Shady Oak Primary School, Richmond | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

Our family has been a part of Shady Oak for many years. There are many reasons that made us choose Shady Oak.

Shady Oak values the individual child and does not teach to a test. They promote learning at the child’s pace and allow each student to learn right where they are at that time. I loved that the grades are grouped together; 1st & 2nd share a class and 3rd – 5th share a class. This allows students who may be more advanced to work with the higher grade level or students who may need more time learning a concept to work with the lower grade level without feeling like they behind. Classes are broken into small groups to facilitate learning. One of my favorite sayings the teachers instill in the kids is “I don’t know how to do that YET”. They teach the kids that although something may be hard right now, they can help them learn it.

We appreciate that they have lots of time outside. They have morning play time outside before school starts and they eat lunch outside followed by more outdoor play time. Plus at least one more recess outside each day.

We also appreciate that the class sizes are small. Typically 1 teacher to every 10-12 kids.

If you are looking for a small private school, I definitely recommend taking a look at Shady Oak Primary.

Since we joined the Shady Oak family 2 years ago, our daughter as thrived in the nurturing, positive, and self-directed environment of this school. I appreciate how Shady Oak Primary encourages our daughter to apply what she learns to problem solve on her own, cultivate a sense of curiosity and love of learning, and learn classroom lessons using real-world, tangible experiences. The school staff values the outdoors with multiple outdoor play times throughout the school day, as well as eating outside, picnic style – and encourages (rather than discourages) peer interaction and socialibility around mealtimes. The school’s director, Mrs. Elder, is skilled at being attentive to individual needs, while maintaining a sense of order and intense focus on the school’s core values. If you’re looking for a school and staff who work tirelessly to nurture your child into a confident, articulate, curious, and capable young person, look no further than Shady Oak Primary. If you’re curious to learn more, go read the school’s website and schedule a visit. I am confident you will find this small, private school, in the heart of Historic Richmond, a special place for your child.