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We made the difficult decision to leave this school due to serious concerns about the elementary principal’s leadership. Despite being recruited to the school by the HOS with a clear vision for its future, we found that vision was being actively undermined by the principal. We were particularly alarmed by the way he spoke about children — often in their presence — in ways that we felt were mentally damaging and completely out of line with the values the school claims to uphold. This lack of emotional intelligence and professionalism was unacceptable and harmful to the school environment. Ultimately, we felt the school was no longer a safe or healthy space for our children. We hope the school re-evaluates its leadership direction for the sake of the students and families who remain.

Horrible school no I would not recommend this school because it’s not a good school

The Gooden School is nosediving under a new administration that continues to make poor decisions. At least 25 students left the school last year and enrollment is suffering. The Board of Trustees needs to change its laissez-faire approach and address the school's lack of hiring standards, transparency, and vision. The head of school asked parents to write reviews, so here is mine. 

El Marino has been an incredible school for our family, providing exceptional support for my son, who is on the autism spectrum. From the very first day, the teachers have shown genuine care and understanding, creating a welcoming environment where he can truly thrive. Their specialized strategies and patient guidance have helped him gain confidence both academically and socially. The staff’s dedication goes above and beyond, ensuring that every child’s unique needs are met with compassion and expertise. The community of parents is equally amazing. Always supportive, collaborative, and eager to share resources and encouragement. Because of this nurturing atmosphere, my son is happier and making remarkable progress. I am deeply grateful to El Marino for fostering such a positive, inclusive, and thriving space for our children.

Would like 2025 reviews, the other comments have aged.

Principle Brian Henry and his ENTIRE staff of teachers, custodians, volunteers, ect. has gone above and beyond for all their students but all I can personally speak on what him and the entire school, teachers and students, have done for my youngest son. He has Spina Bifida and he uses a wheelchair daily, 24/7. They worked day and night to be Kaydens voice and they got 2 new accessable swings on their playground so my little man can enjoy recess more than he already does. Not only does he get to enjoy it at school but year round. The weekends, the school breaks, and summer time. They put all their heart and time into making my sons school, recess, and life better for him. They didn't have an ulterior motive, they didn't do it to look better or get the highest ratings. They chose to do this for my son, their student just because they wanted to be able to have what they need for a student, for a friend, for a member of their community. They are some of the good left in this world. Thank you, Mr. Henry you changed his life all because you guys cared enough to see him and want to give him better life tools. I am proud to send not only 1 but 2 kids to Justus Gage Elementary.

This school is very cheap, we are paying lots of money and they bring the worst teachers especially for elementary classes. They don't have any kind of activities and don't have any art classes. Really hate this school

After many years at this school and multiple principals this school has gone down hill! Their principal is horrible the staff is completely burnt out wearing multiple hats because they can’t hire enough staff, so much bullying, the church doesn’t care that the school is constantly losing kids. Class sizes were already small and grades are becoming non existent. My recommendation look at another private school!

I have gone to this school for three years and out of all of my teachers, only one was actually good. I could write an entire essay of why this school is the worst school in Oregon. All of the teachers dont care about your education or mental health. If you are looking for a punishment for your kids, this is the school for you.

I regret enrolling my child at Cardinal Montessori School. Despite its Montessori branding and legacy, our 2024–2025 experience was disappointing—marked by poor leadership, inconsistent communication, and inadequate care. We toured in February, submitted paperwork and payment promptly, then heard nothing until June—when we were added to the ProCare app with no guidance. In July, the school claimed invoices had been sent, but we never received them. Email headers showed we weren’t copied, yet they insisted otherwise, making us feel gaslit. The director once showed me a photo of my 3-year-old chewing paper and told me to “talk to her about telling the truth”—while the administration failed to model honesty themselves. Parent Night was announced last-minute, with no childcare or virtual option. I was told “no supplies” were needed, only to find out later—after tax-free weekend—that water bottles were required. Communication was delayed, unclear, or missing entirely. My daughter came home multiple times with injuries—swollen lips, scratches—none of which were documented or followed up. I began recording her accounts, which revealed a pattern of peer mistreatment. Still, no formal plan followed. Her orthotic shoes went missing for weeks. Once, she returned from a trip with no underwear. No one called or helped. I often picked her up with shoes on the wrong feet. Montessori encourages independence, but 3-year-olds still need help. Despite frequent requests for feedback, I was only told—over six months in—that she “struggles to focus.” Meanwhile, I received constant notes about age-typical behavior. She was unfairly singled out and under-supported. Staffing was unstable. The kind lead teacher wasn’t allowed to tell parents about her maternity leave until the last minute. No transition plan was shared. A chaotic Zoom call (cut short by a free account) summed it up. Other red flags: • Advertised 6:30 AM opening was really 7:00 • No meals provided • Last-minute closures • No clear leadership or hiring plans • Relied on free Gmail/tools for communication The final straw? The director remarked she could “tell when [my daughter] switched homes”—a loaded comment in a co-parenting family. I stayed a year. It was a year too long. We’ve since moved her to a nurturing, structured school. I still believe in Montessori—but under current leadership, Cardinal falls short.

Ran horrible lots of bullies, teachers clueless and admin clueless.

Rutherford Montessori is a wonderful school. Teachers are very caring and professional. School is well run. Great environment to foster learning and creativity amongst young children. I highly recommend this school!

I have experienced but nothing bad from this school, my niece goes here and we have caught per hell from this school

School is top notch. Staff is super helpful. My kid loves Layer!

Please change the afternoon pickup routine it’s a mess. Someone in the office told me the kids and go line is not active for safety reasons and too many people walking through. But even with that being down now it’s still a ton of people walking through the parking lot, I go grab my kid and come back to my car and I am stuck and I can’t get out because all of these people are walking through from all these different ways. It’s an inconvenience all the way around and I don’t always want to walk miles just to get my kid and it’s hot here. Then when walk the mile to get your kid it’s totally unorganized as well they stand in a line then when the bell rings kids scatter like ants. What you all should consider doing for pickup is get walkie talkies, fix the communication system and order of things. The kids and go line needs to be open immediately Have the car riders outside and Have a worker verify the parent via walkie talkies in each car securing the safely of each child instead of just letting them scatter Then with the kids being out side and parents verified then they allowed to walk to there car and cars can’t proceed until all kids are in the vehicle eliminating people walking through the parking lot. It’s simple. Walkie talkie, communication and that will keep traffic movie. How you guys have it now is a mess. Thank you. Please change this I do not like it whatsoever. Then on top of that the person that opens the gate is never on time.