Black Pine Circle School

Black Pine Circle has been a wonderful experience for my daughter, now in 2nd grade. The cozy, familial environment at the school created the perfect transition from her smaller preschool. Through the eyes of a child, I imagine BPC is comfortable in every way -the physical campus isn't too big or overwhelming (although there is ample room to run around), the classrooms are limited to 21 students (with two loving teachers in each), and highly conceptual academic skills are integrated into fun, hands-on projects. BPC does not have a "rich private school" feel. Parents are down to earth and value diversity within the school and staff. The community is very supportive and the parent body is active at all levels of school affairs. The school has increasingly prioritized financial aid, thus allowing for more and more socio-economic diversity in each classroom. There has also been a school-wide effort, through the diversity committee, to place more attention on LGBT and cultural inclusivity through after school events, parent education nights, and new curriculum in the classroom. I feel so lucky to be part of this community.
--Submitted by a parent

Black Pine Circle is a very good school led by a great principal. our child loves going to school every day and each day is filled with learning and improving. A real plus is its pull-out instrument program taught by two very experienced and patient teachers. It's weekly music class is taught by yet another great teacher. The frequent assemblies offer the students a great opportunity to perform in front of their peers and parents, which REALLY builds up these youngsters' confidence and pride (this we believe is so important to a child's success in their adulthood). Our introvert child is not fazed at all now by performing and talking in front of lots of people. On the minus side, our child feels that the daily math class is taught too easy (at lower grade) and the weekly math specialist class is not that impressive either. But overall we love our school and feel fortunate to have a principal like ours.
--Submitted by a parent

My children - 2nd and 5 grade - have been at BPC since Kindergarten. My children have vastly different temperments and social needs - Thankfully, BPC has been a fantastic fit for both. They are thriving and couldn't be happier with their academic and social experiences. Independently they've both reported that "BPC is a great school - filled with great people who really care about kids and their learning!" The best surpirse about BPC is the development of the LOVE of music! Thanks to BPC - both play various instrument and have a passion for all kinds of music. On a family note - BPC is a small, warm close-knit community that embraces all kinds of kids and families. We have been very happy and very pleased with our children's academic, social, emotional, and artistic growth.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a second grader at BPC. We couldn't be happier! The head of school is fantastic--he has a strong vision for the school and what it is intended to accomplish, and he executes it very well (plus, he is a BPC parent himself). The staff has clearly bought into the philosophy and are very good, engaged and creative. The relatively small size of the school makes for a tight community where all the teachers know all of the kids and allows the younger kids to know the older ones, and ask the older ones to learn to mentor the younger ones. Similarly, the small community allows for very good staff/parent communications, and there are a wide variety of activities and roles for parents to play to help (without pressure or obligation) provide the best environment for the kids. The strong music and math programs demonstrate this little schools ability to excel in academics and the arts. We are very lucky that we found this school during the tours. Go visit and see for yourself!
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids, one in 5th grade and one in 7th, have been at BPC since Kindergarten and are absolutely thriving. The academics are unmatched and the community is quirky but welcoming and close-knit. We couldn't be happier with our choice of BPC!
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are both teachers and we looked long and hard to find the right middle school. BPC successfully supports rigorous academics, serious arts education, and the essential social-emotional development. They do an exceptional job at making the daily experience for students meaningful, and they create a safe and supportive community at the middle school level - no small task. I highly recommend Black Pine Circle School.
--Submitted by a parent

I am stunned by our good fortune in finding this school. My 5yo, whom I feared would be too gentle and academically advanced for any place we looked at, is absolutely thriving. BPC differentiates (teaches according to each student s level) better than any other place I've seen. I spent > 50 hrs visiting classrooms. Though a lot of places offer lip-service to a strong curriculum and high standards of world citizenship, nowhere else came close. Behind the L.S. Head s kind exterior is a kind and effective interior. The Head of School calls it straight, with great integrity and respect for the students and our planet. His is absolutely a labor of love, and his enthusiasm gives the school a very active, optimistic, empowered feeling. Taking chances where they see a learning opportunity is part of the BPC culture. Convenience doesn t win out over enabling experience. Teachers are genuinely committed to these children. Many BPC parents are professors elsewhere who bring our enthusiasm to the classroom. These kids are happy and ready to change the world. The community is highly ethical, and the students are friendly and engaged. Thank goodness for Black Pine Circle!
--Submitted by a parent

Schools! I visited them all staring at drawings on walls question the teachers & parents remembering my childhood's halls. it's a goldilocks story, looking for a "just right" place I wanted rigorous math, science and writing but not a mad race Great art, music and drama, all aspects of voice. There are a lot of good schools and I made a great choice. Now it's 4 years later My kids are 3rd and 1st graders, (one bold and one shy) I'm very pleased with our choice and I'll summarize why: Each week my kids will encounter +/- 14 teaching adults sharing their passion & professionalism, and yielding academic results. But what truly puts me at ease about the tuition we pay is that I know my kids are seen and loved each and every day. Oh yes, and what's more, parents don't put on airs (just be as you are!) There might even be some carpooling if you live rather far. The website (http:www.blackpinecircle.org) has details but make time for the tour Good luck with your search Be sure to open BPC's door!
--Submitted by a parent

BPC is a wonderful school. The faculty take the time to know the students as individuals. The specialist teachers are all outstanding - and an amazing resource at a small school. This is a small school with a big heart!
--Submitted by a parent

BPC is a terrific school, diversity however is its lowest point, but the school is making active efforts to change that, it may be very expensive, but more than 20% of the students are on financial aid thanks to the terrific scholarship program...
--Submitted by a student