Research Gainesville Country Day School private Schools in Gainesville, Florida

“My daughter attended the VPK program at the 24th Street Campus. I was very disappointed by this program. The children did not have thematic nor creative instruction. They do not get art by the art teacher and rarely do crafts. They do the same activities weekly such as copying words and letter rubbings. Many days the teachers do not even read the children a story. The teachers discourage parental involvement. It is a very unwelcoming program. My daughter told me that she thought her teacher would be excited to get a new class because she really didn't like her class anymore. The main teacher has yelled at parents for doing things such as bringing in cupcakes from the grocery store. (She does not like sweets to be given.) My daughter was not in a positive atmoshpere. On a positive note, the music teacher is fabulous:).”

“I have been very pleased with my child's education at Country Day. The school has an incredibly nurturing feel to it. I love that each classroom has two full-time teachers, as my child has always been drawn to at least one of the teachers and felt safe, secure and well loved. The additional courses far surpass anything offered in other area schools: music, art, science, PE daily, poetry, logic, Spanish, art appreciation, computers and library-- all of these classes have offered so much to my child's education. I am surprised by some of the other negative comments, as we have never felt unwlecomed or unwanted. The school adminstrators have always been supportive and helpful, as have the classroom teachers. This is an exceptional school, and I feel every penny is a well-worth investment for my child.”

“Gainesville Country Day School provides an extremely nurturing atmosphere up until fifth grade. While the teachers are helping the students learn to take more responsibilities, it has been a hard transition for students and parents. The lack of communication by teachers to parents has been the hardest adjustment. Never has my child felt disliked by a teacher until this year. I shared my concerns with other parents who said their children felt the same way about this teacher. I don't know if this is 'tough love' or just a burned out educator. As a parent, I have never felt comfortable in addressing negative concerns with the school administration, as I have heard other parents tell me that it does no good.”

“If you have a child who has a lack of confidence and has low self-eteem, this school is a great choice. The music, art and PE programs are significantly more than offered in the public schools. The teachers are available to parents and the office staff is very friendly. There have been certain grades that have been weaker than others, and that was stressful at the time. I don't understand why those areas haven't been addressed. It appears that the administration may change hands soon, so some things at the school may change. Overall, this school has been wonderful for my child.”

“I moved from the public school system to Country Day School three years ago and have been thrilled with the change. The academics, arts and personable staff make every penny worth it for me two send my two children there.”

“The staff is well qualified and committed to providing opportunities for positive social and academic growth. My daughter entered middle school very well prepared to take on the challenges of a rigorous gifted program - while fully involved in band and other extra curricular activities.”

“My children are ready to leave this 'white bread' school for more educational offerings where there are diverse ideas, teachers and students. Despite the influence of the upper income, the school lacks such basic essentials as a nicely staffed science lab, a good music room, a library with the latest children's literature, etc. In fifth grade, the children have only one textbook. There is an excellent teacher in second grade, but the school has not had much success in attracting and retaining other stellar teachers.”

“I have two children at Gainesville Country Day, and it is has been a very disappointing year for my children, and for us, as parents. At country day, those teachers don't accept that level of responsibility. They want your money, but they don't want to do their jobs.”

“As a new family to this school it has been difficult to fit in. There is a real bias against families that did not start in Kindergarten at this elementary school. The music and art prgrams are top notch. Excellent special program teachers. A lot of busy work seems to take place (the dreaded work sheets) but there are a lot of special study programs as well. A lot of families in upper income levels apparently have much influence on the staff of the school. There are no current diversity or ethics/leadership type programs in place.”

“Hi, My daughter was there from 2.5 until she went to elementary school. The teachers in the center were excellent and very caring. I was so happy about the school. My daughter still missess the teachers there. They have an excellent program for early childhood and pre-kinder. They always have a long waiting list, but don't give up and call & ask about vacancies. Good luck!”

“GDCS is a wonderful school. My children have thrived there. Each child is taught their level. The classrom ratios are the best. Two teachers in each room plus a resource teacher that gives special help to children that need it. Very creative, hands on, academically challenging. Lot's of plays, music,art and a great P.E. program that keeps the kids fit and releases energy so they can be focused durning class. The teachers make kids feel like they are #1. Can't say enough.”