The Canterbury Episcopal School

Parents beware! The school campus looks great. The school presents itself well upon first glance and they talk a great game. Through the years our family has watched the school progressively decline while the price of tuition increases. The school is hurting financially so they continue to cut programs and teachers. You will find a few good teachers at Canterbury, but unfortunately too many of them lack the proper training needed to be an effective teacher. In addition to the high price tag, there are all kind of hidden costs. Do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year. While the beginning was quite rough due to work load and being new, he has risen to the challenge and is now doing the excellent work I knew he could if only he had the right direction. His schoolwork is hands down better than it was at the beginning of the year. He looks forward to going to school, and the teachers are so very dedicated. As a proud middle class parent, I cannot say that there is any favoritism shown to children from wealthier families. My son has been nurtured and cherished despite the fact that we are unable to write big checks outside of tuition. The children get along fine, but there are still the normal classroom politics associated in schools containing human children all over the world. There seems to be far less bullying than in other schools, and poor behavior is dealt with strictly ( not harshly ). I appreciate this , because it takes some of the social pressure off so the child can concentrate on a rigorous academic program. Bravo Canterbury!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We Love Canterbury Because ... Reason No. 1: "Is anybody listening? Canterbury does! When families and students have a concern, a question, or even a wild idea ~ the leaders of Canterbury are good listeners! Better yet, they take action. We are a family ~ and one that communicates.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of three enrolled in this school I am very satisfied with the education and guidance socially and spiritually my children have received. While the school is a bit smaller than I would like it is improving every year and quantity or course doesn't always produce quality. The student / teacher ratio here is excellent. The teachers, administration, and parents combine perfectly here to provide a terrific school experience. From sports, to strings, to Spanish club there is something for everyone. My children enjoy school and look forward to not only interacting with their friends daily but their teachers. The diversity is great and everyone is similiar in one important way - everyone is college ready.
—Submitted by a parent

Canterbury Episcopal is an outstanding school. Our two children have been at Canterbury since kindergarten and we have been extremely pleased with the quality of the education that they are receiving. The teachers are very well educated and truly care about their students. The academics at Canterbury are first rate and will prepare a student for success in any college they choose to attend (100% of Canterbury graduates attend college). The staff is very supportive of the students and provides a safe and supportive atmosphere. If you're looking for a school for your child, I strongly encourage you to take the tour at Canterbury. When you visit the campus, observe how the kids get along with one another. Also, check out how polite and respectful they are to their teachers and one another. I think you'll like what you see.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked at Canterbury for five years and have found it to be a great school. We care about each student and work hard to meet their needs in a challenging curriculum. Small class sizes make individual attention possible and extra assistance is available for every subject. We offer athletic choices and after school activities. My colleagues are well educated and experienced, and our administration is supportive of students, families, and staff. As I type this in the summer, I am very excited about the upcoming academic year!
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter just completed her first year at The Canterbury Episcopal School, and we are quite pleased with the staff, academics, and athletics. You won't find a better school, and I encourage you to take a look at The Canterbury Episcopal School.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I have spent half of my career in education (8 of 16 years) here. I have worked in both private and public school systems, and by far CES has been the best. We strive to challenge students, all the while making learning fun. Yes, it does cost to attend, as do all private schools, but it is worth it. My child will be attending this fall, and I am thrilled to know that he will be in a safe and nurturing environment. Just like a family, it is not always perfect, but we are striving to be the best we can be for the children. I am proud to be a part of it.
—Submitted by a teacher

The Canterbury Episcopal School is located in a beautifully treed area of DeSoto across the street from Thorntree Country Club. One gets a feeling of peace when driving through the campus. The Canterbury staff is truly amazing! The primary school has a very nurturing environment. The teachers there genuinely love and respect each student. The faculty is also extremely knowledgable in their profession. The curriculum is more challenging than what you would find in public school, however, it is appropriate to the level needed in order to adequately challenge the students who come to Canterbury. The parent support is wonderful! Wherever there is a need, parents will step up to help out. There are many fun events that take place throughout the year in the primary school. Students enjoy Book Character Day, Dr. Seuss Day, Dictionary Day, Polar Express Day, Earth Day, Fall Festival, and Texas Trail Ride Day. Compared to most public schools where elementary schools are allowed field trips once a year, field trips are allowed once a quarter. The smaller class sizes and fewer grade levels allows field trips and school events to run more smoothly. I highly recommend Canterbury Episcopal!!
—Submitted by a teacher

Canterbury has been a wonderful experience for my son and for our family. He has truly thrived in this environment. I am puzzled by many of the reviews on this site, and disagree strongly with most of the negative comments. We actually drive 25 minutes every day for this school, & it is worth every mile. I encourage anyone who is looking for a true college prep school, one where your child will have an opportunity to play on State Champ atheletic teams, a faith-based school, to visit for yourself. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school k-12. Co-ed, Culturally, socio-economically, and ethnically diverse. My graduate was so well-prepared for college that she has been tutoring many in her english, biology, and math classes. Athletics to academics, the opportunities are amazing. I cannot say enough about the staff/administration/teachers, they are caring, nurturing, while remaining challenging. From average to genius they can teach them. Beatuful 37 acre campus, great facilities, wonderful teachers and leaders. What more could you ask for?
—Submitted by a parent

This school is an excellent college preparatory school. My daughter has learned so much while at Canterbury and is learning 2 grade levels above her local public school friends. Lyn Baker, the head of school is amazing and loves the school and children. The teachers in the primary school are exemplary and truly care about the children and their welfare. We absolutely love Canterbury and would highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

I left this school in the middle of my high school career. The new headmistress, Lyn Baker, is a witch and is barely involved with the students at all. She often likes to make a scene in front of the student body and has fired some of the best faculty members this school has ever seen. The atmosphere there is a stressful and bitter one. There is no more room left for arts, it has been taken over by the sports which are trying to grow bigger despite the lack of resources the school has. There is no choir, no theatre, and for years the art teachers were not given enough money for their supplies so they were forced to water it down to have enough. This school has become a sad excuse for a college prep school.

this is a horrrible school, a lemonade stand has more professionalism! the administration has zero structure. the tuition costs an arm and a leg, and even after that they try to slyly put in random fees (most times $250 or more) then even after that they are asking for us to donate like crazy! and if you don't donate that much they will treat your child unfairly. you cannot pick most of your classes. their are pretty much only 3 electives. the athletics consist of badly planned middle school sports and mediocre high school athletics. the teachers overall are not good. some of them plain out tell bullying is not addressed at all. ahild can be told on for innapropraite pics of them and nothing will be done about it. many students feel that the school is rasict is certain areas. please do not ruin your child's future.

This is a great school, my daughter has been there two years and is headed into high school when school starts again. Both she and I are looking forward to graduation in a few years.
—Submitted by a parent

This school would be fine for a K-possibly 5th grader, but beyond that I would not recommend it. The tuition is very high in relation to the opportunities available, especially once the student is in high school. AP and Performing Arts are lacking. The school is not on sound financial footing so do your research and ask questions before you commit.

My child has been in Canterbury for 3 years now and we were looking forward to graduation. This school is not for the median class who are looking for a better opportunity for our young people. They go up in tuition every year but do not offer better quality learning skills. The principal shows favoritism in between students as well. If a parent is not able to make a certain amount of donations, he will pick on that student as much as he can. If a student is struggling with a subject, there is no comprehension or interest to help that student succeed. Yes, Canterbury used to be a great institution, specially in the south area, but now it is not that great. I believe the principal really has a problem with the median and poor class, and unfortunately because of people like that is why this country is so bad.

As with all schools, do your research before making an informed choice about your child's school. Canterbury is looking for a particular TYPE of student. Beware that if your child does not meet the mold, Canterbury may not be able to meet their needs. All children are unique in their own way. These special characterisitics should be nurtured. Nurturing may not be Canterbury's strong suit. I was told by administration that Canterbury is the 'best' school in southwest Dallas County. This was a red flag for us in that in speaking with Canterbury officials our concern was with Canterbury and not other schools. Rather than putting down other schools, Canterbury should speak of what they have to offer. Not all schools are for everyone, but most have something to offer. Canterbury was not for us.
—Submitted by a parent

Canterbury IS a good school, but not for those who are new. both my sons have been in Canterbury for three years now, the older one is now in 9th grade and the younger is in 3rd grade. My older son had been struggling from the start, and as the years have progressed my older one has still made no difference at all. As for my little one, he has always been a perfect student, Now I do believe that Canterbury is an exceptional school, just not for new students. My older one had been a straight A student since he was in Pre-K, but the education here at Canterbury is just a bit to harsh on new children. Please don't send new coming to this school, but do send your younger children here!
—Submitted by a parent

Canterbury is not for the lite hearted when it comes to education. They truly want to prepare you for college in the sense that from middle school on, the student is expected to make it happen on their own! No babysitting here! So, parents, be prepared to connect with teachers so that you know what is expected because your student that is new to Canterbury may not. Sports are excellent due to the best coaches! Your child will be encouraged in sports. One more thing, don't be misled by the Episcopal name. They are not a Christian school. Faith based at best. If you want a rigorous academic program (lots of homework) and great sports, look in to Canterbury. If you want a Christian education, look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent