Merryhill School

We're sad to say our son s time at Merryhill is almost over as he starts kindergarten next year. His three years at Merryhill have been wonderful. Ms Debbie, Ms Deanna, Ms Stacie, Ms Stephanie and his principle Ms Sherry as well as all the other teachers who have helped along the way have been exceptional. As lesbian parents we were concerned about how a school would treat his different family but they have always made us feel completely comfortable. Every year his class has been very diverse and throughout the year they celebrate, learn about and are respectful to everyone s unique background and family beliefs. I can t say enough wonderful things about this school. We will deeply miss everyone in the Merryhill family we have become so close to. Thank you Merryhilll for loving and caring for our son like he was your own.
--Submitted by a parent

Though the phrase it feels like a big family is a bit of a clich , I cannot find a better way to describe the Merryhill Preschool campus on Corning Ave. . Its one-big-room school environment is perfect for young preschoolers needing lots of care and attention. Children are not confined to their own little classroom. Instead, they enjoy school daily in a big and bright room (windows on all sides) housing all the teachers and students. And because of this unique setting, my daughter makes friends with just about every single teacher and most children in the school. No bullies will go unattended and no child will be left alone. They also have a well-rounded curriculum balancing learning and fun. I am constantly impressed by her learning progress. Personally I think this is the best preschool in the area and I recommend this to all the parents of preschoolers.
--Submitted by a parent

I am proud to say my son goes to Merryhill School. It once was Rainbow Bridge, but changed their name to Merryhill School. My son has been with the school since he was a baby and I have seen extreme transformation in the facility and the academics. The principal of the preschool has done an amazing job with improving the curriculum and keeping the nurturing staff in place, especially in the Intermediate and Pre-k rooms. By December my son knew all of his phonics and was reading and writing simple words and sentences. He is a very empathetic and friendly boy because of the help from his teachers he has had in his 3 years of school. I am excited to experience the next level (Kinder) in the Elementary where I have heard that the curriculum is just as great and they are learning with 21st Century technology.
--Submitted by a parent

We're pleased about what my kid is learning at school. My daughter enrolled in Kindergarten program last September. At the beginning of the school year we're told that most of the children would be able to read by the end of K program. Believe it or not, my daughter was already reading easy books by Dec! In my opinion, other academic curriculum is strong as well. My daughter's teacher and school principal is very caring. It's not too strict and yet decipline is in place. I've noticed that the parent involvement in school activities is fairly low, though. Probably because parents simply don't have time - most of the parents appear to be full-time workers. School appears to be having difficulty getting parents' attentions in any school events.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been through a major transformation in the past two years. Finally, it has a new computer lab, new carpet, new paint, new cafeteria, new playground and finally looks the way a private school should. Most importantly, it has kept many of the wonderful teachers who have been a part of this school for the past 10 years. The new Principal who took over two years ago came with experience running other private schools out of state, and has obviously worked hard to improve the facility appearance, curriculum and much needed updates in technology. Out of the 18 students who graduated last year from 8th grade, over 12 were accepted to local private highschools with excellent reputations. This speaks volumes of the outstanding education the children receive.
--Submitted by an administrator

School grounds look a bit old and playground needs upgrading. However, the teachers look experienced and competent.
--Submitted by a parent

It is spacious and they even give potty training.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a very bad preschool/kindergarden/elementry school. If you check out their class rooms in kindergarden and elementary schools, they are mostly old toys with no learning instructments. Their learning is just through memorization. My kids stayed for 3 years and when we moved to another school (they were 4 years old at that time), they learned how to read in less than 2 months in another school.
--Submitted by a parent

Strong academically for K and 1st (do not currently have kids in higher grades). Emphasis in math, reading/comprehension, spelling, writing creatively in journals, sentence writing. Art, Music, and Spanish are part of the program. Classroom aids are good, which minimizes need for parent help (but parents can be as involved as much as they wish).
--Submitted by a parent

Education is good. Teachers are great as well. However, the leadership is ineffective, and the school is facing major issues, i.e. roaches, disrepair, security concerns (vandalism). For a private school, is it reasonable, pricewise, but you get what you pay for.
--Submitted by a parent