This is truly a great school. They encourage curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. I learned to not only do my homework but to WANT to do it, and be proud of my work. The teachers are inspiring, and caring, and one can tell they love their jobs. I feel that Sparhawk School played a large roll
... Read more in my becoming a deans list student in college. Read less
Posted by a student on 06/28/09
I express my gratitude for the fabulous learning expeirence my son had while attending Sparhawk High School. After spending two years in a traditional Catholic High school, we made the change to Sparhawk, and I have not once regretted by decision. I am a professional secondary school eduator and appreciate
... Read more how different school enviornments impact learning. It goes without saying that some students thrive in an interactive setting where there is more opportunity for one on one exchange, in every phase of learning. In light of this reality, I could not have found a more suitable school for my son. After reading his final reflection for graduation, not only were his personal insights about the school powerful, his very accomplished literary skills and writing style affirmed for me that his adjustment to college will come with ease and confidence. Who could ask for anything more from the high school experience? Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/26/09
My child attended Sparhawk School after 7 years at another well known private K-8 school. After having visited the middle school, his desire was to enroll immediately and not return to the other school. When I asked him about the main difference between the two schools, he answered, 'At Sparhawk. the
... Read more teachers respect the students as people. They, in turn, are respected by the students and as a result, get more work from me. At the other school, the teachers just expected the students to respect them and they never honored my questions- especially if I wanted to know the importance of what we were doing.' To me, as a parent, respect is most valuable. My child, having felt respected and honored was able to rekindle his love for learning and remember that no person is perfect. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/26/09
I'm a student and I love going to Sparhawk. It's a great place to learn because it isn't just reading out of a text book. The only thing that Sparhawk is missing is more after school programs. Spots are non existent and other then the annual play and musical, there is nothing. It would be nice to have
... Read more sports. I'm very athletic, but I don't get the chance to develop any skills in sports. Read less
Posted by a student on 03/30/09
We have a son in his final year at the high school and have been very impressed. Its a very intellectual environment - not sports oriented - so its not for everyone. If your student is interested in philosophy, current events, debate and analysis, this is a good school for your child. Gifted kids do
... Read more very well here - they can explore their passions without limit. There is much more homework than in the lower grades,so that takes some adjusting too. Alot of writing - at least 10 papers a month if you take the more advanced classes. I wouldn't recommend it if yoru son or daughter doesn't like to read and discuss ideas in depth. Its a unique environment for sure, but not for slackers or problem kids. Overall, its a very impressive school and we are thrilled we found it. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/18/08
The benefit of this school is if your child needs an unusually gentle and sheltered environment. Academic demands in the elementary school are not high (no homework for example). There is a lot of free time for play so it is a low stress environment for most children. I do think the faculty varies
... Read more in quality level and is not any better than what you'd find in a good public school. The children are handpicked so that's the difference -- no rude kids for example. Nice families. It seems to be a place for kids who have been unhappy in their school districts. I did not find the headmaster or head of Parent-teacher organization to be friendly or outgoing as one should be in those roles. Head of Lower School very knowledgeable about child development. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/31/08
I just LOVE this school. My daughter attends the high school and we could not be happier. Not only have her grades been high--she is really driven to THINK for her assignments. She feels supported, cared for, and challenged by the thoughtful, creative, strong curriculum. It is wonderful to think
... Read more that this incredible place has opened so many doors for my child. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/19/08
This is place is an educational dream. Especially at the high school level. Very innovative, challenging curriculm. Good place for gifted or bright kids who don't want to just sit and take notes. Non-traditional - promotes debate, discussion, critical thinking, leadership. Lots of smart kids there who
... Read more are bored in public schools. You have to want to be there and be motivated otherwise you won't last. Read less
Posted by a parent on 07/26/08
My daughter joined Sparhawk at the end of 2nd grade from the public school where she was becoming withdrawn and anxious. Getting her to school each morning was a crying scene that would break our hearts. After having just completed her second full year at the farm school, she has blossomed! Her social
... Read more skills have vastly improved and school is a place she doesn't want to leave! Her intellectual curiosity is stimulated and nurtured as are her individual skills and talents. The teachers and administration are amazing individuals who truly care about what they do. They get to know each child very well due to the small class size and work to make sure that everyone acheives their potential. What a fabulous environment to raise our most precious resources!!! We feel blessed to have found Sparhawk and to be a part of its community. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/17/08
Very intellectually oriented curriculum. Empahsis on critical thinking, oral and written expression. The college acceptance rate is 100 percent and this years kids got accepted at top schools. A real gem. Our daughter has excelled here. Challenging, but not overwhelming. Facinating stuff.
... Read moreRead less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Amesbury schools — Sparhawk School is located at 259 Elm St, Amesbury MA 01913. 259 Elm St is in the 01913 ZIP code in Amesbury, MA Sparhawk School is a Private school that serves grade levels K - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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experience, academic programs, extracurricular activities, resources for special needs students, etc. These ratings are
not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
