The Valley School

Correction to the previous post-the school has been board-run for nearly a decade. As is the case for the great majority of independent schools, the board is responsible for the long-term health of the school and the head of school is responsible for day to day operations. The current head is the second since the founder retired.
—Submitted by a parent

Reportedly, this school is moving from a founder-run private school to a board-run school. The upshot of this change has meant the release of a key administrator and many questions regarding the board and the new administration's ability to work together sincerely as a team for the sake of the children and families at Valley. Frankly, I'd rather see Valley work harder on increasing its academic expectations for the children rather than focus on administrative policy changes.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! Based on the this year's graduates and this year's preschool children, this is an absolutely fantastic school. As we looked at middle schools this past year, we repeatedly heard that they loved Valley kids. They're bring everyone together, and the administrators see them as academic leaders. I feel so lucky to be a parent in this great school. Our kids love learning. The teachers are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

The "emergent curriculum" of this school sounds good in theory but in practice it means that the instruction and curriculum is not well organized and consistent throughout the grades. You only have to compare the writing samples of the upper school children of this school against those of other private schools to clearly see the evidence. Use your discernment and look deeply before accepting the administration s sales pitch. This school understandably takes pride in its beautiful campus and quality teachers. The children are engaged in wholesome activities such as gathering chicken eggs or digging mud puddles. However, on the other side of the coin this school is not invested in modern technology. At other private and public schools, your child will have the opportunity to learn to use technology in creative and comprehensive ways that will clearly benefit them in today's society. The former leadership of this school was awful and the school suffered for it. Perhaps under the steady hand the new director, this school can become the school it claims to be. Overall though, this school does not make the grade when compared to other private schools in the area.

Both of my children attended The Valley School from Kindergarten through 5th grade. They were excited to go to school every single day. Not only did Valley provide a nurturing environment for them to develop confidence and interpersonal skills, it also provided an academic foundation that is allowing them to perform at high levels in a college prep school. Thank you Valley School!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a couple months into his third year at the Valley School and we are really happy with how things are going. Our older child went through Valley School too and loved his experience too. The new director is doing a great job - he's providing strong leadership for the teachers and parents, is always visible and accessible, is building great relationships with the kids, and is bringing some good new energy to the school. Outstanding academic program, delightful kids, excellent teachers, unique campus, and a day full of engaging learning for the students. Lots of hands-on, experiential learning balanced with research-based academic techniques. We love this school! Only downside - if you don't get in at pre-k, it can be hard to get in later.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is quite unorganized and does not communicate well at all. They do a reasonable job in the lower school, but the upper school is not engaging for the kids and they get bored with the small classes and poorly organized curriculum. Hopefully the new director will turn things around.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyday, I am amazed by the teachers at The Valley School. They are talented and dedicated. It is a wonderful school and a delightful parent community.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child at the Valley School and one child who went through the Valley School and is now in middle school. This school strikes a perfect balance between rigorous academics and creating a joyful atmosphere. Both of my children learned to love school and have developed wonderful relationships with peers and teachers. Probably the best measure of academic rigor for us was that all the children in our older son's class have been admitted to and successful in selective private schools or the public schools' hi-cap program. The school has recently hired a new director who will be on board next year and he looks terrific - very promising.
—Submitted by a parent

The Valley School is the best thing that happened to our children. It was a reasonably priced private school, and it offers pure enlightenment. Our kids are very well-adjusted and have a profound desire to learn and to contribute to their world due to their education at Valley. With a final daughter graduating in May, we will miss it greatly! Were they also to offer a Middle School we would be sending our kids there.
—Submitted by a parent

Our 2 children have thrived at The Valley School. They love learning and love school. Both of them are working above grade level and they get the challenge they crave in an environment that is both energizing and nurturing. Smart, creative and committed staff. Happy kids, happy families.
—Submitted by a parent

The Valley School has been the perfect fit for my son since day one. It offers a terrific learning environment with caring and involved teachers. It is a place that builds self-confidence and a healthy attitude towards learning.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a high teacher turnover and a great deal of secrecy. It went from a gentle school to one of underlying hostility and backbiting. So sad to happen to such a charming school. Two of my children went there; my third is attending a different one.
—Submitted by a parent

They seem to have a high teacher turnover and are very selective in the information to share.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves school and learning at the Valley School. He comes home buzzing with new information from their units of study, gets the challenge he needs and feels like a contributing member of the small community. As parents we have easy access to the teachers and staff and really enjoy the interesting group of families.
—Submitted by a parent

The Valley School has been the life changer for our daughter. We moved her to this wonderful little school in the middle of 3rd grade and absolutely made the right choice. Academics have been great, teachers are consistently excellent, and the children 'graduate' from 5th grade in a very strong position to take on middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

What an amazing small school. This school is really a bastion of sanity in a world of pressurized schools. My child just loves coming to school each day. The teachers are smart and caring, the school grounds are beautiful and green, and the parent body is laid-back and inclusive. I couldn't say enough good things about Valley.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at the Valley School for two years, pre-K and now currently in the Kindergarten. We have had a wonderful and very positive experience thus far. The teachers and staff are extremely nurturing and know all of the kids by name. It is truly a school that caters to each individual need. The outdoor space is amazing and often utilized for class projects and assignments. When it is nice out, I often see entire classes outside under trees doing their classwork. It is hard to get a sense of this school on one tour, but it is the kind of community where children grow into caring and respectful adolescents. They will learn the basics well and be supported emotionally and socially as well as academically.
—Submitted by a parent