Waimea Country School

Waimea Country School is an exceptional school! My daughter has attended this school for 4 years and is thriving. The teachers and staff are enthusiastic, creative, caring. Learning is truly individualized. My daughter's teacher has been able to accommodate her level in all subjects. She is never bored in class. Waimea Country School is affordable, providing students with a safe, supportive, challenging learning environment. They have an amazing garden program, and students are encouraged to be active, outside. Childhood is cherished at Waimea Country School. Individualism is encouraged. Multiculturalism is appreciated, and viewed as an asset. The head of school is exceptional. She is dependable and approachable. She is there for parents, students and staff day after day. She truly cares. It's a great school, we have had an exceptional experience. Our son will be starting at this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The multi-age learning environment at Waimea Country School has proven to be a valuable model of learning for my son. In his previous school, there was just one set curriculum, if he was behind, he struggled and often felt anxious, and if he was ahead, worse, he was bored. In the multi-age environment provided by Waimea Country School he has really soared. The feeling of anxiousness about certain subjects has been eliminated, thus allowing him the room to really expand his knowledge on his weaker subjects. On the subjects that he excels in, he is allowed to continue growing, so that he is actually zooming ahead in many subjects. Multi-age just makes sense, each child has some subject areas that are strong points and some that are weak points. The multi-age environment naturally supports this dynamic and encourages growth in all areas without the stress and/or boredom of the typical classroom. Furthermore, a teacher that can handle a multi-age classroom is a truly gifted educator who has taken the time to intimately develop learning relationships with each of his of her students, this leaves the students feeling very supported and encouraged by their teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Waimea Country School is dedicated to offering a well rounded, solid education that is family & community based. My son is in his fourth year at WCS and he is thriving. Not only does he feel safe and completely supported by the staff and his fellow students, he loves going to school and is inspired to challenge himself. The education offered at WCS is solidly grounded in academics, but also includes practical studies and real life experience. WCS has their own vegetable & flower garden in which all of the students are involved, they have a great music & arts program, they often take the educational experience off campus to theaters and local culture events, and they also offer a wide variety of physical and sports activities. The staff at all levels are extremely dedicated to the school, the students & their families, and the community. I could not me more pleased with the experience we have had at WCS, and highly recommend this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is THRIVING at this school! He has been at this school all the way since Kindergarten and we couldn't be happier. The teachers go out of their way to keep him challenged and are also aware of his weaknesses. They are careful to push him enough, but not too much. He has such great friends at this school. I also love how much I am not just allowed to be included at this school, but encouraged to participate. I love that my kid is getting an great education with loads of individual attention at an affordable price. I would definitely recommend this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent

We had two children attend the Waimea Country School (WCS) from kindergarten through level 4 (5th grade equivalent) and we could not be more satisfied. In addition to the excellent education, our kids developed character, respect for others, and a love of learning. They had fun at school and looked forward to going every day. Both children performed well academically and the child centered philosophy allowed them to advance at their individual pace, thus keeping them challenged and interested. The individual attention really works, especially in the early development years. Waimea Country School concentrates the learning program on elementary levels (grades) only. This worked well for us since we were able to make a better choice of middle school and high school after seeing how they developed academically and physically. There were many things we liked about this school including, multiage classrooms, affordable tuition, safe environment, location, and excellent teachers. We highly recommend WCS to other parents, especially those that are willing to involve themselves in their children s school.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion and experience, at this school, your child is treated like an individual; not just another kid, not just a number, not just a dollar sign (as could be the case in private schools). If your child needs more individual help, more time to complete an assignment or more challenge, then your child is provided with what your child needs. The most impressive part of this school to me is the monthly value. They don't just put up a poster; they talk about it, they model it, they do skits about it, they reinforce it on the playground and all through the day. They talk about responsibility, caring, sharing, etc. with a new value discussed each month. Furthermore, they have the best kindergarten teacher in the whole town. They have a very nice playground, a good garden, art, music & PE.
—Submitted by a parent

In my experience there, there was not enough respect for the children. In my opinion and observation, their (not all faculty) treatment of children was not one I wanted my child subjected to.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi my name is Jamey Maclean my mom worked at this school for a long time... I starded to go to wcs when i was 5. I really liked this school and the close family fealling! All of the kids and teachers were great!
—Submitted by a student