Pine Forest School

2257 East Cedar Avenue

School District

Pine Forest Education Association Inc.
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

School Map for Pine Forest Education Association Inc.

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 26, 2023

I have 3 children at pine forest anll in the elementary school age. we are very happy with what they have been provided by PFS. Waldorf is a wonderful and gentle way to introduce your child to academics. Much of the process is play based in pre and kinder. Lots of learning is done by whimsical story telling and learning creative art. If you don’t want your kids using electronics at an early age this is your best bet.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2021

We really wanted this school to work and were there for four years but they did not provide the support or assistance to my child at school. My child was recently diagnosed with Autism at an older age and the school missed it. My child is almost 2 years behind in math and writing because the school did not provide the support needed to be successful nor did they make us aware that my child was struggling. Now my child hates school and has a low self-esteem. Be careful if you choose to go to this school and make sure you advocate for your child and that they are keeping up in the academic because the teachers don't care.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2020

There are definitely some things at this school that NEED to be fixed. Not talking about some male teachers that are very suspicious, and acting like MAPs(pedos). Be very careful if you want to send your child to this school. Bullying is a very big problem at this school, too.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2017

Teachers get to know their students well. Kids are not rushed in to academics too quickly. (More and more studies are showing that reading, writing, and math too soon are not beneficial) Good educational opportunities for parents on how to support waldorf education at home. My children love going to school and are always excited to tell me what they did at school that day!
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2013

We were very happy at this school for our child for the first few years. The social environment, caring, loving attitude is wonderful. The activities are fun and creative. Most of the teachers and aides are excellent and we truly felt our child was safe and in a socially thriving school. Unfortunately, it is true with the consistent complaint that if your child doesn't 'click' with their teacher from 1-8th grade, you are out of luck because the school will support the teacher. They did not listen to us as a family nor try to work with us at all when problems arose with our child. The lack of support was very disappointing as we thought this school would help our child and encourage us. Also, taking our child out of this program and trying to acclimate to the public school system has been challenging as the progression of acedemics is very different at this school. If we had known the friction was going to occur at PFS, we wouldn't have started our child there. Fortunately, kids are resiliant and our child is doing well in a new school!
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2011

We enrolled our two children in grades 4 and 6 at Pine Forest while we have been on sabbatical in Flagstaff from Scotland and couldn't have been happier. The school community (kids, staff and parents) have been very welcoming despite the fact we are only here for half the year. The kids have thrived in the Waldorf approach - loving the holistic approach which draws in art, music, foreign languages and physical education - and at the same time is academically challenging and inspiring - because of the cross-curricular approach. It has been a special experience being part of a school community with parents, pupils and staff that are happy to be there, enthusiastic about learning.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2011

My three children's experience at Pine Forest were as balanced as a parent can hope for. They progressed developmentally in every aspect of life through their 8-10 years attending the school. Each advanced academically, grew artistically and developed socially and emotionally in ways which have supported them through high high school and into college. Thank you PFS facuty, staff and administration for continuing to provide Waldorf education to the children and families of Flagstaff.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2011

This school has been such a wonderful discovery for our family. I have two boys that transferred here after school closures last year. It has an old world feel that truly nourishes each child to bring them up to their full potential. Even though class sizes are in the low 30's, my child has been taught individually to meet his needs. The teacher takes just a few moments to meet his specific needs and he functions highly. In the public school system I was demanding my child be tested because he was always behind and kept in at every recess and would cry that he didn't want to go to school anymore. The socialization is amazing. On Fridays, several grades get together in the morning and sing folk and American Heritage songs as a community. Parents may stay and sing along. Probably one of my favorite points is that parents are included and encouraged to come to school. I have never felt like an outsider looking in. As for the same teacher throughout, it couldn't be a better system. With the same teacher each class truly becomes family and teachers know how best to meet each child's needs and love each one of them. Why didn't I get them in Pine Forest sooner?
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2011

Sometimes a family's dysfunction spills over into projections on the institution that is trying to help them. I am afraid this is the case with the first review here. I have two children that thrived in their entire elementary and jr. high education at Pine Forest. Children enjoy school and learning in the safe and rich supportive environment that Pine Forest offers. Ask the parents what they think of the school and they will tell you they love it.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2010

We pulled our daughter out of PFCS 12/09. The teacher was rigid and unresponsive, the principal and others were at best unethical. We had a very moderate special need, our daughters challenges were dismissed and worse than not being addressed the existence of the challenges was DENIED. Our situation resulted in an investigation by the AZ Dept. of Ed. and an conclusion of multiple violations of special ed law and federal regulations. As long as things went their (the school's) way things were wonderful, once we had a need that did not fit their mold, the first and repeated "suggestion" from the principal was that perhaps this just wasn't the school for our child. It is also absolutely true that it totally depends on the teacher you get, we clearly pulled the short straw, a different teacher and we would probably still be there.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2010

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Submitted by student on April 29, 2009

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Submitted by parent on December 17, 2008

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Submitted by parent on July 11, 2008

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