Bancroft School

Bancroft is a private, coed day school for K-12. Pros: Great, engaged teachers. Nice (if small) campus. Nice variety of clubs/sports/arts. Good diversity (I would guess at least 20% of the students are in scholarship). Cons: The iPad program sounded great when they introduced it 2 years ago, but now it seems that nobody wants to admit it is a problem. Students play games in classes and the teachers can't always tell. Kids joke that their handwriting has gotten worse. The iPad is mostly used as a glorified notebook. The students still lug around regular textbooks (iPad textbooks still not being offered I guess). The students use the iPad to access online quizzes and a homework portal, but they could do that from any computer. Why make them use an iPad? Perhaps it is a good marketing ploy for the school, but they have not shown us how it has improved learning. My child is graduating soon, and I am glad she was required to use the iPad for only her last couple of years. If she was just starting out, I would be concerned.
—Submitted by a parent

This was a school recommended to my wife and I upon moving to the area from out of the region. It amazed us how knowledgeable the teachers were about each student. They truly care. But when looking at other institutions it was clear that the services were really lacking comparatively. The tour guide said the newest building was added over 12 years earlier with no real plans for anything additional. The iPad program they have is pushed a lot but not all of the teachers even utilize it - seems like it is rushed. Overall a need for improvement, but good potential.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is entering second grade and completed K and 1 at Bancroft. It is a wonderful school across the board. First and foremost, it is a caring, personalized environment where all teachers in contact with your child really knows him/her. The reports you will receive semi-annually gives you great detail about your child's performance and behavior from all their teachers. The arts program is amazing - for example, they worked on clay gargoyles and needlepoint coats of arms in conjunction with their medieval unit. They also have a strong emphasis on science (with a separate class), math and computer literacy. And the reading curriculum is one hour per day with personalized instruction in small groups. The teachers and administrators are also very careful about the social environment and observe and get involved in playground politics when exclusion or other negative behaviors occur. I was impressed to see that, even before bullying, they step in to fix negative group social dynamics. Joyti Datta is an involved head of Lower School and sets the tone for a rigorous, yet fun and nurturing, lower school environment. I would highly recommend Bancroft!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Bancroft school because it is a first rate school; it not only nurtures and encourages the students to work hard, but it is an incubator for academic and intellectual stimulation and growth. The school fosters and challenges each student to believe in themselves, aim high and respect others. Bancroft also encourages a sense of community, of giving back, thus its twice yearly Community Service Day.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent overall academic program, superb facilities, safe environment, strong arts programs. Potential negatives are lack of flexibility - the program is highly structured with little accomodation for students who are outside the average to moderately bright range, such as highly gifted children -- and limited to only French for foreign language in lower grades. Limited sports programs also. Also lack of diversity and extremely insular environment might be a drawback for some. But a potentially good choice for some parents looking for an elite private education for their children who fit the Bancroft mold.

Bancroft is a wonderful school. My daughter is very happy there learning French, computers, etc. My husband and his two brothers attended the school (they are in their 40's now).
—Submitted by a parent

Bancroft has been the best school I have attended. Everyone in the school from the teachers to your peers become your second family. Homework at Bancroft is hard but with all the free time you get built into your schedule I have no problem managing it. The school is an outstanding place to attend and you really make friends that last forever. I have attended Bancroft for 2 years and I feel like I have been there since Pre-k
—Submitted by a student

I love the way Bancroft can make any kind of student(s) fit in on the first day making it feel like yuo have been there forever. The teachers are amazing same with the students. I love all the classes we have to choose from and all the different sports and clubs we can choose from. I never want to leave campus. Going to Bancroft has had me very busy with the homework and sports but in the end I believe i am getting the best education their then at public schooling. Bancroft has also made me spen most of my high school days and summers on campus with something to do even on a weekend. Sending you child to Bancroft would make them enjoy learning to the best of their ablity.
—Submitted by a student

Excellent sense of community, teachers who care and spend extra time with students who need that little bit more. Special needs are met. Couldn't have choosen a better school to send my kids to over the public system. Academics are strong...great college placement for graduating seniors. Highly recommend The Bancroft School
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs are very challenging. My child took advantage of all of that Bancroft has to offer. It is secure environment for learning & having fun. The Homework... is though over the top! I feel it is too much. The kids hate it as do as some of the parents. There is, always homework on weekends & holidays. There is parental involvement. The cost of going to Bancroft is very pricey. But only you know what is best for your child. It was for mine.
—Submitted by Serena Ellars, a parent

Truly a fantastic academic experience. With a variety of clubs, sports, and extracurriculars, there's always something to do at Bancroft. I know that because of my Bancroft education I will achieve great things, and I would recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a student

Bancroft has an excellent core academic program, a vibrant arts program and numerous Saturday extracurricular opportunities for their students. We have found many of the teachers to be outstanding educators and know that the administration will always listen to concerns.
—Submitted by a parent