuries on the playground due to more children attending. Please do your homework and ask other parents before you even consider this school for your child. There is alot of bullying now and many of the situations are never addressed.
—Submitted by a parent