The Sundance School

I sent my two and a half year old to another "school" a couple days a week for four months before pulling him out. He was miserable and the tears would start in the morning before we even got in the car. I felt like I was torturing him and we were not making any progress with his social-emotional skills (the entire reason I was sending him!). If anything, we were moving backwards. I called Sundance and my husband and son came with me for the tour. We felt the magic immediately. This is not a place for working parents to just warehouse their kids. It is a creative, loving environment where every staff member truly cares about developing your child in every way. My two and half year old didn't even fuss when he went the first day and has been happy since. He looks forward to going to school! This place has done more for him in 4 weeks than the other place did in 4 months. My household is a calmer, happier and a less stressed out place because my child is happy, content and thriving! He is always singing new songs and expressing new ideas he learned at school. When I go to pick him up, he is no longer that kid standing on the sidelines and miserable. Thank you Sundance!
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance is an exceptional school. There isn't enough space here to type all the wonderful things that need to be said. The genuine loving, caring, and nurturing vibe is at every level, throughout the entire school and it shows.
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance is a unique school with a high quality, caring and devoted faculty. The school has a unique focus on arts, especially performing arts, which I feel is great for kids to develop their confidence, expressiveness and inter-personal skills, not to mention having fun and getting exposure to nice muiscs and stage performances. The teacher-student ratio is I think twice as high as typical public school, and more importantly, the teachers do pay attention to each kid and try to help him/her. For kindergarten and 1st grade which my child is in, the curicculum is demanding but reasonable, and the teaching material is creative. On the down side, the school's space is a bit limited, especially out-door. In the past the school is only up to 3rd grade, but this year it's expanded to 5th grade. The school days per year is perhaps 1wk shorter than public schools.

Sundance provides a nurturing environment in which each child is given what s/he needs to excel. Differentiation within language arts is amazing. The teacher-student ratio allows for a great deal of individualization and the students thrive. While there is a great deal of hands-on and creative learning the environment is always structured, never chaotic or out of control. Discipline is always handled gently, but disruptive behavior is not allowed.
—Submitted by a parent

What an awesome environment for children to grow up in. The teachers are loving and thoroughly committed to providing an excellent and caring education for the children they are trusted with. The school administrators are also very much committed to working with the families and are superb. I can not think of anywhere I would rather have my children for their early years of education.
—Submitted by a parent

Dissatisfied with our choices for schools for our children, (either too intense or not academic enough), my husband and I found ourselves drawn to Sundance. We both immediately loved what we saw-- a combination of intense creativity with passionate academics. Having experienced the preschool and now kindergarten, we have been able to see the growth of intellectual curiosity and creativity and clear development of skills. Sundance is a wonderfully artistic place where kids learn about artists, techniques, act in plays and sing-- and through these they challenge their own abilities, build confidence, and learn public speaking. Sundance is equally strong in its academic development-- the learning of reading, writing, math and science through writing and illustrating books with peers, sorting teddy bears and counting frogs logs, and the rainforest recreated in the auditorium-- not to mention the cooking, soccer, and friends. Sundance models passion for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

As surgeons and graduates of both private and public schools, my wife and I have had a lot of experience with education. The accomplishments of Sundance School are no less than amazing. The energy and talent that has been gathered there is impressive. I have three children there and we started my youngest early because she demanded to go. After seeing the love and enthusiasm of the teachers no one wants to leave. Yes there are a lot of plays and musicals, and you can't imagine their value. It teaches the children to memorize lines and choreography, to watch each other and compose themselves. My children watch their plays on video and critique themselves on their timing, @ 5 years old! They have matured in leaps and bounds. The academic program took me by surprise, I couldn't beleive what they are able to teach 5yo to do. An easy confident choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Ginny, Jeff and Janet- Thank you again for a wonderful year. Siena has blossomed so much in her years at Sundance. I wanted to write to you to tell you that when we left the recital today Siena said, 'I wish it wasn't the end of the year. I wish it was the beginning. I love school!' Later this evening she further said, 'Mom, does Sundance go up to college? I want to go to Sundance for college.'
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know what the last person was talking about, but Sundance is great. Wonderful mix of arts and academics, and the directors are so receptive to every parent's needs. As a working father, it's hard for me to be around as much as I'd like, but I've only seen fantastic progress in my daughter's education and self-confidence. Keep up the great work.
—Submitted by a parent

The emotional/academic balance at Sundance is absolutely amazing. The only people that I've ever seen dissatisfied here are those that don't put the happiness of their child first. If you want your children to flourish, look no further.
—Submitted by a parent

sundance is the worst place you can send your child. There is absolutly no teaching its all plays. My child was miserable here. The staff needs to get better attitudes with the children. The owner Ginny has a bad attitude no clue how to run a so called school.
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance is without peer in the New Jersey area. Before coming to Sundance, my son struggled with ADD, and was really starting to fall behind his classmates. Once I arrived, the teachers really embraced him. The personal attention enabled him to excel, overcoming his challenges and becoming a great student.
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance has been a remarkable experience for my children and my family. The dedicated and loving staff exceeded every expectation. My children flourished as individuals in a creative environment of music and drama as well as a rich curriculum that inspired them to be life long learners. Every child deserves Sundance!
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance is easily the best preschool and elementary school in New Jersey. My son is a gifted child, and the teachers at Sundance have allowed him to flourish. He is a 3rd grader working at a 6th grade level. Not only that, he has grown emotionally as well, into a healthy, well-balanced child. Thank you Sundance!
—Submitted by a parent

When I first visited Sundance, I was a little concerned that the creative focus might take away from the academic, but it didn't at all. I've never seen my son so excited to come back to school every day. In fact, the only thing he ever complains about is he hates it when he has vacation. There is no experienece I've ever seen like Sundance, anywhere.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as my child is concerned, i did not feel they encourage learning. They emphasize alot of non-academic stuff. Classes within their labels are each different. They do not offer the same curriculum. Beware...A 2 day class is very different from a 5 day class.
—Submitted by a parent

My Son is thriving in this nurturing enviroment. Small class size, 1-6 Teacher/ Student ratio has allowed him to develop academically at his own pace. The academic program continues to change to meet the needs of the students. This year is the first year 1 grade students are introduced to a musical instrument. Students math skills and reading skills will be enhanced. I recommend this program to any parent who values quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance is a wonderful school. My son started in pre-K and coming from a daycare the experience has been wonderful. He used to be angry before he came here and now he is a happy child. He is exposed to more quality of programs (academic, music, and art)and a wonderful caring staff. He loves the school. He had a fine motor delay and has done great things here since he has been using his hands to draw, etc. The attention he receives is outstanding. When they say it is a 6:1 ratio for the kindergarten class it is really true. They really focus on your child. A truly wonderful experience too bad the school doesn't go beyond 4th grade. I believe they are trying to start a 5th grade and add additional grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Sundance is the best school I have ever seen. My daughter has attended Sundance for two years and will be returning next year. The level of enrichment is unparalleled. The teacher quality is outstanding. They teach both academics, social skill and kindness. I couldn't ask for more.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I couldn't be happier with all aspects of our childs education at Sundance. We pulled our child out of another (private) NJ school midyear and were amazed at the compassion and consideration given to our child during the transition. The teaching staff is awesome and made my husband and I feel as though we are part of a team all working together to meet our childs academic needs. The children are kept moving throughout the day to art, gym, math, reading/writing, stage, computers, cooking and recess. After school activities are also offered. With the individual attention our child is offered for math and reading/writing we intend to remain at Sundance as long as possible. The Tobeys are very kind and have an open door for all questions and concerns.
—Submitted by a parent