Boulder Journey School

Please do your research! You are your child s number one advocate! Above all, young children deserve regularity in a loving, attentive and compassionate environment. Look beyond the flash of the interactive hallways, and classroom decorations. A seasoned parent will look past appearances/sales, what is at the heart of the teachers? Boulder Journey is a large school it is not a small cozy environment. Too many children fall into the shadows while educators focus on more outspoken children s interests. Boulder Journey is a school for both children and adults; this means an overwhelming amount of technology is present in the classrooms. Do you want your child exposed to this? I believe pre-school children should have their teacher s undivided attention; they should not be competing with a camera or computer screen. After pre-K parents must consider elementary school. If you desire a public elementary, seriously do your homework on Boulder Journey s constructivist based education, it is not for everyone. ~You have my best wishes and blessings as you ask these important questions in the name of your child's education and health!
--Submitted by a parent

After 3 children and 8 consecutive years of experience with Boulder Journey School, I can honestly say that my wife and I are fully satisfied with our BJS experience. Our children have very different personalities and each one of them has been embraced for who they are and thrived at BJS. They've been encouraged to explore their interests, work together with other children as well as work independently. They have always been encouraged to resolve conflicts with other children in a positive way. After reading some of the reviews here, maybe BJS isn't for everyone's child - and that's fine - no school can be everything to everyone. If you want your child to learn for themselves, be in a safe environment where they can explore their interests and be loved and encouraged, then you can't go wrong. The "It takes a village to raise a child" approach may not be for everyone. if you are looking for your child to be in a rigid, structured, militaristic environment, don't schedule a tour of BJS. If you want your child to be well prepared for Kindergarten/beyond and to begin developing skills for dealing with different kinds of people throughout their lives - your search is over.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children (who are practically polar opposites from one another) attended BJS and thrived there. They were both very well prepared for kindergarten and more importantly, for life. Creativity, leadership and social consciousness are all fostered through gentle guidance and encouragement. Teachers help the children see their own ideas as important and help them make them a reality. When I dropped my 2nd child off for her first day 4 years ago, I cried..not because I was leaving her there, but because my eldest wasn't there any more.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent who wanted my kids taken care of two mornings a week. It was refreshing that this school accommodated my needs. When my kids were there they were safe and attended to. They had lots of choices: crafts, theatre, free play, outdoor play, water play (in warm weather, of course). The teachers knew/know my children, and the school s efforts to establish community is effective. I really, really appreciate the staff s accommodating and respectful approach with me; I have called to report I am running late, or that I need drop-in care for two or three hours at the last minute; they accommodate my needs graciously; the additional time is added to my account with no lectures or warnings (billing & policies were disclosed when I signed my children up). The summer my son finished kindergarten, I signed him up for Boulder Journey School s school-age summer program. The flexible hours allowed me to continue my two mornings a week, and my son had fun going on age-appropriate day-trips with friends while my other child attended her regular class. Boulder Journey School is a safe, well organized, clean place for my kids to spend a few hours a week while I work.
--Submitted by a parent

Just adding my review to balance the rating a little more. I can't say enough great things about this school. Our 4 year old is midway through his second year at Journey. It's been an amazing place for him, and for us. Journey school focuses on helping kids grow their emotional intelligence through play and creative projects. It helps kids find their passion through play, which translates into loving school. It supports more traditional learning via practical exercises that teaches letters and numbers. There is plenty of structure with daily schedules kids love to keep. And teachers welcome parents into classrooms to work as partners in their child's growth. My husband works in the field of education, and is the toughest critic and Journey ranks high in his eyes, too.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a former teacher of BJS who wanted to share my experience. As previously mentioned, the curriculum is child-driven; and when I started there, I was very excited about this idea. It sounds great in theory, but I found that it didn't work for most children. The complete lack of structure worked for a very small percentage of kids, but it usually just meant that the classrooms were chaotic. Some children did do well, but most just ran amok leaving little time to actually spend quality learning time with any of the children. I also found such a focus on the environment, that we would be washing dishes and organizing when we should have been working on engaging classroom activities. For the money, there are better schools; and as a parent now, I wouldn't consider sending my son there.
--Submitted by a teacher

We absolutely LOVE Boulder Journey School! It is such a pleasure to know that when my husband or myself can't be with them, that they are in the hands of teachers and staff that genuinely care about them. I am comforted by the fact that everyone in the school knows our family and when we come back from a holiday or break, we are greeted so warmly and with such excitement. The teachers are always working on new theories about how children socialize. The front office is very accommodating and friendly as well. Our kids love school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is beautiful and teachers are good, but it is not for our girl. Even though the student/teacher ratio is good, they combine two class room in all functions - which is 24 4 yrs kids for circle time! That is a lot very young kids, and if your kids is not the 'super star' or out-going type they are overlooked. Our little girl is very much in her own little world, and will not participate anything if not encouraged. At BJC they want kids to make their own decision and will not intervene (or should I say encourage) - our kid's development was in a complete standstill during the year she was there. We regret sending her there during her 4th year...
--Submitted by a parent

Boulder Journey School is an amazing school for young children. My son was part of the program when he was an infant and would have completed his preschool experience at the school had I not been transferred for my job to the World Bank in Washington, D.C. The educators at Boulder Journey School hold children at the heart of their work and value the partnerships with families. I would have loved to have seen how my son would have grown and blossomed in this creative and innovative environment that fosters life long learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Imagine my dissappointment when I was told that I would have to wait to enroll my daughter in BJS, having graduated two of my older children from the school. Being a master teacher of education myself (prior to becoming a mom), I should have known to be more proactive in enrolling my daughter since Boulder Journey School is the best preschool I have ever experienced. Thankfully, my daughter, though completely different from her brothers, is having an equally fantastic experience.
--Submitted by a parent