Haverford School

I felt compelled to respond to the disgruntled parent who thinks that new teaching methods are superior. How can you argue with success ? This school has produced many accomplished alumni with their methods. The world is a competitive place and the sooner that this is learned the better. If you want a protective environment for your children, then home school them, and let them live in the guest room until their 25. But as Billy Joel said in the lyrics to Captain Jack, " you're 21 and still your mother makes your bed and that's too long".

I agree with the earlier comment about bullying. I can only speak for the lower school but was surprised to learn of it happening at a surprisingly early age. I believe the problem stems from the tone set by some of the administration and teachers who use scare tactics, as well as shaming and disgracing their students. The school is very traditional in its overall approach to teaching and seem to have no interest in embracing the conventions of the 21st century. In short, the curriculum and teaching style are behind the times and cater to certain type of student. Haverford seems to be riding the coattails of its legacy. A time where aggressive and dictatorial teaching was widespread and actually thought to work.
—Submitted by a parent

I am grateful that my parents sacrificed to send me to a school as wonderful as this. After graduating, I feel truly prepared for college. Academics are excellent and unparalleled. Over a third of my graduating class is now attending to Ivy League Schools, and another third is attending honors programs or 'ivy league equivalents' (ie U Chicago, MIT, Stanford, etc.). The teachers are incredible, and they spend time with each boy individually; furthermore, they have incredible backgrounds (almost all have graduate degrees, many from prestigious universities like Yale, Princeton, and Harvard). Athletics are excellent, and every boy gets to participate, no matter how athletic one is there is an opportunity for everyone. One of the coolest aspects of an all boys environment is that boys get to participate in the arts (you are actually considered cool if you are a good musician, actor or artist). Also the resources at the school are amazing, I got to participate in a joint research program with U of Pennsylvania. Finally, I found the environment to be very down to earth, I know that I will be friends with many of my classmates for the rest of my life.

Haverford's focus on excellence in academics, athletics and the arts prepared me for the various challenges I faced in college, graduate school and my career beyond.

Haverford is a great school. After coming from a bad public school, my son attended here and really excelled. The transition he made from public to private went smoothly thanks to great teachers and students. It is a very well-rounded school in both academics, athletics, and art/music programs. There is no better school for your son than here.
—Submitted by a parent

Education is excellent. Community is not. Teachers are very harsh on the children and have them competitng against each other. Not very nice for younger children. Also, there is a fair amount of bullying amongst the boys. Teachers background is not impressive for the money you spend (2010 - $26,000). If that wasn't enought, they also are very aggressive to annual funding. So you are not done with yearly tuition. Botton line - if you desire a loving environment, this is not the place for your son.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son started this year. He seems genuinely excited about school on a daily basis. The teachers seem exceptionally good and the administration and faculty seem to work as a real team. We are very impressed to date.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent! The teachers are amazing! The learning environment is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Haverford School is an academically very strong, nurturing school. The faculty is amazing. The teachers and the headmaster are truly interested in the children.
—Submitted by Serap Menda, a parent