At the beginning of the school year, Teacher Trini expressed her belief that a child’s level of success in learning was determined by the support and dedication of each side of a triangle, each side represented by the child, the parent and the teacher.  Entering into the program last year, I knew my child would be successful in kindergarten as I am parent who believes in teaching at home, and my daughter already enjoyed learning; but Teacher Trini took this enjoyment, fostered it and turned into a love and thirst for knowledge. This past year the academic growth my child has experienced was amazing and surpassed any I could have imagined. My daughter went from being able to recognize a handful of words to reading everything in sight, including my books. More astonishing is her comprehension of what she is reading and her inquisitiveness to know the meaning of the words she doesn’t already know or understand.  In addition her math capability and understanding of money has also grown tremendously.  In terms of order, I appreciate Teacher Trini’s no nonsense approach she has while still nurturing the children and being empathetic to their needs,  it’s a beautiful balance she has that I believe coincided with my teaching at home regarding the difference between work time and play time, and expressing with words, not emotions, what you need.

While to some Teacher Trini may seem tough, hearing my daughter explain to her younger sister who will be in Teacher Trini’s class this year “The work in Teacher Trini class is hard, but then she teaches you and it gets easy and fun” lets me know that her teaching technique, material, and standards are appropriate, engaging and provides the children a since of accomplishment.

Needless to say, I absolutely loved what she’s given my child, and can only hope that all children have a Teacher Trini to get them started in their academic journey.

Dearest Regards,Tearra Keeton

As a former teacher, I was delighted to learn about this small private school that is close to our granddaughter's home in Vallejo. Her parents enrolled her there last winter, after having home-schooled her for two-and-a-half years. We were impressed from the beginning with the dedication of the Principal, teachers, and entire staff to supporting our middle school student to bloom. Her grades improved, as did her state of mind, particularly following the personal attention she received during the summer session.

She is more outgoing, as a result of mixed grade instruction in an atmosphere that combines firm discipline with acceptance – at a surprisingly low tuition rate.

The school is housed in spacious, airy quarters, with plenty of room for the pre-school through high school classrooms, lunchroom, and playgrounds. Security of the students was a big concern for our family, and we are confident that the closed campus is safer than that of other schools in the area.

Parent suggestions and participation are welcomed, and attended to. In fact, former students and parents exhibit a remarkable loyalty in returning to Starting Gate, which is a huge credit to past accomplishments. We highly recommend this school.

J. Jepson

Having been born and raised in Vallejo, I was deeply saddened by the news that several schools there may close. The good news is that Starting Gate school in Vallejo is alive and well and accepting enrollment.

Based on the methodology developed by Genevieve Reignierd, Starting Gate offers a unique opportunity for education, rooted in tradition and culturally diverse.

My Mother, the late Helen Walker, taught dance for the Reignierd Schools in Vallejo for many years and, through that association, I witnessed a creative concept in education not available in other schools. That same philosophy and dedication to excellence is the foundation of the new Starting Gate School in Vallejo.

Starting Gate has my best wishes  for continued success in education and service to the community.

Linda K. Hillier McDowell

I am so very proud of all that you have accomplished for your community with this school.

L. C.

Our son means everything to us. We have found Starting Gate School to be a Godsend. We are very happy with our son's education, the teachers and staff are always kind, and make us feel welcome whenever we drop in to view our son and his activities.

D.K. Hawkinson

Starting Gate School is the definition of education.  The student body is respectful, expressive, and fully engaged in the process of acquiring knowledge, reasoning, and judgment. They are enthusiastic about preparing for a purposeful life.

The Starting Gate School teachers are committed to helping each student reach their full potential.  It gives me great hope for the future of our country to see the daily flag ceremony which is not to be missed.

Kindest Regards,
Mary Reynolds
MJR RECORDS & BOOKS

As the product of a private education myself, I understand the immeasurable value of a school such as Starting Gate.  In a world full of ever-diminishing resources, it is important to recognize where we can make an immediate and positive impact. Children are that resource. It is for this reason that I consider it an honor and a privilege to volunteer at Starting Gate School. It is my mission to see it become a thriving part of the educational community.