Redwood Day School

I wish I could rate RDS higher. We wanted to love it as much as many others do; however, there were a few very critical missing parts. Our child was a very active boy with trouble regulating. The school truly lacks the social/ emotional support for both parents and children. They resort to punishment and seem to lack the skills necessary to do much more than react after things break down for children. The language used is often demeaning and unenlightened. Sadly, there is no responsibility taken on the school's part, which is ironic considering this is what they are asking of the children. Having said that, there are so many great aspects of the school, many of the aspects highlighted by other parents here. However, if your child is "spirited" or "strong willed", ask a lot of questions about specifics relating to discipline. I hope there are changes for the better in the future, but presently there are a number of parents who have banged their head against this wall for too long and are leaving or are very unsatisfied.
--Submitted by a parent

For the past 6 years our family has been part of the RDS community and we still love the school for the same reasons we used to select it: great community, great staff, great teachers and a commitment to differentiated education. We have grown to appreciate the fact the school is also very transparent and open in their communication. They do not try to be things they are not and they have a great community as a result.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in 1st grade at RDS. We love the community at RDS, including the administration, faculty, parents, and students. Our son is thriving at RDS and we couldn't be much happier.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are in 1st and 3rd grade at RDS and as a family, we could not be happier. My children LOVE, LOVE, LOVE school. The teachers are absolutely fantastic on every level. They are very experienced, kind, and dedicated. My kids are being challenged and absolutely love to learn. The extracurricular offerings add so much to the curriculum. The facilities are wonderful, as is the staff. The parent community is caring and supportive and involved.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in lower school at RDS and next year his brother will go. I am soooo very glad we're past the point of wondering what school would embrace both of their learning styles and unique interests! One is very facile with math, drawing and mechanical things, into individual sports... very visual, has a few good friends and tries once he's sure he'll succeed. The other, Mr. Social, dives in to try everything. He's already loves to read and is gung-ho about all team sports. RDS teachers -the grades and all the specialists- are extremely tuned into the ways and strengths of each child so I am confident we're in great hands for the next 9 years! The whole diverse community cares about the KIDS' potential. I hope my sons can be as smart, grounded and cool as the middle schoolers are one day. They are the best evidence.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our son's third year at RDS and we couldn't be happier with the quality of his education, his enthusiasm for learning and our comfort with the school community. He truly loves going to school each day. RDS' faculty is excellent - from the enrichment teachers (spanish, music, art, gardening, PE) to the grade level teachers and x-care staff. This is an excellent school that has exceeded our expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved from the East coast with three girls (K, 2 & 4) who entered RDS all at one time. We couldn't be more pleased. The community is welcoming, the curriculum varied, the staff are incredible and our kids love going to school each day. Although our girls are quite different, we feel like we hit the jackpot for each of them
--Submitted by a parent

I must take strong exception to the comment about diversity. We are a two-dad family at Redwood Day and have been fully embraced. Every school has bumps along the way, but the intention of the school is always spot-on and they always find the path to doing the right thing. Our children are thriving, they are seen, and are being nourished as individuals in profound ways.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to disagree with the poster who thought RDS didn't get diversity. We are an African-American family and one of the things that impresses us the most about RDS is how much attention is spent on diversity related issues. The school hired a consultant to conduct focus groups to really explore the relative experiences that kids have at the school based on their race, socio-economic status and/or family structure so that programs and policies are in place to ensure that everyone has a fulfilling and stimulating experience at school. Teachers are trained to recognize unintentional bias to make sure that students are treated fairly. The curriculum is culturally diverse and internationally focused. Minority authors are read and studied. The contributions of minorities to society are celebrated and highlighted. Beyond academics, the unique cultural backgrounds of the students are celebrated. It's a great school on many levels including on diversity.
--Submitted by a parent

After six years, I continue to sing this school's praises. The teachers are enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated; the administration is committed to bringing out the best in each child; and the school community is close-knit, diverse, and engaged. We are thrilled at the education our child is getting--academically, socially, and in every way.
--Submitted by a parent