Rocky Bayou Christian School

Posted: August 5, 2024

After having our kids in Rocky on the crestview campus for 5 years, I have to say I wish we never enrolled here. They don't walk the walk and at the end of the day, are only out to watch for themselves. If you're a family with multiple kids enrolled and one child has an issue, they WILL kick the entire family out. You heard that right. They will expel all kids within the family through an email without much of an explanation. The way they handle situations is sadly far from the ungodly facade that Rocky is all about. They are only there to cover themselves if an issue arrives. If your child is perfect, then you have nothing to worry about-that is, unless until your other child makes a mistake and then you're all out. Enroll with caution. The superintended himself Michael Mosley has not much to say about anything and doesn't seem to run the school in a professional fashion. Who really runs Rocky?

Posted: August 5, 2024

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Posted: November 3, 2023

Our kids absolutely love RBCS! They’re both thriving & that makes us happy as parents.

Posted: November 3, 2023

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My children have received a loving, diverse and enriching experience at RBCS. It has truly been a blessing to watch my children grow under their leadership.

Posted: November 3, 2023

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Posted: October 5, 2023

Rocky has made a huge impact in my children’s lives. They are loved and safe every day. The education is excellent and I never worry about what they are learning. We have been welcomed as family since day 1. We love everything Rocky Offers!

Posted: October 5, 2023

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Posted: October 3, 2023

We couldn’t be more pleased with our experience at Rocky Bayou Christian School thus far. The small student to teacher ratio and loving environment has allowed our reserved, little kindergartener to blossom- academically, socially, and spiritually. We feel so blessed to have found such a fantastic school for our sweet girl!

Posted: October 3, 2023

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Posted: October 12, 2022

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Posted: October 12, 2022

Although my elementary and kindergarten years at this school were fairly decent, things started to get twisted when I entered the academy (7th-12th). My seventh-grade year was alright, but my eighth-grade year was awful. At Rocky, most of the students per class in each grade have been with each other since they were small. I think there was (at least when I was at the school for 9 years) a really big problem with kids accepting new students, specifically mid-year. The people would either choose to include them as a part of their "group" or they choose to completely make fun of them or leave them out. The kids at the school who get bullied get treated terribly, even by the staff. Some of the academy staff at Rocky will ridicule the kid and let others make fun of them when teaching. When it comes to disciplining children, Rocky will either excuse the student's behavior or have a harsh punishment for them. It increasingly got worse the more time I spent at the school. Besides that, Rocky does have a great softball program. The coach there is incredible and truly believes in every athlete she coaches. My experience at Rocky was good and bad. Towards the end it was terrible. I know some students have a better experience than I may have, but I think it is fair to explain mine. I hope this helps if they want to improve this school or for any parent thinking about sending their kid here.

Posted: March 2, 2022

When we first toured the school and had our family interview they assured us that their top priority was to partner with families. I have only since been welcomed into my child’s classroom once. That was after hours and I wasn’t allowed to bring any of my children with me. My child is in kindergarten and they have had several special events at the school but we are not allowed to bring younger siblings. It’s so disappointing that parents are not welcomed on campus.

Homework is extensive. My child has reading homework almost every night and math worksheets occasionally. My child complains about how many worksheets and writing they do everyday. He brings home at least six worksheets everyday that were completed in class (He is in Kindergarten!)

Posted: March 2, 2022

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Posted: March 1, 2022

I enrolled all of my children in Rocky after a devastating family loss. The former administration in Crestview at Rocky was supportive and loving. The new administration is lacking. Communication is spotty if not impossible and their lack of compassion for trauma and children with disabilities is alarming. I have removed all of my children from this school and am now spending the majority of my time taking my children to therapy to recover from their treatment there. Do not send your children there if you expect Christian compassion and love.

Posted: March 1, 2022

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Posted: March 31, 2020

We were happy with Kindergarten building, but the Elementary 1-6 got worse as our child advanced through grades. It seems in the last several years, the focus is scholarship programs and international student recruitment (which don't pay either). Spending a ton to asphalt the road instead of increasing teacher salary to draw competitive certified teachers was indicative of the real motive...public perception...not quality. We will not be sending our children back. It is incredibly disappointing that the Board of Directors has not done anything about the poor leadership at this school. I would have given a 1 or 2 star review but our experiences in the Kindergarten building were great.

Posted: March 31, 2020

Homework is a bit on the long side, but does not reinforce the classroom learning. It needs to focus more on the Math and repetition instead of added reading, which most of us are already doing at home.

Posted: March 31, 2020

Our experience in K3, K4, and K5 was fantastic. Very stable area and these values were enforced, but once you leave the Kindergarten program things went way downhill. No teacher stability and constantly changing curriculum.

Posted: March 31, 2020

The focus is money for scholarships and international students. There is very little consideration if you are an average full tuition paying 2 working parent family. If you have any kind of IEP or special needs they will bend over backwards to accommodate you as they get state money redirected from the public schools to them. There is one person in charge of making all the decisions for the school and his main concern is money and public perception.

Posted: March 31, 2020

That is their main focus after 6th grade. You are either in AP or in Talent development, no middle ground. They get state money and their focus is money.

Posted: March 31, 2020

Posted: June 26, 2019

It depends on the student. The school and staff can be a great influence, but if the students and their family life or walk with Christ does not match with this, then perhaps not.

Posted: June 26, 2019

I understand the people in some of these positions have changed since I have been at the school. During my time there I found not only the faculty in leadership positions to have a heart for the school, but a heart for the students.

Posted: June 26, 2019

Posted: June 26, 2019

No school is going to be free from bullying. I hate that this is true, but it is. However, in my time at Rocky, I never saw a student who was openly bullied left alone to deal with it. Whether it was a teacher or another student, no one was left to their own devices.

Posted: June 26, 2019

As much as my time at this school was frustrating (I don’t know any student who would say school isn’t annoying at times) I feel so blessed that I was able to attend Rocky Bayou. I feel I was well prepared for college not only in academics, but in my faith. I grew so much at this school, and while I am still growing, I would not be where I am today if I was not surrounded by the faculty, staff, and students while I was figuring out who I was. I understand experiences may differ, but I also know the opportunities I had at Rocky would never have been options had I gone to public school.

Posted: June 26, 2019

I believe that there is always room for improvement. I did hours of homework, but I wanted high marks and took the time to study and get ahead. The homework I was assigned helped me gain a better grasp of the material, and while some days were “lighter” than others, I rarely felt the work load was unreasonable or undoable.

Posted: June 26, 2019

I never felt that any teacher didn’t want me to succeed and excel. They always made time to listen to my problems, homework or otherwise. I truly feel as if I was part of a family while there.

Posted: February 18, 2019

If I could rate this school a Negative 100 I would.

Posted: February 18, 2019

Posted: February 18, 2019

After leaving Rocky Bayou, a school I had attended for 5 years, for a public school, I was far behind my peers.

Posted: February 18, 2019

This school is horrific. It promotes cliques, judgement, singling out specific students, favoritism. I was bullied relentlessly for 5 years at Rocky Bayou. I’m talking about reading derogatory things about myself on the bathroom stall walls, garbage thrown in my brand new car, groups of students cornering me and harassing me, cyber bullying. Everything was given to the staff so action could be taken against these students and their response was that they could not punish these students in any way because their parents were large donors to the school.

Posted: February 18, 2019

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Posted: September 7, 2016

Top notch school. RBCS educates children as partners with parents in Kingdom Education principles. RBCS offers a unique perspective for giving kids a biblical world view while delivering phenomenal academics. RBCS has great extra curricular activities such as sports, fine arts, and academic competition teams. Faculty and Staff are truly called to participate with the home and the church to help grow the next generation of Christ-like leaders. My child has gone to RBCS since Kindergarten. We plan to continue at Rocky to see what the Lord has in store for Her and our family. We love Rocky!

Posted: September 7, 2016

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Posted: September 7, 2016

Rocky Bayou Christian School had the small class sizes that my twins needed. I appreciate all the hard working teachers!

Posted: November 20, 2015

The teachers at RBCS put their all into serving the students and families. They truly embody the adage of the teacher, working for the outcome, not the income.

Posted: November 20, 2015

Although one of my children spent most of her time doing homework for the exceptionally rigorous schedule that she had chosen in high school, most of my children were able to manage their homework for honors level and above high school courses while participating in three varsity sports throughout each year.

Posted: November 20, 2015

the honor code in the Academy is the culmination of the character training that the students have received since kindergarten. Academy students are encouraged to sign this honor code to state that they will strive to love others as Christ loves them. The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", is emphasized in every aspect of the RBCS education.

Posted: November 20, 2015

My husband and I have worked at RBCS since we graduated from college and have been doubly blessed to have had all six of our children attend RBCS from kindergarten through high school graduation. Thanks to their RBCS education, followed by college and post graduate course work, the first four children are all blessed with great careers in engineering, law, physical chemistry and banking, respectively. Our fifth child graduated from a Christian university in South Florida and is working at a renowned hotel there, while making application for military service. Our youngest is still at a Christian college in Tennessee, per a volleyball scholarship. All of our children's teachers and coaches at RBCS helped to make them the successful citizens/students that they are today. The academics prepared them for college and career, but the mentoring, character building and leadership training prepared them for life, both in and beyond their schools and jobs. We thank God for Rocky Bayou Christian School, not only for our own six children, but also for the thousands of students we have been blessed to teach, mentor, and train in Christian character. When my husband and I "run into" alumni, especially when we see them registering their own children for an RBCS education, we feel tremendously blessed to have had the privilege to be a small part of their lives. What I saw on Facebook is so true: teachers don't teach for the income; teachers teach for the outcome!

Posted: November 9, 2015

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My child transferred from public school, where the amount of homework every night was overwhelming. The amount assigned at RBCS is much more manageable and age-appropriate. It reinforces topics learned at school while still allowing the children to have a life outside school.

Posted: November 9, 2015

RBCS places a strong emphasis on character education and morality in its educational goals, giving students a strong foundation in a Christian worldview.

Posted: July 22, 2015

I have children attending RBCS in different grades and have been very pleased with the education they are receiving as well as the environment the school provides. RBCS offers different levels of rigor and curriculum that will meet where the student is at. They offer a strong special ed program and educational therapy program that will provide not only the accommodations sped students need but also an opportunity for students to improve their ability to learn. They offer an advanced program for highly motivated students who excel in academics. Many students graduating from RBCS has moved onto prestigious universities. I also love that fact that my children are given opportunities to join in many clubs and join athletic teams that will not only build character and team work but also build their resume for college. Mostly, I love the fact that this is a Christian school and bible is taught every day and faculty show grace and love. It is a loving and safe environment to learn and grow. My children LOVE this school and thank us for sending them here. We are a military family and have moved around and have homeschooled as well. For our family, who wants a loving environment, academic rigor, club/athletic teams, leadership training for our children, this is absolutely the best school that we have been to. The icing on the cake is the Christian education. We are truly happy here.

Posted: July 22, 2015

I have children attending RBCS in different grades and have been very pleased with the education they are receiving as well as the environment the school provides. RBCS offers different levels of rigor and curriculum that will meet where the student is at. They offer a strong special ed program and educational therapy program that will provide not only the accommodations sped students need but also an opportunity for students to improve their ability to learn. They offer an advanced program for highly motivated students who excel in academics. Many students graduating from RBCS has moved onto prestigious universities. I also love that fact that my children are given opportunities to join in many clubs and join athletic teams that will not only build character and team work but also build their resume for college. Mostly, I love the fact that this is a Christian school and bible is taught every day and faculty show grace and love. It is a loving and safe environment to learn and grow. My children LOVE this school and thank us for sending them here. We are a military family and have moved around and have homeschooled as well. For our family, who wants a loving environment, academic rigor, club/athletic teams, leadership training for our children, this is absolutely the best school that we have been to. The icing on the cake is the Christian education. We are truly happy here.

Posted: March 30, 2015

Rocky Bayou Christian School has been a blessing to my family. I cannot say enough about the great teachers and staff members! We have been with the school since my son was in the 3rd grade I have seen growth both spiritually and intellectually! it gives me peace of mind knowing that my son is in the care of people who LOVE God and are not just teaching him Mathematics, English and Science, but are instilling in him the values of Jesus Christ! He is in the care of teachers that care about his soul and are willing to come along side my family and support the foundation that "MY FAMILY" stands on Provebs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. So there you have it! What a BLESSING!

Posted: March 15, 2015

My kids love going to school everyday. Their teachers are super involved in their lives. One teacher recently came to a basketball game just to watch my child play. Academics are strong, and I love that this is not a church school. It's non denominational and i like the perspective that brings for my kids. Above all, the best part of RBCS is that my kids get to learn about God and are surrounded by people who try to be good examples. Definitely coming back for more next year!

Posted: March 12, 2015

Rocky Bayou Christian School has been a wonderful, loving experience for my children. They are challenged to excel academically while being taught a biblical worldview in their classes. One of my children receives therapy at school for her short term memory loss and that has been a huge help and boost to her confidence. This school has really dedicated faculty and staff and I love that when my kids come home they are singing songs about Jesus, know Bible verses, and just really being taught well and loved on by their teachers. The family feeling is great, the sense of community and desire to educate kids in a thoughtful and meaningful ways are evident. My kids love going to school at Rocky and even though it is not cheap we feel the value is both eternal and worth the sacrifices our family makes. I really do recommend this school for families who are interested in Christian education or have a child with special needs. We love it!

Posted: March 2, 2015

As a former teacher in other private schools around the country, I am very disappointed with this school. Some of the staff can be very rude at drop off and pick up. The curriculum is lacking and some teacher's are not very well educated even if they have the "credentials". We pay a ton of money in tuition and we are constantly being asked for more. If you donate to this school you are given special treatment. This is a poorly ran business that has money as the top priority rather than children. It is a beautiful campus and I know there are some good people there and some great teachers but the school is basically a poorly ran business that hides behinds a Christian label. There is no competition around here so they have no reason to be better. This is our last year at Rocky.

Posted: January 26, 2015

Many of the teachers are very unprofessional in things they say and do! I can't believe the principal lows such behavior out of an adult. It's one particular family, that works there, gets away with telling kids they don't like them, because the asst. Principal is the father of this family. It's unreal what goes on at that school; no one would believe it unless they had a student attending the school.

Posted: November 8, 2014

Our grandson transferred to RBCS K-5B class earlier this year. He has drastically improved on his reading skills, is learning cursive writing, and just as importantly has developed more self-confidence and an eagerness to learn!

Posted: September 24, 2014

I love this school! My child started in K5 last year and is in 1st grade this year. We love the christian environment, the bible studies and the one on one attention my son gets.I was very worried as I didn't care for any of the public schools and the moment I walked into Rocky bayou I knew this was the perfect school for him. The attention, communication and service from the school and the staff is amazing. The Destin campus is a blessing to us Destin locals!

Posted: September 14, 2014

I have 4 girls, 3 of which attend Rocky....We are coming from a homeschool environment to a Public School for 5 months and this school is an answer to prayer! I trust every teacher at the Destin Campus. Each teacher that represents the grade my girls are in have shown the love for not only the class, but for my individual child. Their love for Christ pours in the classroom, out of the classroom, into the hall right and right out the door! It is AMAZING. The next best thing to Homeschooling! I am soooooo happy!

Posted: September 14, 2014

Our family loves Rocky Bayou Christian School. My child attends the Destin Campus and would couldn't be more blessed with such an amazing school. The teachers are wonderful at teaching each child with their individual needs. My child loves going to school and is always eager to learn more makes me confident that we are at the right school.

Posted: September 12, 2014

I love that Rocky has a Destin elementary campus. The facilities are great and the smaller school feeling gives my girls the opportunity to know all of the kids in the school, from K5 to 6th grade! My girls' teachers do a fantastic job presenting everything with a biblical worldview and a customized touch to meet their individualized needs. The parent community is exceptional and unbelievable!!!

Posted: September 12, 2014

I am thrilled that RBCS has a campus in Destin too!!! I have two sons there who absolutely LOVE their school!! We are so blessed with the faculty. They are truly dedicated and don't just teach the test like the public schools, but actually teach their students to master the concepts. The teachers push their students to reach their full potential and challenge them academically. I love the smaller class size and the fact that my boys are getting a Christian worldview in ALL subjects. I also LOVE the fact that we have Music and put on programs at Christmas and the end of the year. It is amazing to see and it teaches the children how to speak in front of an audience and build their confidence. The students also have the opportunity to participate in Spelling Bees and Art competitions. Nothing makes me more secure in my decision to put my children at Rocky than when I pick them up everyday the first words out of their mouths are, "why didn't you come late? We didn't want to go home yet!" Then I ask them how their day was and they both say with great enthusiasm, "It was AWESOME!!!" I

Posted: September 12, 2014

This is our 2nd year at RBCS Destin. My daughter loves going to school it and I love the what she is learning. We can tell that the teachers and staff have a passion for what they do. Plus, RBCS was awarded the honor of being listed at one of the TOP 50 PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE UNUTED STATES IN 2014.

Posted: September 11, 2014

We love RBCS. It's staff loves our children and help guide them in the way they should go. They are here to assist parents in the education of their children to help mold each student into what God has for them to be. All of my children's needs are able to be met. We have a daughter with special needs and they teach her in ways she can learn. With the educational therapy and occupational therapy on campus, she has made great progress. They push her but not to the point of frustration. My other children are in the regular track and their teachers are always seeing their potential and trying to help them reach it. Sometimes that means doing it a little differently. They are always available to help them when they need it. My children come home with smiles and singing. They are loved by the school and we love the school too!

Posted: September 11, 2014

Rocky Bayou Christian School is the school that educates your whole child. Body, through our great athletic department, mind, through our challenging yet accommodating curriculum, and most importantly your child's soul, through our integrated Biblical worldview basis. The education "Bang for your Buck" is here. No other school even attempts to do what Rocky Bayou Christian School accomplishes with grace.

Posted: September 11, 2014

I am an alumni parent with two students that graduated from Rocky Bayou Christian School. Both of my children (now 25 and 19) have had wonderful experiences in the colleges they attend. Over and over again they give RBCS the praise. Their professors have said their freshman work was like that of third and fourth year college students. What I have been most thankful for is the fact that RBCS partners along with parents teaching biblical world view and helping develop Christian character and skills necessary to fulfill God s calling in their lives. If you are looking for a biblical school that teaches God in every subject, look no further!

Posted: September 11, 2014

Rocky Bayou Christian School is a wonderful school that has greatly impacted by children. The Faculty and Staff truly love the students and demonstrates God s love for all. Not only have my child experienced a wonderful and caring environment, but they have also grown to love school. They previously attended a public school and were failing. The extra attention from teachers and small class sizes have helped my children exceed academically. I feel truly blessed to have my child attend Rocky Bayou.

Posted: September 10, 2014

My kids have been going here for four years now. They have learned so quickly, and learning things that public schools don't teach (cursive writing in kindergarten). Both come home enthusiastic about their classes, and ready to go back for more the next day. The teachers are hands on, and truly show they love their students. The school does need work on the grounds, but I have seen their future plan, and I can see God has a great plan for this school.

Posted: September 9, 2014

I found Rocky Bayou's reviews on this website just today, and would like to make some counterarguments to the reviews giving one star ratings. First, one review says that Rocky Bayou is business or money focused rather than Christian based. Every school has a purpose. Do universities like Princeton, Yale, Harvard etc. that charge $50,000 annual tuition exist only to make money? Public schools get government funding. Private schools do not. In fact, the government spends more per child at a public school than parents at Rocky spend per child, yet Rocky receives no tax credit. Rocky receives only how much is needed to run the school and grow it. Second, a review said the school is poor academically. My children passed all the AP test with 4's and 5's. They scored over 700 on most of all the SAT and SAT subject tests. They couldn't have done it without some of the brilliant teachers at Rocky. In English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Bible etc. all are taught by excellent teachers. Through academic progress that started here, I have two sons doing very well in both Princeton and Northwestern University. This school provides a rigorous and challenging academic program.

Posted: March 31, 2014

I have three children attending Rocky and they love it. It is laying a foundation so they will be able to stand firm in their convictions when they enter college. The teachers and staff are wonderful providing a solid education and a loving environment. Combine all of that with a great sports program and you have RBCS! I am so glad we chose this school.

Posted: February 11, 2014

I agree with the other poster. This school doesn't feel like a school based on Gods teaching rsrather ran like a business. Not horrible yet if ur looking for a Christian school this isn't it.

Posted: January 27, 2014

My daughter transferred from Bluewater and has thrived at Rocky. They not only emphasize Christian principles but also have an outstanding academic program. She learned cursive writing in kindergarten - they aren't teaching that in public schools anymore. They take a lot more field trips than public school, the kids aren't given candy in class, and the teachers are very caring. Technologically, they're advancing, and using iPads and touchscreen whiteboards in class. They also don't subscribe to the Common Core teach-to-the-test nonsense that's in the public schools now. I'd love to hear solid facts behind the negative opinions of the previous reviewer, who says this is a bad school without saying why. I'd encourage parents to visit the school and research it themselves; I'd be surprised if they weren't highly impressed.

Posted: October 5, 2013

This place is a scam. Unqualified staff, poor classroom conditions, a complete waste of money. The school hides behind what it calls it's "Christian" purpose. However , the only God these people worship is money. Everything about this place is for your money. Your kids will always be secondary. The "glowing" reviews are misleading and probably written by the staff. Do not waste your money or time at this place. If you are concerned about your kids education to NOT go here. Enroll them in Niceville High.

Posted: June 7, 2013

Ou experience with Rocky has been far beyond our expectations. The school has brought out the best in our girls. It is probably the best thing we could provide our kids. The atmosphere, academics, opportunities, WOW!