Glen Urquhart School

74 Hart Street

Beverly, MA 01915

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 01, 2022

Gus is a mixed experience, very dependent on which teachers your child has on any given year and on the student body of your child's class. It is also a hypocritical environment as they claim to be all about the "whole child" and the "social-emotional well-being" of each student, but they are unwilling to provide consequences for students who are disruptive or even mean to others, thereby forcing the other students to suffer the consequences.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2018

Everything you can ask for and more. The educators are caring, compassionate, excited to teach. The individualized attention my children receive help them flourish not only academically but emotionally. They focus on the whole individual, fostering confidence, self awareness, awareness and kindness towards others and the community. A 4000 sq foot greenhouse is a teaching tool right on the gorgeous grounds. Children learn about the environment and how to compost, participate in the community and perform actual real life skills and tasks. GUS uses all aspects of the outside and inside of the school to foster fun learning. I am truly shocked and amazed when I see my child speak in front of the whole school with grace and confidence as her peers and teachers encourage then to shine. The perfect size of the school enables a child to feel loved, supported and known by all. I always smile with a full heart when I drop off my kids and see their smiles when I pick them up. What more can you ask for?
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2017

Five reasons why this school is outstanding and why we send our child to GUS.1. Student to teacher ratio is amazingly low due to the co-teacher model. In addition, there are five other special subject teachers and the children attend these classes biweekly. I have observed extensive one-on-one teaching and each child is given individual mentoring and coaching. In addition there is time to attend to the all the students, encompassing their own unique developmental needs. 2. The schools policies are top notch - including safety, honesty, and respect for each individual. A super important and wonderful policy surrounds the use of technology. It is not relied upon to fill in due to lack of school resources, nor are cell phones allowed to be powered on by students within the school grounds.3. A focus of the curriculum is on teaching kids to communicate and understand one another using honesty and empathy. The children have certain times of the week they focus on social and emotional growth and development. When situations arise that require attention, a great deal of effort is made to help children work out their own solutions with support.4. Children learn to advocate for others and for themselves. The curriculum integrates time for learning to speak up for and stand up for those who need additional support.5. A really special highlight is that our children learn to speak and perform individually and collectively in front of groups - ranging from their peers in small groups to assemblies in front of the entire school.Glen Urquhart School is a really great school!
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2017

I made the decision to move my third grader from public school to GUS because I was looking for a more enriching environment for him. I was first impressed with the variety of experiences, from learning a language to the opportunities for practical learning through field trips. Once we made the transition I was even more impressed with the warmth of the community. In just a few months we have experiences such a strong sense of belonging. GUS is the whole package - strong, varied education and a true community experience.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2017

I have two girls who are getting two very different experiences at GUS. One wanted to leave her previous school in order to be challenged more academically. The other was a child who could easily have floated through school undetected just as she would have liked. In such a small school the teachers make an effort to give extra challenges and more importantly there is time to study concepts in BREADTH with time for students to ask questions and explore within each concept. The curriculum based around social emotional growth is pivotal for both girls as the middle schooler feels her way through all the things that go along with that age and my younger daughter is learning to feel comfortable enough with herself and her peers to be daring academically. She is learning how to fail and feel comfortable/want to learn how to do it better the next time. The close connection between the teachers and every single student brings the commitment to academics to a much higher level for both the students and the teachers. It is a school that has a family/camp feel and everyone is just that much more invested in the experience. Beyond that, I have been incredibly impressed with the unique way they introduce math at all levels including first the concept then working on the process of crunching the numbers so that math first becomes an understandable concept to the children before they even more to the numbers. I like how there is emphasis on a diverse range of specials including dance, music, computer science, library, PE, art, Spanish, Latin, and maker space. The population of families at GUS makes me feel very grounded and I think the families that send their children are more focused on sending them there for the quality of the experience and education rather than the image of the school. The group of staff at GUS seem highly committed to not only the students but also to their own growth within the school so that they can provide the best learning experience possible for the students.
Submitted by other on March 08, 2017

I have two students at GUS. To say that they are thriving, is an understatement. They are endlessly curious about so many topics. GUS has the perfect balance of academic and social-emotional incorporated into their curriculum. It is a wonderful community. We looked at several school on the North Shore before we chose GUS and could be more happy with our decision.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2017

Glen Urquhart is a crown jewel among all schools in the North Shore. We moved back to the Boston area just as my daughter started 1st grade, and my husband and I looked at several options, both public and private. From our initial interaction with GUS's Directors of Admissions (who called me back on Christmas Eve, even though she had tons of family at her house!), through the first week orientation where my daughter was welcomed with a huge banner signed by all the kids in the class and then an "all school" assembly where they sang Happy Birthday to her, we just were overwhelmed by the kindness, caring, thoughtfulness of the school. Now she is in 3rd grade, and the terrific blend of academics, nature, field trips, parent engagement, gentle reinforcement of social skills and honor/kindness/values, + fabulous teachers makes for an truly outstanding winning combination.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2017

We were trying to decide between the tailored, child-centered focus and academic rigor of a private school, and the diversity, community and openness of a public school. We found both, and even more at Glen Urquhart. From the first moment of our visit, we were struck by the creativity and goodness that permeate every nook and cranny of this magical campus. 3 years later, our daughter is thriving in every way we could have hoped for: academically, creatively and socially. If you are seeking a place where the educators genuinely care about each child, and work to bring out the best in them, look no further. GUS is your place.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2016

This is our fifth year at GUS and we believe it is, truly, a great school. The teachers and overall academic program at GUS are outstanding; we have been amazed by what our daughter has learned and the creative ways in which she has learned things each year. After our first year at GUS I remarked that I'd never been in a place where so much thought went into each and every thing, from field trips to assemblies to lectures...each aspect of learning is a small piece of one clearly intentional whole. It is great to see the kids bloom even as they are being challenged academically. The GUS teachers truly plant the seeds of life-long learners. In additional, the GUS community is so welcoming, warm, and unpretentious. If you are looking at schools in the area I really do urge you to look at GUS.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2015

GUS has turned my outgoing, athletic, and fun-loving daughters into even more happy kids who LOVE school. I'd looked at other schools in the area (both of my children are in elementary level) and my husband and I tried to stay really focused on "what really mattered" at the end of the day. We found what we were looking for at GUS. And we were able to do this while looking beyond a few of the facilities in need of improvement (one is a bit of an eyesore but try not to let it taint you if you can!!!!) We ultimately realized that buildings can change......but a solid, grounded, values-based academic culture is difficult to change quickly. As a family we have been lucky with resources and we want to shield our kids from the ill-effects of entitlement and affluenza which seemed, to us, to be evident at peer schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2015

With the clear understanding that there is a broad spectrum of learners here, I have been disappointed with the overall level of academics. I wouldn't say it's mediocre, but I would say that it is inconsistent. We experience a great deal of turnover which I am sure contributes to this, however it is troubling. I see other schools with their labs, rock walls and fine arts centers, and I would like to see the same for our kids. I know this is not where you come for a sports program, but a top notch athletic program would be nice.. Sometimes I think we should stick with our earthy crunchy roots.....
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2014

I have 3 children attending the Glen Urquhart School and it has continuously exceeded my expectations. It provides all the benefits parents would hope to expect from a private school: strong academics, small group and individualized learning and a culture where learning is valued as an exciting endeavor. There is a strong value in providing a well rounded education in arts, foreign languages, critical thinking and experiential learning. However, the most important difference we have found is in how the faculty at Gus consistently go above and beyond to foster a community where students genuinely care for themselves, one another and the community outside the school. The children hold open doors for one another, greet fellow students and teachers with smiles, and quickly offer a helping hand. This spirit of collaboration spills into the classroom where students learn together through innovative teaching approaches such as Harvard Project Zero. They feel confident in facing challenges which has lead to positive academic and personal growth for my children. I strongly believe the faculty at GUS are preparing my children and other students not just for success in school but in life.
Submitted by other on November 21, 2014

I attended GUS from K-8, and I did like it. One of the struggles I ve had since graduating has been in math and science. I was somewhat unprepared compared to the other students in my grade. My high school is known for its academics and it was a lot to get used to; a really big change from what I came from. I spent my first year playing catch-up and that was hard. There are many different types of kids at GUS, which is a positive because the world is filled with many different types of people and you need to be able to understand differences and that is a good thing. There are some great mentors where I am, and people in my HS were very willing to work with me; it s just been a long road, and a bit of a struggle. Sometimes a bit lonely, but again the exposure to different types of kids should serve me well (I hope) in the long run.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2013

When my husband and I started looking into schools, we were overwhelmed by the amount of private schools in Massachusetts - there are a lot of them. But our son's preschool teacher recommended the Glen Urquhart School (or GUS as it's affectionately called). She said it was one of the best private schools north of Boston and the most nurturing private school on the North Shore. It wasn't until my son started attending that I understood what she meant by nurturing. At GUS, it's about more than just education, it's about the whole child and fostering happiness, confidence, curiosity and creativity. They seem as committed to each child's emotional growth and well-being as they are to their education. This is exactly what I love about GUS and, in talking with other parents, what many of them love about GUS and why they chose it. There is an incredible atmosphere on campus - and it's a beautiful campus - where students, faculty and parents all seem happy and excited about GUS. Most important of all is that my son loves it and he's excited to go to school.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2013

This is a unique school. Culture of collaboration over competition. Student centered. Respectful. Fun. Artistic. But with a world vision and great academics. When my daughter applied to private high schools she was told again and again "The GUS kids are the best prepared". It is the critical thinking skills and independence this school engenders. Two certified teachers in every classroom is a difference maker compared to other area independent schools. We have had two of our children go through GUS now and we can honestly say that they loved this school from start to finish. It is so reassuring as a parent to hear your child say "I loved school today".
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2013

High cost/low value. Glen Urquhart School consistently ranks below the top area schools. Science and tech are sorely lacking. Staff, resources, facilities, and programs cannot match what other schools offer. Class sizes exceed those found at other schools and teachers clearly struggle to maintain order and provide individualized instruction. Perhaps attempts to compete and cost cutting, have caused deficiencies that hopefully over time can be overcome. Make no mistake, there is a fan base, our admissions are more flexible than other schools, making it possible for the private school experience that may not otherwise be available. Blogs from our various dept heads recognize shortcomings, however, solutions still seem unclear.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2012

no complaints here; could be considered somewhat lacking if compared to the top schools in the area making it a bit pricey but, overall a decent experience....
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2011

Two sons attended this school; outstanding academic preparation and commitment to community; thematic curriculum is wholly successful in integrating academic subjects to produce an excellent educational experience; sports program is engaging, competitive and well coached; art, drama, music and committed community service are strong positives.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2011

GUS prepared our two sons for their high school experience, both attending challenging high schools. In addition to the strong academics, the arts and drama are a key part of the curriculum. Sports teams in the middle school compete with other independent schools. Community Service is exceptional with the eighth graders participating in a work week where they are off campus to many locations for "real work" in various communities in Honduras, Appalachia, and Boston.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2010

Glen Urquhart provides a challenging academic curriculum within a nurturing environment. The administration and faculty get to know all the students well, which makes your child feel very secure and "known". There are two fully accredited teachers in K-8 which allows for a lot of smaller group teaching. Students who need to be challenged in a subject area are and students who need a little more help get that as well. Creativity is weaved throughout the curriculum which helps to exercise the right side of the brain to allow for students to "think outside of the box". There are many opportunities for hands-on learning and outdoor explorations. The school has science labs, computer lab, art studios, a greenhouse, nature trails and athletic fields. There are many field trips to support the curriculum. At GUS an athlete can also be an artist or musician and vice versa.