Keys School

We have two children at Keys, and have been thrilled with our experience. The teachers are outstanding, the parent community is warm and supportive, and the school really lives its mission to focus on educating the whole child with a broad, hands-on, project-based curriculum. It is true that there has been teacher turnover in the last two years, but all of the new teachers brought on board this year are exceptional. I think Keys may have suffered a few hiccups in its expansion to two campuses and two sections per grade, but those issues seem to be resolved and the school community has recovered nicely this year. This is really a special place, and we consider ourselves lucky to have our kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

The teacher turnover at this school is a big problem. The lower school division head is problematic and in her short tenure has caused mayhem on the campus and teachers are leaving as quickly as they can. Too bad because the school has potential to be really great. Management needs a turnover big time
--Submitted by a parent

Keys has a wonderful student body, involved parents and there were some gifted teachers present at this school. 5 teachers left the lower school this year and they were all excellent. It seems the new lower school head is a really poor manager and is driving away all the talent.
--Submitted by a parent

Incredible place! Excellent hands-on curriculum, wonderful teachers, great community. Teaches love of learning. Strives to make kids both reach their full academic potential and become considerate, caring individuals who will make a difference. Our kids have thrived there!
--Submitted by a parent

Keys continues to have staff turnover. This year the 3rd grade teacher, 4th grade teacher and middle school principal are all moving on. While some of the turn over is good - Keys now has a very good art teacher, for example - it is unsettling for the community. The 4th grade teacher who is leaving is quite gifted at sharing her enthusiasm for math, and will be missed. Spanish is poorly and lazily taught at the elementary level here, with a lot of dependency on worksheets and movies.
--Submitted by a parent

I find it ironic that a parent rated this school without ever having their child attend it and years later they are still bitter. This review is based on my child actually attending Keys. She has been very happy with her experience there. We are pleased with the progress she has made. One thing that is outstanding is that, if there are any issues with her classes; she feels more than comfortable talking to her teachers during free time and also going to the principal for any concerns she may have.
--Submitted by a parent

They only want very old boys. They wanted to make our son wait a year for kindergarten - they said he wasn't ready - and they were mean about it and said it would catch up with him. We ignored them and sent him off to Walter Hays. Now he's in 3rd grade - Each and every teacher says he is a delight to have. He has lots of friends and get this - his scores on the STAR are at the very top of advanced. Too bad he wasn't ready for school! We feel like we dodged a bullet - it's amazing how many people pull their kids out of that place. I'm happy to see that our preschool (Bing) no longer encourages parents to apply to Keys.
--Submitted by a parent

Though we're long-time Keys parents, this is the first time I've seen this site. Some of the older reviews mention concerns which have been since rectified. (E.g., a very poor art teacher left several years ago & was replaced by an excellent one; a kiln was even added!) A new six-day block schedule ensures all classes get equal time (no more short stick for Monday classes). Fewer classes each day benefit from longer periods. Transitioning to two campuses did cause some initial disorganization and communication difficulties, but the school is quickly getting those back in place as they add more staff to meet the needs of an increasing student body. Outdoor Ed (two weeklong trips by 8th grade) is outstanding. Kids get in and are completely prepared for all high schools, public and private.
--Submitted by a parent

Keys School administration teaches the 'whole' child and has for over 40 years. The involved parent community supports the nurturing environment 100%.
--Submitted by a parent

Keys School is the best school in the entire world! They have great teachers and students. They also provide a hands on expirience and provide a friendly, safe and fun environment. Keys School is everything I have imagined!
--Submitted by a student