Our daughter has been attending this school for over 2.5 yrs ('07-'10). We adore it. The owners/directors are extremely knowledgeable, responsive to parents needs and very kind and generous people.
The teachers truly love and care for the children in a way that gave us confidence that we had chosen the right program. They are fair-minded and very calm in their approach to disciplining students that may be acting out or behaving badly.
We had our daughter in a very expensive daycare program, Knowledge Beginnings in Tigard, which she started when she was 3 mos old. Which was nice. But it was a franchise and ended up feeling a little too clinical for our tastes. So, when I changed jobs, we started to look around at all of our options. No school could compare to the outdoor space and home-like environment Happy Hollow provides. There are huge trees that provide a natural canopy from all that OR rain. The building, itself, is a large, converted modern home.
We started soon after the ownership had changed hands and there was a period of flux and adjustment with some of the staff - which is referenced in some of the less positive reviews on this site. But, even during this period, the Laura and Mario were very sensitive to the needs of the parents, provided assurances and always made it clear that they put the children first.
We moved out to Portland 6 yrs ago and don't have any family out here. Happy Hollow was very flexible and really provided so much support for us during some logistically difficult times.
There's a professional chef on staff that provides DELICIOUS and nutritious meals for the children.
They have a large garden area, which the children plant and tend throughout the year. They compost. They recycle. They use green cleaning agents.
They have a kiln (which we happily donated!) and the kids make really creative art projects.
They take full advantage of Kennedy Park next door for picnics and other events.
They take some really cool field trips to some great local spots.
You can choose to have your child enroll in Gymstars and/or Soccer Shots, and, in the Summer, swim lessons at the Beaverton Pool
Most importantly, our daughter had FUN and made really wonderful friends. In addition to learning her letters, numbers, shapes and colors, she learned how to respect her classmates, how to share and take turns and, in the process, has really developed into the most articulate, sweetest (but strong-willed) little girl.
Another point that should be made is that the other parents are really great. Playdates and birthday parties were all very easy for us.
We're sad that we're moving back East. It was a true privilege to be part of such a nurturing community and we will always be grateful for the experience!
Pros: Outdoor Play Areas
Cons: Teachers are Treated Well, But Aren't Paid Enough
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