Parent Testimonials
The following testimonials were given when BCS had classes for preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle school children. Although BCS is smaller now, its spirit remains the same, as does its director, Heidi Alford.
“BCS is a really nurturing, comfortable place for kids to be themselves and to find themselves. It is like a family. Students of all ages interact in the classroom and at play. I feel that my children are always in a safe yet very flexible environment. In addition, the staff is always VERY caring and respectful of the children, modeling behavior which they are trying to foster. The director and staff work very hard to accommodate parents' various work schedules and family situations, making it very convenient to enroll your child full part time or full time.
“BCS allows kids to explore their interests through choices of activities in many areas and also teaches them a sense of responsibility and love for their community. At the preschool and primary levels, kids can work at their own pace and learn through play. They have set routines and know what is expected of them, which creates a very pleasant learning environment.
“I was concerned for my son because he went from having a full-time mommy to full-time school this year when he turned three. The school and its staff and students made the transition seamless. He was so happy from day one and felt secure and cared for. He has loved school ever since. I am so thankful to the teacher and older students for making it such a good experience for him!
“My kids, especially the 3-year old, are comfortable interacting with children, adolescents and adults. Two of my son's best friends (in his mind) are a 13 year old and a 10 year old! And they enjoy being around him as much as he enjoys them.”
— Mary and Dan Hooker
“BCS has super-dedicated teachers and caring staff, a holistic home-like environment and progressive teaching methodologies targeted to individual needs and learning styles. BCS is truly a ‘country school in the city,’ where mixed-age children are encouraged and educated according to their abilities.
“Our family has valued tremendously the flexible schedule and drop-off pick-up arrangements. We are self-employed small business owners, and BCS has graciously and seamlessly integrated our daughter.
“We appreciate that children are valued as individuals within the BCS community. While stressing community development through sharing, respect for others, non-violence, etc., each child's personal and educational needs are fostered in ways that best suit their unique personality and learning style.
“One theme I've noticed teachers encouraging is that of children helping children. One day Katie was crying and did not want to leave her Mama and be in school. Another preschooler took her by the hand and soothed her, led her to an activity, and saved the day! Katie was initially terrified of the ‘big kids.’ After some ‘big kids’ were nice to her, even calling her by name, it helped a lot.
“Katie has gained confidence and improved artistic, social and motor skills. As an only child, she has benefited greatly from her preschool experience.”
— Julie Carpenter
“Both of my boys attended BCS for the full duration of their elementary years. During these years of schooling, my primary interest for my sons was for them to gain a strong appreciation for learning, a good foundation for understanding how to pursue learning important to oneself, and most importantly, for them to grow with a strong sense of personal values and a healthy self-esteem. BCS was an excellent choice for all three of these goals. BCS was successful in partnering with our parenting to develop inherent appreciation in our boys for themselves and the value of community. Now 17 and 22, they are both highly successful in their endeavors, and I credit their experience at BCS as a strong component in this success.
“If you want to grow a healthy, happy, and successful child, BCS is a good choice.”
— Brad Smith
“We started out homeschooling, but I found my daughter really needed other people around her to bounce off of, so she started going to BCS one day a week for homeschool support. That one day became two, then three, and eventually she was going full time! She used to ask me why she couldn't go Saturday and Sunday as well.
“I'm so glad now that my daughter went to a small family school during her elementary years. She learned so much, not just academically but socially as well, and she had more support than she ever would have had in a public school. Heidi and her staff value and encourage individuality, and I see evidence of that influence on Erin now, as she makes her way through high school and is confronted with choices and decisions every day.”
— Pam Fonda
“My daughter has attended BCS three days a week since kindergarten. She has loved it from the start. She is ahead of her grade level in multiple areas, and attending BCS has really allowed her to expand to her full potential. She never becomes bored or tired of her work, but is just as excited about learning now as she was the day she first started school.
“I have been very impressed with how I see BCS staff working with kids. They communicate skilfully and caringly, work closely with each child, provide healthy boundaries and structure, and help the kids to find meaning in what they are doing. I also see them accomodating multiple learning styles and creating a learning environment that supports a kid's need to use their body as well as their brain. I feel very blessed to have BCS here in Bellingham!”
— Lia Ayley
“Both my sons attended BCS during their elementary school years, and they have both gone on to be very creative, interesting people (one son is now in college, the other has graduated). I can't say enough good things about our experience at BCS. What I appreciated most was the calm and relaxed family atmosphere. My sons made lifelong friends, and so did I.”
— Colleen Schwartz
“I appreciate the teachers' ability to really get to know my children's personalities and how their differences influence their learning styles. I value that the school places as much emphasis on the social and emotional development of my children as they do on academics. My children also love being able to have choices of activities to pick from in the afternoon.“
— Nahid Markosian
