Davidson Academy

We have been very pleased with the progress of our child at Davidson Academy. The school has excellent teachers, the class sizes are small, and despite other postings, parental participation is encouraged. Also, not mentioned in other postings is the fact that 85% of the children at Davidson Academy that are eligible for the Duke University TIPS program qualify. It is true that the school does not have a 'headmaster' and many extracurricular activities found at larger private schools. The school's nutrition is very reasonable compared to larger private schools. The school is well manage by its board members composed of parents and community leaders. The bottom line is my child loves to go to this school. She has received an excellent education, additional learning opportunities, and will be more than prepared for high school when she finishes at Davidson Academy.
--Submitted by a parent

DA started off with great potential but somehow it has faltered. Extracurricular activities run by inexperienced 'volunteers' and no principal. Parental involvement is no longer wanted unless one wants to make a big monetary donation. Excellent teachers have been lost. There are a few caring, bright teachers left however they are now in the minority. A number of families have left each year and the board has done nothing to address the exodus. We have a child still attending but have been weighing other options.
--Submitted by a parent

All the 3 of our children are in davidson academy. I only have the best things to say about the school- both academic and sports. Small class sizes, wonderful student- teacher relationships and strong learning environment. Fees are lower than other area private schools with sibling discount. Would strongly recommend davidson academy to anybody.
--Submitted by a parent

Davidson Academy is a wonderful school. Academically they are wonderful and taught my child tremendously! I believe with the other poster that it does lack leadership for timely decisions. Overall a great school w/ small classes and wonderful caring teachers. Tuition went to high for us, my child no longer goes there.
--Submitted by a parent

I had two children attend Davidson Academy. In the beginning parents were strongly encouraged to participate in every aspect of school life. The atmosphere was very family friendly, but as the school grew that changed. It seemed as though a conscience effort was being made to keep the parents from becoming to involved with one another and with school policy. Much of the original charm disappeared. The individual education was still above average in my opinion, but the school lacked on site leadership. The environment was safe and flexible, but without the strong leadership the school desperately needed in order to make discisions in a timely manner. Davidson Academy, still in my opinion, has tremendous potential, but my children no longer attend.
--Submitted by RJ, a parent