The Howard Gardner School

4913 Franconia Road

Alexandria, VA 22310

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on July 06, 2020

I applied to this school after realizing I needed extra help about 2 years ago. After a great first interview at the beginning of the summer, they called us in for another interview a month later. The new person who conducted the interview, Addy, was exceptionally rude about my certified and professionally trained service dog. Spent the ENTIRE interview telling me why I was not a good fit for the school because my dog would not fit in. She very inappropriately recommended I try therapy and asked if I could leave the dog at home. Needless to say I cried on my way home- she made me feel awful about having a dog that my condition requires I have. For a school who boasts about being a supportive, open, and caring environment for students with a variety of needs, they were horribly discriminatory. I guess they're all for accepting everyone until they're too beyond help in their eyes. I'm not whining because I didn't get accepted, I am outraged at the way my service dog and I were treated.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2018

My middle daughter attended HGS for her Jr. year after a rough year at our local public school. HGS was a good experience for her and provided a safe environment for her after the trauma caused (by a teacher) at our public school. My youngest daughter attended HGS for three years. She had a wonderful experience, was encouraged to challenge herself academically, and rewarded when she took academic risks. She was also supported when she decided to run a small business at school. She is now in college and is doing well in her chosen major of entrepreneurial business.
Submitted by other on June 01, 2017

No school is perfect or a utopia, but we were disappointed in HG. The concept is great and the tools are there, but the laid back atmosphere can contribute to a shortfall in the learning arena. In our experience it was due to a single disruptive student who managed to manipulate the teachers and classroom by derailing the academics on a daily basis for an entire year. Thus, the focus was continuously on "handling" the student and their needs, rather than on the needs of the other students (i.e. the desire to learn.) As a parent this is beyond frustrating, especially when you are paying well and can see the potential. Overall three stars.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2017

Our son is a rising senior at HGS and we couldn't be happier with the education he has received there. The teachers are truly exceptional and the Head of School does a fantastic job of leading the school in accomplishing its mission. I read through some of the other comments and was surprised to see anything negative about the Head of School. Erick has always been a joy to work with and I've never met an educator so dedicated to supporting our son's success. (Our son just took a week-long "Maymester" course on game theory with him and LOVED it). If you're looking for a school where your child's talents will be nurtured, values will be shaped, independence will be fostered, and community-engaged citizenship will be encouraged, look no further - HGS is the best school around. At HGS, your child will get honest feedback on their work and will gain the confidence needed to be successful both in and out of the classroom beyond high school. (If you have an artistic child, don't be put off by the lack of art classes. Through internships, "Maymester" classes, and electives, our son has been able to develop a solid portfolio to use in applying for film schools next year). If you're considering HGS but aren't sure if it's the right fit for your child, tour the school and see what you think. Erick and Lizzy (Admissions) can connect you with parents who can talk to you about their experiences. Tell them you'd like to talk to the mom of the rising senior who's planning to go to film school - they'll know who you're talking about and will give you my contact info. Happy to talk with you about how fantastic HGS is! :) Kim
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2016

The concept of the school is terrific, but there are problems that need to be addressed. Our most serious concern was with the headmaster and his temperament. He made a decision for our son that we did not feel was appropriate or beneficial. Our efforts at giving feedback were unwelcome and the school had no procedural safeguards. Perhaps this has changed in the current school year, but it bears checking with the Board before signing on.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2016

We are so lucky to have a school like this in our community. The teachers are actually invested in what their students are learning, and they approach education in a way that's progressive, student-centered, and thoughtful. Our kids are being taught how to *think* not just how to recite a bunch of facts. The intellectual growth my child has experienced here has been so impressive.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2016

My child started at HGS this fall, and it has been a terrific experience. My child likes the way they teach - out of the box.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2015

My daughter went to HGS for a 1.5 years. She was an excellent student, but was having mental illness issues. Instead of providing positive support for her, HGS just tried to distance themselves from her as fast as they could. Although the teachers are great, Erick, the Head of School, is the worst type of person to lead such a school. He alienated my daughter and wouldn't even let her communicate with her teachers. I'm not sure how any really good teacher could work under his administration, I know I couldn't.
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2015

We have always heard about the stellar reputation of HGS from many trusted friends, so recently enrolled out daughter this year. So far, we have seen teachers that are "genuinely" there for the kids. You can see the love of teaching in the staff and the care they show for their respective students. It's more of a community of learning than just another school.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2015

The Howard Gardner School is empowering our child to learn and grow. The caring community at HGS is wonderful and welcoming. Students, teachers, and staff work together to create an atmosphere in which our daughter feels comfortable participating in each class. She is happy to go to school everyday and her experience at HGS is having a positive effect in other areas of her life as well! We are so glad we found the Howard Gardner School!
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2015

This is the right place for our son, who is happy to go to school every day, and can't wait to go back to school after summer break!
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2015

Well, our experience is only 3 months old, but so far, so good. Our child was not doing well at Public Schools and was in danger of flunking out after one year in high school. Further, we had an extremely negative home environment due to pressure to keep up. We would have been unlikely to make it through another Public school year. we (parents & child) love HGS so far. No rote learning or homework; varied experiences for learning; getting out of the building; internships are big pluses for us.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2015

Howard Gardner is an amazing school! My son feels at home there in a way he never did in his previous school. The faculty and staff are incredibly talented and very attuned to the unique needs of each student.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2014

Attending HGS was a life-changing experience for my son. He is one of the "twice exceptional" kids: very smart but with a different learning style. The teaching staff at HGS convinced him that he could be successful, and then helped him reach his goals. We will always be grateful.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2011

The Howard Gardner School offers small classes and a challenging curriculum. The dedocated teachers integrate field studies with classroom work and the students are encouraged to become critical thinkers. All students are involved in internships that are tailored to their individual interests. By the time they apply to college, the kids have impressive resumes and they are already comfortable with college-style learning. The school is also great at helping the students choose a college that is right for them. They now have a middle school program, too!