Why did you chose Gordon School for your children?
The top reasons for us were first and foremost the nurturing and lovely atmosphere. We found Gordon and the teachers to be so warm, welcoming, interesting and appealing, right from the start. As a four year old child visiting Gordon, Gavin immediately loved the school size and the architecture. We loved the green open spaces and the pond and the play areas. We liked the Nursery to eighth grade model. It is just enough time to spend in one place. We liked that there wasn't a high school to influence the middle school age students.
Although the multicultural curriculum and racial diversity was not discussed as a selling point back in 1997 when we first came to look at the school, in the subsequent years we have come to embrace both concepts and value the educational and social qualities of both. They have afforded us the opportunity to look at education through a new set of lenses which has enriched the lives of both of our children and even myself.
We love the eighth grade program, from the studies of the Civil Rights to the trip to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama to the Service Learning Project. It is a dynamite year and without a match locally.
Both of our children really enjoyed the incredibly rich arts program, from the wonderfully creative multimedia in-school art program to the diverse visiting artists program. It is all very impressive and sophisticated for a grammar school. I also love the way it is incorporated into their studies of history, math, science and English. As a graduate of RISD, this remains high on my list!
Having two athletes, sports are big, yet I can say that we love the low-key approach and that everyone gets to be on any and all teams. It really makes every athlete shine, and there have been many high points for both of our children with soccer and lacrosse.
Although Allie is late to the stage, the performing arts program is great and getting better every day. Under the guidance of Ms. Martindale, Mrs. Ginn and Mrs. Romanzi, it is an incredibly impressive and creative program.
Lastly the entire secondary school placement process is impressive and complete. Our son, Gavin, feels that he was well prepared for the demands of the rigorous boarding school that he attends and looks back on his years at Gordon with fondness and pride. He has maintained several wonderful relationships with past teachers and a variety of diverse friends. Now that's an A+ education!