Walden School Corporation

Walden is not the fanciest school in Louisville, though it may be the best. My son is extremely bright, though he struggled with reading and writing fluency. The individual attention he receives -- 11 other kids in his 3rd grade class with a wonderful, committed teacher -- makes such a difference. The tuition is high, though I feel this is the best investment I can make in my son's future
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. They have done a great job with my children. The staff is friendly and effective. There are a lot of nice kids that attend and families that are involved. The academic curriculum is excellent. It can be difficult to tell how good competing schools are unless you have kids that attend them. We have friends who left for economic reasons to join the Jefferson County Middle School Advanced Program. By comparison, they were disappointed in the Advanced Program curriculum and hope to make it back. I wish our friend had a better year but it was good feedback to help reinforce that Walden is the best choice for us.
--Submitted by a parent

As I write this, I am trying to decide whether or not my child will return to Walden next year. The past year at Walden has been problematic. Even now, as the teachers and administrators appear to know we are contemplating leaving, no one has asked us why or expressed any concern about the fact that one of their best students is likely going elsewhere. There is little follow-through when problems arise. And a lot of defensiveness and denial when it comes to dealing with the occasional less-than-stellar faculty member. We were very pleased previously but things have taken a dark turn at Walden in this past year.
--Submitted by a parent

It's a small intimate school. Academic standards are high but at the same time we don't feel our children are forced into a mold. The focus is on the children. They really try to instill a love of learning. Classes are small with a lof individual attention. Because the school is smaller, we know a lot of the other parents (and teachers) well. This provides a greater degree of social control. Potential problems like bullying for example, are recognized early and quickly addressed. However, the school has an easygoing, tolerant atmosphere, accepting of students with many different backgrounds, cultures and religions. We love the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of an elementary student at Walden and could not be more pleased with the curriculum, individualized attention and overall educational environment. Walden is a special place that is better seen and experienced than described.
--Submitted by a parent

The theory was great until the economy took a dive. Money became the focus over the children. Despite what appears to be very hands on individual attention, parents are not informed of their child's progress. Their website has been an endless disaster for many, many years and most parents cannot get on or navigate the grade system online. Even if they can, it still doesn't tell the story of where your child is - including if they're failing. Student led conferences only 'celebrate' the good work. They refuse to make a phone call directly to parents if there is a problem. We were at the school daily and still in the dark on our child's progress. Save yourself $15,000 a year. Local public schools are on par with this school and with less hounding for money at every turn. We were one of many families who left in recent years due to poor academic management and when we left they really couldn't have cared less. Not even one phone call. So much for individual attention.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a Walden second grader. She has loved it since Kindergarten. The teachers are really nice and dedicated, not to mention gifted at teaching. Even if she has a bad day, when she wakes up the next morning she is eager to go to school again. The level of responsiveness to parental concerns is amazing. The academic offering are well rounded and strong effort is made to encourage the faculty to pursue additional education. She especially loves Spanish, Music, Art, Science and Library time. If you want to send you child to a good private school, please consider Walden.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a lower school teacher at Walden for 5 years. It is an amazing school! My small classes have enabled me to really get to know each student as well as their families. My students bounce into school each day with smiles on their faces and an eagerness to learn! I am asked often what makes Walden different from other independent schools in the area. I think it is the family atmosphere that really makes the difference. Our parents are very involved, and are always welcome! Parents often come to eat lunch with their children and join them on the playground! There is a lot of communication between the parents and teachers. We build wonderful relationships that don't end as children advance to higher grades. I highly recommend taking a tour of Walden during the school day. You will be able to see and feel the loving atmosphere!
--Submitted by a teacher

As a past parent I found Walden to be the one school that could give each of my children what they needed individully to be successful not only in high school, but in college as well. Walden High School may be smaller then most, but our students are definitely prepared to attend any college or university of their choice.

By the end of my 7th grade year, I realized I was becoming a bad student and a bad child, so I begged my parents to pull me out of public school. My family was fortunate enough to be able to send me to Walden. My entire attitude, personality and overall demeanor changed after my first day at that school. I loved the small atmosphere, I loved the attention from the teachers. The best part was having the same teacher for each subject all four years, and still keep in touch with many of them. They knew my strengths & weaknesses, and utilized that to help me grow & succeed. Walden has expanded and added many great programs but hasn't lost its 'family' atmosphere. I wished I still lived there to send my daughter. I wish I had more space because there is so much more to say. Great school!!