Sparhawk School

Upper School 4 Noel Street Amesbury, MA

Amesbury, MA 01913

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on September 11, 2018

This school is not fit for anyone who wants their child to feel good about themselves and get a good education. My daughter went here and her self confidence went way down after numerous teachers bullied her. They treated her like a pariah, and her grades fell because of it.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2016

I am the parent of two children currently at Sparhawk. I can not imagine a better school for them. They are excited every day to arrive and learn. The experiential curriculum, the opportunity to think critically, the creative and individualized approach the teachers take is unparalleled. There is nothing more important to me than my children's happiness and Sparhawk fosters this happiness and a love of learning.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2016

My son had a transformative year at Sparhawk School in his 8th grade (2015-2016). Prior to attending Sparhawk, he was at Andover public schools. He would frequently refuse to go to school -- waking up with a stomach ache. This did not happen 1 time at Sparhawk. He had previously refused to stand up in front of a group to read or to present. At the end of this past school year, he gave a "TED" talk in front of students, parents, and teachers. It brought happy tears to my eyes to see the positive changes in my child. For the first time, he loves school. He & his brother are now proud members of the Sparhawk community. I couldn't have dreamed up a better school. I just wish I had found it sooner!
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2016

Sparhawk has been a gift for our family. My child has attended Sparhawk now for five years. During this time we have seen him blossom into a kind, compassionate, bright child who loves learning. He thrives in the environment that they have created. This school is my child's home away from home. His teachers are simply wonderful, always extending a kind word or taking the time to connect with me should a need arise. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this School, and will be eternally grateful that my child had this experience.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2016

Unless your child fits the "Sparhawk" mold, they are not interested in working with your child. this facility is more concerned about profit and less concerned about a child's well-being. I am greatly disappointed in this school and its faculty. The headmaster repeated mentioned that "she has over 30 years of experience in the business" and not "over 30 years educating young minds." I guess I was the blind one not to see her for who she is, a business owner first, and an educator second. Don't let the "hippie atmosphere and care free learning atmosphere deter your judgment. They would rather get rid of a child, instead of hiring more help. Pathetic.
Submitted by other on October 27, 2015

My daughter went from dreading school at a private school in Beverly to excitement about the new school year. Each child is truly treated as an individual and with respect. It is a creative, healthy culture with none of the bullying, elitism, issues with mass cutting, etc. that we saw with her last private school. While they challenge the kids they don't destroy their confidence and happiness with unnecessary stress like constant homework over vacations and summer. There is a balance of kindness, focus on the needs of the child (vs. the image of the school and convenience of teachers), well rounded top notch academics without pretensions, keeping up with current learning on education, being willing to expand their thinking vs sticking to school traditions. The kids there truly love and respect their teachers and they are not constantly hitting you up for more money like other private schools. They have an international boarding program and a relationship with a hispanic girls school both of which mean real diversity and commitment to learning about different cultures.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2015

My son started as a freshman at Sparhawk High School three years ago, and it has been a wonderful experience for him. He has developed a love of learning and actually looks forward to going to school. Sometimes he complains of having too much homework but that's to be expected from a 16 year old. I don't understand the negative review about the students not having homework. I would question any child that made that claim since I know there's plenty. All assignments are available online and so you can check what assignments are due and what grade your child received. What sets Sparhawk apart is the small classes, the engaged and committed teachers and the positive energy of the place. College preparation is emphasized and proved with 100% of the students placed by the end of their senior year. Each semester, the student is required to participate in a school wide public presentation of projects highlighting a faculty chosen theme. The experience teaches them public speaking and how to research and write, all valuable skills for college. I can't speak about the lower grades, but the high school has been amazing.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2014

Sparhawk is truly a gem- my son is in his third year here and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are brilliant, and obviously love what they do. My son goes to school with several of the faculty children- I remember touring the school and thinking that it was a wonderful testament to Sparhawk that so many of the faculty chose the school for their own children. My son loves going to school, abs is excited about his studies especially math and science. The arts program is phenomenal- it's integrated into the curriculum and there are enrichments and afterschool options as well. Foreign language is also part of his studies- My son has been taking Mandarin Chinese here since kindergarten, how great is that?! We love Sparhawk and are so thankful that we made this choice for our child.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2014

Academics were a disappointment. It was very difficult to discern true performance: We rarely saw any in-class work, and there s no homework. Sparhawk places great emphasis on art and does that well. Outside of art, the curriculum is limited. For example, a yearlong science project focused on local bird habitats and basic facts while ignoring the essence of scientific discovery. It was more important to be able to draw a bird than to characterize a bird. Foreign language is taught but not well. You ll learn most of the kitchen utensils, but not even the simplest of sentences (e.g., My friend s name is John.) Communication, be it teacher to student or teacher/administrator to parent, is poor. We found the school s leadership capricious, reactive and lacking integrity. If your child is not predictable and composed, this NOT THE PLACE. The administration is intolerant of children who show any form of externalizing behavior (e.g., crying, emotional responses). Those who plan to transition to public school should expect to be behind peers, as Sparhawk doesn t hold students accountable for learning. Finally, if you leave mid-year for any reason, you still owe the full year's tuition.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

We have three children who have thrived at Sparhawk School over the past 11 yrs, one exceptionally gifted, one musical and kinesthetic with ADHD, and one a quiet, observational learner. Each has been nurtured at Sparhawk, as a learner and as a person, and each has learned to love learning, make good friends, and want to engage with big ideas. Their very diverse needs as students were met through Sparhawk's differentiated approach to curriculum, and the math whiz, the artist, and the science/ELA lover were all challenged and nurtured at the school. The artist is graduating from college next weekend, and I attribute this in no small part to the love and support of the teachers at Sparhawk, and their responsiveness to the way HE learned. The math whiz is at college, forging a path towards sustainable energy and building small, zero impact housing. Sparhawk taught my children to envision a future of limitless possibilities and a commitment to positive social change, and gave them the skills to pursue their goals. The science/ELA lover is in middle school, still loving learning and school. Who will she be? I don't know, but I trust that, at Sparhawk, she'll be the one to decide.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2014

My son attended Sparhawk School for four years. He forged bonds with teachers, administrators, and fellow students and learned that school can be a positive and healthy place, rather than a drudgery. The Sparhawk Middle School and High school experience taught him to use his creative thinking, trust his writing and math skills and to build upon and improve those skills. He worked hard and learned so much while at Sparhawk. He appreciated the opportunities available to him in math, drama, music, and writing and learned so much from 8th Grade Speech and Novice Synthesis. The school does a very good job keeping class sizes small, but as a result the social scene is smaller. I wish this school could increase the number of students in attendance so that there is a broader peer base. We felt like we were in a caring community and currently stay in touch as often as we are able. As parents, we were in control of how involved we were- we helped PTO, gave presentations in the classroom, and helped out the drama program. It is a great place!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2014

My families experience with Sparhawk School has been exactly what I had hoped it would be. My son is in his second year with the school, and he is absolutely thriving. He is not only excelling academically with their dynamic curriculum, he is excited to go to school and absolutely loves it. In a day and age when so many schools are cutting back on their art and music programs, it's refreshing to find a school that emphasizes their importance. The teachers are thoughtful, kind and dedicated to creating the loving community that truly feels like home. Every day when I pick up my son, his reacher takes the time to engage with me and share at least one special moment from the day. In addition I often receive photos in my email showcasing his classes adventures. I can not say enough positive things about this school.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2013

You can see from the reviews that this school is somewhat polarizing. That's because Sparhawk is great for some kids and parents and not for others. If your child is having a hard time firing into the public system or a larger school Sparhawk can be a great place for them to learn and thrive - in particular the High School or Lower School. As with most schools, the Middle School is the most problematic for many reasons but again, including teaching and leadership quality and a lack of process around disciplinary procedures but some kids and parent thrive there. Parents can get as involved as they like - this is encouraged - but if your child hits a roadblock communication with parents, throughout is weak. We have had mixed experiences there so really I would encourage a visit to the school and decide for yourself.
Submitted by other on May 09, 2013

I taught at Sparhawk for many years and then I left to publish books and consult in the field of education. After visiting dozens of schools over the past few years, I can confidently say that Sparhawk is an amazing place for teaching and learning. The teachers are there to help students on a deep level, but that means that the students must be committed to the learning process. The complaints about the school that I have read translate to the idea that some students just want to glide through school without actually challenging themselves as academics. Sparhawk is designed to "Celebrate Ideas" and "Honor Children." This means that students are given every chance, every individualized chance to be successful. Whether they (or the families) take advantage of powerful learning or not, is up to the student. I have been to dozens and dozens of schools as a consultant in the past three years, and I have never come across a better school. People who want more should choose Sparhawk. Period.
Submitted by other on November 09, 2012

There are not words that can describe sparhawk school the teachers are all kind and have a genuine understanding and respect for kids! The schools academics are out standing and it is a shame all kids dont get this kind of learning experience. Having been to sparkawk school i know first hand that it was the best school experience of my life. possibly one of the most important over all experience of my life!
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2012

A truly inspiring school where teachers love teaching and children are part of a community surrounded by respect and encouragement. My son is highly motivated in part because his teachers never fail to challenge him or encourage him to take risks. A nurturing enviornment for all learning styles and backgrounds. I am also thrilled with Sparhawk's assistance with college applications and the entire process.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2012

The parent posting in regards to students wearing slippers is likely referring to the blatant disregard for basic health needs such as having students in slippers when the heat has stopped working, children out in the cold and rain without appropriate attire. The comments referring to the school as tolerant are not credible. Children are often unsupervised as teachers flock together and chat. My own child was bullied there extensively. The lack of quality in the academic experience there for my child was shocking. We have since switched to a private school with a long history of excellence in academics and an appropriate and kind culture. I would send my child anywhere but here. I also spent a significant amount of time at the Sparhawk campus when my child was enrolled.
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2012

My child recently completed 8 years of schooling at the Sparhawk School. I can t imagine a better place for a child to grow up, learn and become the quality of human beings that our world needs more of. He is a respectful, thoughtful, curious, intelligent and tolerant child, all of which were qualities nurtured at Sparhawk. Sparhawk breeds tolerant individuals who are independent thinkers as well as strong community members. Sparhawk also provides dynamic curriculum that both challenged my child and made learning interesting and engaging. The director of the school is infinitely versed in child development, as are the faculty. I felt the school was always an extension of our home, in that, the people that my child was in the hands every day deeply cared about his social, emotional and academic growth just as much as I did. The administration and faculty works tirelessly to provide a healthy and holistic experience for each child and are always on hand to field questions and concerns along the way. The 8 years my child spent at Sparhawk were 8 of the most positive and enriching years of my child s (and consequently our family s) life.
Submitted by teacher on July 16, 2012

Here is the difference between a Sparhawk student and the parent who previously posted: A Sparhawk student judges people by the content of his or her character, not by what he or she is wearing. Those slipper wearing students are loving, kind, creative thinking individuals who go on to college prepared to be successful citizens and engaged learners. Shame on that parent who can't see beyond a student's style to the person inside. Shame on an adult picking on a child. I am a Sparhawk teacher and my "pajama wearing" students are wonderful!
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2012

I hope people these reviews before sending their child here. The school lacks stability as stated below. Usually they are wearing pajamas occasionally slippers. To say that I am horrified is putting it mildly.