The Bay School

PO BOX 950

Blue Hill, ME 04614

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 09, 2020

Great! We love the Bay School for our young son.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2019

I have several children at the bay school and we are having a great experience across the board. In particular I have been so impressed by the math curriculum. Our 8th grader is well prepared for high school.
Submitted by other on April 30, 2017

I'm an alumni I attended The Bay School from first to eight grade. I had a wonderful experience that I could not have gotten at the local public schools. I was given many opportunities that were unique to the school. For example the eighth grade projects that are completed by every eighth grader gave me an opportunity to learn more about something I am passionate about but would not otherwise have been able to explore much less pushed to do so. Through this process I gained a skill that I will use for the rest of my life. I had wonderful relationships with all of the teachers and staff. I found that having a teacher for several consecutive years gave me the opportunity to bond with them. My to main teachers became like second parents. They are people that I still go back a consultant with. I felt cared for by the entire school community and still love returning to visit the school and seeing the new faces and the old ones. As for transitioning to high school I did not feel the The Bay School left me unprepared. I went into GSA the local high school and took honors classes, I found that I was no less prepared than any of the kids who went to public school. High school is a transition but I do not think it is one that is made harder by going to The Bay School.
Submitted by other on April 15, 2016

The star system is awkward, because while I do feel the school was bad for my children in some ways, it does also have some redeeming qualities. How these balance out in the end I'm not sure. I do know that the conflict of interest, lack of accountability for teachers, a strange social insecurity and insularity that is fostered between teacher, administration and board, and trickles down to the kids, are all very really and quite toxic. My child had some serious unhappiness and consequent issues because of the mean social atmosphere and when I discussed with teacher he trivialized it.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2016

While I feel they do a great job un uptil the fourth grade, beyond that I have been VERY disappointed. VERY unhappy with (lack of) math standards, if a child excels or is behind others, there is no 'tiered' system (as in no remedial help for those behind, or honors for those who excel), everyone is on the same playing field; which is unrealistic. No accountability for poor educators or if parents have issues. Absolutely no technology prepairedness either. EXTREMELY disappointed!
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2016

Our children have attended The Bay School for four years and we have had an excellent experience there. The teachers are very connected to the children, fully embodying the Waldorf philosophy of instilling in the children a love of learning, of educating the whole child and not just to testing standards. The parent community is engaged and welcoming. My children are thriving in this school, as is my family. We only wish it continued beyond 8th grade.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2014

Our child attended The Bay School for five years, from third to the seventh grade, at which time I transferred him out over concerns about the school's low academic standards and lack of accountability that might make for a difficult transition to the college prep high school that we were aiming towards. Many of the teachers are sub-standard, and seem to be hired more on the basis of compatibility with the school's rather odd aesthetic, rather than on their credentials. Moreover, the administration and the board are rife with conflict of interest, such as parents whose children attend the school. These families are shown particular favoritism, and leads to an arbitrary disciplinary system. There is a pervasive cult-like atmosphere amongst the faculty, administration and a faction of the parents. Our son's eighth grade year in a traditional school proved very challenging, but we are glad to say that he is now thriving in a college prep high school.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2012

Our son has attended for four years now and has enjoyed himself a great deal. We have seen no signs of bullying. In 2010 a new director came on board and has done an outstanding job. Teachers do have a strong voice in curriculum and policy. I believe they are dedicated, caring and competent. It is a wonderful school with an excellent group of parents. I'd rather give 4.5 stars for teacher quality and parent involvement.
Submitted by other on April 17, 2010

The loving care given to each child, an example our visually handicapped granddaughter, shines forth in their work - they knitted hats in the second grade - and their attitude toward one another every day. It is wonderfully palpable on the school grounds as they celebrate festivals with families and in joyful musical theater productions.