Mendham Country Day School

204 Morristown Road

Bernards, NJ 07920

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 25, 2024

Mendham Country Day School is truly one of a kind. My three children have attend the school since preschool and are now in elementary and middle school. The staff is caring and understanding. They work with the students if they need extra help. The administration is like no other. They are hands on and work with parents to ensure each child's success. i would recommend this school at anyone looking for a safe and engaging learning environment for their children.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2023

First of all their enrollment is so low (many kids drop out after joining for one year). So kids make friends for a year & then there is a completely different class next year with 90% new students. Second, most of the kids in the school from 2nd grade to 8th grade are students of staff members (who work as teachers in the school), and their class average is 5-6 kids in each grade (so do the math – most of those are kids of faculty). The school is run completely by the vice principal because the principal is a veteran who owns the school & at this time is not involved with anything. There are no extra-curricular activities apart from a track team which literally uses the side walk at the front of the building to train kids. The vice principal claimed when we joined the school that we teach two other languages, Spanish & Mandarin to all kids. Not even once in two years my son learnt both languages at the same time. It was either spanish or mandarin & sometimes none because if their mandarin or spanish teacher goes on leave, then they have no back-ups. They will teach Spanish, then randomly start Mandarin & keep on switching based on teacher’s availabilities. Here is when it all fell apart for us - We went on a one week trip and I informed the teachers in advance that we were going on vacation & when my son went back to school, they took 3 exams on the first day he was back in school. They are so incourateous that not only did they try to teach one week worth of material to my son in one day, but then also took 3 exams the same day. This is fundamentally wrong & truly messed up. Talk about giving your child mental stress in school. When I reached out to the teachers & Vice principal, they kept on saying – “oh look at his scores, he did well”. My whole feedback was that you should have sent the study guides home so I could prepare my son for the tests. When I talked directly to the vice principal, she cut me off while I was explaining the situation, was completely defensive & absolutely rude on the call and SHE HUNG UP ON ME. The vice principal had no interest in listening to me, or taking any feedback. Don’t waste your money & don’t sacrifice your child’s mental state by sending them to this school. FYI - Most other reviews on websites are given by staff members whose kids go to this school. Teachers are not good either.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2018

Brilliant school. Children have attended since pre-k and now entering 5th and 6th grades. I can’t say enough about how fantastic our experience has been here. Faculty and leadership is exceptional. Everyone cares deeply about each child and knows them on a close, personal level. All are always accessible and hyper-responsive. Student teacher ratio is 7:1. 6th grade is currently 6 students —all exceptional children. Academics are rigorous but fair. Students are taught at their level — all teaching is customized to a students interest and capability. For example there are a handful of students in 6th who are doing high school level math (geometry and algebra 1), and 5th grade students who are participating in pre-algebra. Reading levels are also advanced to students capabilities. My children have absolutely loved their time here — it’s like an extended family/home. Every year it gets better and better. In fact, this year, the school is investing heavily in expanding its technology and science programs. Each student at appropriate grade levels will receive laptops and expand their knowledge of coding, robotics, and computing proficiency. Science program is expanding to incorporate more lab work with a new science lab being installed. Social, extra curricular, and clubs are fantastic too (customized for each age-level and built around collective students interests). The school actively participates in a variety of competitions (ex science, math, health, spelling, chess) and adding several more categories this year (debate, music, robotics). The arts program is also fantastic. Instrumental music instructor is a force and has exceeded so many expectations —children so enjoy his class and teaching style. It’s really quite incredible. The families here care deeply about their children’s success / happiness and take an active interest in the school. They are quiet from a marketing perspective which in many ways has been great ... keeping it small, focused, and curated. There has been discussion about extending the program to 7th and 8th which would be a brilliant opportunity to prepare children for their high school experience wherever that may be (socially, academically and confidently). It’s truly a very special place. We couldn’t be happier.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2018

My two boys have been attending Mendham Country Day School for seven years. The school offers a nurturing environment for all students. The program is academically advanced and allows children to move beyond their grade level when appropriate. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for their child to excel.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2018

Wonderful school! I have 2 children who attend this school. I believe that they are learning beyond their years from knowledgeable teachers and staff. The environment is very friendly and someone is always available to hear your praises or concerns. My children are cared for as if they are their own. I could not be happier with this school.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2018

Sent our infant daughter to this school for several months and had a significant number of observations where there was inadequate staff and unsanitary conditions. Awful
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2014

We have two boys at MCDS who have been there for several years now. My youngest (who is now 2.5) started in the infant room at around 14 weeks old. When I realized how wonderful the school is and how caring the staff is, I immediately moved my older son (now 5 years old) into the pre-school program. As a direct result, my 5 year old LOVES learning. He was reading at 4, and couldn't get enough of it. He also loves science and math, and we firmly believe that this school has set the foundation for a wonderful lifetime of learning. My younger son is developing the same love of learning and is intensely curious, so I am thrilled with all of the opportunities they give to children of his age to learn and explore. According to my pediatrician, my 2.5 year old has the vocabulary of a 5 year old and speaks as well. As a full time working mom I have some sneaking guilt about having my guys go to school from 8am - 6pm 5 days a week. MCD makes me feel great about this gift of education we have given them.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2014

The school is the best school a parent can expect. Kids learn at an incredible fast pace thank to the small classes. Kids have exposure to art, music, drama, sports in a way that they love to attend school everyday. Kids are in a loving environment with clear rules. My kids have been there 2 years and Ian sure the school is providing the best opportunities they can have at this age .
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

Two children in MCDS. Attending for 4 yrs. -Classes accelerated by one year. However, the way class is managed students who excel in a particular subject are groomed up. While, students who are challenged in an area, work 1:1 w teachers and in other groups. Given class size, the attention students receive is, from my observation, unmatched. It 's as if we have a private tutor. I have a child in kindergarten who is an accelerated reader and works daily 1:1 w his teacher at the 2nd grade level. -Morning/after school care are available. My children have always used this due to schedules. This care is managed by their teachers and aides -- not folks who 'come in' to babysit. They host activities and homework assist. -Teachers/faculty are ALWAYS accessible (drop/pickup we can speak with the teachers freely.) - Parents highly engaged. Fantastic community. - Summer camp is great. We've participated for 4yrs. Upper camp takes daily trips; younger camp stays on campus for activities. Very competitive pricing and gives kids a chance to stay together throughout the year. They love it. - 1x/mo. student Friday fun nights (pizza and movie) - Safe, smart. A great character-enhancing environment.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2014

We have all 3 of our kids at Mendham Country Day School (MCDS). We are pleased with the level of academic focus and socialization that the kids are getting. My kids are definitely challenged with their school work. While they enjoy their class time they look forward to their playtime in aftercare. They are exposed to a variety of art and culture. MCDS has become our home away from home. I am thankful that my kids have a school where they are comfortable, safe and enjoy being.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2014

Mendham Country Day is a terrific school. I only wish we started our sons there sooner. Initially we weren't sure if the school would provide the right balance of academics and nurturing. It seemed like a very formal atmosphere. But within weeks of starting our younger son, we saw that the school challenged him while still creating a warm and fun atmosphere. We were so pleased with his experience that we switched our older son out of public school and enrolled him at Mendham Country Day as well. He had been very emotional at the other schooll, seemingly totally overwhelmed. Within weeks of switching to MCDS, he was our happy kid again. My children have really thrived in this school. I think the small size of the school prevents these kids from being overwhelmed. They know everyone and everyone knows them. The teachers are enthusiastic and very responsive. Perhaps best of all, this school is very convenient for working parents. Not only are the hours great, but they are frequently open days when other schools aren't. In addition, Parents can be involved, but there isn't an expectation that they be there all the time--and no judgement if you forget something. Great School!
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2012

One of my younger children was enrolled at the preschool program for about 1 year. My comments only apply to its preschool programs. From my experience and observation as a parent and my kid's experience, this is not a good school for young children's development at most of aspects: 1)language(use many non-native speaking teachers for children at most critical language development stage);2)no tactic ways to improve students academically even though it emphasizes on it (for example: letting 3 yr copy the teacher hand dot letter without training them other ways to make their finger strong first; talking about phonic base teaching by teaching alphabet first); 3) very old style of school environment, no promotion of any other aspects of development(leadership, curiosity, decision making ), actually suppress others. 4) Be aware that the school may sign you up for more than 1 year contact if you are enrolled in the middle of year.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2012

I am jack riccardo and I am a former student of MCDS. This school has been an amazing experience for me. I was there for 9 years and they helped me every step of the way. I now go to Gill St. Bernards in Gladstone and if it wasnt for MCD, I would have never made it to a great school like that. I cherish every memory that MCD has made for me. I think about the wonderful times I had there everyday, and how much that I learned. Thank you MCD
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2012

The preschool kids here do looks scared or no reactions than normal preschool kids, like I saw another parent mentioned in a review.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2011

We have two kids in the school, one in Early Kindergarten and the other is in an infant class. My 4 year old is reading, doing math, learning Spanish, knows about the planets. It is really unbelievable how much the kids learn. The teachers are interactive and wonderful. The afterschool clubs are interesting (drama club, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, cooking club, Mandarin Chinese). She has really blossomed since starting there. Also, I love that my older child goes to school in the same place where my infant is in day care because it just makes my life easier.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2011

The school is fantastic. We have two kids in the school one is 6 yrs and the other 3 yrs. We placed the 6 yr old in public kindergarden thinking given the great reputation for public schools in the area he would do well. Unfortunately, the public school had 28 kids in kindergarden. My child was bored and he was not learning. We even placed him in Kumon for additional work that the public school was not providing. We were frustrated with public school as our son is bright and they would not make special accommodations for kids like him. We placed him back in the school and he loves it. I am just amazed at what he is learning there is real curriculum , real books, science, music , and real math. He is doing word problems and is a beginning reader. Mrs Rogers is just amazing and she really cares about each child. It seemed like no one could care less about my child in public school. It is a financial sacrifice for our family but money well spent. I can sleep well at night knowing they are in good hands.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2010

MCD really focuses on academics. All of the children are learning material that is at least one grade level higher than their peers at public schools. I have been sending my daughter for the last three years here and she loves it. Very individualized attention for each student. Last year they introduced after school clubs that are amazing - swimming, horseback riding, gymnastics, etc.!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2010

Mendham Country Day School is a great environment for children. They provide individualized attention to each child, allowing them to excel beyond what I thought was possible. The loving and caring staff makes me comfortable leaving my child while I go to work.