Merryhill School at Brookside

Constant changing leadership and teachers. No consistency between teachers. Some non-credentialed teachers. Safe environment, but at a high cost. Concerns fall on deaf ears due to this being a money making corporation.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school that provides an amazing education. I love the differentiation that they do and that each child is taught the way that best for them. They have had a few principals but the teachers remain strong and consistent. They are all amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Stayed out of the drama. Kids receive a very good education. Kids always enjoyed. They would love going to school and always wanted to stay. We moved away and had to put the kid into public school. They really see how great Merryhill did educating them. Wish the public school system would look at Merryhill to see how to educate children.
—Submitted by a parent

New school year same drama. Principal is excellent. Most teachers are good, some I question their education. The parents are the problem, too many cliques and politics. I wish they would just focus on the education and stop being grown up "bullies." Some of the parents are in no position to discouraging billing since this is what they do when the isolate others from their "little groups." This is the first Merryhill I have ever seen such ignorant parental behavior. I just havent found a safe alternative in Stockton, because I have seen better educated better behaved parents in the charter schools, but question the safety.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last post. This school has too many politics and the parents are too involved and controlling. Now I hear they are working on the fourth principal in two years. I actually like the principal now. She is very friendly, knowledgeable and involved. She gets the job done and such big improvements since she has arrived. Merryhill does not have a very good reputation in this area. It is known as a litte school with a lot of "mama drama". They pay and they want to call all the shoots and it just does not work. Too much concern on being a big ifsh in a little pond rather than the education. It would be very nice if these mother's could just drop off their children and let the school do it's job rather than holding court in the parking lot or the hallways.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Merryhill since preschool. He is now in 8th grade and is well prepared for high school. It is not perfect, but better than any alternative we have investigated over the years. They have good science curriculum, which many school districts don't offer these days, especially at the elementary level. The 8th graders are finishing a unit in economics, which I don't remember having at that age. They have field trips and science camp available, with themed "camps" available during most school breaks. They could use improvement in the lunch facilities and sometimes the restroom plumbing doesn't work well. Overall, the school is clean and well maintained. They have a fair selection of after-school activities, such as sports, cheer, chess club (new), drama club, and music instruction. The music program has improved lately. We've had mostly excellent teachers, though we do follow up at home. The principal is personable and takes care of business. Communication is better now than in the past.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been with Merryhill since he was an infant. (Sister school is a preschool) In comparison to his 2 cousins the same age who attend public schools (1 locally in Lodi Unified, 1 in the East Coast) he is ahead in all subjects. My child is challenged daily, but given all the tools to meet those challenges. The new Principal has held all the teachers responsible for following the guidelines set by the parent company- Nobel Learning. They are moving forward with the 21st Century learning- upping the curriculum with a 'schools without walls' approach- where the children can link with other Merryhill Schools to do projects. They are active in computers, drama, music, P.E., Spanish and science. The children are given high expectations and they excel! They offer a great sports program and a wonderful summer camp that keeps my child active and interested.
—Submitted by a parent

Each of my two children have been students at Merryhill since kindergarten and I could not be happier with this school. They are in a safe, familial environment. I never worry about my babies. The academics are first rate and the teachers are incredible. My son is very active in the sports program playing flag football, basketball, and softball. The administration has made fabulous changes and is extremely professional. They care and it shows. This is why we call Merryhill home.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children have done well academically at Merryhill. But my husband and I supplement a lot at home and with private tutoring. All of the teacher's my children have had so far have not been credentialed, which isn't what I would expect from the most expensive private school in the area. The yard duty staff supervision needs a lot of improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I agreed with the above parent comment. The school should provide a real lunch room for the kids to eat. It is very unhealthy to put the food cart next to the restroom. Also, it is not healthy for the kids to eat outside when it is 100 degree hot and during cold weather.
—Submitted by a parent

Merryhill School is ok. This is my kid first year at the school. The academics seem to be very good, but since this is my kid first year so i don't have any school to compare it with. The thing i don't like about this school is that they don't provide a healthy environment place for the kids to eat their lunch.
—Submitted by a parent

Merryhill strives to improve the quality of student education continually. The new principal is topknotch. The uniform requirement is more of a dress code based on the variety of student apparel options available. It would be easier on parents and students alike if there were fewer options. Just that would go a long way towards improving the overall appearance of the student body. Strictly enforcing the current dress code requirements would help also.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal has made changes, but that's all they are, just changes. The academics seem to be very good though, but I don t have anything to compare it with, we've been attending since Kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent

The new administration works very closely with pto (parent club) and involved each and every one of them (who attended) in all changes, including the painting of the entire school, the cement pouring in the back of the school and all other areas of concern. Parent conferences occured for the etire first two months of summer, compiling a 'to do list' driven entirely by the parent community. It is great to have a voice and be heard!
—Submitted by Parent, a parent

Merryhill at Brookside has had some incredible changes take place in the last few months. The Administration is strong, committed and capable. Merryhill parents work closely with the administration enabling the phenomenal partnership that exists between administration, parent and child. In the last few months, our enrollment soared 80 students!
—Submitted by a parent

Merryhill is amazing, over 90% go on to St. Mary's in Stockton and they do extremely well. The curriculum is cutting edge and constantly being evaluated for improvements. Merryhill follows the National Standards, keeping students above other schools locally. The teachers truly care and give one on one attention to the children. The nurturing environment makes kids feel special. I would say that Merryhill truly delivers a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

Merryhill School at Brookside provides a close knit community that nutures every child. The academics are outstanding, and the staff takes a deep interest in each child, even if they are not in their class.
—Submitted by a parent

As an educator and parent I am very pleased with Merryhill. The academics are outstanding and the teachers are wonderful. Parents are actively involved in their child's learning experience.The open door policy gives parents a chance to see what goes on throughout the day.
—Submitted by a parent

Merryhill is an excellent learning community.
—Submitted by a parent

My first impression of the new principal for next year is quite favorable. This year the school just acquired 'Teaching Gifted Children in the Regular Classroom' and will hopefully impliment its recommedations where appropriate in the coming school year. The library shares space with the computer room, so there are very few books. Aidido is great. Students are well behaved as you might expect with a private school with (for Stockton) high tuition. Look for improvements with the new principal. Probably the best place for before and after school care for working parents. Separate teachers for music, Spanish and PE.
—Submitted by a parent