Out-Of-Door Academy

This was our first year in public school and we were blown away with this school. Not only do the staff love and care for the students, the culture is incredible. The PTO is extremely involved and puts a lot of love and energy into raising money for the school and celebrating students and staff on a regular basis. The school has many events, parades, and parties that give students amazing things to look forward to. As for teachers, we have only had one so far but she was PHENOMENAL. Mrs. Baird gives 100% to her students and genuinely cares about their success. She does a great job at making the class feel like a family, holding everyone accountable to the rules, building each other up, cheering each other on, etc. She goes above and beyond and we never once felt any negative feelings about sending our son to school. He came home daily telling us about phonic rules and how to use them. He talked about how they learned how to set boundaries, be a good friend, and be a great citizen. My son also speaks very highly of Mrs. Sutherly, Officer Mark, Mrs. Achille, Mrs. Staley, Mr. Samuel, and Mr. Bill! I highly recommend this school!

Wonderful diverse school with multiple programs. The IB Diploma Program is particularly strong, with high-achieving students who take very challenging course loads. Expectations are high and kids are well prepared for college, many of whom go onto top-tier universities. Facilities are well maintained and administrators are approachable and want the best for the RHS community. Really impressed with many of the teachers and a high percentage have advanced degrees.

This school has zero tolerence for adhd children or onrs with autism. They will judge on the first day and single out your child by judging them by how their peers act. They will likely rule out your child and day its a safety concern. Be aware

Our family relocated to FL from NY two years ago. We are so pleased to have joined the ODA community. ODA is a truly excellent independent school with strong academics, forward-thinking areas of study and an important focus on the physical and emotional well-being of their students. Our son spent his first year in the Middle School and is now a freshman at the Upper School. He has thrived under teachers, advisors and coaches who are always available, supportive and committed to his success: in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community.

Our journey started in September 2023 while my son was getting used to his new routine and friends - we felt he was being singled out by administration who has very high expectations for 4 year old boys. Before thanksgiving break the classroom teacher quit - someone who was greatly steamed by the community and the parents. Administration decided to join two classrooms together without considering how this would affect the children. They called us to a meeting stating that our son was not ready for school. We tried to work things out with administration while the new teacher didn't really have a problem with my son, nor did the aids - but administration insisted that he needed to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. Our journey ended in January 2024 which left my son with a hole in his heart as he loved his friends and his routine. As a parent of a highly sensitive child I do not recommend this school mostly due to the harsh judgment on a child by administration and inability and sneaky way of forcing parents to pull their children out of school.

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