Hyde School

Our family had a very negative experience with the Hyde School (Connecticut campus). We were looking for a school that offered structure and a healthy emphasis on values. Our initial interview and the school's public relations materials did not provide sufficient information about what we later discovered: a school that is very doctrinaire in its approach and that tends to use a "one size fits all" protocol. While we appreciate the importance of students' and parents' attitudes -- a hallmark of Hyde's curriculum -- we were distressed to discover that Hyde can be very punitive and cult-like in the implementation of its model. We met many parents who, like us, concluded that Hyde's approach is more destructive than constructive and that other boarding schools offer a much more enlightened approach. After one year we moved our child to another school that was much more nurturing and supportive while, at the same time, holding students and parents to very high standards; our child and family thrived there, in contrast to our year at Hyde. We have since conferred with many other former Hyde parents who discovered that other boarding schools offer a much healthier environment.
--Submitted by a parent

this is a great school and i see major improvements in my child. i am confident that it is a wise choice to send your children.
--Submitted by a parent

The Hyde School at Woodstock offers a one of a kind program that really helps kids and families meet their full potential. The leadership is excellent and the administration, faculty and staff model the Hyde philosophy. Not only do students leave Hyde with a first class education, they also have the tools to lead a purposeful life full of integrity.
--Submitted by Marsha Baumann, a parent

I am a proud parent of a Hyde graduate. Our son is now a college senior, accountable for his actions and his life. Hyde helped us all find the tools we need to live our best life. It was hard work, it was challenging, but it was also fun and supportive. We learned to take risks. It gave our family the chance to get out of our "roles" and look at ourselves as individuals. What do we really want for ourselves? The teachers and staff are among the most caring people I have found in education. They will truly go to the ends of the earth for you and your child (even during vacations!) . I think everyone should spend some time at Hyde. I can say that Hyde School helped our son become the young man we knew he could be, we just didn't know how to get him there. I'll be forever grateful for the changes in our whole family because of our experience at Hyde.
--Submitted by a parent

For our family Hyde has been the ideal place primarily because it a school where the whole family learns. The kids are learning academically but also those life skills. Our son was essentially non responsive at home. He was doing as little as possible. Even during the interview we knew this place was special...and our son did as well. His perspective has changed dramatically. He still has a way to go but he is on the right track. The entire experience has been great for the family. The parent program is excellent and we have learned a great deal about ourselves along the way.
--Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a rising senior at Hyde, I highly recommend Hyde to those willing to fully engage in "character based education." Two years ago, I was skeptical of the school's philosophy and educational commitment. Through work and not words Hyde has proven me wrong. Not only has Hyde challenged our son academically, athletically and personally, but they have done the same with every member of our family. The faculty not only challenges our son, but they are there 24 hours a day, good times and bad. Similarly, the school's leadership is truly outstanding. I admit that Hyde is not for everyone, however, for those truly willing to immerse themselves in the betterment of their lives and those of their children, Hyde is the place to be.
--Submitted by a parent

We sent our daughter to Hyde School and it was an experience the whole family will not forget in a positive way. I became a better parent and my daughter matured greatly during her three years at Hyde. I have continued personal growth that started when we sent her to Hyde and that have helped me immensely. I would recommend Hyde school to every parent.
--Submitted by a parent

Hyde considers not only the child, but the whole family dynamic critical in establishing and maintaining character development in their students. They bravely take on some students who have behavior problems, and their response to infractions always includes a belief in the child's potential and ability to do their best. Our daughter received a solid foundation of values and ethics as well as a good education at Hyde, and as parents we began a journey of personal growth from which the entire family benefitted. I cannot recommend it more highly.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree 100% with the April 19th, 2011 posting. They do not follow through at all. If your child is a dicipline issue, they suspend them or they send them home without a refund. Also, I was horrified to learn the amount of sneaking around the students do on campus and what many of them do after lights out. There were a few teachers, however, maybe 3, that were very strong and the rest were very young or out of practice. The parent education program, I have to say though, is invasive but enlightening.
--Submitted by a parent

Hyde, although having some very good aspects, is not a school who carries through with your child to the end, actually not a school where disciplinary action is done inside of school but instead your child is sent home for weeks at a time, and no you don't get a refund. Like anyplace some teachers are great. Fifty percent are either too young, have no experience, too seasoned and need to retire. There are a number who tend to be verbally abusive. The difference, you're paying a high price for these 'teachers'. Most notable are the amount of teens with extreme drug, alcohol and self -mutilation issues for which there is no professional help on site, employed. There are also very wealthy families whose children are not held to the same standards. I think of Hyde, after 2.5 years as becoming a school who doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.
--Submitted by a parent