Quotes from Alumni Families

“After being at Ventana since age 2.5, my son is now a 6th grader at Woodside Priory. Despite being a little slow-to-warm by nature, I feel like he came out of Ventana really knowing and valuing who he is as a person. His transition to a new school, where he knew no one in his grade, has been remarkably smooth and he is eagerly attending middle school socials and meeting up with friends just a month or two into the school year. He has also transitioned well academically. He has had no issues adjusting to a moderate homework load and testing. His school tested the incoming class for math placement, and he placed into the pre-algebra class (after no special preparation or math work outside of what he got at Ventana). He feels very energized by the level of math and his math teacher reports that he is a little ahead of the rest of the class so far. But more importantly, he started our first teacher conference by saying that my son is a "kind, wonderful student who turns to help his neighbors if he finishes his work early." The positive effect of Ventana's philosophy on my son's character has always been visible to me, but the academic progress has sometimes felt less quantifiable since I haven't seen the amount of homework and standardized testing I would from a more traditional school. However, it is clear from the "other side" - the breadth of his academic learning has been more than adequate, and the depth has been truly astonishing. His teachers consistently praise his self-advocacy, curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills - all the things that are most important to me as a parent. I am so so grateful to Ventana for preparing him so very well. I wish every student could receive a Ventana education!”

"We had an excellent experience at Ventana. We feel so lucky to have found this school which truly lives up to their mission. Our child learned and grew there and developed strong academic and interpersonal skills that have prepared her for a successful middle school experience. Their approach to learning allows the children to help guide and take part in the curriculum and learning opportunities. The teachers are thoughtful and sensitive to the individual needs of the children and knowing how to support the social emotional of the child is a critical piece. The teachers were able to support and guide the whole child in all areas of their development. I can't recommend this school enough and I wish more of our schools would adopt this healthy, 21st century approach to elementary education."

"These teachers truly understand how to build skills, develop projects and allow for rich and deep learning!"

“Ventana teachers are highly qualified, and dedicated to making each day valuable. The small class sizes and student driven discussions promote engagement and enhances the curriculum. Finally! A school with an approach to teaching that encourages creativity, teamwork, and emotional awareness. The attention each child receives at Ventana is unparalleled, and I couldn't imagine sending my children anywhere else in the Bay Area.”

“The small class size enabled her to learn and grow in ways that worked for her. Socially, she had a sweet group of friends, and academically she did wonderfully well on her ISEE test for middle school admissions and got into her top choice schools. Now a 6th grader at a much larger school, she's taken to it like a fish to water. Ventana laid a strong foundation for her in all ways!”

“Ventana has been a place where my 2 children have grown in critical thinking, leadership, and confidence. Where local schools in my area struggle to offer the arts, Ventana integrates music and art into the learning. I am also impressed with the way that science is taught, nurturing the students' creativity and exploration. I feel that the staff is on my side to help prepare my children for their future success. And as a bonus, our family is a part of an amazing community of Ventana families. My children feel loved and affirmed every day at school.”