Ronald C Wornick Jewish Day School

My older son is now going into 7th grade (after starting Wornick in 2nd) and my second son is starting 3rd. I have been nothing but happy with every aspect of the school. I love the teachers---they not only care about teaching their students, but they care about the kids personally. It is truly amazing how dedicated they are. Both of my kids have learned so much, and are very happy at the school. The middle school is top notch---the things that my son learned in 6th grade I did not learn until high school! The school not only focuses on critical thinking, but teaches the kids to be better people. The school does not tolerate bullying or anything like that in any way, shape or form, which is very important in this day and age.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been a Wornick family for four years after having spent the previous six years in the San Mateo/Foster City School system. The Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School has been a very warm and welcoming place. The staff is very caring and professional and constantly evaluates what works and what doesn t work for the students and families. Their constant desire for excellence translates to all areas of study and throughout the Wornick community. I value the individualized attention, dual curriculum, leadership and superior educational standards that the school implements. I have two children that thrive and excel due to their education at Wornick.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family relocated from Orange County and our 3rd and 5th graders entered Wornick in September 2009 after attending a large, well reputed Jewish Day School and JCC preschool from the age of two. Over the past two academic years, despite the challenges of their homesickness and missing life-long friends, both boys have transitioned very well to Wornick. The Wornick community welcomes new families and looks for ways to make the transition in as smooth as possible with multiple opportunities to be involved in school life. Although we arrived during the most challenging time as Wornick experienced necessary growth pains, the teachers provided superior quality individualized education and attention to our boys, as they do for all students. Academically I have one average and one above average student with extremely different styles and needs. Both of my sons have been impressed that their teachers gave them clear written and oral feedback to help them improve on multiple occasions. In this smaller, caring community environment I see them growing academically and socially and developing confidence that is invaluable to their future success. We highly recommend the Wornick experience!
--Submitted by a parent

We joined Wornick last year after giving up on the public schools in California. We couldn't be more pleased. The class sizes are small, the teachers very well qualified, and the community is very tight knit. The school emphasizes critical thinking and teaches the kids how to love learning. Lots of hands on, project based learning. The teachers are personally invested in the kids growth and development. My son loves going to school, is completely jazzed about learning, and is progressing very well academically. The principal is a gem, very smart and great instincts when dealing with parents. All in all, we are so happy we chose this school and highly recommend it to others.
--Submitted by a parent

There are some happy parents and kids at this school. Our experience was 100% negative. We were not happy with any aspect of this school and were sorry we chose it for our child. We found the academics not up to private school standards, the teachers unpleasant and, worst of all, we felt that bullying was not handled properly. We would never recommend this school to any parent and are very glad to have pulled our child out.
--Submitted by a parent

As a family, finishing our first year at Wornick, we are so happy - so much so our second child is starting here in fall as well. Our eldest child has had a great year - socially (in middle school this is not always easy) and academically (we finally found curriculum that is challenging!). The faculty and Head of School are always willing to work with the kids, but even more importantly, the kids learn to advocate for themselves. It seems as though they are learning the "basics" but they are always doing/making/performing with hands-on projects so that the learning is deeper. The classes in many instances overlap (technology with social studies, etc.) so that their learning is reinforced. I sincerely wish that we had started here years ago and not waited until Middle School. You have only ONE chance to educate your children and do it right - Wornick gets it right.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child is in her third year at Wornick, so we have been there through the transitional Head of School (who made critical changes as she succeeded a well-loved but overly permissive leader) -- and now (2010-11), the first year of the CLEARLY long-term Head of School, a remarkable leader. It is hard to convey how exciting it is to be part of an organization moving from great to preeminent. Change is always challenging for some, especially when it includes insistence upon the very highest standards. But what else would you want for your child? Creativity, flexibility, rigor, innovation, and excitement are what characterize the school now. The Board is not just dedicated but brings the talent and know-how to take Wornick to the next level. Come and see for yourself ... blog sites like this only get you so far.
--Submitted by a parent

I am shocked to review the negative reviews of the school! My experience, and that of everyone that I know is the complete opposite. The school handle all disciplinary problems promptly and effectively. My son had an issue at his prior school with bullying and one of the reasons that I picked Wornick was their zero tolerance policy. The changes in staff have been for a variety of reasons, including teachers relocating to other areas. The new Head of School is absolutely fantastic, and has evaluated every area of the school to ensure that we are truly reaching our potential. Every child's needs are addressed individually, with extra help for those that need it and extra work for those that a bit ahead of the class. The morale of the school is at al all time high, including the morale of our wonderful teachers who fully support all of the changes. My only assumption from the negative comments by some parents is that they or their child was just not a good match for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

How high can you rate a school when your children are upset that summer vacation is too long and they would rather be at school. Wornick teaches our children in a way that doesn't scare or intimidate them.The caring environment running through the school is obvious to anyone that visits the school.
--Submitted by a parent

We are thrilled to be part of this school and community. Our child is thriving in Kindergarden. His teachers identified his type of learning and are working with him to develop skills to be not only a great student, but a kind, responsible person. The comprehensive day includes library, music, art, technology, PE, science, math, reading, and Jewish studies. Kindergardeners are assigned 3rd grade 'buddies' to help them throughout the year. After care is available with additional clubs & classes: chess, science, art, music, & cooking. Kids can also sign up for PJCC activities & classes, and will be escorted over to the campus. We feel very fortunate that we are able to attend Wornick.
--Submitted by a parent