The Doane Stuart School

Hands-down the best decision we made for our daughter. Doane Stuart is a fantastic school in every way.
--Submitted by a parent

The post written below was written by a parent - me - who had a terrible experience at the school. The post in response is telling. Yes - the school has a head master and not a principal. More importantly, the administration does not care about the kids. There are many good teachers, but their efforts are often insufficient in the face of the administrations attitude towards the kids. Before you spend the money ask where the kids really go to college not where they are accepted (college stats are inflated with successful kids applying to many schools), what are the graduation rates, and how do kids perform once they get to college.
--Submitted by a parent

We sent a 10th grader here from a public school. We are very pleased with the atmosphere and culture. Learning and doing well is cool at Doane Stuart. The teachers pay individual attention to every student and are for the most part very patient. The atmosphere offers freedom, but privileges get pulled back if more discipline is needed. The teachers challenge the students with creative assignments. The students have to read and write significantly more than in public school. We have not been pressured for more money as the prior review stated, but are paying a full tuition.
--Submitted by a parent

The two negative posts read as though they were not written by parents of students at the school. First, there is a headmaster at the school - not a principal. Second, our son has been with the school 3 years and we've never been pressured for money. The environment is nurturing, the teachers challenge the kids, and if you have a question or concern the administration will work with you. An excellent school, and a wonderful community.
--Submitted by a parent

Compared to our small rural public school, a huge improvement. Small classes a huge plus. Courses taught using a conceptual discovery model rather than drill and skill. Tuition actually paid much lower than tuition posted on fee schedules - they look at your income to determine. Love the weekly comments which keep you abreast of student progress. 8th and 9th grade math and art especially amazing. Love the emphasis on community service, too. Overall, quite pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be more pleased with the education and experiences our daughter is having at Doane Stuart. The teachers are committed to the succes of each and every child. Amazingly, they do so while constantly challenging the children. I take strong issue with the previous commentator's suggestion that a child's experience will be linked to his/her family's resources.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a student here for 4 years and about to be a senior. It is such a terrific school. It is expensive. Everybody gets to participate and for the most part the teachers are really cool and nice. I know i've done much better here than I would've at my public school Albany High. The college guidance is spectacular. I will be sorry to go but I know I will be well prepared for colelge

As a parent without deep pockets I completely refute the posting about children being 'singled out' on basis of donations. The school also does not nibble weekly as posted, in my experience. Please consider removing this inflammatory post. Teachers such as Nat Corwin, Rachel Morgan, Patty & Seamus Hodgkinson, Alex Valenti, and Dr John Foster, to name but a few,make Doane a singular oasis of educational worship of premier caliber.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Doane Stuart for three years until we moved. Not only was the education exceptional, but she was afforded experiences that otherwise would not have been available. The diversity in such a small school is incredible. We happened to be receiving financial aide and I never felt that my daughter was treated any differently than any other child. In fact the school has an incredible financial aide program and they work hard to assure that any child accepted will be able to attend, no matter their family's financial circumstance. Although my daughter no longer attends Doane Stuart, her time there will always be an integral part of her.
--Submitted by a parent

Doane Stuart is very nurturing and provides a wonderful sense of community. My child has developed a tremendous sense of self-confidence and is quite at ease at the school. For such a small school is is racially diverse. In fact in embraces in action and principle, diversity. The administration listens to concerns and is responsive when and where appropriate. This family pays full tuition but is by no means a 'deep pocket' and are very impressed by the overall tenure of the school academically , socially and administratively.
--Submitted by a parent