Dora Kennedy school culture

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for any feedback from current families about the school culture at Dora Kennedy. I have seen the school's high academic marks and support the immersion model but am looking for any feedback on others' experiences at the school in terms of the general culture, social/emotional development of kids, opportunities for recess/creativity, etc. Thanks! For context, my eldest would be in kindergarten next year. I have toured the school, and the kids seemed happy! Just hard to get a full impression from a few minutes walking through.

[Anonymous]

I have had children at DKFI for the last 12 years. Like any school, it has its strengths and weaknesses, but overall it is a really successful school with happy kids. Teachers are good and mostly responsive. Not the best program for kids with learning differences, in my opinion. Active parent community. Definitely opportunities for creativity- great music program (starts in 4th grade), art classes, extracurricular activities, etc. Not as much recess as parents would like (similar to most other schools, I think), lots of indoor recess on days when kids could really go outside, and teachers who still take away recess as punishment.

I'd definitely recommend it if your child gets in. I've seen a few parents move their children because it is not the right fit, but overall most stay through 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have had children at DKFI for the last 12 years. Like any school, it has its strengths and weaknesses, but overall it is a really successful school with happy kids. Teachers are good and mostly responsive. Not the best program for kids with learning differences, in my opinion. Active parent community. Definitely opportunities for creativity- great music program (starts in 4th grade), art classes, extracurricular activities, etc. Not as much recess as parents would like (similar to most other schools, I think), lots of indoor recess on days when kids could really go outside, and teachers who still take away recess as punishment.

I'd definitely recommend it if your child gets in. I've seen a few parents move their children because it is not the right fit, but overall most stay through 8th grade.

This is so helpful, thank you for taking the time to respond!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have had children at DKFI for the last 12 years. Like any school, it has its strengths and weaknesses, but overall it is a really successful school with happy kids. Teachers are good and mostly responsive. Not the best program for kids with learning differences, in my opinion. Active parent community. Definitely opportunities for creativity- great music program (starts in 4th grade), art classes, extracurricular activities, etc. Not as much recess as parents would like (similar to most other schools, I think), lots of indoor recess on days when kids could really go outside, and teachers who still take away recess as punishment.

I'd definitely recommend it if your child gets in. I've seen a few parents move their children because it is not the right fit, but overall most stay through 8th grade.

This is so helpful, thank you for taking the time to respond!

I have two children at DKFI but they are young, so I don't have as much experience as the PP. But...I agree with what was said. I think sometimes recess depends on the teacher - my youngest son's teacher is known for letting the kids go outside when other teachers don't. They have gym 2-3 times a week, which is also good. Down side is the way that the schedule works, sometimes the kids don't go to certain specials a lot. As an example, my youngest has only gone to art a few times this year. Just the way the schedule works.

Before we started DKFI, we were hoping that we could make it at least to middle school. Unless something crazy happens, they will absolutely continue through eighth grade.

PP also has a point about learning differences. They have everything in place - reading specialists, special ed staff, etc. But it just doesn't work if your child can't pick up the language. I do recommend the summer camp if you decide to enroll your child. It's three weeks - and is basically the first three weeks of K (alphabet, colors, shapes, etc). We didn't know about the camp before my oldest started. He did well, but I am sure my youngest had a jump start from the camp.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much!!!!