Echo Horizon School

Sad to agree with another reviewer but Echo Horizon School really is a sinking ship. Enrollment continues to spiral downward causing the school to make desperate, cost cutting decisions. Over the last few years, they have eliminated many well qualified, beloved teachers for cheaper, less experienced, more affordable staff. This plan has back fired! Parents are wondering why they are paying all this tuition for inexperienced newbies. In order to attempt to fill classes they continue to accept and keep children with special emotional and learning needs that the staff is not qualified to serve. With no school psychiatrist or even a school nurse, these exceptional children drain the staff and students. We've been involved with the school for the past 10 years and it's really sad to see the direction the school has gone. What was once a vibrant, amazing school has become an empty shell of it's former self. As our oldest graduated yesterday, we feel that we got off the sinking ship with only minutes to spare.
—Submitted by a parent

Echo Horizon School is the Best School EVER! Paula Dashiell is one of the best Principals ever. The school is half between a taking notes and project base learning. This is coming from a students prospective and I recommend this school to everyone. Kids go to middle schools like, Windward, WIldwood, Crossroads, Campbell Hall, Harvard Westlake, and so many more.

We have two children, one who has graduated from Echo Horizon, and one who has just one year remaining. I am already mourning the end of our time at EHS. This is an honest, caring community, an anecdote to the Westside frenzy. Like our daughter was, we know our son will be more than academically prepared to face the challenges of secondary school, he'll be prepared ethically and morally. Immersed in a positive respectful environment where every child is known and appreciated is the best elementary school experience we could give our children.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 kids at Echo and have been very happy there. The thing that makes Echo unique is how sweet the school is. Yes, they have solid academics, but so do other places. But the character education, the ethic of kindness and the warmth of the parents and faculty is what really sets this place apart. Our son entered the school two years ago as a bright, but shy kindergartener. We decided on private school because were worried that he'd get lost at public school -- we figured he'd do fine, but he would remain a wall flower. At Echo, he has really blossomed. He can read by himself and can add/subtract in his head. But best of all, he has become an outgoing little guy - he has gained social confidence and speaking skills. We believe that this has everything to do with the emphasis that Echo places on interpersonal dynamics, public speaking and really knowing the kids at the school. Our 2 daughters are in the pre-K program, which has been nothing short of spectacular. They have gained a solid foundation for building language and math skills, and they have gained independence. We had high hopes for Echo and it hasn't disappointed us in the least.
—Submitted by a parent

Echo Horizon school is not only a great school; it is a great community. We have been in the school for 5 years and would never consider another school. In a city where superficial things are often valued above true character, this school stands apart. The families are friendly and down to earth. The faculty are respectful and responsive, and the students benefit from all of it. We feel the administrators design curriculum and set school policies based on reasoned experience -- always taking into account the most important thing -- how it will affect the students...
—Submitted by a parent

Echo Horizon like all schools has it's flaws, no doubt about it. Overall it is truly a fantastic school ( A school that is an Apple Distinguished School for innovative technology ) and some of the comments on this page are just not accurate. It's unfortunate that so many parents refuse to recognize their own childrens shortcomings and expect the faculty and staff to get their kids to a place academiclly and socially that they woudn't get to on their own. Sure, throw down lots of a money to a reputable school and that should fix my kid and get them automatically into Winward, Harvard Westlake and Brentwood. Well that's just not going to happen unless these micro managing Westside ex lawyer stay at home moms actually roll up their sleeves and put in some work with their own kids! I'm writing this message because my kid is graduating this year and coudn't have been in a better school and is going on to another great school. Hater parents, you're adults so take some personal accountability for your childs success or lack of it. Stop pointing fingers at the school and get more involved...you'd be suprised at what can happen when you actually get involed in your kids education.
—Submitted by a parent

It is crazy that this school is still around and charging similar tuition to schools like Brentwood, Crossroads, Wildwood, Willows and TurningPoint. My kids left years ago and we knew back then it was a sinking ship. The head of school, Paula Dashiell, is touted as being one of the best administrators and educators but that is so far from the truth. She operates by controlling every little area around her so that she can disguise what is actually going on. Bullying is a HUGE problem at the school despite the promise of inclusivity, mutual respect and other buzzwords that make the school sound appealing. Perhaps that is because the head of school, and many of the teachers she hires, all have a bullying streak or are so complacent that falling under the radar is acceptable to them. Academics are average and not as exciting as one would hope for the charge to go there. There are no team sports and it appears that noone understands the benefits of a well-orchestrated sports program that encourages teamwork, discipline, and learning of skills. There is very little supervision on the playground and my kids ended up in the library or computer center to get away from taunting and teasing.

Echo Horizon School - Excellent with Middle School Placement!!!! My child received multiple offers to middle schools with no connections. We have loved our experience at Echo Horizon School!
—Submitted by a parent

28 kids in the 6th grade tells a story all its own and the under-enrollment begs the question: will this school actually survive? I won't pile on the criticisms that have been levied on this site about Echo Horizon. As a parent with a long history at the school it is a tragedy what has become of this place. Sure, there are a few good teachers left, there are some truly nice families here and, yes this is elementary school and not college. But the incompetence of the principal is legion and her defiant penchant for keeping inadequate people around without any oversight is a disgrace, a failure of leadership on so many levels. As soon as there's a conflict or challenge, you better know how to advocate for your kid because you will be entirely on your own. This from a school that charges top dollar! One of my great regrets as a parent is that we weren't strong enough to pull our kids when they were younger and we began to suspect something didn't seem right, really wish we had.
—Submitted by a parent

The poster below states "no one leaves feeling their kids got a fantastic education"? Really? Yes, I feel there are some weaknesses, but, it is elementary school NOT college! While there is no second language in the curriculum, it IS offered after school. In the early years, a second language may prove challenging to a child with hearing loss; The school is true to its mission to mainstream deaf and hard of hearing children. The fancy trips mentioned below, are middle school trips! The Tech is Top-notch My child is well prepared for the next part of the journey. It's no "secret" we did some tutoring. My child hit a bump in the road, and rather than blame the school, we were proactive and met w the Head. For 6 months, we hired a tutor once a week; My child got through the bumpy patch and did well on both ERBs and ISEEs and no longer requires the extra support. My kid is graduating to a top Secondary School. Admission was gained on merit and not one connection! The pressures only increase in Secondary School, connections can't help with that! Echo does a good job of preparing the kids. This year, the graduating class is 28 kids - 28 were admitted to independent schools
—Submitted by a parent

I was told about this school by my sister-in-law. I have a hearing-impaired child and am looking into mainstream alternatives. It is always a red-flag when there are a too many "positive" emails posted on a single day. It kind of says "we are trying to hide something." It was Shakespeare that said "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." and when parents are so passionate about something not been true, it often tells the story that exactly the opposite is the truth. I am a full two years ahead of Kindergarten but if it wasn't for my child's needs, I would not consider this school. My sister-in-law has kids at a private school in the neighborhood and she agrees that "something is up."

The school has gone downhill and it s a sad fact. The flurry of emails all posted on April 17th won't hide it . There are a few great, talented teachers, but the turnover has been crazy and the morale sucks. The school will keep any student and that is a disaster for the child who needs more and the rest of the class too. Administration is hands off when it comes to teaching kids conflict resolution and this leads to full on bullying. Kids will be kids but EHS lets things go too far. Lack of a school psychologist on staff doesn't help. You will find yourself envious of what other private schools are doing ( trips to Sacramento, D.C., and Boston), amazing art classes, and their rich curriculum and wonder what you are paying for. No second language class, no orchestra or instruments, no chorus, art is unimpressive. The technology dept., are on their game. Still, no one leaves feeling like their kids got a fantastic education, even though you are paying for one. The education is "ok". The kids secretly get tutored to compensate for the curriculum. Get your connections ready to get into secondary school because you will need them.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at Echo Horizon for almost 10 years. From the first day to the present, I have been delighted and grateful that we found this wonderful school. The teachers are inventive problem-solvers who are encouraged to teach the whole child, not just feed them the curriculum. The use of cutting edge technological tools in the classroom to make motivated and positive learners out of each student is both inspired and award-winning!! The use of the arts to not only teach color/movement/song/drama but to foster self-expression and confidence in each child is a strong component of a core program that values each child's unique identity. My children are very different learners/people and both of them have been supported in exploring and asserting their own best self. The teachers are responsive and engaged. The administration is energetic and focused. The parents are warm, fun-loving and dedicated in their support of each other and our great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I could not be happier with EHS. It is the perfect combination of traditional academics and a developmental attitude. The teachers are enthusiastic, caring and supportive. They acknowledge strenghts and nuture other areas. The parents are unassuming and down to earth. It is a wonderful choice.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been part of the Echo family and community for over five years and I can honestly say this school clearly "gets it". Paula, the Head of School, and her dynamic administrative team and staff truly understand how to educate the whole child (physically, emotionally and intellectually) based on years of solid educational research rather than the latest fad. Echo has 30 years of experience producing children who are very well educated, prepared for their next steps, independent, well grounded, self confident and have a clear sense of who they are as people in the world. At Echo, children are not only learning for here and now, but learning to LOVE learning for the rest of their lives.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous review. This school The curriculum leaves much to be desired. Students in younger grades spend most of their time doing rote worksheets, and cookie cutter art projects. The teachers expect everyone to be on the same page and do not try to accomidate children who are working at difference paces. The discipline is not all developmental and the school is very rigid in adopting any kind of progressive discipline policy. The children are constantly placed in, "sit outs" for doing things like not staying in line. Even in specialists classes like music. They have been incidents of children "sitting out" for up to twenty minutes. The are also using a system of rewards, and star systems. I did not feel that this school respected children or their contributions and talents. It is definitely not a progressive school. Also their is no conflict resolution system and children are allowed to leave each other out, etc. if you want your child to be more than a passive receipt of teacher directed learning, I would rethink attending here.

Now that my son is preparing for USC, and his closest buddies from Echo Horizon are off to Berkeley, Dartmouth, and Harvey Mudd, I have had some time to reflect on how great I felt his educational foundation has been. I attribute a great part of this to Echo Horizon School, and cherish the memories of the community of children, teachers, and friends that we made there.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Echo Horizon has been tremendously positive. Our two children have been at Echo since kindergarten. After graduating, our older daughter and four of her classmates went to Marlborough School, which their Echo experience prepared them well for. The head of school has a great talent for selecting, supporting and inspiring her teachers. In our nine years at Echo, we have never had a bad experience with a teacher and most have been exceptional. All seem to have an innate understanding of how to adapt and present material so that each child is sufficiently challenged without being overwhelmed. Another notable feature of Echo Horizon that we have greatly appreciated is the quiet unpretentiousness extending throughout the community. This is a community of staff and parents who value excellence in education but also believe that education at the elementary school level should be joyful and unpressured.
—Submitted by a parent

Echo Horizon has provided our children with an excellent education for over ten years. The school s teaching methods put it right in the middle of that developmental vs. highly structured academic spectrum. The two of our children who have graduated were well-prepared for the very rigorous school they next attended, and we have no doubt the last will be as well. The families are down to earth and involved. In addition to providing a solid academic foundation, Echo Horizon faculty and staff work hard to instill in the children a sense of responsibility for themselves, others and the world around them.
—Submitted by a parent

This used to be a wonderful school. The years of weak administrative oversight have taken a toll of the quality of education and we can't wait for our last child to graduate out. The principal, knowing how difficult is to change schools and knowing that families will need her recommendation for middle school, is indifferent to parental concerns. Those that do complain are branded as troublemakers. It's too bad because it used to be a happy, unpretentious place to send your kid on the westside with a great mission. Now the school can't maintain enrollment and accepts anyone who applies. Many students come in with serious learning and or behavioral issues that can not be addressed in that setting. The rest of the kids are being quietly tutored for middle school, especially in math. There are some great teachers but many have left or are marginalized. Look elsewhere for now.
—Submitted by a parent