Circle School

Posted: May 30, 2025

While we have loved the teachers we had at the Circle School, the board and administration has proven again and again that they do not care about the families or their employees. From introducing MAP testing without regard to any input from the teachers or co-op to firing all of the specials teachers, again without any input from the co-op, it is clear that the "co-op" model of the school is in name only. In our final year at the school, which claims to value equity, they drastically raised tuition for their low income families while lowering it for those who make over $200k a year. There were also several instances of bullying and concerns brought up by a parent about her daughter's safety, all of which was brushed aside by admin or used as an excuse to silence the community. Parents who tried to speak up with concerns about the direction the school was taking by firing all of the specials teachers (and coincidentally all of their non-white teachers), received letters from the board reprimanding them and threatening future expulsion. Teacher turnover is high among the homeroom teachers as well, and in one year a class was left without a teacher for the majority of the school year. This does not bode well for the upcoming school year, for which most of the teacher positions are already vacant. The combination of this instability and lack of cohesive leadership has resulted in students being far behind academically, with many students unable to read by second and even third grade. The students who are close to grade level generally have tutoring outside of school.

Posted: May 30, 2025

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Posted: May 29, 2025

There's a real need for a school here in San Antonio that does what Circle School says it does: create an environment for learning that's different. What we found instead was a school that is run by the PTA; current parents from one clique or another not only hold board seats but also make most decisions regarding the educational experience of the children, all while refusing to follow any norms for how to treat each other. This year almost half of the families are leaving due to the way the adults interact here and also the bullying among kids. If you enjoy the dynamic of an unhinged Thanksgiving dinner and/or are prepared to pay for tutors like most families do in the upper grades, then you might be among the families who truly love it here.

Posted: May 29, 2025

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Posted: May 2, 2023

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Posted: May 2, 2023

Small class sizes. Supportive learning environments and caring teachers. We have been sending our kids here for 5 years and we are so grateful to have found this school. They let kids be kids, while encouraging a true love of learning!

Posted: June 12, 2020

The teachers at The Circle School genuinely care about your children, even the teachers who aren’t your kid’s main teacher. They get to know the students and you can see the care with the way the interact with them. On our experience it has allowed them to really learn my child’s learning style and what makes her interested and engaged in learning.

Posted: June 12, 2020

My main reason for choosing this school was how it shapes your child. They have met and exceeded any expectations that I walked into this school with 2 years ago.

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

I love the circle school, it has been one of the best decisions I could’ve made. My child has thrived here where I could see a traditional schools environment would be challenging for her- it was for me, even with the gifted program. My second child will be attending with their sibling next year and I am beyond excited for them to share this experience.

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 11, 2020

Our first year at The Circle School has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. The school community is welcoming and supportive. My son loved going to school and grew so much throughout the year.

Posted: June 11, 2020

The Circle School puts an emphasis on meaningful and developmentally appropriate education. That means for younger students there is no homework just to have homework.

Posted: June 11, 2020

Teachers create strong relationships with their students and families. My son's teacher always saw the best in him and supported his growth as a whole child, not just isolated skills.

Posted: June 11, 2020

Part of The Circle School's philosophy is that everyone can, and should, be a changemaker. The staff supports students in a variety of ways as they learn how to create change. The staff also fosters student independence and expression, giving age appropriate opportunities to practice being compassionate and respectful to all.

Posted: June 11, 2020

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Posted: June 2, 2017

We had high hopes for this school, but while we were there, we experienced so much uncertainty. The school is open about all the operations and knew it had issues with the IRS from the beginning. The parents are not the friendliest people around, which is odd because you would think they would be some of the best people! I found out the best teacher our child had at the school was let go and no one could tell us why. The teacher was fabulous and took so much time to get to know our family and really understand how our child learned best, making a huge leap in learning and enjoyment of learning in our child. The fact this wonderful teacher was let go was beyond us. Then, the teacher our child had before leaving the school was a mess. There were numerous issues surrounding the teacher's approach; as it did not fit the overall views and ethics the school was advertising. We attended several parent meetings with the school staff to solve the issues only to have the teacher be asked to leave. I felt my child didn't learn a thing that last year there. It was a waste of money and time.
This school is VERY clique oriented. If you happen to start anytime after Pre-K, you are on the outside looking in and is very hard to break that bubble. The friendliness factor comes into play here. You find that it is hard to even hold a good conversation with other parents. I hope it has changed since we left, but it was depressing when we thought we had found our tribe only to be utterly and completely rejected for so long. Our child seemed to be happy there, regardless of the fact most of the kids never really befriended her. She had started later and most of the kids had already established friendships. She was never invited to anything with anyone. We would be out and see a group of them together and wonder why she wasn't invited.
I believe in the vision for the school. But feel it has a long way to go in regards to the PEACE it so proudly touts from the rafters. Peace begins with kindness, with inclusion, with decency, with honesty, and compassion. We didn't see that.
We gave so many hours to the co-op and felt like it wasn't appreciated or even noticed. We were ghosts at this school. That just isn't what this school should be about.

Posted: June 2, 2017

Posted: June 2, 2017

Our child has a disability and we were told gossip that a teacher was talking about how she hoped she wouldn't have our child her in class. It made my sick. I approached her and she denied it, but could tell it was true in her "compassionate" response.

Posted: June 2, 2017

IRS issues to begin with in our first year there. Before leaving there was a huge leap in the expenses. There were many uncomfortable meetings surrounding this and the board was a joke. There was no leadership and the uncertainty was palpable.

Posted: June 2, 2017

I believe children learn compassion and respect from their parents and see how they are compassionate and respectful of others. Most of the parents we encountered with neither of these things and did find a lot of their children were the same way. They fit into their little clique and did not allow others in.

Posted: June 2, 2017

The fired the best teacher we have ever experienced and fired another for not being a suitable fit. So confusing and frustrating!

Posted: June 2, 2017

Our child hardly ever had homework which is something we support.

Posted: April 15, 2014

This school is exactly what we wanted for our children. They are nurtured, encouraged, and loved throughput the day. The multi-age community provides ample opportunities for learning and cooperating with peers and adults, alike. Our kids are excited to learn and not pressured to master skills faster that they are ready for. The learning is paced for the students and the teachers have the flexibility to adjust lessons to offer more help if necessary. Learning is a life long process and we wanted an environment where our children would love school and be thirsty for knowledge. We have found it here and hope to be here for many more years!

Posted: March 30, 2013

My child thrives at this school! She looks forward to every school day and she comes home with little dirt under her nails and a big smile on her face. The faculty are amazingly committed, warm, wonderful people. I get weekly email updates on what is happening in classroom and teachers are easily reached in person or by email. I see my kid's teacher almost every day. Since the school is not burdened with the bureaucratic bloat of public school we are free to schedule frequent field trips, in-school performances / demonstrations and participate in greater community events. This is not lecture based instruction but a true hands-on experience - my kid knows firsthand about things that other kids do not. I've noticed that she is also developing reasoning and thinking skills beyond her years. Other things I love about Circle School... *Small class size - half that of public school - discussion not lecture *Co-op model - parental involvement is built in, decisions by consensus, strong sense of community *Affordable!

Posted: December 27, 2012

Great school! My child has flourished here, where a "whole child" approach to learning is embraced. There is a lot of parental involvement which helps create a true sense of community. I cannot recommend this school enough.

Posted: May 1, 2012

The Circle School is centered on a family co-op model with amazing teachers, staff and families committed to creating an unparalleled learning environment for students. The artistic element is woven throughout the curriculum and imaginative play is encouraged--cultivating a life long love of learning, empowerment and creative thinking. When I moved to San Antonio, I was looking for a Waldorf type educational program and was excited to find the Circle School. It isn't a Waldorf school but shares many of Rudolf Steiner's ideas, as well as those of Reggio Emila. Our child's progress over the past two years has been remarkable. The community is very warm, diverse and open minded. Please note that substantial time and involvement of each family is required.

Posted: May 27, 2007