Merryhill School Calvine

I have nothing but praise for Merryhill School Calvine. This school not only has a challenging curriculum (that includes technology, art, language, & sports), but the children are also taught the value of kindness, respect, & responsibility. These values are also modeled by the new principal, Mr. Wayne, the incredible teachers, & staff. My daughter is in the 1st grade (she also attended kindergarten at Merrhill), & she has thrived. I don't know what this school was like prior to Mr. Wayne taking over, but it is without reservation that I recommend this school to any parent seeking a challenging, well-rounded curriculum that will help your child meet their potential in a supportive, respectful environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I liked the principal and most parents will say the same. However, if you are thinking about putting your child in the kinder program, I would encourage you to think long and hard about the teacher's length of experience. The class size is no different than public kinder in EGSD. The teaching standards are also no different. Before I enrolled my child at this school, I would not have touched a public school with a ten foot pole. My thoughts have completely changed. If you want your child to memorize without learning the concepts, this is the place. Folks, my entire family went to public schools, 5 out of 8 of them went on to become doctors. Private schools do one thing, that is make parents feel they are doing something great for their child. Besides, a majority of of these students end up the PUBLIC high schools, unless you choose the catholic high schools.
--Submitted by a parent

If you believe in accountability in education, you'll be pleased with the Merryhill system. While our public schools tout they are accountable, there are too many stories that prove otherwise. Do you want teachers that are held to high standards? Do you want a curriculum that goes beyond the grade that your child is in? Do you want a Principal that is willing to meet your expectations for what a private school should be? Do you want a safe and enjoyable place for your child to be, even from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, if necessary? You really need to investigate the Merryhill School system. Mr. Benjamin Wayne has been the Principal at Calvine for over two years, and he has met and exceeded all of our family's expectations, and he continues to challenge himself and his faculty to meet or exceed Merryhill standards. You will not be sorry.
--Submitted by a parent

I have my kids in Kinder and Second Grade and they absolutely love it. The new principal is fanstastic! His passion and efforts have clearly made Merryhill, one of the best schools in Elk Grove.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter began at this school Fall 2009, when a new Principal took the reins. For the past two years, she has been challenged, has learned amazing things, grown in immeasurable ways, and has found her voice in choir and painting club, after being a pretty shy toddler. We have enjoyed every minute of the experience, and can t wait to share the environment with her little sister next Fall as she begins the adventures of Kindergarten. The teachers truly care about the kids, and the Principal (no longer the woman mentioned in early posts!) approaches his role with integrity, creativity and care. He greets every student and parent in the Lobby by name, and goes out of his way to enhance their experience. The school s use of technology is ahead of the curve, and my 2nd grader uses it today in ways that I didn t experience until College. This campus is truly a community, with effective and engaged leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a second grade boy who started at this school last year in first grade. My husband and I did not take lightly the tuition cost but have been extremely happy with the high level of education our son has been receiving at this school. My son has been challenged and has achieved impressive academic requirements for being only 7 but he doesn't even realize it because he loves his teachers and his classmates. The school is very warm and gives the kids the feeling of security that assists in allowing each to thrive in their own way. In addition to the core subjects, there is also physical education, art and music. Many of these are being cut in public schools. We feel the value of this school is high and the education is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child in second grade this year and my family I absolutely LOVE her teacher. Her teacher works with her one on one during study hall, sends class updates and photos through email, and challenges her. Even though my daughter is shy, she has a desire to be an ASB ( Student Council) representative. I can't believe how much my daughter as grown as a leader and a confident young lady. I thank her teacher and the Merryhill staff for that.
--Submitted by a parent

Definitely above average. The new principal is extremely kind and the teachers are the same ones almost every year. My kids started here since pre school and are now in 2nd & kinder. As long as my finances allow, they will stay here! Not cheap, but I definitely see how well my kids are doing versus my friends kids!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had my son at this school for three years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. The teachers really care about the kids, and the Principal does things for the students that I have never seen any other Principal do. She even takes the students out to lunch if they achieve the highest honor roll! All the teachers and the Principal know my son by name, know my name, and love my family. It is clear that this campus is a community and that the leadership is strong and focused. I was disappointed to read the other posts that stated that it 'the education wasn't worth it' I'd take a second mortgage out if I had to to keep my son in this awesome environment!
--Submitted by a parent

I too had the same experience as the parent that posted on June 7, 2009. I found that grading was very subjective, the principal did not follow through with her promises, and the teachers showed a lack of passion for teaching. Many promises are made at the kindergarten orientation about programs that are offered and the dedication of the teachers, but there was very little follow through. I meet with my daughter's teacher, the principal, vice-principal and even called the corporate office and there was still no change. Ultimately my husband and I chose to remove our daughter from Merryhill Calvine at the end of kindergarten. This school is expensive and not worth the tuition they charge.
--Submitted by a parent