Devon Preparatory School

363 North Valley Forge Road

Devon, PA 19333

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by other on February 02, 2024

I am a recent graduate of Devon and I definitely miss going here. It's a small, tight-knit community where you get to know everyone. Devon is where I made the strongest friendships I've ever made. It's definitely more challenging than what most kids are used to but that helps you develop a better work ethic. Also, it's a truly Catholic school, not just Catholic in name only.
Submitted by parent on July 05, 2023

We were seeking an academically rigorous environment to challenge our rising 6th grader. He (& we) landed in a supportive and structured program that is built by caring professionals to prepare him for life. We leaned in especially hard when leadership spoke candidly of pushing them progressively to their limits because "that's where real growth and learning can happen". In our short time at Devon, they've earned our and his trust to navigate the curriculum, help him locate and strengthen his natural curiosities, and to contribute to the Devon community.
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2023

In selecting a middle school for our son, we wanted a place where he would be seen for who he is and encouraged to try new things. A place where teachers teach and encourage each individual student’s needs and interests. Upon touring Devon and meeting the wonderful teachers and administration, we knew he would not just be a number, but be a valued member of the school community. Our hopes were correct and as he begins his senior year, we could not be more grateful for the experiences he has been afforded. We love the class sizes, the student/teacher ratio, the academic rigor, extracurricular activities and service learning opportunities. It has been the perfect fit for our son and we are looking forward to sending our other sons to Devon.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2023

I would give the Devon administrators a failing grade. They do not want parent involvement (they disbanded the parent organization) because they do not want parents to talk with each other or have any input on anything they do - from curriculum to the direction of the school. Devon used to be an academically-focused school that valued capable students. The focus now is on sports and if a student is not an athlete, he is not valued. I believe that this is in large part due to the undereducated, power hungry administration (with the exception of the head master, who is really just a figurehead at this point). In addition, notwithstanding the Catholic identity of the school, the administration and some of the teachers have no concept of the Golden Rule. They lack empathy for the students and the parents. In fact, in some cases they attempt to actively sabotage some students so that their chosen students can shine. For example, because Devon has a guidance department of one person (while they have hired plenty of extra coaches), they typically pick two seniors each year on whom they will focus all of their efforts to get into the college of the students' choice. While they pay lip service to the other students, the rest of the class is essentially on their own. As a result, many students end up under placed at schools that are below their capabilities. If you want your child to be valued and to reach his full potential in high school and college, pick a different school. My understanding is that Malvern Prep and St. Joe's Prep are better environments and have much more robust guidance departments that try to help every student - not just two.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2022

Our son joined Devon this year and is thriving. The academics are definitely challenging and staff could not be more attentive and encouraging. We would highly recommend Devon.
Submitted by other on August 17, 2022

While this school is academically challenging, there are MANY issues. As a former student, I know a lot about the school. While the school offers a diverse set of classes, many teachers are unqualified or simply bad. The school's extremely small size means there is basically no diversity (i.e. students aren't very accepting), and the school culture is centered too much on getting good grades. The sports programs and extracurricular activities offered are not well organized and small. The fact that there were no basic things on the campus (e.g. a track, theater, etc.) was frustrating. Additionally, it is shameful that the school continues to allow a priest to say things like "walk on eggshells around Muslims" and "Protestants are heretics" in his History of the Catholic Church class. This rhetoric is harmful and disgusting, I brought it up to the administration and they did nothing, and most students defended him too.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2021

Devon Prep has been a wonderful school for both of my boys. The teachers, staff and administrators go above and beyond for the students. The director of student affairs far exceeded our expectations especially during the pandemic. He knows every single student. The academic environment is challenging but great. There are a wide variety of sports and activities. Very inclusive environment for parents and more importantly the students.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2020

Very, very poor. Reach out to as many parents as you can if considering this school. References from the school are positive, as you would expect, but do your homework. You won't have to dig deep to find the truth.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2019

This is my son's first year here and we love it. Devon is a very inviting and exclusive environment and they offer several options and programs to help your son succeed.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2017

My son is a rising senior who did not attend the Devon Middle School but has flourished at the High School. The tuition is in line with other private schools in our area (and better than quite a few) and well worth the investment. We are far from wealthy but were able to make it work by sacrificing a few things. It is a warm, welcoming community; the class sizes are ideal; the curriculum is challenging, but the teachers are attentive and available to provide extra help, if needed; and the extracurriculars provide an opportunity for both the boys and the parents to bond. Overall, a wonderful experience.
Submitted by other on December 13, 2016

This school is without doubt the WORST $90k investment one could possible make. The fact that the tuition for this school is higher than most colleges and universities is obscene. The entire staff of teachers is completely incompetent, Overll AP scores trail far behind those of surrounding public schools, and EVERY student is an entitled rich kid. This school simply cannot compete with the surrounding high schools and will likely close down in the near future. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE
Submitted by other on September 05, 2014

Although Devon Prep has a decent education system and the small classes help with individualized learning, it focuses way too much on academics. It is not only important to be intelligent but also sociable and also likable in their future careers. Schools don't only look for braniacs, they also look for characteristics of leadership, charisma, and compatibility with fellow co-workers and customers. If a someone can't sell a product but know everything there is to know about business, then what good is that person? Devon should also nurture social skills and not just academics. Also some of the teachers are highly unqualified for the job. I have seen in many cases where nothing will be learned in the class at all and this is very unfortunate especially when it comes to taking an AP Exam that you are not prepared for. Also the teachers pick favorites which is completely unfair to all other students. Their athletic program is not that good. They will only put forth effort into some sports while the other ones are pushed to the side. Devon can be a good school for some people and a terrible school for others. It all depends on the person.
Submitted by other on December 18, 2013

Devon Prep is a good school. But its not for everyone. The work is really hard. The kids aren't very accepting unless you're just like them. The teachers are excellent. The children that attend are very sheltered.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2013

This is the second year our son has attended Devon Prep. Comparing and contrasting against the public school he was attending previously (Methacton S.D.), there is simply no contest. Devon Prep is much more academically focused and challenging. The teachers and faculty genuinely care about teaching and providing a first class education for your kids. The reality of the public schools in this region of PA are such that enrollement and class sizes are so large, your child will never receive much individualized attention or be known by teachers/faculty. Fortunately, that is not the situation at Devon and one of the primary reasons we made the change. Very happy with the school, care and attention toward a quality education our son is receiving.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Devon Prep is a wonderful school where our boys can grow academically and spiritually. The staff is so supportive of the boys and hold them to the highest standards in their school work as well as their character. From the day my son entered Devon he has felt welcome and at home. The parents I have met have nothing but good things to say about Devon and the staff there. There is always excellent support for all fundraising and fun-raising events. Their college scholarship totals are a true testament to the quality of academic achievement that is the norm for this school. I cannot imagine sending my son anywhere else and he wouldn't want to be anywhere but Devon.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2013

Sending our son to Devon Prep was the best decision we could have made for him. He came to Devon in 6th grade from a large parochial school and the small class size at Devon was a completely different environment. The students have opportunities to discover new interests, participate in sports, and take on leadership roles not possible at a bigger school. Devon Prep teachers really get to know their students and encourage them to find their individual strengths. Academics are valued, and the curriculum challenges students to work hard and to develop the study skills they need to succeed in college. Every student can find his place at Devon, and is given the chance to discover and to be his best. The small size of the school creates a strong sense of community. The friendships formed in the classroom, on the field trips, retreats and through the clubs and teams last well beyond graduation. My son graduated several years ago, and his closest friends are the ones he met at Devon.
Submitted by other on May 08, 2013

This is my first year At Devon Prep. I am so happy I made the switch from my old school. My teachers are great and I finally get a chance to learn in school. The students here work hard but never get extra busy work. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun with after-school clubs, sports, generous vacation time and awesome field trips.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2012

The students are nice but the teachers are inferior. It can't provide what the good public school districts can.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2012

Devon provides an outstanding education in a small class learning environment. My son has thrived in this academic setting. He has benefitted from caring teachers and personalized attention. In addition to his academic achievements, he has been given the opportunity to grow through his various extracurricular activities as well as the sports in which he participates. The leadership and values practiced at the school have helped him grow as a man of ethics and honor. He has a wonderful and varied group of classmates who have become great friends.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2012

My son went here for years and was basically unhappy. He transferred to another school and It was the best decision for him. He did not like leaving his friends but he liked the teachers so much better at the other school. Over the years we saw a decline in the teacher quality. One teacher constantly had students stay after school. If the subject had been taught better, this wouldn't have been the case. As another review stated, many subjects had to be self taught. It used to be a quality school but that is no longer the case.