Parent Testimonials

  • “Jes Bradley is simply the best teacher my kids have ever known. Think of childcare as a three-tiered layer cake of needs: the bottom layer being that your kid is safe at school, the middle layer that they’re happy, and the top that they are truly seen and loved by a grownup who treats your child like one of their own. When my kids are with Jes, they get all three layers of the cake. This work is so clearly a calling for her. She is dedicated to nurturing the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—and I feel incredibly fortunate that our paths crossed. Jes is not only safe and trustworthy but deeply caring, with an authentic, heartfelt commitment to every child she teaches. She takes the time to understand each kid’s unique personality, strengths, and challenges. Her ability to connect with them and meet them where they are is remarkable. My kids have blossomed in her care. Jes’ communication is honest, kind, and respectful. At the end of the school day, she sends an update on the adventures of the day, which we read together at the dinner table, and it always leads to more conversation about the day. (…) The Waldorf curriculum that Jes implements is not only soulful but beautifully aligned with the natural world. The kids learn about the seasons, explore their creativity, and create beautiful handmade crafts that I treasure. She puts so much care and intention into their activities and projects. Beyond that, she fosters essential life skills in the kids, including how to navigate social interactions, manage conflict, and be kind and supportive community members. I’ve seen this in action countless times. Jes teaches the kids to check in with each other when feelings are hurt or conflicts arise. This practice of mindfulness and empathy has carried over into our home, where my boys actively use the tools she has given them to connect with each other and express their feelings thoughtfully. I have also seen her handle conflicts with tact and sensitivity, guiding children through difficult moments in a way that helps them grow and learn. Jes is also a professional through and through. She is mature, reliable, and easy to communicate with, and it’s clear that she has put great thought into how she structures her classroom. She fosters a play-based environment where kids are free to be kids—exploring, playing, getting dirty, and having fun—while maintaining a clean and organized space for learning and growing. What stands out the most to me, however, is the genuine love and care that Jes shows for my kids. On one occasion, when my oldest son was having a tough day, Jes reached out to me and let me know. When I arrived at school, he was sitting in her lap, comforted and supported with some quiet time. She knew intuitively that what he needed that day was not discipline, but loving and nurturing attention and care. It was a moment that reassured me that my child was being cared for in exactly the way I would have hoped for—compassionately and with full attention. He felt seen, and that helped the feeling pass through him. She treats the kids in her care like they are part of her own family, planning birthday celebrations at school where every kid says something they love about the birthday kid. It’s very sweet. Finally, Jes has a unique ability to balance both warmth and fun while keeping things grounded in respect and responsibility. My kids come home from school with stories of laughter and play, and I know that, through it all, they are learning valuable life lessons and gaining an understanding of themselves and others that will stay with them forever. It is without hesitation that I recommend Jes Bradley to anyone seeking a teacher who is not only incredibly skilled and professional but who also brings a deep love and commitment to the children in her care.”

    Amanda D., current enrollment

  • “In every way, teacher Jes is the best. I think she’s the closest thing to a fairy godmother your child could get. she is earnest, honest, hardworking, trustworthy, and serious. and she is silly, sweet, gentle, patient, and full of love for her kids. she’s been my daughter’s teacher for 2 years now and my daughter has blossomed in her care. she has grown so much in her emotional intelligence, she’s gained so many wonderful new friends, she’s learning to read and write, and her imagination is bigger than ever. I couldn’t recommend this school enough!”

    Kaylee Y., current enrollment

  • “I have had the pleasure of knowing Jes Bradley in her role as preschool director for almost three years, during which time she has taught both of my sons. Throughout this time, I have witnessed firsthand her immense dedication and capability as an educator and leader. Jes is incredibly responsible, always ensuring that the preschool environment is safe, nurturing, and fun! She is organized, flexible, and cognizant of the needs of each individual child and of the group as a whole. One of her standout qualities is her intuition—she has an extraordinary ability to understand the needs of each child, tailoring her approach to meet them where they are and help them learn what it is to be a good human in this world. Her emotional intelligence is unparalleled, and she consistently demonstrates a deep capacity for empathy. This helps her connect with children and parents alike in a way that makes them feel seen and understood, even in moments of difficulty. Jes also understands the challenges that come with raising young children and is always there to offer support, advice, and understanding to parents. Parenting is wonderful, and terrifying, and intense, sometimes all in the same breath, and Jes understands this deeply. Her guidance has been invaluable not only to my children but to our entire family. As a parent who tends to run on the anxious side, I so appreciate her direct communication skills and willingness to collaborate and talk things through, always with a healthy dose of humor. I am truly grateful for the positive impact she has had on our lives and the magic she creates daily for the kids in her care. I wholeheartedly recommend her to any family looking for an experienced, capable, and empathetic leader. We are so lucky to have Teacher Jes in our lives!”

    Lindsey K.R., current enrollment

  • “Jes Bradley is one of a very small handful of people I entrust with my kids. She treats them like the thinking and feeling small humans they are, consistently showing them empathy and understanding, instead of expecting them to be compliant for compliance's sake. I know she doesn't reserve this kind of treatment for my children alone. Whenever I see her around other children, especially those who aren't easily understood by other adults because of neurodivergence or other factors, it's clear how much she wants them to feel seen, heard, and loved. My kids and I treasure all our memories of time spent with Teacher Jes and I'm sure we'll still be talking about her when they go off to college or hit other big adulting milestones.”

    Monica R., current enrollment

 Connect With Us

  • 3440 Southeast Holgate Boulevard Unit A, Portland, Oregon 97202

    Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm

  • avalonvillageschool@gmail.com

    (503) 387-9258

  • If you’re interested in touring Avalon Village School, please fill out our interest form and we will be in touch to schedule your family’s visit!