Carmel High School

I am very happy we chose Stevenson School for our child. It was a wonderful experience for him. He was able to learn what he needed to excel during high school without the unnecessary pressures and stress. He has made a lot of good friends whom he will stay friends with forever. It's easy to find a school where your child will get a good education, however it's not so easy to find a school where your child will get a good education AND a happy childhood. Stevenson provided both for our son. Next year, our son will be attending a top university, and we think Stevenson has prepared him well to move on to the next chapter of his life.

Concerns About Honesty and Educational QualityAs a parent, choosing the right school for your child is paramount. It's with a heavy heart that I write this review for Stevenson (RLS) Carmel Campus, which my child attended for multiple school years. I believe in providing honest feedback to help other parents make informed decisions.Pros:* The hot lunch program at the school is commendable. The variety and quality of food offered are impressive and appreciated.*Initially, their "specials" program was robust and enriching, thanks to a team of talented teachers. However, now the majority of the lower school special teachers, who were very talented, left the school.Cons:* Honesty and Transparency: One of the significant issues we've faced is with the school's administration. There's a disturbing pattern of misinformation and lack of transparency. This ranges from trivial matters like outdoor activity times to critical aspects of our children's academic and social-emotional experiences. It's been disheartening to untangle these inconsistencies as a parent community. *Educational Quality: When it comes to academics, the school unfortunately falls short compared to other independent institutions. Despite claims of offering differentiated learning, the reality doesn't match up. The one-size-fits-all approach fails to meet the diverse needs of students.*Staff Turnover: The specials program, once a highlight of the school, has suffered due to the departure of many talented educators. This loss has noticeably impacted the quality of the program.Conclusion:While I appreciate the efforts made in certain areas like the lunch program, the overarching issues around honesty and educational quality are too significant to overlook. I had hoped for a more transparent, nurturing, and academically challenging environment for my child.For parents considering Stevenson, I urge you to thoroughly research and look into other options. The well-being and education of our children are too important to compromise. We have a group of post-Stevenson families and the common theme is how thankful we are that we decided to leave, how much better our kids' new schools are, and how much happier our kids are.