This used to be a great school but half the staff left at the end of last year and it is just not the same. I would not recommend this school. If you are looking for a private school, there are several better options in the area and encourage you to look elsewhere.

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 schools director, Mrs. Elder, is skilled at being attentive to individual needs, while maintaining a sense of order and intense focus on the schools core values. If youre 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 youre curious to learn more, go read the schools 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.

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 childs 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 dont 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.

I love that this school pays attention to each individual child. They meet each student where they are at instead of where they think they should be. Students have ownership and participate in regular voting on everything from when to schedule math to what time recess should be!

Shady Oak is a fantastic school that focuses on each students needs and abilities. I would highly recommend it to anyone searching for an alternative to public school!

I love Shady Oak, my child loves the one on one attention he receives at the school.

Excellent school!!!