Davidson Academy

Our son LOVES this school. He is at the top of his class and is consistantly being challenged and encouraged to be great. He is artistically motivated as well. After researching all the schools in the area I have not seen Davidson as having anything close to the behaviour problems found in the other schools. The students are friendly, helpfull, and well behaved.
--Submitted by a parent

My child went to this school for 2 years. He was bullied pretty bad by a child of a "high dollar" parent. He was pushed down called names and scared to go to school. We talked to the Principal and nothing was ever done about it. My child who was only 4 said this child was throwing rocks in his face at the play ground. I asked the teachers and they told me this never happend. I decided to watch the playground time myself in my car and sure enough it was happening. The teachers did not see it because they were too busy talking with other teachers. I pulled my child from this school. I am so thankful he is out of there. Three of our friends have left as well for the same reason. Bullying happens all the time in this school and they will do nothing about it if you donate extra money to them!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Davidson Academy since 1994. The lower school excells in academics, and christian values. Our oldest chose to leave the upper school because of the lack of performing arts instruction and music. If your child has being a music major or theater major as their dream, this may not be the place for you. If your child is athletic it is a great, positive envioriment. Former Tennesse TItan Blaine Bishop helps coach or Varsity football team. The dance program at DA is awsome, and starts at K3 and goes to your Senior year. Our second child is in the upper school now, for the most part she is happy. We are happy as parents with her eduction and the education opportunities. You have to pluse of the teachers knowing your child, and working with them one on one as much as needed to help them suceed. Of course there are snobs and jerks, and ungrateful kids, but te ones I see are a product of their parents giving in to their every whim, heavan forbid you have rules. But this is in EVERY high school in America. We can not hold a school, church responsible for our chillds behavior, good or bad. It is the parents resoponsibility to teach them humility and grace.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at DA since K4 and my child is now a Sophomore. The teachers and adminstrators are, for the most part, wonderful. They are very approachable and work with the students and parents in a helpful way. The school offers challenging classes and their seniors are granted many scholarship dollars every year. When we came to DA everyone seemed to be working upper middle class people, just like us, who were working hard and sacrificing some to have their children in a good, safe, private school. That has certainly changed in the High School, now most of the students are snooby and can't even be happy for the things {cars, shoes, fancy jeans, boyfriends, trips} their "friends" have because they are so jealous of one another and afraid they might not have something as good as the next person. It's terrible and actually my child has asked to leave for their Jr and Sr year so they can go to school without all the drama, jealousy and back biting they endure each and every day at DA. It's really sad because this school has a lot to offer and all of the kids here are very blessed in many ways. Students here need to be taught to embrace one another and not be envious of others.
--Submitted by a parent

EXCELLENT Academics. Integrated character development throughout the entire school. I have two children who went here. One was in the honors program and the other was not. One played football the other was involved in art and music. Both received scholarships and they actually thought their 1st year of college was easy compared to DA. One received a J.D. the other received his MBA. Both of them plan on sending their kids to DA too. The teachers here just really care about the students and it comes through in everything they do.
--Submitted by a parent

The review from the student is mostly true. Everything is centered around sports. If your child is artistic in ANY way, please do not send them here. Abilities other than athleticism aren't given any other recognition at this school. Although, in the upper grades, teachers do their best to help students in any way possible. Also, some classes can be quite challenging.

My child was at another private school in the Montgomery county area(TN) and was not challenged academically at all. At The Davidson Academy my child has gotten a top-notch education. My child is challenged on all levels---socially , academically, and spiritually. My child has excelled beautifully at this school and their encouraging enviroment. I have been so so pleased with my child's education here!!! The academics at this school will enable any student attending this school to achieve their highest goals in life. Also, the principal is a wonderful leader for the school. He is so positive and easy to talk with. It has been so nice to have a head of school that actually converses on a regular basis with the parents and students. The students are taught to respect each other and just the simple acts of kindness in life towards others. I cannot say enough great things about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We love DA! Our son is exceling in school and is becoming more accountable and organized with his work. It is truly a Christian environment. I feel very confident that he will be fully prepared for college.
--Submitted by a parent

Now that you have heard parent reviews, how about one from a student? I am new this year and I hate it!!!! Davidson is completely centered around their senior football reputation and it's all I hear about every day. Most of my teachers don't really teach, but rather drown you in worksheets and bookwork. I am only 13 and The past few months for me have been miserable and stressful. Also the other students are complete snobs and I have almost no friends no matter how much you socialize with them. I am sick of it so I'm transferring after christmas.
--Submitted by a student

Davidson has been an outstanding school for my children. Well worth the money. My only complaint is that they are moving out of their current area (convenient to two interstates) to a different county. The new location is very congested and far away from our home.
--Submitted by a parent