Tampa Day School

Tampa Day School is a waste of time. Don't mistake friendly people for actual academic success. They will tell you where your child lacks then send them to learning solutions for extra help for lots of $$$. Get ready to empty your pockets folks. This school is a business not a school for learning. I know 5 students parents that are leaving because their children are way behind academically now. The only parents that seem happy are the one that are oblivious to whats going on.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child attended TDS for 3 years, and it was with real regret that we left. When our child first started at the school. he was two year behind in math, and barely on level in other areas. In 2 years he was above level in math, on level for all the rest. . The teachers in the 5th-8th grades did a fantastic job of helping him adjust to a new school, stronger academic standards, and more homework. I can't say enough positive about the school administration; the head of school always listened, and the male administrator was one of the best teacher-administrators I have met in a long time -- dedicated, caring, and in love with his chosen profession. Kudos, Mr. L! It is a great school for a child with mild to moderate ADD/ADHD or LD. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who can afford it, and wiling to commit your time and energy to being part of this great school. We commuted more than an hour and it was worth it. Kids come here from Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and other counties, making logisitics for playdates and hang-out time more difficult.
—Submitted by a parent

There are so many things at TDS that I am thankful my son has the opportunity to enjoy. At the top of the list is the talented faculty and staff; their patience is of epic proportions! They truly honor the individual needs of students and respect that parents know their child the best. The environment at TDS has allowed my son to truly enjoy learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Tampa Day School was the best thing to happen for my child. It is worth every penny of the tuition. My child was in a very bad depressed state attending an A rated MIddle School where none of the teachers and counselors would adapt to meet his 504 plan nor would they accept his executive functioning skills challenges. My child had checked out of school mentally and socially. This is a Duke TIP program child who was llunking 7th grade because of his ADD and Dysgraphia. All it took was a few meetings with Mrs. Delaney to know this was the perfect place for us. It took at least 4 months to see results.It was a painful transition but the school is so supportive. Everyone had to participate - parents, student and the school. This year in 8th grade my child excelled at everything. Grades and scores improved. My child was voted school Treasurer. When it came to manage high school decisions everyone spent a lot of time helping us. There were parent meetings, personal counseling and referral phone calls. My child was accepted into 4 honors magnet programs in Hillsborough Cty and an honors program at a private school. This child is now self confident and has the skills to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Huge disappointment !!! Please take your money and children elsewhere. I feel this school did more damage then good. Luckily we got out while our child was still young and was able to catch up to peers in a true private school that is worth our tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

I can agree more with the people in the last 2 reviews. The 2 reviews are totally right. Go somewhere else but not here. Tuition is also way over priced! The November 5 2008 is tottaly right also.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Tampa Day School because they really get to know the students & the parents & then provide them with the individualized attention that they need. Staff is patient with everyone & provide education in a caring environment.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachersa re very committed to your child's learning, and if you have a child with learning disabilities, I would highly recommend this school. Having said that, I would not recommend it for any child who doesn't need the extra support.
—Submitted by a parent

TDS is an amazing school that every child could benifit from. With or without LD - all kids deserve to treated like the VIPs that they are. Small class size and dedicated teachers and administrators are 'Difference Makers'.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at TDS half way through the third grade. She is gifted, talented and also dyslexic. The teachers, admin., staff, student body, and fantastic parents at this school have made ALL the difference in the world. When I first met with Lois Delany (Head Master) I told her that I was out of bright ideas to help my child and that she and her school were perhaps our last hope. Her genuine concern for my child (who she had just met) was very comforting. Now at the end of the school term not only is my daughter actually reading but is convinced there is nothing she cannot do. She is a happy, well adjusted, self possessed young lady eager to learn! Their practice of addressing the whole child and their Learning Solutions program works wonders.
—Submitted by a parent

This is school is fantastic for kids with serious ADHD or LD, and a great stepping stone for kids with mild ADHD/LD. The onsite psychologist and other well-trained staff helped us sort through medicine issues in the beginning. Then they have helped with our son's social skills. However, so many of the kids have LD that the curriculum does move a bit slower than regular. But if that's all your kid can handle, then this is the perfect place for them to help them continue enjoying learning academics and social skills. The staff go way beyond just teaching from the books. They teach life skills and the kids never feel like something is wrong with them. This school celebrates differences. However, if you're super concerned about academics, then this is not the place for you. It might be the right place for your kid, but not you!
—Submitted by a parent

its a fantasic school for any kid. it really makes a difference compared to other schools around here.
—Submitted by a student

My son started in Kindergarten went through 2nd grade. With a strong foundation and individual attention of a small class he was easily able to mainstream and is an honor student in high school now
—Submitted by a parent

As a single mother with a child who has ADHD I have faced so many troubles in recent years so I decided to finally put an end to this nightmare and send Jerry to Tampa Preparatory school and avoid challenges in the near future. And guess what? It has worked! Jerry started to learn with eagerness and moreover, he started to make progress right after the first test. I'm sure I've made the right choice!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended TDS for 7 years. During that time, he never testsed 'on grade Level' for any subject, based on their SAT testing format, but was continuely promoted to the next grade. Of course he received all A's and B's throughout his tenure at TDS. Now after thousands of tuition dollars, my young adult (17) can't pass any FCAT tests. He is back in a private school setting where the emphasis is on mastering skills, not being socially promoted. In retrospect, I don't see where this school gave my student the skills to stand alone in our competitive world. This is a very SAD day for me and my family. I would encourage any parent looking at this school to demand grading explanations and if the work does not seem 'grade level' get firm with the teachers/staff, or leave while you can.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended the two best public schools in my area and was slipping between the cracks. He now attends TDS and is a very happy boy. He is thriving in every way, school and home.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school for children with average to above average abilities, but with a learning disability or ADHD. Small classes (average 10 per class), dedicated teachers and an individualized approach

This school is the best school for kids that need an extra push. The staff,Principal and teachers are caring. Lots of events for Parents. A bit pricey but worth every penny!
—Submitted by a parent

The School is focused on maintaining small class sizes . This approach gives the teachers and the administration the flexibility to give each child a level of individual attention missing at other private schools. The School is able to accommodate students with various learning needs (from Gifted and Learning Impaired ) by customizing programs to help them achieve extraordinary results.
—Submitted by Jon Cartwright, a parent