Renaissance School

A mediocre school in a spectacular location.
Our child attended for first and second grade. We withdrew her after the school’s anti-​bullying policy was waived for a classmate who joined the class in her second year. This occurred despite repeated requests for action throughout the school year were met with assurances that the school was on top of the situation, while ignoring a very clear policy posted in the classroom that delineated consequences for specific behaviors. We learned the full extent of this one child’s physical abuse of our daughter and others at a birthday party after the school year ended, too late, according to a co-​owner, to get the re-​enrollment fee refunded.
When our child returned to public school we learned how The Renaissance School’s lack of academic rigor negatively affected her progress in math and science, in particular, and set her behind her peers in spelling.
That said, the school’s environmental and social education was exceptional. The facility, in the magnificent Shelburne Farms’ «Farm Barn» was very cool.
We’re somewhat glad to have spent a couple of years there, but disappointed that the lofty cultural standards proved to be a sham in the face of a young bully with strong parents. (Rather like having Draco Malfoy in your class.)