San Domenico School

San Domenico High School is an All girls high school with students from across the world. They have excellent academics and truly look for students to learn to think and communicate. They are strengthened by their Dominican heritage which is inclusive of all faiths and asks all students to look seriously at their spiritual and social growth. They are a small school yet excel in most activities. They have the nations best orchestra and the girls are invited to put on productions at Edinburgh's Fringe Festival of Drama. I cannot imagine a better place for my daughter.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a ninth grade daughter at San Domenico High School. I have never encountered a faculty and staff with more heart. The teachers at the school really care about the girls and do everything in their power to help them both academically and personally. This is just the type of supportive environment that is essential for a young woman in today's world. Do not hesitate to look at this school for your daughter, and do not be fooled by the quiet, unassuming way this school presents itself. This school is a hidden gem in this county!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two college aged daughters who graduated from San Domenico School, and a daughter in 7th grade who has attended since Pre-K. It is a school K-8 for both boys and girls. I feel so grateful that my children have had such an amazing education. My youngest daughter is also extremely interested in music, and has excelled in the Honors piano program at the award winning Music Conservatory, has been involved in dance, chorus and drama. She LOVES going to school each day. The teachers at San Domenico are amazing. Many have graduate degrees and are teaching because they are passionate about teaching. The children can feel this and do not take it for granted. We have amazing Heads of each division of education, and a new Head of School who is spreading the word about what a great program we have. We are also very fortunate to have two professional school counselors who help the students navigate through school socially and educate the parents about raising a child in today's world. I cannot tell you how much I personally love being a part of this community and how my children have really thrived at San Domenico School.
--Submitted by a parent

San Domenico is an amazing school for High School girls who are serious about their studies and want to also enjoy being a girl without all the drama. This program helps girls build confidence in themselves and their beliefs so that when they graduate and move onto college they will be leaders on campus. The music program and horseback riding programs are excellent as well as the sports programs. I would not hesitate for one second about this school - it is amazing.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has been at the school for seven years and it has been a fabulous experience. There is a good balance of academics, athletics and music. The teachers make a great effort to get to know your child as an individual.The bus system is reliable and included in the tuition. The new Head of School is very engaged - wants to hear from parents but also has great ideas to make the school an even better place for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

The Head of San Domenico(SD) school incredibly engaged and working hard to maintain the quality of education that SD provides. The Admissions Director is an extremely qualified gentleman. I have had kids in the school for 10 years from preK to 8th grade. There is absolutely no partying like behavior among the kids or the faculty. This is an education in the Dominican Tradition of values, truth and exploration. The kids come out extremely well prepared for high school academically and socially. They end up attending the top high schools in the area. The education at San Domenico is challenging and the environment is supportive. Bullying is not tolerated. The rumors at my son's high school are that the San Domenico kids are the only ones NOT doing drugs and partying. The administration, faculty and parents are incredibly committed to the school and it shows in the kids happy faces and success in life. The school has many extracurricular opportunities as well including sports, music, art, horse back riding and other clubs such as chess and mathletes.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically a very weak school for mediocre students led by mediocre teachers. Local public schools have far superior academics and teachers. Please do your homework by visiing an educational consultant prior to considering this school and visit local public schools to compare academics. The high school has a few talented students who attend for the music program but forfeit the academics. Sports program is also weak. Grounds are lovely but that is the only attraction beyond the music program. Bullying, serious behavioral problems and partying students are the accepted norm. Unfortunately, many of the students follow the example set by the teachers. Excelling in academics is strongly discouraged. The administrators are mostly teachers themselves and the school was a family run operation for several years with the Head of the School and his wife, the Admissions Director, both former teachers attempting to manage the school. The board is oblivious to the fact that the teachers are poor leaders in desperate need of management and who must be held accountable for their actions.
--Submitted by a parent

agree with the review below that the school has great teachers. i have two children at the school and we've been there for three years. Where should I start? The program? Amazing. The facilities? Spectacular. The faculty and administration: unparalleled. They are dedicated, talented and truly care about every student as an individual. I have spent time in the classroom and have, first hand, observed teachers definitely NOT turning a blind eye to disruptive behavior. I'm not sure what the review was going to say to complete the last sentence, but I have not witnesses nor have I heard other parents describe anything close to "greedy" and "too tolerant of trouble makers."
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two children who attend the primary school at San Domenico. We couldn't be happier with the school, in every way. The academics are excellent and the curriculum broad, including art, music, science, social studies, and foreign language. We have been at San Domenico for three years. We love the teachers that have taught our children, and found them very devoted to teaching and to our children. Transportation by bus is included, and we have a cafeteria cooking up lunches for all of the children, including wonderful soups served mid-morning. The campus is over 500 acres with a riding school, music conservatory, garden, athletic center and tennis courts. Dedicated to sustainability, a few years ago the campus went solar, and we even compost our horse manure. My children have the option of participating in many clubs (chess, newspaper, garden, etc.), music instruction at our music conservatory, horseback riding, or tennis right after school on the campus. None of the extras would matter, however, if it weren't for the strong focus on academics. Academics come first, with us as parents, as well as with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has wonderful teachers, and I was heartbroken when they told me my child was being beaten up by one of his peers. My child was hit twice in the face by this child, and my son kicked him back. The child has been a trouble for the entirety he has been at this school. Countless times he hurt other children, but the teachers and faculty turn a blind eye to him. I like this school, but they are too tolerant of trouble makers. None of the other children like the boy, but the schoo is too greedy to kick him out. If you value your children's child hood, don't send them here. The school has
--Submitted by a parent