Bixby School

Bixby is an incredible school. Every unique child is not only accepted, but belongs in the school community in a deep way. The weekly social.emotional learning classes are part of it, but more, it is how each teacher treats each student with care, kindness, respect, creativity and focused attention. The school has an exceptionally small student-child ratio, which is a big part of what makes this possible. Children with unique learning styles are supported and the teachers mostly have 10-40 years of experience, which I think allows them to ease-fully help children with varied perspectives and skills thrive. Bixby also has a lot of unique projects - for example cooking club or weekly nature walks in Kindergarten (where children record their experience in journals), or stop-motion animation projects that third grade science students make themselves - which keep kids deeply engaged and thriving in creative study. At Bixby, children are encouraged to ask questions, to advocate for themselves, and try on new ideas and skills without necessarily arriving at an answer. A correct answer is less of a focus than the process of discovery. Children at Bixby know that process is as big a part of learning. Bixby teachers are Not Stressed or overworked, which I find so unusual, and it shows. They smile when you walk in, they have adequate attention to welcome students, and spend extra time with them on creative tasks. Even the one-of-a-kind playground made of wood and ropes, designed to encourage specific kinesthetic skills, speaks to the creativity at Bixby. The school culture feels more like a family than is possible in large public schools. The Head of School is connected to parents, open to having conversations and not only truly listens to our concerns, but more often than not will make direct changes based on parent feedback. Bixby really is an alternative school, in the best of ways.

When my son (now a first grader) did his shadow day at Bixby as part of our inquiry process, at least 3 students and 2 adults addressed him by name when saying goodbye. I remember being surprised by that, but now I see that it is just a normal part of the culture in this special school: your child will be seen and known. Even if just visiting for a couple of hours! If you've ever had a fear that your child is too far ahead, or will be left behind, or will somehow fall by the wayside in some way, I can tell you that the administration and the teachers at Bixby will see your child, meet them where they are, give them exactly what they need, and sweep them into a love of learning each subject--both through their true passion for their work and through their belief that children are whole human beings who deserve to be treated as such.The teachers at this school are some of the best I've ever encountered, and many of them have taught at Bixby for over a decade (or two!) as well as entrusted their own kids to Bixby. I think that speaks volumes. The "middle school model" where subject-specialists teach their own subjects, starting in 1st grade, seemed somewhat insane at first glance but now I cannot imagine it any other way. How can one person teach math AND reading AND science at every other elementary school? When I hear the math teachers speak, I as an adult feel giddy and want to take math classes. When I sat in with the Creative Design (aka Art) teacher, I suddenly felt like I was capable of great creative work. It's truly magical and I do not understand the secret sauce of it all except to say that the culture in this school is solid and I hope that nothing ever shakes it. My 6 year old would rather be at school than at home (and has explicitly told me so!), and on Halloween he was more jazzed up about his candy charting graph project for Bixby than actually eating candy. On top of all of this, they have amazing field trips, catered lunches led by the lovely Chef Amber, twice weekly swim lessons, and an absolutely incredible and beautiful campus with so many fun Bixby "Rites of Passage" (the one-foot swing!) that the kids love. If you find yourself reading this review and wondering about Bixby, just book your tour now because, without a doubt, it deserves a place in the running. If you want your kid to love going to school, master everything they need to learn academically, be guided through the nuance of social relationships, and feel confident about how to be a human in this complex world, I don't think there's a better choice (and we toured all the other schools!). We couldn't be happier here.

My son started at Bixby in 4th grade after four years in public school, and the difference has been amazing. Bixby lets kids still be kids—without all the testing and red tape of the public schools—while still being challenging and thoughtful. The small class size means he gets much more attention, and in just a few months he's learned more than he did in a year at public school. Did I mention the amazing food program (he looks forward to the awesome food every day!) and that they swim twice a week in sports class? He's also doing "art club" after school (they have a number of after-school activities like chess, art, band, etc.). He's made great friends, the community is so welcoming, and the administration is wonderful. We toured just about every private school in Boulder, and the second I walked into Bixby, I knew it was the right fit.

We have had such a positive preschool experience at Bixby! My daughter's teachers have been amazing, responsive, supportive of my daughter's needs, and always a joy to interact with. My daughter has loved the opportunities for swimming, field trips, weekly walks, and smaller group time. The range of experiences Bixby offers is more than we were hoping for when we enrolled. My daughter has also loved the transitional kindergarten program, which I believe has really helped her feel ready and excited for kindergarten!

Our son has attended Bixby Preschool for over a year, and we've been extremely happy with the experience. After moving from out of state, he was welcomed immediately by both teachers and classmates, and the transition was seamless. The teachers are thoughtful and collaborative, supporting each child's academic and social-emotional development. They've offered helpful suggestions when we've asked how to support him at home, and it's clear they work as a team. We've seen real growth in our son's ability to solve problems independently-thanks to the way Bixby encourages kids to work things out together, with guidance as needed. Most of all, he's developed a true love of learning and is excited to go to school each day. We feel fortunate to be part of the Bixby community.

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Bixby School. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the warmth and sense of community that sets this school apart. It's a truly inclusive environment where every child is seen, valued, and supported for who they are.The teachers are exceptional. They go above and beyond to nurture not only academic growth but also social-emotional development. It's clear they genuinely care about their students' well-being and success.One of the things we love most is how the school fosters a genuine love of learning. The curriculum is engaging, creative, and thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking.

Bixby is a wonderful K–5 school. They focus on social emotional learning along with play-based learning. My kindergartener is able to advocate for herself, express her feelings, and absolutely loves going to school each day. I especially enjoy how much they encourage community and parent involvement. My favorite day of the week is when I go to volunteer. The staff is amazing, and the campus is pure magic. I highly recommend Bixby!

Our older kiddo has been attending Bixby since preschool, and he is now in 2nd grade. It was a very difficult choice for us to choose a private school over our local public school, as the local school is very much a neighborhood school. However, we were seeking a hands-on education where our kid would develop a love of learning and prioritize asking questions rather than memorizing answers for a test. We were also looking for an education where the whole child would be developed, and there was an emphasis put on EQ as well as IQ. We love this community so much that we can't wait to send our 1-year-old once he is old enough.

Bixby has been amazing for our family, and our daughter has really thrived there. The preschool teachers are incredibly dedicated and supportive and created a warm and welcoming environment from Day 1. Their emphasis on play-based learning is great for preschoolers, and we are consistently impressed by the variety of engaging activities they offer (e.g., daily meals, weekly swimming lessons, lots of exploration with art and music, visits to a nearby retirement home, frequent field trips and nature walks). The school also does a wonderful job of making parents feel welcome, involved, and informed--we really appreciate getting daily photos, feedback on our daughter's progress, and insight into the tactics the teachers use in various situations. Their flexible policies have made our lives much easier in general. We are so grateful to be part of this lovely community, and would highly recommend Bixby to any parents looking for a nurturing and enriching place for their kids!

You know those schools where your kid sits in the back and is shushed all day? That is not Bixby. My kids are an active part of their own learning. Each topic/subject is explored through their eyes - not the a stagnate "learning plan". My kids interest in school has exploded at Bixby. Every day they come home excited to tell me what they learned.

Bixby is an amazing school. I have had three children attend Bixby. The teachers/administration deeply care about both the education and social-emotional wellness of each child. You will not be disappointed with this school.

This is the kind of school you want for your kid. We all have impressions of what school should be, this is it. I'm a current Bixby parent and former private (then public) school teacher. Bixby excels at building relationships and culture without sacrificing academics; rather, I feel like my student and his (subject expert) teachers are co-learners/explorers together. My 2nd grader will have real conversations/real questions, on math, science, literature, etc with people passionate about each. It's been a joy to watch my personal growth parallel with academics. Speaking from our perspective only, my son was not thriving in public school, even with GT resources. We felt like he was burnt out. Nothing really worked. A family friend recommended Bixby-- 6 weeks in we felt like we got our son back. Previously it was "I hate math"; now, "Math is my favorite subject". We were new to town/state as well--Bixby is intentional with their community building, communication, and relationship building. My son has made friends; so have I. I was hesitant about the school only going through K-5, but I think this helps them focus and do well with elementary. Can't say enough good things. Thrilled to find Bixby. Sending younger sister there next year!

My children are absolutely thriving at Bixby! Their teachers truly know them and encourage and celebrate their strengths while supporting them and building their confidence in the areas in which they feel less comfortable. They are challenged in a way that is engaging and stimulates curiosity. As a family, we all feel part of the Bixby community. Do not hesitate. Bixby is beyond compare.

Unparalleled. Bixby is the shining star of education reinforcing and encouraging childhood. They don't overcomplicate it and they don't rush kids to adulthood, they encourage critical, creative, and collaborative thinking that prepares kids to be real-world problem solvers and leaders, not just test takers. The jewel of Boulder!

Bixby School has been such an amazing experience for my children. At the end of the year, you get a report about the progress your student(s) made over the course of the year. Reading through the teacher's comments really provided us with a picture of our children that we don't always see at home, and helped me understand my children more fully. I love how all the teachers at Bixby are so aware of each student as a person, see the best in each of them, and help the students to use their strengths and passions to further develop as a learner. Learning at Bixby has allowed my children to blossom and gain confidence in themselves not only as learners but as people! I feel like they truly see my kids, and have helped me to see them more clearly as well.

My children attended Bixby for the 2020-2021 school year. In a year where many children became despondent with virtual classes, they thrived. They learned and made the sweetest friends and had so much fun. Bixby's handling of the ever-evolving COVID-19 public health rules was A+. Every day we knew our kids would be as safe as possible because risks were being mitigated through the time and money Bixby School invested to make in-person learning possible. Beyond that, we know our kids were seen and appreciated for who they are.

Bixby is awesome! We moved to Bixby from BVSD during the pandemic because it has a good reputation and they have been providing consistent in-person learning. Our son loves it there - he has a ton of fun. Not only is the focus on social-emotional development stellar, our boy has really blossomed academically as well. The small classes where each teacher specializes in a different subject have been a great model for him. The teachers are amazing - they really take the time to understand each child's strengths and weaknesses and make learning fun. We have also been very impressed by how Bixby's leadership has navigated the pandemic. They have prioritized the safety of teachers and students (outdoor classrooms, cohorting, ventilation, etc.) In a data-based, scientifically sound way, working closely with Boulder County public health, while still providing a stellar academic experience. The head of school is impressive and a great communicator.

Our child has been a Bixby since preschool; we left briefly for 1st and 2nd grade in public school, then immediately went back - Bixby has instilled in our child an absolute love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and replies "Awesome" every day when asked how school was. Small enough to give each child individual attention, while providing a rich social environment. The outdoor space is truly unique and their emphasis on a whole curriculum including science and history is unparalleled in elementary school in Boulder. We love Bixby!

Many schools are just now discovering what Bixby has known for almost 50 years; that kids love to learn, and that partnering with adults to discover their own passions, strengths, and journey is more effective than simply having academic content imparted to them. A paragraph of words can't portray the school-- you really have to see it to believe what they're doing there. After seeing Bixby, many parents say the same thing: "wow, this is the school I wish I had gone to". The program quality is extremely high, teachers are amazing, facilities are unique and extensive (you won't believe the play structures-- I don't think there's anything like them anywhere else in the county, maybe even the state-- Bixby takes play seriously!!) Music, art, and swimming are all part of the curriculum.

Bixby School is more than a school; it's a community. The faculty and staff are extremely dedicated to their career, and it shows in the level of attention that is afforded each and every student. Children feel heard and respected, in a supportive and safe environment. My son has flourished under their wing. Bixby School is far and above the best primary school I've encountered. Lifelong Bixby supporter!

Bixby is wonderful! All 3 of my kids have LOVED going to school there. My oldest just entered middle school and was really well prepared by his Bixby experience. He knows how to think critically and deeply in addition to all the usual academic skills. His two younger siblings are still thriving at Bixby. They love all the hands on work. The teachers are superb and really get to know each student deeply. The relationships are key. We love Bixby!

This school has instilled a lifelong love for learning in me. I had some of the best teachers here. I have returned to campus and have to say it is still the most incredible school and community!

This school is a gem! Engaged students who learn deeply and are challenged and nurtured at the same time. This school has been in Boulder since 1970 and many alumni still return to the school or send their children here. The school is in my opinion unmatched in program strength, community and student-centered best practices! A must see!