Beddow School

We could not be happier with the Beddow School. Our child has been attending for 3 years and is doing extremely well, socially and academically. Administration and teachers are encouraging us to observe the class as often as possible so that we stay informed. We are also attending and/or volunteering at their school functions.
--Submitted by a parent

The Beddow School has already done wonders for our son this year. I can't sing enough praises for this school. The head of school was very approachable and answered all of our questions/concerns, which is why we enrolled. We are thrilled that the primary teachers are AMI trained. We appreciate the advice given in the previous posts. We did our homework and couldn't be happier!
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the other poster about doing your homework first. We didn't and spent most of last year wishing we had. Our kids loved their teachers and learned a lot, but a number of other aspects leave a lot to be desired which is unacceptable when you are paying for private tuition. There is NO parent involvement of any kind, and it is nearly impossible to get appointments to speak with the head of school. When you do get an appointment it is VERY short, and be careful of what you say as it will be held against you. I am hesitant to say much more as most of the negative reviews posted previously for this school have been removed. Please please have a good look around, ask the head of school lots of questions about policies before making your decision.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. It's also very affordable in comparison to comparable private schools. We have two children who have been enrolled at the Beddow School for the past 5 years and they both absolutely love their teachers and excel academically.
--Submitted by a parent

If you're interested, please, please do your homework before you sign the agreement. Meet with the owner, ask difficult questions, look at the facilities, use the bathrooms, look at the playground. Research this place as best you can. I know their aren't many choices in the area for a private non-religious school, but don't be fooled into thinking this is the best, most safe place for your child. Children can walk out of this school without anyone knowing it. It happened and the child was found by a neighborhood high school student. The school lets anyone in, no criteria what so ever. They have had many difficult children who disrupt the entire class on a daily basis. Nothing happens to these children, so the entire class suffers. They don't learn as much as they could because the teacher is constantly giving attention to the problem children and not the other children. Just do your homework before you enroll your child. If I had know a fraction of what I know now, I'd NEVER have sent my child here.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended the Beddow School since they were 3 years old. There was a brief time I took them out and put them in our local public school to expand their social circle as the class size at the Beddow School is small, but took them out during the school year and sent them back to the Beddow School. The classes may be small (which is a good thing) and the playground may not be the most up to date, but I'm confident my child is receiving a good education in a safe environment. The public school they attended that was supposed to be so great was overcrowded and the teachers shuffled the children around to activities during the day and gave loads of homework at night to where the parents are actually teaching the child and not the teacher. What about parents that aren't able to go over homework each night with their child? The Beddow School actually teaches the children during the day. Compared to the public schools and other local private schools, the Beddow School is a good choice if you can afford it. People leaving negative reviews here need to step back and consider the big picture and not focus on their own personal negative perceptions of isolated things/events.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for four years and I plan on continuing his education with The Beddow School through their high school program. I love everything about this school, from the caring and highly-educated teachers, to the family-oriented culture, to the real Montessori program that the staff truly believes in. I know that this school is invested in every student's success and I am so thankful for the opportunity to send my son there. I highly recommend it to any family looking for a safe, unique and stimulating environment for their child.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has finished 3 full years at this school and has had two different teachers (primary and lower elementary). Both teachers have been outstanding. At the beginning of this year, his first grade, we were still looking at other schools due to the cost, but now realize how worth the money this school is. It has its faults, just like any school, but the quality of the education far outweighs them all. My husband and are are excited to continue at this school to see what else will blossom in our child. We are more committed to this school after this last year than we were before. Maybe its also because I choose to get more involved myself. The Principal didn't encourage (or discourage) my involvement. That was a personal choice. I was even allowed to set up a field trip for the kids myself. We will be starting our youngest here (a year earlier than when his older brother started) in the Fall and can't be anymore excited or happy with our choice. .
--Submitted by a parent

This school has gone down hill in the last few years. We removed our child from this school last year because of the upper level teacher, especially the teaching qualifications she held. Initially we were very impressed with the education, but when our child changed into the upper level, we were very saddened by the quality of the teaching staff. Trying to communicate with our child's teacher was near impossible. We've recently heard stories from parents who currently have children enrolled there and they aren't positive. It's too bad because it was once an excellent school. If you're thinking of sending your child here be sure to interview a handful of parents first. You might be surprised at what you learn. We now have our child in a nearby public school and we couldn't be happier.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended the Beddow school all his life and it has been the best money I have spent so far. He started the 7th grade this year and he is doing excellent based on the foundation he received in previous grades. He is challenged to the fullest academically and I can't wait to see how much more he will grow academically. They have a very great caring staff. The teachers push the kids to great limits but that should be expected for a college preparatory school. At Beddow you are getting your monies worth. I wish they offered more sports for the kids to participate in but I guess sometimes you can't have it all. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent