The Runnels School

17255 South Harrell's Ferry Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70816

48 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on December 06, 2024

I miss this school so much. I went to this school for 8 years and it was an amazing experience.
Submitted by other on December 03, 2020

It was an awful school for some especially for those that transferred from other schools after elementary. Traumatic experience due to great conflict of interests ( many parents teaching at the school for tuition decrease or exemption for their own children ) , favoritism when families donated money to the school, teachers expressing their right wing political ideas, students forming clicky groups, students making fun of others who were culturally different and the school doing nothing to remediate that , physical and emotional bullying, team sports valuing only the athletic students but not the others, and the list go on. I’m glad it closed down .
Submitted by student on November 03, 2019

It was absolutely amazing except for when it was bad, which was only occasionally and most of it was MY fault. It's such a chill school, if you really learn the system and understand what's expected of you, and don't bite off more than you can chew, and make an effort to improve your social skills here, you'll have an amazing time. It was a very unique experience, but going to such a small school all your life CAN be boring at times, supplement this with hanging out with other kids from other schools, exploring and doing all sorts of other things, try it out for a year or two, if it's not your gig, go somewhere more tradtional. It's not for everyone, but I liked it, but it was because of MY class and MY way of dealing with things and MY views... It's like a specific flavor of ice cream or something.anyways I give it 8.5/10 stars
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2019

My grandchildren have done well at this school. The small class size lends itself to a good learning environment.
Submitted by student on May 15, 2019

I was a "lifer" and started at Runnels in kindergarten. I had an awesome elementary experience - Mrs. O in the library, Raider Star Drawings, the Science Fair, field trips, the Mardi Gras parade, etc. But once middle school started, it all went down hill. The school is not prepared for the more complex situation of high school education - in terms of funds available, qualified teacher retention, and leadership. Send your child here for elementary school but try to put them in a magnet school afterwards. If you can't keep them here until they get accepted because that's what this school is at heart - a second rate school that while better than most of the public schools, is a bench for your children while they wait to get into something better.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2019

We have been happy with the education our daughter has received at Runnels. I feel it is every bit as good as my older daughter received at the Dunham School and without the need to put up with the total intolerance of religions other than christianity. Runnels encourages respect and understanding of cultural differences among the world's people.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2018

Sad to say this school is not what it was
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2018

Very compassionate and nurturing. Prepares the student for College and the world
Submitted by other on May 25, 2018

The best part about this school are the parents who send their kids there. Most kids come from quality families who want a wholesome environment for their kid's education. These families create a positive culture at the school. The problem is that this culture leaves many parents unwilling to acknowledge the severe problems with the school, especially the sub par teaching, academics, and leadership. Parents won't talk about it until you casually mention your own concerns, but they perk up immediately when they realize they aren't alone. I do not recommend spending your money here. I've tried to make this review as objective as possible without the overly idealized or upset tone of the other reviews.
Submitted by other on February 09, 2018

Please do not allow your child to go here. This is not the real world. This is a dream that a retired LSU professor had but has now been corrupted by bureaucrats. The school is slowly decomposing on itself. I understand that this is dramatic but I went there for nine years of my life. I know how Runnels works. Enroll your child in the magnet system. It is the best hope of a good education in Baton Rouge you can have. Runnels is not a healthy place for a child. If you are not the best in your class academically, you will fall through the cracks of this system. They will make you believe you are dumb. Your child will either become a bully or be bullied.
Submitted by student on September 21, 2017

i have been at runnels for about 8 years know. I have loved my time at this school , and I am not looking to leave any time soon. The people here are great. I have met many new friends that i will never forget.
Submitted by other on January 25, 2017

I love Runnels. I will always remember the amazing things taught to me and the ability to allow for diversity and outside thinking. I would say that yes, there's a lot of gossip. There's a lot of cliques. For me, as a student, it is hard to make friends when no one is open to opening up to you if you are not in their group. HOWEVER, I would not say that for all groups, I'd say that for only a couple groups that are very rude to outsiders. Moreover, being a smaller school we allow one-on-one with teachers and students. Not all students are offered the same help from some teachers. However, the teachers here do make a huge effort to make it known that questions are good and they'll spend time after class with you. The only problem is that there is no time after class, and lunch isn't always open, after school is almost always out of the question. But there is lots of help provided within their abilities. I personally do love my junior year English teacher (also cheerleader coach). Academics are high standards, which is necessary in this world. Sports are actually pretty good. The boys basketball, track, cross country, and both soccer teams are very good. Would definitely recomend the elementary school.
Submitted by other on December 06, 2016

Great for elementary - get out before middle and high school! Too many cliques, and they put the students on "tracks" with the same kids instead of diversifying the classes. I believe this comes from the parents on the inside, either working or "connected" who request that their children be with other certain children. Those of us who were not on the inside were made sure not to be included. The teaching goes down once you get to 7th and 8th grade, with some exceptions. Great, safe learning environment for elementary. Runnels administration - wake up! You can do better!
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2015

My daughter started Runnels in 2nd grade and loved the school from day 1. She is a minority student. We left the school after 4th grade due to relocation to another state. We did not have any incidents along the way that would indicate my child was in an uncomfortable environment. The lower elementary teachers are dedicated to fact based learning. We had two parent called meetings (consistent grading patterns and classroom control) that resulted in acceptable changes that were fair to both parties. We all enjoyed the opportunity to take the electives in 4th grade. She took ballet, drama and learned to play the Saxophone. Kudos to the elementary band teacher for teaching her how to put the sax together and then make wonderful music. The concerts throughout the year amazed us! Overall, we love the school, my daughter loves the school and if we ever return to the area we would certainly consider The Runnels School first. Great value for a great early elementary education. By the way, the on sight security guard at the gate provides more security to the campus.
Submitted by student on May 01, 2015

As a small private school, Runnels has a small student-to-teacher ratio and it's relatively cheap compared with other private schools in Baton Rouge. However, over the years Runnels has declined in quality. The low tuition comes with several costs: many departments don't have a sufficient budget, the teachers are paid awfully, and thus there is a high teacher turnover rate. Additionally, many who stay are not required to be credited as they would in public schools, and they are inefficient teachers. The high school administration is a mess. The high school principal is also the student counselor, and no one goes to her for any help they would need. The office constantly slaps kids with lunch detentions for "not following procedures" and other bogus reasons, and then label some as troublemakers for small offenses. Being a small private school, there are not many fights or cases of drug abuse, but the office seems to be looking for trouble in the student body. Needless to say, the relationship between the administration and the student body is very strained; something that should not be the case in a small school like Runnels. As for diversity at Runnels, that's a complete joke.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2015

My children have attended Runnels for over ten years. The caring and kind environment has been truly a breathe of fresh air. I have many friends with children in both public and other private schools that struggle daily with both the level of education their children receive as well as the lack of administrative support. I have watched my children progress into confident, very well-rounded individuals and I am excited to watch them embrace their futures with the tools and knowledge that Runnels has provided for them. The Runnels family created a wonderful safe place for children to be themselves as well as receive an excellent education. That being said, I am also very excited about some of the new directions and improvements that the new administration is implementing! If you are looking for a school that will welcome you into it's family and provide your children with a top notch education, you must consider Runnels!
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2015

My children have been at Runnels School for the last 10 years since they were 2 and 3 years old. We have had a great experience at every level from preschool through junior high. The school has a welcoming and accepting vibe that allows students to feel free to be their authentic selves.... something that we value as a family. Academically, my children are thriving and engaged. The school offers several honors options starting in 7th grade and a large number of AP options starting as early as 9th grade. They even allow students in the lower elementary to follow an advanced math track if they are capable, setting them on the path to AP Calculus classes in high school. A path like that requires vision which is just another reason to love Runnels School. I firmly believe that all the opportunities at every level have prepared my children for their future college choices and will make them quite competitive among those coming from peer institutions when they graduate. I just can't say enough good things about the school. We have been very happy and pleased with our experience there.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2015

Choosing a school that best fits the needs of your family can be challenging. The educational landscape in Baton Rouge is tough to navigate. I feel fortunate that my family has found a home at Runnels School. Runnels is truly a home. The school community from preschool to high school is welcoming, nurturing, and academically challenging. My boys have found a safe place to learn and grow, formed strong friendships, been encouraged creatively and found success in athletics. Overall, the education they receive is well rounded. My husband and I are beginning to see glimpses of the young men they are becoming and we value the mark that Runnels is leaving on them. My family will be forever grateful to Runnels School. If you are looking for a school that values the individual, Runnels is the place for you.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

My children began their academic careers at the preschool campus at the age of two and continue to thrive at the S. Harrell's Ferry Campus. The Runnels school embraces, nurtures and encourages our young people every step of the way. Dr. and Mrs. Runnels created an excellent foundation for the school and it continues on with the new headmaster, Dr. Brandao. He's keeping the spirit of the school while working to improve and enhance our programs. Don't be fooled by those who say its just an arts school it is a rigorous college preparatory school rich in math and science coursework. The students score well above National and State averages on ACT. This year we have 2 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. We love this school!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

My children have been at Runnels school since they were 2 and 4. They are now 14 and 16. I had no idea at the time that I not only found a great school but a great school family as well. The classes are small and happy. You will not find children walking in lines, being quiet or children that are afraid of their superiors. Instead, they are skipping to the next class, swinging around posts and giggling with their friend and their teachers. They are working in groups finding solutions to the math, science or (insert class here) problem of the day. You will find teachers working with students in the walkways during their off time because their student needed a little more time to learn a particular lesson or maybe just needed extra attention. The time they spent in drama class prepared my children to be great speakers in public. My daughter, at the age of 12, gave a speech in front of 12,000 people. My shy son found his confidence an his voice. This could not have happened without being on stage as young children. The education is hands on and top notch. We couldn't be happier.