Alexander Dawson School

This school is awesome i have been here for 9 years. they have a great standard, and pay attention to everyone that needs help.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers and staff are wonderful, however, so far it seems the academics are no more difficult than most public schools. Our child is repeating in 7th grade Math and English what he learned in 6th grade public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is new to Dawson this year. I can't say enough about how great this school has been so far. It has absolutely exceeded my expectations so far in virtually every respect. It's expensive, yes. And we aren't rich. But so far it's been more than worth every penny.
—Submitted by a parent

Joining this school has been a great turn-around for my son. He's been reinvigorated in his curiosity and love of learning. The school is fantastic, supportive community.
—Submitted by a parent

Dawson is an tremendous educational experience. The campus, school and overall experience are unparallel. We're 9 year veterans with 3 children.
—Submitted by a parent

Dawson works from all 4 of our kids--from a kindergartner to a high schooler. What we really appreciate most is how well the teachers get to know our kids, and how much accountability there is, both in and outside the classroom. There is no other school in the area where they could have this kind of academic experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, teachers, sense of community on a campus with wonderful facilities.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been extremely pleased with our experience at Dawson. Our newphew started at Dawson as a Freshman in 2007 and he has expressed nothing but positive words about the teachers and his overall academic experience. My husband and I do feel, as middle class parents, that there are some challenges interacting in such an affluent community; however, it has not limited our nephew's social experience whatsoever. The school has a robust scholarship program that helps create a more diverse student population and I would urge families to pursue that opportunity if tuition costs appear limiting. The personal communication between the school and student-family far-exceeds any other public or private school experience and the academic program is challenging and tailored to help students achieve their greatest potential. I consider Dawson to be the best personal investment we've ever made for any of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

For the last 4 years I have had the privilege of working hare at Dawson for the college counselor and the academic dean. Between the end of September and the the end of October this year Dawson offered one on one visits with 71 college admissions representatives who are impressed with our students and the rigor of our curriculum. Our students are involved in community service, have the chance to participate in the Immersion program during the spring semester in Spain or Switzerland and have students from there come to Dawson . Dawson seniors complete a senior project which is a two-week internship, finishing with a formal presentation. This is a requirement for graduation. Our graduates attend top colleges across the U.S. and I'm proud to be a part of this fine community. I have worked in high schools for 25 years and Dawson definitely has advantages not found in the public schools.

Dawson provides excellent opportunities academically, athletically and artistically. The small class sizes have allowed my children not only individualized attention, but also freedom to explore opportunities they might not have had a chance to at a larger school. Dawson offers and requires community service which is very important to our family. Service learning and experiential learning are two things that sets Dawson apart.
—Submitted by a parent

Although the campus and small classrooms are wonderful, we are unhappy with the amount of homework and our child reports he needs more socialization as the high school population is only about 30 kids. Lastly, the many very wealthy families there have not reciprocated efforts by us or our child to socialize so we feel isolated as a middle class family. There are generous tuition grants available to all income levels (grants are expense based), so we are grateful for the opportunity to have attended but overall, it is not working out the way we envisioned.
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible school with amazing faculty!
—Submitted by a parent

Alexander Dawson is a great school. Not just for the gifted, but for the average, decent kid. The class size is small, allowing each child to get very personal attention. The teachers are wonderful! With rare exception, they are compassionate towards growing kids and passionate about their field of study. This school ranks among the best, not just academically, but for the building of the whole child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Dawson for 7 years and graduated 2 years ago. She blossomed as a leader in this school and it gave her confidence not only academically, but socially and professionally. She not only developed life long relationships with other students, but also with several of her teachers. My son is now in his 6th year there and loves it. He says he wants to stay there through high school. He already has many skills that he can use for life. We love this school! It is not only a great academic learning environment, but it also teaches respect and ethics and helps the students mature into productive young adults.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel very lucky to be a part of this great school. Everything about it is fabulous.
—Submitted by a parent

My family is not new to private education; my husband was assistant head and business manager at a Virginia private school for over forty years. We are however, new to Dawson. My granddaughter was unhappy about leaving her old school, but all her anxieties were quickly erased by the caring and connected orientation at Dawson. We are beyond pleased with the faculty, campus, and academic opportunities. Dawson appears to be the perfect learning environment.

Geat teachers and parent community. It is set on a beautiful campus in Lafayette where the kids feel safe and loved. The curriculum is challenging and whole child based. Dawson offers wonderful music, art, and language programs.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with Dawson's commitment to academic excellence, its strong emphasis on the arts, and its welcoming environment. They do a wonderful job of helping a new student transition into the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Fabulous school so far. Very involved, caring, experienced teachers who LOVE teaching their students. Campus is great and teachers and directors take special care in seeing that the kids get from place to place. My daugther has announced she wants her children to go to Dawson and she's 5 ! Now that's an endorsement!!
—Submitted by a parent

Caring wonderful teachers. Amazing campus. Small class sizes. Diverse opportunities.