REVIEW OF Pear Tree School BY parent, Pavel Artemov

(5) Student Experience

Our daughter’s experience at Pear Tree School has been very positive. She feels welcomed, engaged, and valued as both a student and an individual. She especially enjoys the diverse curriculum that balances academic learning with creative subjects like music and physical education. The warm and inclusive school environment has helped her build strong friendships and feel a true sense of belonging. If there's one thing she appreciates most, it’s how the teachers genuinely care about each student and take time to ensure they are supported in both their learning and social growth. There’s very little she finds disappointing—she actually looks forward to school every day. The atmosphere fosters not only academic growth but also emotional confidence, which we believe is essential at her age.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at Pear Tree School stands out for being accessible, responsive, and deeply invested in the school community. Director Paul and his team create a welcoming and well-organized environment. They communicate clearly and respond to questions or concerns promptly. From what we've seen, they handle situations involving discipline or policy with fairness and transparency. Their presence is felt and their values are reflected in the school culture. We’ve always felt heard and respected as parents, and it’s clear the leadership team makes intentional efforts to maintain a healthy learning atmosphere.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at Pear Tree is exceptional. Teachers are passionate, engaging, and clearly knowledgeable in their subjects. What sets them apart is their ability to connect with students individually while still challenging them academically. Our daughter feels comfortable asking questions and receives regular, constructive feedback that helps her grow. Lessons are interactive and relevant, and the instruction style strikes a balance between structure and creativity. We’ve been impressed with how the teachers incorporate real-world issues into class discussions, fostering both critical thinking and social awareness. Communication between teachers and parents is open and transparent, and we are always kept in the loop regarding our child's progress. It's clear they go above and beyond to support student success. Teachers also regularly check in with students' emotional well-being, which we truly appreciate as parents.

(5) Academics

Pear Tree’s academic program is impressively well-rounded. The school places a strong emphasis on core academic subjects like math and reading while incorporating interdisciplinary themes such as environmental studies and technology. What we appreciate most is the balanced focus on critical thinking, creativity, and practical life skills. The curriculum prepares students not just for the next grade but for real-world challenges. Our daughter has developed strong foundational skills along with increased independence and problem-solving ability. The academic atmosphere encourages curiosity, collaboration, and personal growth. Though the school is small, its academic ambition and quality are big. We are confident this program is setting our child up for long-term academic and personal success. The lessons are rich in content and adjusted for each child's pace, making the program both inclusive and ambitious.

(5) Extracurriculars

Pear Tree offers a solid selection of extracurricular activities that support physical, artistic, and social development. While it’s not a large school, the variety is well thought-out and designed to build well-rounded students. From music and art to outdoor activities and school events, there are enriching options for both fun and growth. The offerings could expand further, but the quality is excellent.

(5) Students

The student body at Pear Tree is diverse, respectful, and connected. There is a strong sense of community among the children, and it’s clear that the school encourages empathy, cooperation, and inclusion. Our daughter has made great friends and always speaks positively about her classmates. The smaller class sizes help foster a collaborative atmosphere where students feel seen and supported. We’ve also noticed that students interact across different age levels during outdoor play or school-wide activities, creating a unified school culture. There’s a noticeable absence of cliques or exclusion. The students genuinely seem happy to be there and take pride in their learning and friendships. It's a warm and positive environment where children can thrive socially and academically. This healthy peer dynamic is one of the school's most valuable aspects.

(5) School Life

Our daughter genuinely enjoys going to Pear Tree each day, which says a lot about the quality of school life. The welcoming atmosphere, engaging lessons, and well-planned school days help create a calm and enjoyable environment. She often shares stories about her classes, meals, and friends, which reassures us she feels safe, connected, and inspired. One unique aspect of life at Pear Tree is the emphasis on health, including fresh meals prepared by a chef and time spent outdoors. There’s a clear balance between academic structure and space for free play and creative thinking. We feel confident knowing our daughter is not only receiving a great education but also enjoying her daily experience. The school could consider adding more clubs or after-school options, but overall, it delivers a rich and supportive daily life.

(5) Community

The broader Pear Tree community is warm and engaged. While the school is academically driven, it still welcomes and encourages parent involvement. From volunteering for events to engaging with staff during conferences or casual conversations, we’ve always felt like valued participants in our child’s education. The parent body is respectful and involved, and the school provides a good balance of structure and flexibility for engagement. Regular updates and open lines of communication create transparency and trust between families and the school. There’s a sense that everyone—teachers, administrators, parents, and students—is working together toward shared goals. We’d love to see more informal parent gatherings or workshops, but overall, the community is a strong and positive force in the Pear Tree experience.

(5) School Location

Pear Tree is located in a quiet, accessible neighborhood that feels safe and welcoming. The students benefit from outdoor time in nearby parks and local outings that connect classroom learning with the real world. While the school feels like its own tight-knit environment, it’s far from isolated. The location adds to the comfort and appeal of the overall school experience.

(5) Admissions

Our experience with Pear Tree’s admissions process was smooth and transparent. Director Paul made us feel welcomed from the start and helped us determine whether the school was the right fit for our daughter. The school’s approach to admissions is thorough yet personal, and the team genuinely wants what’s best for the student and family. We didn’t feel stressed during the process, which was a relief. Communication was timely and helpful. We especially appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and observe the school in action before making a final decision.