Golden Valley Charter School Reviews - by Parents

Golden Valley Charter School of Orangevale is another Waldorf charter. As with
any Waldorf school, the 5-star reviews are typically teachers and administrators
submitting brochure-like reviews. The second comment even indicates that the
school PRESSURES parents to write good reviews. THIS IS SHAMEFUL AND
FRAUDULENT. For a REAL look at what's happening, one must look at the negative
reviews - and even then, Waldorf schools tend to flag negative reviews for
removal (as we've seen from previous posts). When we look at the negative
reviews, we hear the SAME STORY over and over again, regardless of which Waldorf
school is being reviewed. Is this surprising to anyone?

Posted May 26, 2011
School is a good choice for the early grades (maybe K-3), as it allows the kids
to have significant play time without excessive (any?) homework. After that the
benefits diminish rapidly in my view and do not compare with what is offered in
other traditional schools, as reflected in test scores, etc. I do believe the
seriously negative comment a couple earlier than mine. The school does have
tremendous parental involvement, but not all of it is positive.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted May 4, 2011
Our families 3 year experience has been awful.The school principal has been cold
unapproachable and somewhat unattached from reality and the day to day running
of the school.She has no idea what any of the names of the children are or who
the families they belong to.The administration office constantly loses paperwork
and does not seem to have any concept as to what public school professionalism
is.The principal is rarely on campus and when she is her focus is driving parent
volunteers and families away. The culture of the school is unfriendly and
caustic.Volunteering at Golden Valley is like swimming in shark infested waters.
The self imposed leaders of the volunteers are cruel hostile cyber&real time
bullies who will destroy your childs educational experience as well as your
volunteering opportunities thru intimidation and rejection. The parental
behavior is modeled to their children who will bully the children of bullied
parents. Teachers openly bullying children in class encouraging classmates to
also reject vulnerable children.Parental pressure to write positive comments on
this site overwhelming and stressful.If anyone ever voices concerns or questions
they are forced out.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted April 7, 2010
My child has been at Golden Valley School for 6 years and we are leaving because
he can barely read and is well below grade level. They promised a foreign
language and then cut it for the upper grades.They spend more money on office
staff than on teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted February 9, 2009
Terrible school! No homework no afterschool activities.. This is a gloraffied
daycare.. —Submitted by a parent