McGinnis Woods Country Day School

McGinnis Woods is a wonderful school. Our experience has been fantastic and look forward to being a part of MW for more academic years to come!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at McGinnis Woods for over 7 years. My children see McGinnis as part of their extended family and look up to their teachers and administration. My husband and I believe our children have received a well-rounded rigorous education that has challenged each child in their individualized way. If you are looking for a school that looks individually at each student, honors their talents and challenges them to achieve- McGinnis is it. Education is important to my husband and I that is why we choose to go with a balanced private school. We wanted one that provided a strong curriculum within a caring environment that nurtured and nourished them. Of all the tours we did, McGinnis was the only one that provided both.
--Submitted by a parent

I didn't even know this site existed until recently. Many people only go to places like this to post negative things. Those of us who are happy fail to do so. At this school, I think "happy" is the majority. McGinnis Woods is a unique place to send your child. The class sizes are small(we only have 14 but have never had more than 18 with 2 teachers). The curriculum is modified to the needs of the students. My child is advanced and she is not limited to the curriculum of her grade nor is she taught to any "test". Our teachers have been nothing but awesome. The open door policy allows me to keep tabs on my child's progress continuously. It is nice year after year to see the same teacher faces(give or take moving/pregnancy). I am pleased that all the teachers and most assistants are certified. I am not sure what one of the prior comments was referring too about lack of certification. I find the principal approachable and responsive to any issues I have had over the last many years. My child continues to thrive in this environment. No school is perfect but I don't think I could do better for my child in all the ways that matter. Come see for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

I recently became aware of some of the negative reviews on this site about McGinnis Woods and wanted to share my experience. My child has been at the elementary school since pre-school. The PROS of the school are: execellent curriculum, small classes (the most student we have had is 19 and every class has two teachers), warm community environment, monthly field trips, spanish, science, library including in PreK and a school nurse. Also, parents are welcome in the school at all times to volunteer. The cons would be: small classes (so if you are looking for your child to have 100 friends in their class this isn't for you). Also, the school doesn't have a gym, but I give credit to the PE Coach who has done a great job with artifical turf field and multi-sport court and putting together a winning after school soccer team for the upper grades. In addition, the school has a small cafetria and limited space for assembly type events. It seems to work for the students but it can be a challenge for parents who want to come and watch. Lastly the school lunch program changed this year so if you are used to hot lunches included in tuition, it is scaled down three days a week.
--Submitted by a parent

It's very sad to me that these sites are used for the wrong reasons. McGinnis Woods always has been and always will be an exemplary school. It's unfortunate that previous disgrunteled employees use this site under false pretences. My child attended this school from the preschool all the way through to middle school and it was the best decision we ever made. Please choose for yourself! Go visit the school and make your own decision. Not based on inaccurate information that is very misleading.
--Submitted by a parent

Not really anything positive I can say about the preschool and will not give the elementary school a chance.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school and a wonderful learning environment for my 2 kids who attend this school. The principal is an asset she is very helpful in guiding parents and children. I would recommend this school to anybody!
--Submitted by a parent

We left MW after we watched quality, certified teachers bullied and forced to leave the school. The educational standards at this school are really just smoke and mirrors and the administration is ONLY concerned with money. The curriculum is out dated at best and teachers are not held to the same standards across the board. The children are not nurtured, but coddled to the point that often functioning in a non MW setting is impossible. We are glad we pulled our child from MW.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has finally had enough--I must say what am I paying for? Our favorite and I must say, only certified, teachers have all left in DROVES, and now my children, are being led by highly unqualified and highly unsupervised individuals. The education is sub par and the curriculum is outdated. I gave a bucket of money to build a gym which still sits un built-where is my money? The parents want answers..DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN HERE--until this school realizes that our children need quality teachers and a quality education and its principal and owners are in desperate need of a wake up call--I feel that MCGW will still be a glorified daycare--
--Submitted by a parent

** MANY OF THE REVIEWS HERE ARE FROM MW ADMINSTRATORS! Having been a parent with a student at MW for 4 years, it pains me to only write a review at the point when I have most disillusioned with our experience there. A lot of people are trying very hard to create a good school environment. However, I find that the quality of that experience for my child has declined to the point where I am questioning our decision to attend. There is a set of teachers who have been allowed to display petty and unprofessional behavior, and the principal picks and chooses whose feet she will or won't hold to the fire. We all know that many primary grade teachers are not fully functioning adults. We rely on uniformly applied policies and discipline to prevent this from becoming problems with the parents or - God forbid - with your child at a personal level. The "I'll show you!" attitude has been allowed to take root at MW. You will not be able to take exception with much of what the teachers do, as retaliation is now an allowable response. As a school that relies on checks coming in from the parents each month, I suspect that they are going to have financial troubles in the near future.
--Submitted by a parent