St. Andrews Umc Weekday School

I have a background in child development and this school really meets the goals and needs of the developing child.. Our grandson went to St a from age 3 to 5 and then moved with ease to public school. Gymnastics programs and Spanish started at St A have become an important part of his life.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started kinder in a larger private school, the moved to public. Neither would teach to his level and focused more on his behavior than on providing him with a stimulating and challenging curriculum. He was expected to sit for most of the day working on worksheets or cut/paste activities of one kind or another. We were disappointed and frustrated with the inappropriate methods and expectations. We found SAWDS this past Feb. Ms. Kilian provides a unique, developmentally appropriate, and challenging environment into which she weaves together everyday life experiences and learning opportunities that are stimulating and exciting for all the kids. First grade teacher Ms. 'P' has transformed our son into an information-hungry, confident young boy. My son grew to love school again, and has matured through the nurturing, gentle encouragement of Ms. Kilian and Ms. Porter. We only wish the school had more grade levels!
—Submitted by a parent

My gifted son, who could read when he was 3, thrives at this school (now in 1st grade). We tried public schools and another private school and both experiences were disastrous. NAEYC accredited through 3rd grade (an exceptional rarity) they have small classes, whole child based, where children are understood and nurtured. They cover the basics (math manipulable and abstract, reading) but also give equal time to science, social science, art, social skills, and music. My son is thriving, not because they have a gifted program, but because it is child centered, they meet him where he is at. He was bored in public school and hated it, and the private school wanted to keep him back, but not for academic reasons, he was ahead of his peers, but because it is a big thing in Texas to keep **boys** back. Small classes and great teachers. He loves school again.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Andrews has a wonderful first grade teacher, Ms. Pat Porter as well as a fantastic second/third grade teacher, Debbie Murrell. It's a small school with small classes size of just 5-10 students in first, second, and third grade. Lots of individual attention and first rate academics in 1st-3rd. My child scored very well on the ITBS as do most kids from St. Andrews. Most find themselves academically ahead of other schools when they transfer. Kindergarten academics are not as strong. This was the perfect school for my child and I recommend it to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent