Nichols School

I am very pleased to say my daughter is being challenged academically (finally) and her teachers and advisor know her personally. Everyone looks out for the kids' best interest, which means a lot to me. The teachers are passionate and spend time working with students outside of class. We are very pleased with our decision to send our daughter here and plan to send our son next year.
--Submitted by a parent

The Chemistry course is poorly taught and is deadly for those who love science. The teacher is rude to students and parents, despite his claims. He has constantly changing office hours, does not return parent phone calls and emails and is put out to meet with you or your child. He places the full responsibility for learning the material on the student's shoulders saying "just read the book and review test corrections". He takes pride in making the course painful and in consistently, year after year, awarding lower grades than any other teacher in the school. He particularly berates athletes. He does not communicate the wonder of science, teach conceptual thinking or motivate students to pursue the field. "Extra" help from him does not help students in any way, but drives them away. Even Nichols' new Science Center can not make up for bad teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter began to attend Nichols as a 9th grader, previously attending public school. Besides being the happiest high-school student I know, it is amazing the difference in how the students are educated-instead of being taught how to take a test (ie public school) she is taught how to be a critical thinker across all subjects. Even the 'average' level classes are far above the academic levels that she experienced in public school (even at the honors level). It is very academically challenging and not for the 'weak of heart,' with easily 3-4 hrs of homework most nights, and combine that with sports, music etc makes for very tired, but accomplished kids. We are very thankful and blessed that she was selected to attend there.
--Submitted by a parent

I go there now and let me tell you, it is much (>x10) better than my school private catholic school in amherst. I love nichols. Go there if you care at all about education for yourself or kids, go there (aid available)
--Submitted by a student

I graduated from nichols a few years ago and now I'm finishing up my undergraduate degree. Nichols definitely prepared me for college. I have a few friends who went to public schools and had a very difficult time adjusting to college. Even now, 3 years into college, they have to put in a lot more effort that I do at many things, and I can promise you that i definitely wasn't in the top of my graduating class.
--Submitted by a student

I've gone to Nichols in the 5th and 6th grade Nochols is so hard! in 6th grade there is about 3 hours of homework!! And the dress code... that's something else. The teachers are very nice, and you can go to them for extra help during study period. I highly recommend Nichols for anyone who is reading this. Sincerely,
--Submitted by Alexys Boone, a former student

Son is in his 2nd year at Nichols 6th grade. Very impressed with quality of school. The program is designed to train both the mind and body, much like the Greeks. Time will tell but so far we are happy with our choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I go to Nichols Middle and have been at Nichols since the year 2001-2002, which is the year they moved the middle school to the high school campus. It is a wonderful school with great teachers and academics, but the dress code is awfulL! Sure, it is fun to try to match clothes around the code, but it is getting stricter! Next year- black or white socks! Ridiculous! Preposterous!
--Submitted by Joanna Solis, a student