Tanglewood

Outstanding. Our children feel part of a community, are known and looked after. Class sizes are private school small—often 15 or 16 students. The school is small enough for everyone to feel known as an individual yet big enough to have some choices when it comes to friends. Specialists are excellent. I have complete confidence dropping our children off that they are safe, that anything that comes upwill be handled appropriately, and that they are learning from educators who enjoy being there, love the kids, and love what they do. Really what more can you ask for when it comes down to it? We have personally experienced several instances of care for our children that were moving tributes to the excellent people that make up this school community. I do think more could be done for gifted students in the early grades as attempts to provide enrichment have been uneven, but we have appreciated the efforts of teachers to try to provide some differentiated learning opportunities. In public schools without formal gifted programs (as is the case in MA I believe?) this uneven experience is bound to be the case. I think many of us wish there was more diversity in our town and county but the school choice policy does provide some infusion of diversity. Finally, throughout the pandemic the communication from the superintendent has been regular and clear. We were amazed at the ability of the teachers to transition to online education and provide a sense of emotional support and social connection. Our children continued to practice skills and learn a few new ones before summer hit. I imagine if school is virtual again this fall, it will only be improved. The biggest thing is we trust the school to make careful, sound choices to the students.

We have been parents at BCD for 11 years. Our daughter graduated and will start early college in the fall. Our son is still there and has at least three years left. While no academic institution is perfect, BCD is extraordinary in its ability to combine a high level of learning with the even more important component of teaching students how to learn. How to be organized. Skills that will be invaluable well after BCD is in the rear view mirror. Furthermore, most students at BCD display social skills that make many an adult look a bit behind the eight ball. My wife is an educator. Not at BCD, by the way. She says, with no hesitation, that BCD is the best school she has ever been a part of. I attended a fantastic independent school in NYC growing up. So the value of independent schools is ingrained in me. If a family can afford it, they should absolutely consider BCD for their children.