Cobblestone School

Our grandson has been at Cobblestone for five years and loves it! He finds it challenging and exciting; loves his teachers and is making great friends. The individual attention is extrememly important and helps him grow and thrive as a learner. The environment is stimulating, challenging and fun for all!

We chose Cobblestone for our son because of their emphasis on the whole child. We feel that emotional and social development in the elementary school years is as important as academics. We have stayed because the intellectual environment is so rich. My son asks thoughtful, insightful questions. His written and verbal self-expression has blossomed. Gifted in math, he has been able to 'move up' with the older children and remain challenged. We are thrilled with Cobblestone School.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended a suburban public school then came to Cobblestone in 3rd grade. It was a great change! The small class sizes allow teachers to be flexible and attend to children's individual strengths and weaknesses. There isn't just lip-service given to multiple intelligences and individual learning styles - it's a way of life here. Parent-teacher conferences include the student and ask them to reflect on themselves and take ownership of what they've done well in school and what they can work on for the future. There is no teaching to the test here - it's about teaching for learning. I'll be sad when my son leaves after fininshing 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Cobblestone School from K-8 and recently graduated and moved to another school with a reputation as a 'college prep' school. We were a bit concerned about the additional rigor required with the move both to High School and to a more traditionally academically focused environment. Our worries were unfounded. He blended in well with other students and is doing well in all his subjects. The student focused and integrated approach to learning that occurs at Cobblestone School really seems to be the right approach up through the middle grades. The small class sizes lead to many close friendships and the requirements for individual 'research' and presentation to peers and parents really helps prepare students to interact with others. Kids think of their teachers as friends and someone who is helping them learn. What a great environment for a young learner!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so happy that my daughter has the opportunity to go to a school as wonderful as Cobblestone! This is a school that translates the love of learning into high academic results. My daughter is thoroughly excited about all of her school projects, but especially about math. Cobblestone has encouraged her enthusiasm and as a result-- for her math is not just something to do at school or to memorize for tests. She just enjoys it and wants to practice it in the car, during breakfast, and wherever . I doubt she would be so enthusiastic about math, if she were just learning it in order to pass a standardized test. Cobblestone also provides a caring community and my daughter is always happy to go to school and comes home smiling. I recommend the school to anyone who wants their child to love learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible! Amazing, wonderful school! Yay!
—Submitted by Daily Anemniksufujac, a teacher

Cobblestone is the only school in the Rochester area that encourages students to not only be actively involved in their learning, but to assume control of their learning. Cobblestone' s curriculum is integrated and provides for in-depth study of various fields and topics. Students develop outstanding research and analytic skills. Also, because all students are given many opportunities to present and display their knowledge, talents, and skills, they become very self-confident and articulate public speakers compared to their public school counterparts. One has only to attend the plays or student research presentations to realize what a wonderful place Cobblestone is. Also truly special about Cobblestone is the recognition that students learn differently. Teachers and administrators embrace a 'one mind at a time' philosophy while also promoting a strong sense of community. Cobblestone does what all schools should do - help students meet their full potential as individuals and community members.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school with great teachers and kids. Their philosophy on teaching/learning is revolutionary and effective. My son has learned such great things at Cobblestone but not only schoolwork...he's also brought home morals and values that should be stressed (equality, environmental, etc. etc.)
—Submitted by a parent

Cobblestone has a unique learning environment in today's test-them-to-death atmosphere, emphasizing personal and social as well as academic growth, small classes (1/12 ratio), and meeting the unique needs of each student. Grades are not assigned; portfolios are used for assessment, a much better indicator of growth and development for both parents and child. It is understood that children learn at different rates; for example, my older son read reluctantly and late, yet I experienced none of the hysterics I likely would have in a public school, only quiet, patient support. Learning is presented as a lifelong joy and responsibility rather than a burden or something to fear. Cobblestone's chief liability is also a chief strength--its size. Because Cobblestone is small, peer groups are also small and extra-curricular activities limited. We consider that a worthy trade-off to a culture that likes to think that testing defines education.
—Submitted by a parent

Great independant school, children are encouraged to learn by questioning their world, exploring nature, and interacting with their peers. Great place to be!
—Submitted by a parent