The Mead School

My child graduated from the Mead School last spring and I am blown away by the skills she learned that other kids her age don't have. Not only did Mead give her the academic foundation she needed to go on to a very demanding private school, but their preparation has allowed her to navigate complex social issues in a mature and confident way. The admissions officers at all her schools said she had "an old soul." What she really has is a "Mead soul."
—Submitted by a parent

My child just started daycare at Mead's infant center a few months ago, and it has been a wonderful experience for both of us. They really do tailor the infant program to each individual child's needs, and my child is always so happy every morning when I drop him off. He gives each of his teachers/ care givers a big smile when he sees them. It makes it so much easier to be at work knowing he is so well cared for. Further, he seems to be developing so fast. Between teachers that really pay attention and notice what skills he's ready to practice, and the great set up in that infant room, I couldn't ask for a better learning environment for someone his age. I haven't decided if he will stay on for the toddler program or pre-school---I will have to investigate those programs independently. But I would recommend the infant center at Mead to anyone without hesitation.
—Submitted by a parent

I just left the Light and Life celebration at the school. The evening was wonderful, engaging, and filled with student enthusiasm. The students demonstrated hard work as they were key in each aspect of the evening-- performances, choice of music, stage management, lights. The academics have been challenging yet responsive. The teachers love what they do. The creativity is matched with a desire to balance challenge. I might like my child to have more homework but my child takes responsibility for the work which is better than what happened at the last school. The school has been a great choice because my child loves it, wants to excel because the environment demands it and provides the structure. We are delighted to be here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Mead parent for a dozen years. Sending my children to Mead has been the most important and beneficial decision we made for our children and our family. Two of my children have graduated. I love what the school did for them when they were there, as well as what the school has given them for the rest of their lives. With one in college and another in high school, they seek the intellectual stimulation, the love of learning, and abiding friendships that they developed during their many years at the school. My third child is still at Mead. I could imagine no better place. The faculty and administration intimately know my child and are focused on enriching her academic and social development. If you can't tell, I think it is a magnificent and unique school that is decades ahead of other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

After having children here 10+ years, Mead stills continues to impress me. I am so happy I have been able to send my children to The Mead School.
—Submitted by a parent

The childcare/preschool program provides primarily blocks and other toys that require the children to actually use their imagination when they play. In addition to facilitating creativity, Mead teaches the children to verbalize their thoughts and feelings in way that would rival most adults. They are taught to recognize if they are tired, hungry, etc. and to communicate those feelings in words. It s not an easy thing for a child to do, but the teachers at Mead are wonderful at facilitating the process.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW, being a parent of a "Mead kid" gets better and better. My kids run to school in the mornings and their confidence and experience grows by the day. The academics at this school are brilliant while also bringing along many life skills that I've not even mastered. Would recommend to anyone who wants a smart and well rounded child.
—Submitted by a parent

This school defies the odds. As a former teacher here and a current parent here, I have been amazed at the results this school gets out of every kid, everyday. Subtle changes in growth and learning, to leaps through many stages, the kids excel. Students are challenged academically, emotionally and socially and educated in the way that best suits their own process. They look at a student and ask, "How best does this particular student learn?" And then while still keeping them in a socially appropriate and educationally appropriate environment, they teach them with the utmost care in the style in which they can absorb best. Amazing results and incredible happy productive and fully formed humans come out of this school. Year after year.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two Mead School students I am often amazed by what the teachers accomplish with the schools learning approach. The students are both challenged academically and educated in with respect to handle life lessons as they happen. The kids are provided the education they need to be confident, eager learners with an individualized outlook on life and what's ahead of them. I wouldn't want my kids to be anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

As a long time and current parent of Mead I have so many incredible things to say about this school that I am unsure if I will be able to get it all down. I'll start with the students. They are very excited and happy to go to school. They are definitely challenged not only academically but socially and emotionally. They have a voice in their education and learn how to take on all sorts of responsibility. They are taught how to be respectful individual critical thinkers. The staff works hard to create a safe place where children can be children and they can learn from their mistakes. They are gently going to stretch the students to help them grow. The Director of the school personally knows each child's strengths and areas that need work. People new to the school often comment on the warm, positive energy of the school and the self confidence of the students. I can go on and on but all you need to do is visit the school or talk to a graduate. Mead is different in a great way.
—Submitted by a parent

Mead is a click. You either fit into their idea of what your child should aspire to or your child becomes an outsider. My son attended Mead from the Toddler Program through 1st grade. I'm only sorry it took me so long to remove him from such a hostile, unsafe environment. Academically Mead falls far short, the teaching staff ineffective and unaccountable; so concerned with doing what "feels good" rather then what's necessary. If you like surprises in your childs education, don't look farther than MEAD!
—Submitted by a parent

Mead is truly amazing. I have been here for most of my life and it has been some of the best learning I have ever gotten. The teachers are very involved with students' mental and physical health and I adore them. This school teaches for each student and will make the class subject around what the child needs work on. The classes are so much fun- we have debates and talk about things we read. The homework is challenging but if it was too hard we can talk to our HCD and find a way to make it work. My math classes were too easy and by standing up for myself I joined a new class where I fit better. I have never seen a fight go unsolved at mead. Always, a teacher will step in and help the students talk. The drama, music, dance and art departments are great! I really have been taught to love the arts and am going to look for a high school like mead. ( if you like master's ny chances are you will love this school. Mead is my 2nd home and Is great for me- each kid is different tho. I recimend coming to check it out- ask to sleek to one of the kids.

Mead is a kind and nurturing place and name-calling is not tolerated. Both my kids are at Mead and they know it. How Mead works is that the teacher engages the involved parties in a dialogue and the teacher acts as a facilitator for a meaningful discussion. It is an important part of the role of a Home Center Director. This process is used for conflict resolution for kids in all ages starting in childcare up to 8th grade. Active listening and self advocacy are two of the many important social skills that are taught at Mead.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is currently attending Mead. He told me he is being made fun of by a couple of his classmates. I brought up the issue to the teacher, and she said name-calling occurs at this stage and that it is children exploring their power, but that she will look into it. I have always thought Mead to be a kind and nurturing place for my son to learn and grow. I did not know name-calling was tolerated. There are many ways for children to explore their power. Name-calling should not be a venue for children to "explore their power." The name-calling issue brings to the forefront that Mead is tolerant of bad behavior by explaining its necessity through psychological reasoning. I believe there should be clear-cut boundaries on what is acceptable and what is definitely not acceptable behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

Speak to a graduate of The Mead School or simply a child who is attending the school and you'll be blown away. I have never met children who know more about who they are as learners and human beings than those at The Mead School. My child graduated from Mead an autonomous learner, that is, he knows exactly how to advocate for what he needs. That skill comes in handy as he moves into 'the real world.' As a parent, I can't ask for a better gift from a school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are having a wonderful second year at the school. My child is happy. The HCD is in constant contact. Truly, I am loving my experience as a parent. I was nervous when I read some of the other reviews. But my experience has been great. The new Director has been friendly and responsive. The changes seem to be working.
—Submitted by a parent

No one should come to mead looking to have their child be the first to...Read,spell,add, whatever. Mead is about letting children feel safe enough and given room enough to learn at their own pace. Mead does not buy curriculum but rather builds curriculum around the interests of the students. The mead graduates that are leaving high school this year are matriculating to harvard, dartmouth, nyu film school, and several others; all highly selective schools. Is mead different? You bet. It required a measure of faith to let your children take this journey. The teachers know your child. They build on a childs strengths to prop them up in areas where they are weakest. Much attention is given to relationships, which, at the end of the day, have a greater impact on a persons success and happiness than any given gpa. Parents could have a warmer, fuzzier experience but there is hope.
—Submitted by a parent

I sgree that the head of school (now leaving) was not the best for the school and Childcare. Our CC experience was actually great throughout. I found the staff responsive and caring. I did not feel that the program had suffered. I liked that the administration has been looking at issues of diversity. As for the school, my experience is more limited. So far, the teachers are great. I feel that I get a lot of info from the Home Center Director about my child. I feel like I am living in a parallel universe and my children are close in age to the previous posters.
—Submitted by a parent

The mission of Mead is remarkable, the potential fantastic. Unfortunately, the tennants on which the school is based are not put into practice in the child care program. The infant room is the best around! Unfortunately, as the child age increases, the care deteriorates. We changed child care programs because we could no longer be confident of our child's safety in Mead's care. They do not adhere to basic, state-mandated child/teacher ratios and are slow to respond to identified problems. Communication from leadership is hard to come by. Staff changes, program changes are often a surprise. They give the impression of attempting to suppress the sharing of information among families. It's as if they are doing us a favor by letting us pay 20k+ to send our child there. I would urge anyone considering it to not send their child there. Besides, it's really not set up for working families.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no doubt that at one time Mead was a phenominal school and childcare (we experienced it for a couple of years.) The teaching staff and administration were either completely dedicated to the mission at hand or complacent and unmotivated. Unfortunately, during our tenure Mead lost many of the teachers and staff who put the Mead philosophy into practice, the management of the childcare became non-existent, and the head of school completely ineffective. There is a complete lack of accountability for the performance of the teachers and staff. Mead is a good place if one is willing to be unquestioningly satisfied. There are some very professional, dynamic, and skilled people working at Mead, but their impact on Mead is diminished by the rest. If the school actually practiced what is expressed in the mission statement and tenants it would be a marvelous place, regretably what is on paper is only a testament to the past.
—Submitted by a parent