Belmont Day School

My son is a HS student after spending his elementary years at BDS. He greatly enjoyed his years at BDS but he now seems astonished that he actually has to work hard for his grades and he sometimes resents putting in the needed effort (he's a B+ student). He agrees that his attitude was instilled by the "every child is wonderful and special" regardless of the quality of their work outlook at BDS. Instilling good self-esteem is important but so is instilling a strong work ethic and a rigorous curriculum--these latter 2 weren't done effectively at BDS. So be warned. It is a very good school in many ways but they don't ask enough of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

The academics here are not that strong. It is an ok school. If you child is a high achiever or an honors student, they will not be challenged. I don't think they value those who think out of the box.
—Submitted by a parent

Thankfully, my family cannot relate to the review just below, which I'm guessing was written by the parent of a younger child. BDS inspires near-reverence among the parent body because of its extraordinarily thoughtful and rigorous curriculum, caring teachers, bright kids, channeling of kids' creative energy, and welcoming community. BDS kids routinely get into the best secondary schools, and are impressively well-spoken, confident, kind, mindful of their responsibilities to the community and larger world, and superbly educated without ever having been pushed to be anything other than kids. It is too orderly and structured to feel like an earthy-crunchy, peacenik school, and too accepting and encouraging of individuality and creativity to feel like a prep. school. It's something in between the two (think uniformed sports teams on manicured playing fields AND self-assembled rock bands). Sui generis.
—Submitted by a parent

I would say OK, but not great and for the $$ we were hoping to be closer to great. For the $$ paid I'd like to not be greeted by a teacher with a mouthfull of cereal at 8:30am in the morning, to not have unrelated videos shown during class time, and to have some mind of benchmarks. Overall we've found the school to be middle of the road academically (and we are not alone in that feeling). On the positive side, the atmosphere is warm and nurturing. The parent body is nice with not too much "attitude" which can be found at these schools. The head is retiring so we will see what comes next.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student in the middle school, I would definetly rate BDS as an EXCELLENT. THe teachers there have encouraged me to go farther then just finding the right answer and memorizing facts, but to challenge myself and be creative. The campus is beautiful and the upper-school and athletic facilities have been recently re-modeled. I would recommend BDS to anyone who is: ibright, active, and ready to have fun!
—Submitted by a student

This school is top class. The teaching staff and heads are superb, creating a beautiful balance between hands on and rigourous academics, nurturing the children while teaching them to be independent. the middle school years are fantastic with a strong social skills weekly program, teaching budding teens to naviguate the treacherous world of their emotions and relations with others. Athletics are excellent and accept both athletic and less athletically inclined children. Emphasis is put on the whole child as all types of intelligences are welcome. Musical and artistic talents thrive here, as do children geared towards science, math, language arts or social studies. A lovely lovely unique school. Campus is gorgeous.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves, loves, loves this school. She is very bright with a high energy level. Lots of other bright, active kids attend. The teachers do a good job of focusing the children's abundant energy rather than stifling it. A great school for smart, active kids. Graduates of the school are prepared to take on the world.
—Submitted by a parent

A small, supportive and intimate school. Focus is on character building and academics. Music, art and technology options all first class and enriched by accomplished teachers who love what they do. Dedicated leadership with strong influence over all aspects of daily life.
—Submitted by a parent

School teaches consideration and respect as well as strong academic work. My young children are learning not only to write letters but also how to construct a meangnful written argument. They are learning how to do fractions thru cooking. Children learn reading and math in small (6-8 kids per teacher) groups geared toward their abilities. Each child becomes comfortable expressing him / herself to adults and to large groups such as the weekly all-school assembly. Indicators of quality are that a high percentage of graduates go to top high schools, and the amount of demand for each incoming student slot is growing. I have been delighted with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

strong and challenging academic programs. High number of graduates go to top private high schools. Parent involvement strong.
—Submitted by a parent