Home Page > What Parents Say

I think the hardest thing to express is that what touches us deeply. I get sad thinking of the day my kids will no longer be students at North Woods. The school has been an important and transforming part of our lives for 8 years now.

My oldest son started kindergarten the year North Woods opened. We took the chance based on the warmth of the staff and the promises of a well-rounded education. We have not been disappointed. The caring, compassion and dedication of the teachers is amazing. The core curriculum is supplemented with music, drama, art, PE, after school sports, computers, writing lab, stimulating projects, enriching field trips and opportunities for leadership. The school welcomes parental involvement and appreciates it.

Community is valued and we take care of each other. Families in need are helped so students can focus on learning. Staff and families know my children and we know them. We all care about each others’ personal and professional lives.

In a world that feels out of control, North Woods is a stabilizing, consistent factor. In a time of cutbacks and loss, North Woods provides and cares. No matter where you live, North Woods is worth the drive.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My children, Ricky 7th grade and Holli 5th grade, have been with North Woods since its inception, and we love it! The family atmosphere and individual attention from the staff is unbelievable.I have one particular teacher take my kids to school for me while I was recovering from surgery. That is how much our teachers care about their students.Academically the kids are thriving and will be well prepared for high school. These are just a few reasons why we cherish North Woods.

Thank you,

Lauren and Michael Mathews

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After spending many years studying high performing schools while working on both my Masters and Doctorate in Education, I feel lucky to say my children attend North Woods Discovery School. The key components of a successful school can all be found at North Woods: active parent participation, a small school environment with a strong sense of community, and caring teachers who teach state standards while still fostering a love of learning in their students.

My children have been lucky enough to start their time at North Woods with Mrs. Horton in the first grade and Mrs. Minsart in the third grade. Mrs. Horton is an excellent teacher who truly cares about her students. She works hard to meet each student at their individual learning levels without making students aware of any discrepancies. She treats children with kindness and compassion while still setting high standards for behavior in the classroom. She is the first teacher I have ever encountered who has called me at home to let me know that my daughter’s eczema (a dry skin condition that causes her hands to be very chapped and sore) is flaring up and wanting to know what she can do to help. I have been repeatedly impressed with her attention to the details in each child’s life and how it affects their learning.

Mrs. Minsart has been wonderful in teaching children concepts through hands-on experiences so they truly understand what is being taught in the classroom. She is gifted in her ability to transform the outside world into meaningful learning opportunities. Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious. Furthermore, she has been very responsive and creative in addressing the concerns that arise from a difficult transition from one school to another. It has been the first time in my son’s four years of school that he has been excited about going to school every day.

Moving from a close network of friends in Oregon was a big transition for my children, but North Woods has helped make it easier. We could not be happier with the choice that we made.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This school is amazing. From the time we first visited, we were impressed by the interest each teacher took in every single student. Although we made an unannounced visit, every teacher was actively teaching. We moved our 2nd grader and kindergartner from a local public school. Our 2nd grader was not doing well - academically or socially. Our kindergartner didn't like school, and every time I'd pop in for a visit, her teacher had the TV on. Not here - the teaching is hands on and the teachers really figure out what each student needs to do to learn. Our children have blossomed and developed a love of learning. The principal knows each student by name, and they love him. He is extremely dedicated, and wants the best for each child.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was our family's first year at North Woods. Our children were at a very small school in Lakehead which they attended since Kindergarten. Last April we found out that the school was going to be a K-5th, so, it was time for our kids to find a new school. We knew that Matt would be able to settle in at a new school quickly, but we were very concerned for Katelyn, being her 8th grade year, and having to adjust to a new school. We definitely wanted to keep them in "small" school atmosphere. We were so very lucky to find North Woods. Our children were welcomed with open arms. I would like to commend the 6th & 8th grade kids for making Matt & Katelyn feel like an "old friend". Mr. Fairchild we will never forget what you have done for our children's education.

Sincerely,
Bill & Julie

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seven years ago when it was time for my first child, Joe, to start kindergarten, I spent a great deal of time researching area schools. I liked some schools, but nothing seemed to grab me. Then I went to my first informational meeting for North Woods Discovery School. I remember thinking “I have found a home for Joe!” The school seemed a perfect fit and had attributes that were important to me.   

The school population was small. The staff wanted to be creative in their teaching. Students didn’t sit at their desk all day, they got to get up and move and switch classes. Art, music, PE, computers were deemed necessary. Parents had to be involved. There would be an exposure to different activities thru electives. The staff seemed open, caring and excited.

At the kindergarten level, I wanted Joe to have a true kindergarten experience, despite all the state standards. He had that experience! Mrs. Clouse did a wonderful job of teaching the basics, understanding the needs and personalities of the kids, having fun, being creative.

Joe is now in 6th grade. Each of his teachers has been supportive, hard working, caring, and creative. How they have done it, despite all that is put on teachers, I don’t know, but I am grateful for it.

You know what? My instincts from that first informational meeting years ago were right. Joe and Max are thriving, they feel safe, and they have good days every day.

Sheri

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have been here from the start, and have loved every minute of it! Eight years ago our son Dustin was going into 5th grade. We had just bought a home in Shasta Lake. The plan was to drive him 25 min. each way to Old Shasta Elem. Well, by the grace of "God" North Woods was opening that year. I knew at the first meeting this was the place we would call home. What a blessing it has been to our family.

Dustin, now in 11th grade, is a happy, responsible young man. This I assure you was "NOT" an easy task for any of us. I credit the teachers, staff, and the safe family environment of NWDS. THANK YOU to Mr. Husome, Mr.Fairchild, Mrs. Beltran, Mr.A and the other caring staff that have touched my son's heart. The caring, persistence, and hard work is much appreciated. The attention each individual child is given is unmatched.

You see, my son has never been a "follow the lead" kind of kid. He likes a little friction and needs lots of push to get him moving. They have been here for my son and I every step of the way. In a different school, I have no doubt that my son would have posed to big a challenge and been pushed into a crack and left behind. Not at North Woods!

I am pleased to say that my 8 yr old son Francisco has started third grade this year. He is thriving and making new friends. He is learning at an accelerated pace with the kindness and guidance of his teacher. Our little Amelia is in kindergarten this year. I look forward to the next eight years at NWDS. Well, make that twelve years.

THANK YOU NORTH WOODS FOR EVERYTHING!!!

Angie and Family

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When our daughter, Ariel, turned four, we began looking into school choices for her.  We were on a very limited income, so private school was out of the question.  Daily, in our neighborhood, we witnessed the poor behavior and foul mouthes of the attendees of the local public schools and were mortified.  Granted, we lived in what was quickly turning into one of the worst neighborhoods in Shasta Lake, but we knew there just had to be something better out there for our precious daughter.  We wanted a place where we could see strong parent involvement, where kids weren't just dropped off at the bus stop at the tender age of 5 on "main street" without a parent present. 
 
After some searching, we heard about a new local charter school that just started up, North Woods Discovery School.  We made some phone calls, spoke with the administrators, and we were hooked!  Most impressive was the quality of kids that went there.  They were all so well behaved and so polite to the adults and to one another.  We immediately signed up our daughter to begin Kindergarten.  Since day one, she loves her school, she loves learning, she loves her teachers, and she loves her friends.  They don't just state that they have a "community of caring," they live it each and every day!  Her class size is small and promotes time for one-on-one time with her teacher if necessary.  The learning environment is geared toward working closely together with the parent, the teacher, and the child to ensure the most positive learning experience.  Not only do they teach the three "R's", but they even take the time to have a music program, a physical education program, technology programs, science programs, electives, and a chance for kids in the upper grades to be mentors to the younger ones.  I can't tell you how many times that I have had a 7th or 8th grade student come up to me, a parent, and tell me what a pleasure my daughter is to work with.  WOW! 
 
Doctors discovered that Ariel had a significant hearing loss and was in need of hearing aids.  My first thought was of how her classmates would treat her.  My fears were quickly put to rest when before Ariel received her hearing aids, the teachers took it upon themselves to help ease Ariel's transition.  They read a book in their classrooms entitled "Otto The Elephant Gets Hearing Aids" to their classes.  They even did an object lesson where the students covered their ears so they could simulate what Ariel could hear and couldn't hear without the hearing aids.  One of her classmates quickly chimed in after this lesson and said he would like to make a chart of all the new sounds Ariel discovers after she received her hearing aids.  Ariel received her hearing aids that winter and the entire class rejoiced with her.  One of the parents brought tears to my eyes when she informed me that her son told her one evening that "Ariel's hearing aids were beautiful, like purple diamonds behind her ears." 
 
We are so blessed to have the opportunity to have a charter school in our area such as North Woods Discovery School.  Our son, Jonathan, is now in Kindergarten and he loves it!  He does get irritated from time to time when his big sister tries to "baby" him but that's just part of her looking out for him and being a big sister, I suppose.
 
I wouldn't hesitate to give an absolutely positive review of this school, they are truly AWESOME!

David, Yvonne, Ariel and Jonathan

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since coming to Northwoods my daughter has blossomed.  She has always loved learning, but so much of her teacher's time had been directed to the huge class size and disruptive children. She didn't thrive until she entered this school.  The class size is smaller and there is such good discipline; disruptive and rebellious attitudes just aren't tolerated.  Parent participation is mandatory in the form of transportation to and from school (and volunteering) so these parents really care about their children and are willing to make the effort to keep them in this personal, nurturing environment.  The classes are anything but easy; math and science are challenging and require commitment.  But the rewards are fabulous!  These teachers are experts and their enthusiasm and whole-hearted participation are so genuine it's very inspiring for students.  The tough classes are countered by the opportunity to choose electives in very diverse areas - band, sports, art appreciation, teacher aide, etc.  It's a wonderful learning experience and we are so glad we selected this school.  Laurie, Shasta Lake, CA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My son is in Kindergarten at Northwoods and Mrs. Clouse has really shown him what a teacher is all about. She is kind, loving, encouraging, enthusiastic and she loves those kids. Northwoods is a very small school and that is very good for the kids, the principal knows everyone and the kids love him. The kids get a lot of time with the teachers because the class ratio's are very low. I only hope that we will stay in Redding for the next 8 yrs so we don't ever have to leave this school. It has been so good for our son, he is making friends and started Reading the end of September! I highly recommend this school to anyone who doesn't want thier child to get lost in a big school, who wants their child to be nurtured and encouraged to grow and learn. WE LOVE NORTHWOODS! :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our daughter has attended North Woods Discovery School since the 2002-2003 school year. Ever since her first day, she has loved going to school. All of the teachers are exceptional and know every child by name. They even have alternatives for children that do not celebrate certain holidays such as Halloween. Great communication between parents and teachers is a constant. Just this past year, our daughter was found to be in need of hearing aids. Before she received them, the teachers in kindergarten, first and second grade spent time with the children to ready them for our daughters transition to the hearing world. When she finally received them, all the children were excited and helped her transition smoothly with nothing but compassion and caring.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am writing regarding my daughter Chyann, who is in the 8th grade and has had nothing but positive experiences at North Woods.

Prior to attending North woods Chyann had low self esteem, was very quiet, and had low state test scores. It seemed like I was constantly fighting for my daughter’s education. I finally realized that if I could not get the schools to care how I could get Chyann to care? I gave up too. She was at a point were she hated school. It seemed like every morning she had a stomach ache.  It was a fight to get her to go to school. I thought my only alternative was home school. Then I was told about North Woods.

Since Chyann started attending North Woods she has done a complete turn around. She has made Honor Roll. All the teachers are amazed by her state test scores, and so am I. Her self-esteem is at its highest. Everything is about school. Most of all she has put education as the priority in her life. Very rarely does she say I can’t do this. She loves school. If she is sick I have to make her stay home. Her friends and her teachers are awesome. I will never be able to thank them enough. North Woods is a very caring school, which in turn allows the kids to care also. If Chyann has problem with her homework she is able to email her teachers and she gets a quick response. These teachers just don’t work Monday through Friday 7:45-2:45, but are also on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. They are truly awesome. I hope that some day I will be able to give back what North Woods has given to my daughter.