My 4-year-old daughter transferred from Challenger to Merryhill Preschool 3 months ago
because she used to cry every day at her old school. My wife and I were really worried she might react the same way here — but guess what, she’s doing so much better at Merryhill!
This school truly has empathy and warmth. Ms Gram and Ms Niemand are not just teachers — they give real mothership. They make my daughter feel secure, trusting, and cared for.
My daughter is a highly sensitive child (HSP) — she feels anxious with too many strangers or changes around her, so it takes time for her to adapt. From day one, both teachers have been incredibly patient and loving. They treat every child equally, with the same care and responsibility.
One day my daughter told me about a new boy who cried nonstop during his first week. Every time we came to pick her up, we’d see him closely attached to the teachers — it was clear he felt safe with them. He literally follows Ms. Gram wherever she goes, which says everything about how nurturing they are.
Other things I love about this school: parents get monthly reports for their kids, there are regular teacher-parent meetings, and they offer a great variety of lunch options and events for kids to learn and explore.
We’re so grateful to have found a school that truly understands children and provides such a loving environment.
ST
Sharon Thibeau
Sep 19, 2025
We've had a wonderful experience at Merryhill Elementary School. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel that it's a place where students are genuinely cared for, supported, and encouraged to grow.
The teachers at Merryhill are warm, dedicated, and truly passionate about what they do. They create a positive, engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged and excited to grow. Their commitment to each child's success really shines through, and they make learning both meaningful and fun. We also really appreciate how well they communicate with parents — always keeping us informed and involved.
Our son often comes home excited to share about his day. He especially adores Mrs. Graham — she's his favorite teacher. He always has kind words for Mrs. Niemand and Mrs. Anderson, saying they are the nicest, and he says Mrs. Harris is the prettiest. It’s clear he feels happy, safe, and supported at school, which means everything to us as parents.
The administrative staff are just as impressive — approachable, responsive, and deeply committed to the well-being of the students and their families. I’ve personally experienced how kind and compassionate they are. Special thanks to Mrs. Van Rhyn, Mrs. Mertz, and Mrs. Valero for always being so warm, welcoming, kind, and understanding. I also really appreciated Mrs. Kim taking a moment to speak with me during the meet and greet before school started — it left a lasting, positive impression.
Merryhill School is a fantastic place for children to begin their educational journey. We're truly grateful to be part of such a positive, well-rounded, and nurturing school community. Highly recommend!