Sparhawk School

I continues to amaze me that a parent/student who is not doing well always blames the school or the teachers. The teachers at Sparhawk have office hours everyday from 3 to 3:30 and any student who is struggling is encouraged to come for extra help. It is NOT a state requirement for teachers to stay after school, but the teachers at Sparhawk do stay everyday. Sparhawk is a wonderful environment with students who are bright and love learning. The staff are caring and always willing to go the extra mile. Please do come in and tour the school and see all that Sparhawk can offer your child as well as your family.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is built up to be the "Best community to grow up in, where nobody judges each other and everyone gets along, and the teachers know how to talk proper English. I m not trying to be rude and pick on Sparhawk but one time in my history class the teacher gave us a worksheet with about ten spelling errors on it. I know people can make mistakes but this teacher makes way too many. The teachers give a hard time about staying after or giving extra help. It is a state requirement for all teachers to stay after and unfortunately Sparhawk didn t comply. It seemed like an effort for these teachers just to take 10-15 minutes out of their lunch or after school to help me. The students aren t the worst but they sure are "different" and everyone has their own group of friends that they hang out with. I was getting a C average in my history class but nobody communicated with me or my parents.The teachers need better communication. I suggest you tour the school and see the students and teachers before making any decisions whether you or your child should go here. I have only a few more months then I m going back sane people.

I have worked at Sparhawk School for several years. I am encouraged to develop creative, intellectual, and challenging curriculum. I work with students whose kindness is present every day; students who actually say "Thank you," at the end of each class every day. We are a learning community of critical thinkers. It is with gratitude for my colleagues, my students, and the parents in my community, that I start my day.
--Submitted by a teacher

It is obvious that the previous reviewer does NOT have a child at Sparhawk School. If he/she did, then that review would never have been written. It infuriates me to have such drivel misrepresent our school, especially when written by someone who has no firsthand knowledge! I am a parent of a Sparhawk high school student, as well as a public school teacher. I cannot express enough what a difference this school has made for my daughter. She began in the eighth grade and will enter her junior year in September. SInce coming to Sparhawk she has grown tremendously, both academically and personally. Sparhawk is a school that educates the whole child. Its students are confident, well-spoken and well-mannered critical-thinkers. They can analyze and debate a wide range of subjects. Each one is recognized and nurtured for their individual talents.Classes are run like college seminars. Students' opinions are respected and encouraged. There is not enough room permitted here to include all of the gifts this school offers. If you want a true review of the school, go see for yourself. Take a tour. Meet the students. They are the best representation of what Sparhawk School is all about.
--Submitted by a parent

Since enrolling 2+ years ago, the transformation in my oldest (he began in 4th grade) has been phenomenal. Prior to Sparhawk, he was trying to survive a culture of bullies & academic dysfunction, where the smart & academically interested were neglected at best. At Sparhawk, in addition to the vastly improved academics, they really mean it about being a culture of kindness. There was no question about sending my second child, who is also thriving in this environment. Each of my children is now incredibly independent and responsible, their interest in learning is encouraged - learning is cool at Sparhawk - and their self-confidence is through the roof. Student-teacher ratios are better here than anywhere I know, and teachers teach to varied learning styles, it is IMPOSSIBLE for a child to "fall through the cracks." I could go on and on. Sufficed to say, we are extremely happy here.
--Submitted by a parent

Great kids, great teachers, what more could one ask? Since she started at Sparhawk, my daughter has been happier than I have ever see her since she started school. She has blossomed academically and she is always eager to go to school to see her friends and get back to whatever wonderful project she is working on at the time. My girl is bright and she is never bored now. The groups are so small that staff really get to know the kids and they can give them individual attention. Teachers and administration listen whenever my husband or I have questions. I feel respected as does my child. What more could anyone ask for. I am thankful for Sparhawk.
--Submitted by a parent

There have been some bumps in the road, but this school is fairly new on the scene (less than 15 years old for Elementary/Middle, less than 5 for the High School) and has had some growing pains. The rapid growth is a mark of Sparhawk's appeal and success. Never have I seen a group of happier kids, able to view school not as a dreary chore but as a place to have fun learning. It may seem like it's all fun and games at the lower level, but those kids are absorbing everything like a sponge. The teachers are outstanding and really work hard to make sure every child gets the attention and approach they need to succeed. The High School definitely needs a new facility, but the academics are spot-on. A diamond in the rough.
--Submitted by a parent

This is truly a great school. They encourage curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. I learned to not only do my homework but to WANT to do it, and be proud of my work. The teachers are inspiring, and caring, and one can tell they love their jobs. I feel that Sparhawk School played a large roll in my becoming a deans list student in college.
--Submitted by a student

I express my gratitude for the fabulous learning expeirence my son had while attending Sparhawk High School. After spending two years in a traditional Catholic High school, we made the change to Sparhawk, and I have not once regretted by decision. I am a professional secondary school eduator and appreciate how different school enviornments impact learning. It goes without saying that some students thrive in an interactive setting where there is more opportunity for one on one exchange, in every phase of learning. In light of this reality, I could not have found a more suitable school for my son. After reading his final reflection for graduation, not only were his personal insights about the school powerful, his very accomplished literary skills and writing style affirmed for me that his adjustment to college will come with ease and confidence. Who could ask for anything more from the high school experience?
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Sparhawk School after 7 years at another well known private K-8 school. After having visited the middle school, his desire was to enroll immediately and not return to the other school. When I asked him about the main difference between the two schools, he answered, 'At Sparhawk. the teachers respect the students as people. They, in turn, are respected by the students and as a result, get more work from me. At the other school, the teachers just expected the students to respect them and they never honored my questions- especially if I wanted to know the importance of what we were doing.' To me, as a parent, respect is most valuable. My child, having felt respected and honored was able to rekindle his love for learning and remember that no person is perfect.
--Submitted by a parent