Davidson Day School

750 Jetton Street

Davidson, NC 28036

73 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 27, 2023

Very good experience: excellent professors, great environment, good accommodations.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2021

This school is perfect for PK-5 grade, anything beyond that is questionable.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2021

We have had a wonderful experience, our son is thriving with the attention and creativity to learning. Thank you!
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2019

First 5 years were positive. (Pre and lower school). The last 4 years in Middle school have been wrought with negativity, deception and poor character. Most families come to DDS because they are unable to get their children into the other local quality schools of Pine Lake prep or Cumminity School of Davidson. Pre-School and Lower school at DDS is exceptional, but you will question and regret if you stay longer than 4th grade...
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2019

Over six years and 2 daughters, our experience has been fantastic. Of course the tuition is a killer, but I do believe that the lessons both academically and otherwise make it worthwhile. My older daughter received significant scholarship money in college, so I think of it as paying for college on the front end! I love that the faculty and admin at DDS are so approachable and they are truly likable people. I strongly believe that any bad reviews of the school must be based on a singular experience or "sour grapes" and I would encourage anyone considering private school to check out DDS, talk with other parents, take a tour and speak to staff. I will be very sad when my younger daughter graduates as I think of the school as a second family.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2019

This has been our educational “home” for over 10 years. Kids spend so many of their waking hours at school. The faculty & staff provide the best care & education for my kids that I could ask for! In turn, we are a highly involved family in the life of the school. Families owe it to their schools to be involved & give back to make it a vibrant culture.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2018

Nothing but positive. What an awesome school We feel fortunate to have this resource so close to our home. My child does not have to get on a long bus ride and after school activities are so accessible and we can go visit and be there in 10 minutes. We are lucky to call Davidson Day home!!!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2018

It’s been wonderful. I’m thrilled that my son has been attending the school for the past 4 years. His happiness and academic success is a reflection of the great experience we’ve had at Davidson Day.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2018

Our experience has been wonderful. The middle school teachers are nurturing while also encouraging independent learning.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2018

Terrible! Toddler teacher is awful. Very stubborn and argumentative. Gets frustrated easily during discussions, doesn't listen, does things her way. Many complaints from other parents in the class as well, with some pulling their child. Its easily the most expensive school in the area, yet they hound you constantly throughout the year to donate more, and go so far as specifically reaching out to you if you have not donated. I will never recommend this school due to our bad experience, and the experience others had in the class. Keep in mind this is a toddler class, which makes it even more ridiculous. Other grades may have better teachers, but not a risk I want to take with my child, or wallet, again.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2018

NO PLACE IS PERFECT, BUT THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD CHOICE FOR OUR KIDS.
Submitted by other on March 19, 2018

There is a review below that says that Davidson Day does not have the resources to work with youth with LD, which I assume they mean learning disability, which should be further explained that learning disabilities can include everything from ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Autism, PTSD, sleep disorders; truthfully, any medical condition that interferes with day-to-day life. Diagnosis that are increasingly prevalent in this current generation. I would expect a private school that charges the price tag of a university would be able to provide proper resources to youth with learning disabilities, especially since many youth with simple accommodations can perform on level and many times, excel past their peers. Any research into famous successful scientists, politicians, engineers, etc. will show that a simple diagnosis does not mean someone can grow into a creative, outstanding adult.Furthermore, as someone who tutors youth at this school and converses with teachers and reads much of the documentation that is provided and has worked with many schools as an Education Coordinator for a Non-Profit Agency and pursuing licensure as a teacher, I can say that the teachers of this institution appear to not be updated on best practices for teaching. One of the perks you would expect for having youth attend private school is that they can be graded outside of standard state testing. However, a teacher stated that a student's test scores demonstrated that the student had not mastered the curriculum and had no evidence beyond the use of testing to support her claim. Considering I have witness the same child complete many worksheets and projects without assistance (including not using a calculator) and answer everything correctly, it is obvious that a test cannot measure everyone's skill levels.Some may say that kids have to take tests in order to get the needed SAT or ACT scores to go to a university but those same tests will allow for accommodations in testing. If you are looking for a school that has teachers who understand that multiple learning styles exist and using different activities is essential to reaching all youth and helping them think critically, this is not the school. A large work load and a focus on testing does not make successful learners but will likely lead to mental health diagnosis that the school is so afraid to work with.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2017

I highly recommend anyone considering this school pay strict attention to the negative posts. They are honest! The positive posts are by the teachers and administration for the obvious financial endless need. Trying to keep the revolving door full of new suckers
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2017

I have been reading the reviews and see a lot of negative reviews which is unfortunate. Many families are unhappy because the current Headmaster refused to reserve 5 slots for football players in the Upper School. I completely agree with his decision, this is a small, academically rigorous school not a football powerhouse. My daughter's teachers are very supportive and engaged. She has blossomed at this school. As far as it not being a place for LD students, I think that public or other private schools are more suited for their needs. I do not hold that against DD as it is a small school and does not have the resources to meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities. If your child is bright and a hard worker this is the place for him or her to thrive!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2017

I have had four of my children attend Davidson Day School over the past 6 years. My oldest graduated two years ago (2015), I have two graduating this year (2017), and my youngest will be a rising 9th grader. All four of my children are completely different and learn different ways. DDay teaches in a variety of ways for each learners needs. One of my children is dyslexic and has auditory processing challenges. The teachers have been wonderful with helping him be the best student he can be making honor roll several times. Davidson Day has been a wonderful place for all my children. They have been exposed to a variety of experiences they would not have otherwise had. Some of the many great things have been a strong football program with a sense of family. Friday night lights has been lots of fun for all. My son played and my daughters cheered. The Belize and Spain programs, the theater department is out of this world, and the director is the best. The teachers are caring. They really want the students to do well. The school offers a variety of honors and AP classes which are rigorous. They will work with students after school, during lunch, and/or study hall. The college counselors have been instrumental in assisting my older children in planning their future path. Administration has changed several times during our tenure and some were better than others, but I would not change our experiences for any other school in the area. No school is perfect and without challenges at some time or another. That is called growth. Overall, thus far it has been a wonderful experience.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2017

We have been at Davidson Day for 5+ years and through 4 headmasters. Tons of hope the new headmaster would provide the stability and direction this school has needed for a long time. That was wishful thinking and we could not be more disappointed in the new leadership. Same old problems still exist: no transparency with administration or Board, some administrators that should have been let go years ago have been retained while good people are let go (because they did not go with the status quo and voiced concerns), and new headmaster makes decisions without hearing all sides (agree with previous parent as he is arrogant and former military background, thus used to everyone following orders and not questioning decisions). In addition, multiple families left mid-year when the headmaster and Board decided a competitive football program was not worth sustaining. Multiple players had D1 scholarship offers and the school left them on the doorstep with no guarantee of a program. Thus, multiple other families have left or are leaving (along with siblings) due to how poorly this situation was handled and the disrespect they felt as parents and students. The domino effect has led to low high school numbers for next year and many programs (athletic and non-athletic) will struggle to make it (contrary to what admissions will tell you!). I also agree with other review about lack of support regarding students with learning differences. The Learning and Enrichment Center is not even led by someone with a background in learning disabilities or learning differences. All around this school talks a good talk but not worth the money they are charging. The tight-knit board found what they wanted, a Headmaster that is now their "puppet" and will do what they want which is to have all academic kids and to rid of anyone who requires special assistance or disagrees with their views. For the most part there are great teachers at this school who are stuck in the middle of dysfunctional administrative and Board dynamics and clearly a Board who lacks in skills in hiring good headmasters. There are other private schools in the north area that are already stable (Cannon) or are moving in a great, positive direction (Christ the King). I recommend you invest in your child's education elsewhere. We are done with DDS and moving our children. We have just had enough, it's the kids that lose.
Submitted by other on February 06, 2017

School used to have great program (Learning and Enrichment Center) for struggling or special needs students (ADD, for example). Board no longer fully supports this program, and admissions folks actively discourage kids from applying unless student is very low-maintenance and needs no assistance. School now looks only for students who they can bet will automatically succeed with no interventions, even mild ones. Aloof admissions people. Far too focused on polishing their already-fully self sufficient students, and no interest in helping any others. Based on personal experience where one child accepted eagerly, but mildly ADD child with average grades told to not even bother. So neither followed through. Stay away.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2017

I have been a parent at DDS for nearly 10 years, and it is an outstanding school for my children. The teachers are exceptional, very dedicated to their craft, and they strive to teach in creative ways that really engage their students. The class sizes are small so those kids who need it can get extra support. There’s been multiple heads of school over the past several years, but the new head (started in July) is energetic and motivated to be here for the long haul. I feel very good about our investment in DDS. As I look ahead to my kids moving onward to upper school, I don’t question the caliber of the academic experience and the college counseling office, because I’ve seen my friends’ older kids thrive and go on to great colleges. For me, I wonder whether my kids will be content with the smallish size of the school at that point in their lives. At the same time, I love the close-knit community of DDS, so I don't want future expansion to make that go away. I'll be interested to see how things progress over the next couple years...
Submitted by other on January 12, 2017

It was amazing! Going on the 4th headmaster in 7 years, losing their football program after 4 championship seasons. 18,000 a year no stadium, no field, and no work-out room. If you want a small school with non-competitive sports this is your home. The school board is invisible, no transparency a headmaster who is an elitist. The teachers are amazing and we will miss the many great staffers who make this school so awesome. We were here for the whole package academics and athletics. The school could've been the elite school of the North corridor. Taking steps backward now...
Submitted by other on January 10, 2017

Davidson Day has struggled since it's inception in 1999 to be relevant among the area schools. They always had openings. Academically they promised catering to individual needs of each student, they could not deliver on that, so families left. A new headmaster welcomed competitive sports by expanding into football. She hired recognized coaches that won state titles. As a result, there became a waitlist for the 1st time. These above average athletes parents demanded academics be improved, which they did compared to other private options in area at that time. Around 2008 Charter schools began to open near, and the academic edge was lost to college prep tuition free charter schools. We've had 4 headmasters in 6 years - we came for the whole child experience of sports & academics. Sadly, Jan. 1st DDay new headmaster, as of Fall 2016, adopted the policy of "every child gets a trophy" and decided to just offer sports - not competitive anymore - they are trying to close down the football program to make way for more arts. If you are a liberal elite and love paying for a school that has absolutely no facilities - you've found your home !! I agree with the previous post of cheating.. you will see this is a big problem here, as well as drugs and skipping school. Board members students are exempt from school policies - they get caught with drugs on class trip and literally nothing happens, while others were kicked out. It is a corrupt system being led by corrupt people.. Should be plenty of openings as all students with athletic abilities are transferring out.