Key School

Posted: January 4, 2026

Key is obviously a great, college level school with activities unique to a private school. The classes were great and immersive and there was free time in between classes and activities at the end of the day. The problem that I had at key was a lot of unrestricted bullying. There is a ton of wealth at this school and the students are extremely privileged and mean. I think key school could take a lesson from friends schools and do more to make sure that's not going on.

Posted: January 4, 2026

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Posted: March 15, 2023

We have two children at Key School, in 2nd and 3rd grades, and we've been there for four years. It has been an incredible experience. We love the creative and individualized approach. The faculty are available to help problem solve any challenges our kids have had, and they have helped come up with creative and effective solutions. It is a warm and diverse community focused on learning, empathy, and the love of learning. The head of school and his leadership team have done a great job of leading through challenging times, and they are thoughtful and steady values-based decision makers. We are excited to continue at Key for many more years!

Posted: March 15, 2023

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Posted: July 27, 2022

I have a rising Senior and Freshman at Key. We have been there since they were in 7th and 5th grades, respectively, following public school in the area. Key has been a wonderful fit for our family. We love the community at Key, which is down to earth and friendly. The campus makes you feel at home right away. The education is rigorous and intellectually stimulating, as are the conversations within the community. We love that the school really focuses on critical thinking and writing. We were originally attracted to Key because it felt like the ultimate liberal arts education... and our first assessment was very accurate. The school work is challenging but the teachers are accessible and want to help students succeed. Both of our kids are 3 sport athletes and we absolutely love the athletics at Key. We are thankful to have our kids there.

Posted: July 27, 2022

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Posted: October 18, 2021

I remember leaving the Open House and telling my husband, this school is going to be the perfect fit and boy was I right. The community is so welcoming. The teachers are fabulous! And the curriculum rounds it out because everything is great. Hands down, I would recommend Key School to everyone.

Posted: October 18, 2021

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Posted: July 24, 2019

We are incredibly happy with the education our middle school son is getting! Key is teaching him to be a critical thinker, a strong writer, someone unafraid of public speaking, and a thoughtful member of a community. Highly recommend!

Posted: July 24, 2019

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Posted: July 8, 2018

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Both parents and teachers are super supportive

Posted: July 8, 2018

Posted: July 3, 2018

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Posted: July 3, 2018

Inquiry-based learning approach has turned my 6 year old into the most curious, inquisitive and resourceful little scholar. School is fun, but really challenging. He's not asked to memorize facts, but instead learn to ask the right questions, solve problems and build knowledge. This is the only way kids will be prepared for the new, real world we live in.

Posted: July 3, 2018

The homework load at Key School reinforces the main course concepts with thought-provoking and creative assignments. It is not mundane, and most teachers limit redundant homework or unnecessary assignments.

Posted: July 3, 2018

These teachers will positively impact the lives heir students. They are each very knowledgeable in their respective fields, and they care so much about the development and well-being of their students.

Posted: July 3, 2018

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The Key School is a unique institution that not only prepares students for the rigors of college, but also equips them with skills and values to become successful and thoughtful members of society.

Posted: July 3, 2018

Posted: July 3, 2018

They really care about the students and work to help all of them learn in the way that works for them!

Posted: July 3, 2018

By working together in outdoor education programs students get to know each other and develop strong bonds.

Posted: July 3, 2018

Posted: July 3, 2018

Not the most support you could have but most students get what they need.

Posted: July 3, 2018

I had a great time at Key! I learned so much and made great friendships.

Posted: July 3, 2018

The curriculum is rigorous and engaging, the extracurricular opportunities are great, and the community is incredible. Key is an amazing school and I am extremely thankful to have spent fourteen years there.

Posted: July 3, 2018

The school provides a lot of homework (especially in the upper school), but it is never busywork. The homework enhances the learning, and teachers are always understanding of students schedules and willing to make changes.

Posted: July 3, 2018

Teachers at Key genuinely care about the students success and helping them learn. They are always easy to reach and have great relationships with the students.

Posted: July 3, 2018

Especially in the first and lower schools, Key promotes a natural sense of character in each student that continues to grow throughout the middle and upper schools.

Posted: July 3, 2018

As an alum, leadership may be what Key taught me the most. The small size and tight knit community means no student can take a backseat. Key teaches students to find their voice and provides opportunities for every student to be a leader.

Posted: July 3, 2018

Easy to talk to and friendly teachers with good lessons

Posted: July 3, 2018

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Posted: July 3, 2018

I loved it, I had a great time the teachers and students are friendly and helpful 9/10

Posted: July 3, 2018

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I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity to attend the Key School. The school has a special close-knit atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.

Posted: July 2, 2018

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Posted: July 2, 2018

I would rate my experience at The Key School a 9 out of 10

Posted: July 2, 2018

I was able to get all the support I needed, from an occupational therapy accommodation to one-on-one discussions with teachers about work and scheduling.

Posted: July 2, 2018

I was fortunate enough to never personally have a problem with bullying at Key, but the school never felt complacent to me. We had conversations about bullying and building a welcoming culture every year. Stopping bullying is a never-ending goal, and I felt good about Key's work.

Posted: July 2, 2018

I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat if I had to. When my dad first enrolled me I was hesitant, but my 5 years at Key were some of the best and most important I have ever had. I truly believe that anyone can benefit from time at Key. Maybe it's just 1 year for you, or maybe it's 10+, but Key will make anyone a better person, I believe.

Posted: July 2, 2018

You get a large volume of work, but it's meaningful and interesting work for the most part! At least I thought so.

Posted: July 2, 2018

The teachers here care so much and are so committed to the students and the school's mission. Some of the greatest teachers I've ever been blessed to learn from.

Posted: July 2, 2018

I still fondly remember my Key classmates, and know them still to be some of the best people in all regards.

Posted: July 2, 2018

I always felt that the administration cared about me and the other students, and was always working to improve on the school in any way they could! I knew almost all of the administrators personally, and they always greeted me by name when I saw them!

Posted: July 2, 2018

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Love the smallness and inclusiveness of the community.

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Posted: December 17, 2017

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Posted: December 17, 2017

Excellent, college prep high school. Key has an exceptionally strong humanities program. Students learn to read sophisticated literature and they learn to analyze and write. Outdoor education is a unique, outstanding feature. High School science is weaker, especially biology, and this needs to be addressed. Several high school teachers have a problem returning assignments in a timely fashion and this makes it hard on students to learn and improve. Still, Key offers an all-around wonderful experience for high school students.

Posted: April 26, 2017

Other options worth examining. Good luck to the Key children.

Posted: April 17, 2017

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Posted: March 11, 2017

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Posted: March 11, 2017

The Key School is an amazing school! As an alum and parent of two current students (three next year), I am impressed with the curriculum, the outdoor education, and the engagement of the teachers in their classroom. Children are encouraged to be thoughtful and creative in their learning path. Starting from the First School, nature is included in the curriculum. The Key School is an environment in which students are supportively challenged and grow confident in their academic and social endeavors. I was beyond prepared for college and graduate school thanks to the foundation The Key School provided. Now as a parent, I love seeing my kids thrive in the classroom and feel connected to the teachers, fellow parents, and the whole Key community.

Posted: February 15, 2017

A couple of parents have been appalled at an apparent MICE infestation at the Key School first school. It's an obvious infestation because holes are clearly apparent in the walls as I and other parents have seen. This has been apparently a recurring issue and one not handled properly. Mice can carry potentially dangerous diseases from salmonella to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
This is unacceptable to have children who are 2-5years old exposed to the dangers of these rodents.

Posted: February 15, 2017

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Posted: June 7, 2015

Just wrote this on my FB page and a friend suggested I share it here.

I can't even explain how much I love this school, but a peek into our graduation tradition may help. Each and EVERY graduate is honored...one by one, they stand... and a teacher, parent, sibling, advisor, or a fellow student, speaks for them and about them. It is an afternoon of laughter, tears, hugs and poignant memories. Evidence that these kids have already made an impact on the world around them, and a reminder that they have a responsibility to continue to do so as they become a citizen of the global community....in THEIR.OWN.SPECIAL.WAY. 
If you are ever looking for a school, I encourage you to just attend Key School graduation. I did. I sat in the back row by myself 8 years ago...Didnt know a soul...but I laughed, I cried....with tears rolling down my face, I knew there was no other place for us. We have never looked back. 

Posted: June 7, 2015

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Posted: December 2, 2014

Amazing opportunity for students, very liberal arts oriented, music, reading, environmental, cost is high, and worth it! Scholarships available for minorities mostly.

Posted: October 2, 2014

I chose Key for my daughters because I wanted an environment where learning was an exploration; I wanted my children to absorb information through all of their senses, not just their ears. Having spent 12 years as a student at Key, I can attest for the "hands on" nature of the curriculum throughout all levels. Learning at Key is never passive; students are expected to join in daily discussions, to ask questions, to challenge each other and to learn from not only the teacher but their peers. I also know that while the journey is important, the goal is equally so. The list of college acceptances each year is astounding. More than half of my class at Key applied and was accepted "early decision" to highly selective colleges. My class has now spent more years apart than we did together but we are still fast friends, spread across the globe as lifelong learners. I can't imagine a better place for my children to grow and explore their worlds, and I will forever be indebted to Key for my strong foundation.

Posted: June 20, 2014

In the name of diversity, inclusion and openness Key is like Peyton Place. A lack of role models among the teachers. It's essentially anything goes and you have to accept it. No one is held to a standard of conduct. Contrast that with Severn where strict decorum and high standards are enforced. Teachers take very seriously the "role model" ethos for personal conduct. Key has abdicated this in the name of political correctness. No personal conduct among the teachers, no matter how egregious is challenged. If you are looking for a school that models behavior and takes seriously the idea of role models, look elsewhere. The academics are good, perhaps very good, but character development isn't on the map. Anything goes.

Posted: April 9, 2014

As a graduate of the Key School, I have critique of the institution as a whole. Well into my undergraduate career at a highly competitive liberal arts college, I will preface by saying that Key offered me a foundation that allowed me to find academic success in college. My easy transition was made possible by Key's curriculum and some of the school's incredible teachers. Having said that, I have plenty of complaints about the school's culture. Other than having a tendency to socially shelter its students, I find the school's lack of diversity to be absolutely unacceptable. In addition to having very few students of color in my graduating class, I often noticed the institutional tokenization of students of color, students of queer identities and low-income students. Unfortunately, the homogeny of white, upper-middle class cis-gendered persons is not a reality in the greater world and Key refuses to address these delicate, yet critical issues.

Posted: April 7, 2014

Key School was the defining experience of my young adult life. I am now a professor of Chinese History at Stanford University, recently tenured, and there is not a month that goes by that I do not think back upon my 8 years at Key School with affection, admiration, and pride. In terms of sheer intellectual power, Key School easily rivaled and surpassed my subsequent experience at Johns Hopkins, my Freshman year at which felt familiar if not slow-paced owing to my preparation at Key. It was not until I entered the PhD program at Columbia University that I felt as nurtured and challenged as I had at Key, surrounded not only by compelling faculty but also fellow students hungry to explore and pose questions, day in and day out. If I still lived in Maryland still, I would without question want to send my children to Key. I cannot speak for my fellow alumni, but I can say that their pathways through life have been inspiring (for interest of anonymity I can only outline educational careers): University of Chicago, Brown, Grinnell, Stanford, and the list goes on. Without qualification I can say that I love Key School and would eagerly recommend it to anyone who sought my advice.

Posted: February 5, 2014

The Key School has been a life changing experience for my son! He is the happiest I have ever seen him and has grown intellectually, socially, and emotionally. This our first year at Key, in 6th grade. My son has an notably high IQ and is absolutely THRIVING at Key, more than I could have imagined. His confidence has grown phenomenally, his desire to do well in school is great now - he used to have zero passion to do well, now he really looks forward to school and in learning. The faculty takes the time to understand the him, what motivates him to learn, his strengths and his weaknesses. Where there is a weakness, the teachers spend compassionate time helping him develop and grow. The transition from a very good huge public school in Howard County to a private school in Annapolis was a difficult change. The faculty focused carefully on his transition; the support structure there is like nothing I have seen in schools before. We drive 45 minutes each way to get to school and it is the best investment in time!! My son has Dysgraphia (struggles with physical writing) and the school has been fantastic in having him use a laptop for much of his work. He is now an avid writer. :}

Posted: January 19, 2014

Great school. Innovative. Only criticism is that it focuses on making the kids the center of the universe and that may be not serving them well when they hit "the real world." Also fresh blood coming in key leadership positions which is a good thing.

Posted: December 29, 2013

Don't believe the "small class size" stuff. In Middle School I am seeing 19-20 kids in class jam packed into class rooms that weren't built for that many kids. Also, take a look at the cost of McDonough vs. Key - exactly the same but compare the college acceptances - totally different. Key School is WAY too expensive for what it provides.

Posted: December 17, 2013

This is my daughter's first year at Key and we couldn't be happier! The teachers are absolutely amazing. At her last school, my daughter was a straight A student. When she got to Key, she was behind in math. Her excellent math teacher has worked with her to get caught up, and she just scored 100 on her math test! She also needed tutoring in music, and through the dedication of her music teacher, has caught up to the rest of her class. She is an advanced reader, and Key is the perfect place for that type of student. She is happy and challenged; her humanities teacher is just amazing. When I read previous posts about Key being "undisciplined" I couldn't disagree more. Students are given freedom and responsibility. There were a lot of behaviour problems at her last school, but the teachers here do not put up with that here. But they are respectful to the kids and clearly earn their respect in return. Amazing curriculum, outstanding teachers, excellent outdoor education and music programs and very nice kids and families.

Posted: November 11, 2013

I have to comment about this school. I was at the Open house this last Sunday Nov 10th with my kids and after the 2 hours middle school tours, my kid just fell in love. My son wants to start like tomorrow. I will say kudos!!! I was sold after the two hours. The teachers, the curriculum, parents involvement, the science teacher, the music teacher (22years), etc. The upper school, the SAT mean score, the campus, etc. Keep up the good work guys!!!! Looking forward to be a parent 2014-2015

Posted: November 8, 2013

Key School has been an excellent choice for my two daughters who both started in the preschool. I looked for a place where my children would become lovers of reading, critical thinkers, problem solvers, and well-rounded, passionate individuals. Key has been all that and more! Each of them have different personalities and learning styles and Key has met both of their needs. They love going to school each day and don't want to leave. How many kids can say that? Every staff member in their schools knows them by name. It is a great community and a great place to learn and grow. I, too, have learned so much as I've walked alongside them in their educational journey. If you're looking for drill-and-kill and lots of worksheets for homework every night, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a place where kids learn to be independent thinkers and that there is more than one way to solve a problem; are able (and required) to present their thinking; and are excited to discuss what they are learning daily, then this is your school! One reviewer commented that Key only focuses on creating good people. Well, that's a mighty fine and noble priority in my opinion!!!!

Posted: October 30, 2013

FACT: Graduates of the Key School, as a percentage, matriculate into "highly," "very," and "most" competitive colleges at a higher rate than Severn, St. Mary's and Indian Creek. Not even close. I guess you could make your school decision based on personality differences described in the comments below or you could make it on academic performance and achievement.

Posted: October 4, 2013

I can't say enough good things about key School. Our son attended public school until he started at key in 9th Grade. He is now in tenth and doing extremely well. My favorate thing about Key School is that they teach children how to think for themselves and problem solve as opposed to just memorizing text. The school is not cheap but is a great investment in my son's future. Also, they have a wonderful committed staff .

Posted: October 3, 2013

Our daughter, who is now in the Upper School, has been at Key since Pre-School and has gotten an excellent education. The rigorous academics and emphasis on discussion and writing, we believe, will be invaluable in college. What drew us to Key many years ago was the fact that it went from Pre-School through 12th grade, that foreign languages were taught beginning at the elementary school level, and that it had an extensive outdoor education program. We have not been disappointed. If you're looking for a school for your child, come visit. It's a beautiful campus!

Posted: September 30, 2013

Key School is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who really wants their child to learn the value of independent thinking. My daughter has learned to push herself out of her comfort zone and try new things because she has been in a safe environment that encourages kids to speak up, share their thoughts, work together and appreciate differences. She has strong opinions, but she also understands the importance of listening to what others have to say. She likes school, she likes her teachers, and she loves her friends--thank you Key School!

Posted: September 30, 2013

An engaging curriculum and faculty who inspire! Our two daughters have been at Key for over a decade each. And, while we have considered other schools, our own daughters have been the ones to analyze the differences among schools and highlight what really defines Key - the classroom and the faculty. The curriculum at Key is rich with content, discussion and collaborative projects that challenge our girls to be analytical, thoughtful, and even confident enough to assert an opinion that may be divergent. It's a supportive and respectful classroom environment in which questions are encouraged and ideas are shared. The energy of the classroom and the excitement of learning don t end at dismissal. As Pre/Lower School students, our girls were always sharing details of the fun and curious explorations of the day. Now, as Middle/Upper School students, they are bringing to the dinner table conversations of scientific inquiry, ancient history, global issues, as well as political, social and moral debate. Their ideas are BIG! The impact of such an engaging curriculum would not be felt, however, without teachers who inspire learning and truly care for their students. Thank you, Key!

Posted: September 9, 2013

No security!!!! No locks used when kids are in school! Serious lack of concern for safety of the children. No crossing guards or police present in the morning when every child's parent is driving them into school. They have only two buses, so everyone drives in to drop off their child!!! A complete cluster at drop off in the morning! No exterior lights outside. I came in to pick my daughter from aftercare and they were playing in the dark outside! Horrible to think what would happen if someone were to take a child! Horrible unsafe school. For all that money you spend, you wonder where it is going?

Posted: August 28, 2013

We are so pleased and happy with Key school. This is a school that goes beyond everything else, excellent teachers, excellent curriculum, excellent administration and excellent parents. My son is so happy and we can see that he learns something new everyday. Not conviced? compare the Key curriculum to any other school and you will see why they are the best school in Annapolis.

Posted: July 20, 2013

I'm about to start my junior year, and I've been here since second grade. Sometimes at sleepovers my friends and I just burst into discussions about morality. I'm not even joking, that happens, and not just when there's a paper due, either. The overall approach is not to teach to the test, but to get students to learn; there is no tracking, anyone with a good enough grade in the right class can take an advanced class in high school, and every advanced class is AP optional. The highlight of the high school program, in my opinion, would have to be the humanities department: literature, history and philosophy are all taught with the students and teacher sitting around a table discussing a reading and the principles behind it. The science and math programs are excellent too. The mandatory biology course is incredibly intense, and the year finishes with a multiple-day biology field trip. Key offers college-level calculus as well as advanced courses in statistics, biology, physics, and chemistry. The student body is incredible; we wrote, produced and directed a musical revue this year with about fifty dollars, on the idea of one student. Key is well-balanced and very challenging.

Posted: July 17, 2013

I have been a parent at Key for 10 years, and have had experience in each of the 4 divisions (pre-school through upper school). I am continually impressed by the academic standards and rigor, the strong sense of community among students, faculty and parents, and the overall love of learning that has been instilled in my two very different children. My oldest is currently visiting top-rated colleges and where she plans to major in the sciences. She is active in sports, theater and music as well. This is typical at Key, which has a long history of nurturing well-rounded students who have the ability to participate in a wide array of activities.

Posted: June 8, 2013

I have been a parent of Key School kids for years and am thrilled with the school, it's program, the culture, and the way my kids are learning, developing and thriving there. The program is rigorous, and the academics are strong across the board. The faculty knows every student and their learning styles, and can modulate the curriculum in ways to support kids when they're struggling and challenge kids with enrichment when they're advanced. The amount of individual attention and mutual respect between students and their teachers is incredible. The students are active in their education and develop lifelong skills that take them beyond just "making the grade" but really help them know how to dig deeper, persevere, overcome obstacles and enjoy the process of learning. It's a community that fosters appreciation of different points of view and backgrounds, and encourages kids to take risks, try new things, and push themselves beyond where they may have thought they could go. My kids are challenged, but seem to enjoy the challenge. It's cool to be smart here, and each student raises the bar for their peers. The enthusiastic attitude my kids have for school is invaluable.

Posted: June 5, 2013

Tomorrow my son will graduate from The Key School after 15 outstanding years. I can't say enough about his experience. He honestly could not wait to get to school every single day. From debating in the classroom to giving his all with his team mates on the sports field he has grown into an amazing young man. I am so grateful the the Key School for all the wonderful opportunities he has had and the excellent program they offer. Thank you Key!

Posted: May 20, 2013

I don't normally write reviews, although often read them and generally take on board whatever comments were posted. In this case I'm moved to write because I know how valuable parent feedback is when trying to find the right school, especially if you are making sacrifices to cover the costs of a private education. We have one child in the pre-school at Key, and based on our experience with the staff and wider parent community (and, contrary to the standard perception of private school Key families come from all cultures and walks of life) I cannot recommend it more fully. It's tough to summarize, but in a nutshell the teaching is rigorous, dynamic, creative, inspiring and caring. Courtesy, respect, tolerance and friendliness are considered key values and go hand in hand with with literacy, science and math skills. Ultimately it's such a personal choice for every family as to what they feel their priorities amount to, but for what it's worth our own experience has surpassed all expectation. If I had to point to a criticism, I honestly can't. I'm sure we'll have some as the years go by, but right now our pre-schooler loves going to school and we could not be more excited for her.

Posted: January 7, 2013

My child is a pre-K4 student at Key. My rating is based on our experience as a first year family at Key. Our experience has been wonderful here. Our child already had a strong background and has been given even more of a foundation. She cannot wait to attend school and is so excited to learn. The information she is coming up with astounds me at times. The administration has been great. We have no complaints. Yes, the school is pricey, but we really feel like it is the best place for our child.

Posted: March 31, 2012

This school does an excellent job marketing itself in all areas. In reality, it is way too expensive for what it does offer. The best thing about it is that the the buildings and grounds are attractive. However, it does not have strong academics in either lower, middle or high school, with the middle school being the weakest.

Posted: December 13, 2011

The Key School has its ups and downs. The lower and upper schools are very strong, while the middle school and pre-school grades are quite lacking in comparison. The middle school lacks focus and is not very rigorous compared to a good public school - it certainly isn't worth the money. The upper school is extremely academical invigorating, and prepares students well for college. In general the Key school community is small, tight knit and very liberal. I would not recommend sending your child here if you are a conservative on any issue. At the same time, the focus on personal development and environmental awareness is admirable. The music and arts programs are unusual, but generally effective. The Orf Program is used in the lower and middle schools - it works for the younger kids, but pretending to be trees and playing recorders in middle school tends to look ridiculous. The upper school is very involved in vocal groups and musical theater. Sports are certainly not a strong suit, but poor teams allow for more kids to participate. My overall recommendation is that the upper school is the only division that is worth the money - but just barely.

Posted: November 9, 2011

Key School is excellent! I transferred my child from a highly rated NW DC school and feel Key is as good if not better (for his learning style). My child currently in K has grown so much in the last couple of months. His reading has skyrocketed and he loves going every day. I do not agree with some of the reviews because they do have a schedule (structure) and he is learning tons. Coming from a house of educators HOMEWORK does not equal LEARNING. (Although Key has assignments that come home almost daily, they just don't need to be turned in...) Most schools that have "homework" which I use loosely for very young children, the parents are doing it. It is a "hippie / green / granola" type of school, which I love. I'm not necessarily like that but it fosters creativity. Children are taught how to think (out the box), to explore and have questions. I pay for my child to go to this school not to socialize as a parent, and not to just learn ABCs, any school can do that. I believe this school promotes and encourages the very best of children, CREATIVITY, INDEPENDENT/CRITICAL THINKING, COMMUNITY & A LOVE FOR LEARNING. That combo is very special and does not come around often!

Posted: October 28, 2011

The preschool is not worth the money. We paid full tuition. There is no structure to the day or emphasis on the basics such as letters and numbers. On good weather days they stay outside for extended periods of time because it is easier on the teachers. On any given day the nurses office has atleast one angst filled teenager dodging class. It is a day care country club. Save your money.