North Woods Discovery School

My son has been attending NWDS for the past few years and we both love it. The teachers are great and the small campus environment offers lots of one on one, everyone knows everyone by name there.
--Submitted by a parent

North Woods is a true gem. Our kids have gone to NWDS from the very first day it opened. We LOVE it! It is a kind, nurturing, learning environment where each student is able to learn at their level. My children are advanced in some subjects, if held back to levels of their specific class grade they would miss opportunities to advance and grow. Same goes for children that are on the lower end, they are allowed time for development. Everyone learns at their own pace and this is a "truth" that I believe NWDS has really embraced. Our school is a wonderful family. Our children go on amazing field trips, have lots of special events, and are encouraged to be great citizens through example and high expectations. I have spoken to employees of our local high school and they see the incredible difference in kids that come from NWDS. In general they are better behaved, more respectful, and more advanced educationally. Parent involvement is no doubt a part of this success. It is heart warming to see parents in the class room being involved in their child's education. If you are looking for a safe, warm, technology, science based school for your child I highly encourage you to visit NWDS.
--Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools ever. Very nice rural setting, worth the drive. My kids love it and are doing great. I am glad they will be able to go to middle scholl there too.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. My child has thoroughly enjoyed his experience here, and the teachers are the best. The teachers really care about the kids, and you can feel this in every classroom. I am at the school almost daily, and I don't see kids being bullied, as one person mentioned here. In fact, I think the kids are are really quite polite and friendly compared to other schools I've seen. The staff does everything they can to meet the needs of my high achieving son. He comes home happy every day.
--Submitted by a parent

Large classroom sizes. Hugely frustrated students with little parent involvement. Frustrated teachers as a result. We removed our children in March due to constant bullying, and although the school maintains a zero tolerance for bullying, we found this untrue. Very sadly disappointed. We're back to homeschooling.
--Submitted by a parent

North Woods Discovery School recognizes and encourages the individuality of each child and his/her learning style. The principal is absolutely the most devoted I have every worked with. Each teacher is highly qualified, and encourages and motivates students, while making learning fun. Students are actively encouraged to explore all their talents, and take risks to excel.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a very wonderful place with very involved parents and teachers who genuinely care about the students and their education.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. From the time we first visited, we were impressed by the interest each teacher took in every single student. Although we made an unannounced visit, every teacher was actively teaching. We moved our 2nd grader and kindergartner from a local public school. Our 2nd grader was not doing well - academically or socially. Our kindergartner didn't like school, and every time I'd pop in for a visit, her teacher had the TV on. Not here - the teaching is hands on and the teachers really figure out what each student needs to do to learn. Our children have blossomed and developed a love of learning. The principal knows each student by name, and they love him. He is extremely dedicated, and wants the best for each child.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten at Northwoods and Mrs. Clouse has really shown him what a teacher is all about. She is kind, loving, encouraging, enthusiastic and she loves those kids. Northwoods is a very small school and that is very good for the kids, the principal knows everyone and the kids love him. The kids get a lot of time with the teachers because the class ratio's are very low. I only hope that we will stay in Redding for the next 8 yrs so we don't ever have to leave this school. It has been so good for our son, he is making friends and started Reading the end of September! I highly recommend this school to anyone who doesn't want thier child to get lost in a big school, who wants their child to be nurtured and encouraged to grow and learn. WE LOVE NORTHWOODS! :)
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has attended North Woods Discovery School since the 2002-2003 school year. She is now in first grade in a class of only 13 children (the K-8 school is only allowed to have 200 children enrolled). Ever since her first day, she has loved going to school. All of the teachers are exceptional and know every child by name. They even have alternatives for children that do not celebrate certain holidays such as Halloween. Great communication between parents and teachers is a constant. Just this past year, our daughter was found to be in need of hearing aids. Before she received them, the teachers in kindergarten, first and second grade spent time with the children to ready them for our daughters transition to the hearing world. When she finally received them, all the children were excited and helped her transition smoothly with nothing but compassion and caring.
--Submitted by a parent