Vigus

The principal went through my phone without asking for consent

First, let me start by saying that, in general, we have been very impressed with Rose Acres. Between the STEM lab and large amounts of art, music, P.E., and library time in the weekly schedule, our expectations have been exceeded. My son genuinely looks forward to going to school every day. And I cannot say enough about Mr. Vargo as a principal! He is truly exceptional. However, I really feel there needs to be more communication between the teachers and parents about weekly learning. It’s difficult to figure out what the kids are working on and I don’t want to bother the teacher asking every week. The biggest negative is I have yet to have one single positive interaction with the front office staff. If you show up in the front office, even when they are expecting you, you are treated as a nuisance. I have gotten looks and tones of annoyance from three different staff members on numerous occasions. I dread having to even walk into the school because of this coldness. Overall, I would certainly recommend the academics of this school, but I would caution other parents ahead of time to not expect a warm and welcoming environment for themselves.

English language learner teacher and staff were not helpful with my child who needed help learning English as she only spoke French and Portuguese and a small bit of English.

DaySpring offers wonderful options for homeschool families or parents looking for a hybrid university model program. You can choose between individual visual or performing arts classes, enrichment Friday classes (a school day experience for homeschoolers), a university model program for K-12, or an la carte (partial day) for homeschooled high schoolers and dual-enrolled students. Our children have taken classes at DaySpring for over 15 years. One graduated from the high school and was well prepared for college due to the university model. During COVID we were removed from the chaos and drama of full time schools, because DaySpring students are used to self-direction and independent work. Isn't that the point of education? As a small, independent school with greater flexibility and a more homey environment than factorylike government-run schools, students are treated as individuals rather than inmates. DaySpring also respects the family and family time and has far less conformity and bullying than what routinely manifests in public and private full time schools. The teachers and staff are there because they LOVE the kids and they LOVE what they do. In our decade and a half of experience there, DaySpring is more tolerant and inclusive than a lot of other education contexts and is more professional than co-ops and other homeschool arrangements. It is not perfect--no school is, and it cannot be all things for all families. But DaySpring was a pioneer organization in the bleak landscape of few educational choices, and we have been so thankful for the support that DaySpring has given my children and family!