Middlefield

Choosing the Challenger School at Middlefield Campus for our daughter's preschool has been the best decision we could have made for her. Our younger daughter joined as the youngest student in her class, and like any parents, we were initially anxious about how she would adapt to a new environment. Those worries disappeared almost immediately thanks to the incredible staff. Her teachers, Ms. Azita and Ms. Melissa, are truly wonderful. They treat our daughter with genuine affection, patience, and kindness every single day. Whether it’s a tough morning or a moment of nerves, they take the time to speak gently and make her feel safe. It speaks volumes that she comes home every day with a smile on her face (and clean clothes!). She is now at a point where she looks forward to school and comes home "bubbling" with stories about her day. The school is led by a fantastic team. Mrs. Sharon, the Director, maintains open, transparent, and warm communication with us, providing timely updates on our daughter's progress. The Headmaster, Mrs. Outhabong, is equally kind; her habit of greeting our daughter with a warm hug makes her feel loved and secure from the moment she walks in. The results in just three months have been astounding: she went from not recognizing letters to proudly winning the "Alphabet Crown." She can now count numbers clearly and confidently. Beyond academics, we’ve seen a huge spark in her curiosity and creativity. She is eager to explore new activities and is constantly comparing and questioning the world around her. We have full confidence that our daughter will continue to thrive here. Thank you, Challenger, for nurturing her growth and making her feel so at home!

Our kid is graduating 8th grade this year, bringing an end to a wonderful journey at Challenger that began back in preschool. As we prepare him for high school, we can clearly see how the school’s foundation has shaped him into a confident, academic student. We are particularly grateful for the leadership of Mrs. Rita. She has cultivated an environment of discipline and academic rigor that is consistent and supportive. Her leadership ensures that the school delivers on its promise of excellence every single day. On the academic front, I want to specifically thankful to middle school math teacher Mrs. Rusu. She did not just teach the curriculum; she ignited a genuine passion for mathematics in our kid . Thanks to her encouragement and teaching style, he developed the confidence to pursue competitive math, which has become a huge part of his identity. Equally impactful was Mrs. Basler in Language Arts. Writing and composition are critical skills, and she helped our kid refine his voice and structure his thoughts effectively. Her guidance has been instrumental as he writes his high school admission essays this year. Challenger has prepared our kid not just for high school, but for life. We are thankful to the entire team for these 11 enriching years.

Great experience for over 5 years! Both of my sons have attended this school for several years (5 years and 3 years), and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are top-notch and the curriculum is excellent—my kids especially enjoy the math and computer classes. ​One of the biggest surprises was the homework load. Despite what I had heard, it is very manageable, and my children usually finish everything during extended care. We also love the balance of arts and music, including the regular recitals. The annual science fair is a highlight for our family! If you want a school with a strong academic backbone that still makes time for art and science, this is the place.

My child has been at Challenger for several years, and our experience has been truly wonderful. Challenger places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. While many people may hold different views, I still believe that academics are the most important foundation for a child’s future. I was genuinely surprised when my child, in second grade, was able to write a seven-page story complete with illustrations and even a copyright page—something I certainly could not have done at that age. Challenger has outstanding teachers. Mrs. Markaj is an example. She recently directed a Christmas performance with the music teachers. The children performed six songs, each with different formations, props, and movements, showcasing a variety of beautiful voices. The children are very well organized and performed with innocence and joy. I can imagine that Mrs. Markaj must have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into designing and practicing the performance—with wisdom, love, and great patience. When you see children learning, playing, feeling happy, and steadily making progress, you know they are guided by a truly exceptional teacher. Ms. Madhavi Adavikolanu has also deeply impressed me with her care and love for the children. Whenever I see her—whether during drop-off or around campus—she always greets everyone with a warm smile. When she talks about the children, her eyes shine with genuine care and affection. Working with children is not easy, and those who can do it with joy must have a truly loving heart.

My daughter has attended this school since preschool and absolutely loves it. The teachers are warm, supportive, and make learning fun, especially in subjects like phonics, grammar, math, science, and geography. The school balances strong academics with enriching extracurriculars such as art, singing, sports, public speaking, presentations, and science fairs. During extended care, she completes her homework and test prep independently. With classmates from diverse cultures, she enjoys learning about the world. Overall, the school has built a strong foundation, and we are very pleased with her progress.