Lovett School

My son has attended Lovett for 3 years and started as a kindergartener. Lovett has high expectations AND gives lots of support ie: reading and writing tutorials after school. I am a teacher and have taught third grade-my son comes home with independently done work that my 3rd graders couldn't do. In addition, they have great character development classes, science classes, art, drama, etc., etc. We are thrilled with this exceptional liberal arts education! The only down side are the monthly "materials" charge-the notebooks, markers, books, etc. are around $100 per month...really?
—Submitted by a parent

This is an oppressive school; there is a STRONG instance on white, male-driven conformity. Girls are "girls": long hair, pretty, thin, will make good wives. Boys are men: leaders, decision-makers. They've also had a revolving door of children of color for years. Administrators implicitly communicate that admission is a "gift" for non-white families. We paid for 3 kids for 6 years and were treated like guests. Once there the burden for diversity is placed on the families. They ask children & parents to represent at open house or to give a speech in chapel, like props. Most diversity "efforts" exclude the majority of the school (whites). Admins held an evening meeting for non-white families ONLY to "give tips" on how to help their children succeed. It's the culture, not the child. Another ex. of managing vs authentic engagement with full community: Admins created student groups by race lead by black teachers ONLY, taking kids from lunch & class to talk & support each other as if they are the crux of the issues. It was like AA for children of color, their confessional. Like AA, their issues and complaints never left the room. In an increasing diverse U.S., they have a long way to go.
—Submitted by a parent

The highest values at Lovett are conformity and class consciousness. Putting your child in this oppressive and stressful environment just when they should be developing confidence and intellectual curiosity is a huge mistake. Students constantly compare houses, cars and vacations. Resentment from the underpaid teachers toward these children of privilege is palpable and they treat the students with hostility and contempt. The administration turns a blind eye to this and focuses instead on 'green initiatives, raising money and capital improvements. Many teachers are sub-par and don't use proper spelling or grammar. Most of the kids are at Lovett because they couldn't get into Westminster, which is down the road, and the institution has a real inferiority complex about the issue. An inordinate amount of energy spent on the under-performing football team, who is regularly beaten by small public schools without nearly the resources. During the civil rights movement, Lovett denied admission to the son of MLK, Jr. and now the institution is racked with guilt and spends a great deal of time with self-flagellation and political correctness. The result, very few high-achieving alumni.
—Submitted by a parent

What planet is the parent on that says Lovett students are there because they couldn't get into Westminster? One that wanted her child to go to Westminister and didn't get in? Westminster is a great school. So is Lovett. They offer different things to different people and that is the beauty of it. My children don't spend their time comparing cars, houses and vacations. They enjoy all the other students, regardless of their background --- something they learn at home. One child isn't athletic but finds lots of other school activities to be involved with. The teachers as a whole are great. Every school will have some teachers who aren't up to par with others. Tainting them all is absurd and unfair. The campus is limited in its building footprint. Some of the buildings are/were very old and it would be more expensive to renovate than build from scratch. You obviously had a bad experience and that is unfortunate. But throwing all students and faculty "under the bus" is immature at best.
—Submitted by a parent

First let me say that Lovett is a great school. Your child will enjoy being there. There are a lot of activities, extra curriculars, etc. The curriculum is very challenging. It is advanced and the work load can be quite heavy at times. The headmaster is terrific, open minded and available. My only issue is with the middle school - some great teachers, some not so great. There were a lot of middle school changes made this year, so hopefully things improve. The upper school is said to be terrific. If your child graduates Lovett, he/she will most likely be very prepared to do well in college. More diversity would be nice in terms of the student body and staff. It is a great school although it is not right for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I wen to Lovett from K to 10th then to Riverwood. This was back in the 70's. I was there for the King protests in the 60's. By the time the time in was in 8th grade ; the school had changed. The quality of teachers varied from great to no way. It used to be very friendly later it became money hungry. The most important lesson I learned was how to think/ study. I later went to an Ivy school for a BBA and MBA I swore Lovett was harder. My freshman/sophmore years in college were rehash of Lovett. My sister hated it was barely passing transfered to another well known private school and got 3 years of straight A's and several impressive scolarship offers. She took the best offer and stayed with high marks.

6th grade, African American son is loving Lovett!! Teachers are great and very attentive, their are lots of activities to get involved in, small class sizes, principal is very involved, and campus is great. I thought there would be a little more diversity but it hasn't seemed to bother my son and I know it's something that the school is striving to improve.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the sentiments below regarding Lovett not treating students fairly. Unfortunately, when a complaint is lodged about a teacher, the status quo response is a very defensive one. The MS principal seems to have no regard for the fair and consistent treatment of the students and is only interested in backing up her teachers. It's as if the students and parents have no voice and the school has completely forgotten who their customers are.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing kindergarten. She has grown so much during her school year. She has a lot of friends, and loves to go to school. Her teachers are very involved, and have great communication with the parents. The Lovett Parent Association is very active, and the administration really makes an effort to listen to parents and students concerns. They have a great academic record, lots of opportunities in different sports, but they invest time also in educating the child to be an ethical well formed individual. We love the school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school with wonderful opportunites for students!!!
—Submitted by a student

I could not recommend the Middle school my experience and how they treated my son was unacceptable.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. I didn't have any friends at my old school and now I have a ton of friends. AMAZING school. So much great stuff to explain...so little time...
—Submitted by a student

5 star shool Based on the star rating at public schools Lovett would be a 20 star school.
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 children went to Lovett since they were 4 years old thru High school.They education they obtained at lovett by far surpasses any school in this state.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Lovett and could not ask for a better education. The teachers, students, campus, and courses are all top-notch. I would not change anything about it.
—Submitted by a student

I attended Lovett from Pre-K through 12th grade and graduated in 2002. It is a first-class school and I attribute much of my current success to my years at Lovett. There are many great private schools in Atlanta. However, Lovett stands out as the most well-balanced.

African-American daughter in sixth grade has been at Lovett since kindergarten. Lots of extracurricular activities especially in the arts. Warm caring environment. Great teachers. Few disciplinary issues. Chapel once a week. Wear uniforms. Great, great school.
—Submitted by O.V. Brantley, a parent