Powhatan School

Powhatan has many wonderful qualities and some areas of opportunity. I do find that the curriculum is challenging and my child is learning a great deal. There is blatant favoritism and teachers would do well to treat all their students with respect and kindness. The school should be building the self-esteem of the children not tearing it down with belittling and ridicule.
--Submitted by a parent

We are having a wonderful experience at Powhatan School. We are impressed that even at a young age the children are taught personal responsibility. We are very happy and would highly recommend this school to anyone who values the power of education.
--Submitted by a parent

So far, Powhatan has exceeded our expectations in every way. Although both my husband and I have public school backgrounds, we chose Powhatan based on our interaction with the upper school students during an extensive tour. The students were articulate, confident and amazingly at ease speaking to prospective parents. Now as a part of Powhatan, I feel even more confident that we made the right choice. The intimate class size really allows for individualized instruction and the faculty really knows each student so well. This was very important to us. In addition to a very strong academic program, the children have significant exposure to art, music, languages and sports to provide a well-rounded curriculum. The foundation that is being provided is well worth the financial investment.
--Submitted by a parent

We are parents of children at Powhatan. All you have to do is spend time with the caring staff or enter a classroom, and you will realize what you are getting for your tuition. My children have always "loved" every teacher they have had to date at Powhatan. They never want to miss a day from school. From Spanish, to Art, to Music, to the Sports, in addition to core curriculum, your children will more than liklely thrive. The small class environment affords your child extra attention that helps a ton.
--Submitted by a parent

Worth every dollar! We consider Powhatan School to be a great investment in our children's future. This school has good values, great academics, and a true passion for children. Other schools in the area might be less expensive, but not one delivers this level of quality: a full K-8 foreign language program; extensive outdoor and environmental programs; small classes; and lot of "specials" -- as public schools are forced to cut back on art, music and physical education, I have noticed that Powhatan continues to invest in these important areas!
--Submitted by a parent

I am surprised to see a couple negative reviews for this school. We have been here 2 yrs - switched from another school. My daughter's ERB scores have since improved and she has developed a love for reading. The literature-based program & upper school math are simply outstanding! She actually enjoys math and writing now, two subjects that were difficult for her before coming to Powhatan. My son is also thriving at Powhatan. There are so many subjects and programs to rave about at the school. From the excellent teaching staff, the NEAL (Nature Enhanced Approach to Learning) program, exciting science projects, well-rounded approach to sports, & unique flexibility to encompass individual learning styles to the beautiful campus, small class sizes, interesting field trips, class plays, community projects and warm, welcoming environment, we couldn't be happier. And that doesn't even scratch the surface! We are definitely getting more than our money's worth. The new Head is also wonderful and will be a great asset to the school. As parents our only wish is that we could have gone to Powhatan ourselves! This review was unsolicited by the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Dedicated teachers, that like to challenge the students. Open minded faculty that do more that just cover the curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

This school leaves alot to be desired. There are small classes but for some reason not all students are getting enough individual attention. My son did not do well in this environment as there appears to be lots of favoritism in the classrooms. I do not feel that I obtained anything even close to my expectations. Not worth the money and as others have reviewed there are better opportunities available in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

This School has mixed reviews because it does not treat students equally. If you read the reviews it is apparent that the experiences are not equal. There is nothing special about this school in comparison to others in the local area. We feel it is not worth the money an as you can see that is common thread. Research carefully and take references here.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been so thrilled with my daughter's experience at Powhatan School in Boyce, Va. The communication from the school to the parents is exceptional with school wide weekly e-newsletters and weekly classroom teacher updates. Their motto is 'We learn not for school, but for life.' It is also through life experiences that that the students learn. For example, in my daughter's class, the school bee keeper brought honeycombs and a honey press to the classroom for the students to experience. Students also plant their own classroom gardens. These are examples of some of the ways the school utilizes its NEAL (Nature-Enhanced Approach to Learning) program. Powhatan teaches students about sustainable living through an active recycling and composting program, as well as Geothermal heating in building construction. The school is educating students for the ever changing world and giving them tools to be a positive change agent for their community. Older students are paired up with younger students for reading time, lunch gatherings and other events. Students volunteer in the community and raise money for national charities. Students are encouraged to excel to their highest level of personal achievement. Students move at their own rate through the curriculum. The small student teacher ratios allow teachers to work with each student's strengths and weaknesses. I feel that my daughter is an individual who is know, and nurtured at Powhatan.
--Submitted by a parent