When people ask why we chose Sumner Academy, I say it's because they allow kids to be kids longer than other schools in the area by encouraging play, movement, creativity, critical thinking and hands on learning. My children love going to school, and are a part of a wider community that feels safe to them. Everyone knows one another, and the culture of respect seems to nip bullying even before it begins. I also appreciate that from a young age, children are encouraged in public speaking and are exposed to a variety of cultural studies- when I say my young kids have studied ancient Egypt and Greece, and that the holiday programs include celebrations of a variety of cultures, people are both shocked and impressed. We are very happy with the community and education, and the positive impact this school has on our family.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2024
I am both a parent and alum of Sumner Academy. This is a very special school that meets children where they are in their learning and development, and helps them excel. The community is close-knit and supportive (so much so that my parents are still close to the parents that they met when I was a student at SA). The students I went to school with at Sumner Academy went on to graduate at the top of their classes in high school, go to impressive colleges, and are now successful professionals and business owners. With my child, I see his teachers supporting and encouraging his learning, and keeping things fun so that he stays engaged. The students have PE every day in elementary school, which helps their physical development. Starting in PK, they have art, music, Spanish, computer, and library every week. They also have AMAZING field trips (to places like Williamsburg, VA and Washington, D.C.). Sumner Academy is probably the best-kept secret in Sumner County.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2023
My children have been attending Sumner Academy since 2019, and we could not be happier. All the teachers are loving and invested in developing my children into good people and ensuring they are academically prepared for their future. The campus is small and welcoming and there are many events and traditions families get to participate in. It is truly a partnership between the school and our family, and we could not be happier for our kids!
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2020
we have had an amazing experience here for the last 3 years- we came from the East Coast at a private school and this school is a huge improvement over that school in every way.
Submitted by other on October 24, 2016
My child is a thoughtful and very bright young man. The environment has been nurturing while also intellectually rigorous. There is a great school community and an inspired faculty.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2015
Not only is Sumner Academy providing an incredible educational experience for all three of our children (14, 12 and 8), they are also helping them to develop life skills and independence that will carry them into the future. We can't possibly say enough good things about this school and the community of teachers and staff. One of the few places (after extensive searching) that offers a nurturing place for for all children to thrive and grow. Once you start here, your only regret will be that you hadn't found it sooner! A true gem.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2015
My two sons are currently in first and fourth grade at Sumner Academy. We transferred in last year and couldn t be happier with our choice. My kids are excited to go to school most days and miss it during their breaks. The teachers are passionate, communicative, and supportive of my children, and their genuine affection is obvious to both my kids and myself. They manage to combine a rigorous academic pace with support and fun, which creates a challenging but not overly stressful experience for the students. My kids enjoy the many hands-on projects, learning games, and small rewards for individual and class accomplishments. P.E. everyday is a big plus for me, as are the brief walks outside between classes to stretch the legs, relax the mind, and chat with friends. My younger son is very physically active with an exuberant yet sensitive personality, while my older son is more reserved and cautious in new situations. The teachers and staff truly value each of my children s strengths and personalities, and support them in their differing academic and social styles. Both boys are thriving at Sumner Academy, which means my search for the right school for our family is done.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2015
When it came time to decide where to send our child, we talked to several people in our community, including our pediatrician and parents from a variety of other schools. We toured Sumner Academy and decided it was the place for us. After three years, we couldn't be more pleased with our decision. In addition to top notch academics, the school emphasizes character development, and creates leaders. Children in early grades are instilled with confidence that they will succeed in the rigorous years to follow. Most importantly, we know that our child is given the individual attention he needs. The quality and caring of the teachers is the thing that can't be quantified and is by far the school's best attribute.
Submitted by other on June 08, 2013
I have a grandchild who has just completed pre-K at Sumner Academy. Both as a grandparent and as a PhD psychologist with a special interest in human development, I cannot recommend Sumner Academy more highly. This school really understands what children need if they are to develop a love of learning and perform their best. It provides a safe and supportive environment and plenty of breaks for physical activity to refresh the mind and consolidate memory. The children actually move from classroom to classroom daily for changes in subject with chatting allowed. The teachers love their work and are enthusiastic about their particular subject. Classes are small with ample time for individualized instruction. Even the pre-K kids have multiple field trips and once a week classes in Spanish, music, art, and computer. All together, Sumner Academy is like a hidden jewel in our midst--a significant community asset and a gold-star academic resource.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2013
We transfered this year and absolutely love it. The curriculum is individualized to meet each of my 3 children's learning style. The teachers are very responsive and supportive. I wish I'd found it earlier.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2013
Both of my children attending Sumner Academy. Not only has it taught them to be prepared academically, it helped instill hard work and constant preparation. The school provides a safe environment for learning, where it is "cool" to be smart. It encourages good moral character and service to others. Both of my children have been prepared to earn AP credits at a private high school, and earn degrees at their respective universities. Sumner Academy provided a firm foundation for their success. It is evident that the success of my children is due to the guidance and love from the staff at Sumner Academy. A truly great school!
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2013
I have had two children graduate from Sumner Academy and have one that is still enrolled. My wife and I could not be more in love with this school, the culture is incredibly supportive and caring, the teachers are incredible, and the academic curriculum is outstanding. My career has forced us to move many times, so we have unfortunately had the opportunity to enroll our children at numerous schools. Sumner Academy is by far our favorite school for every member of our family. My daughter is now a senior and applying to colleges. Sumner Academy prepared her to excel in literally every AP course her high school offers. She is graduating near the top of her class and has already been accepted to Ivy level schools. The day after school let out this past summer, our 5th grader came into our bedroom and announced that he really missed school already. I assumed that he meant that he missed his classmates, but he corrected me saying, "I'll see them over the summer, I really miss my teachers. I want to start 5th grade right away, but with the same teachers I had this year." That about sums it up for me.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2013
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this school. I have two children who have attended Sumner Academy since kindergarten and second grade. They have consistently performed well on standardized tests, and in math competitions. The teaching style is innovative and interactive. The teachers and administration are very caring and the school feels like a second family. My children are very happy and enjoy attending school here. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with elementary or middle school children.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2013
As a parent of three children that have attended Sumner Academy, I could not be more pleased with the school. The Headmaster and teachers are dedicated, caring, and committed to helping children develop. Our oldest two have graduated and they have done extremely well in a top notch high school, excelling as well rounded students including academically - they have taken as many AP classes as they could fit into their schedule. As parents we all want the best for our children. We believe Sumner Academy helped us achieve that goal.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2013
Both of my children attend this school for a total of 14 years. My son is graduating with a PhD in microbiology this May and my daughter is a junior in college. When they speak of "their" school and the teachers and classes that truly inspired them, they speak of Sumner Academy. Both of my children excelled in high school, one in AP and advanced classes in public school and the other at a highly academic private high school. Both entered college with multiple credits. I truly feel Sumner Academy set my children up for success.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2013
Several years ago I had the joy of attending my former Sumner Academy daughter's graduation for her second degree from MIT. What a wonderful surprise when also graduating that day was another Sumner Academy student! Both were girls graduating from a college where technical courses dominate. My daughter consistently says that two things prepared her for the high expectations of MIT. One is Sumner Academy and the other is high school basketball.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2013
Our child has attended Sumner Academy for 4 years after spending 3 years in public school. We were in what is considered a very good public school but honestly there is no comparison to the atmosphere at Sumner Academy. The teachers truly want to be here and it shows in everything they do. There is a great sense of "community" at this school. It's the best decision we ever made for our child and our only regret is that we didn't come sooner. We highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2012
Sumner has talented teachers whose genuine passion for teaching their subject matter is just as evident as their love for the students. My son began Sumner in 5th grade, & it has been academically the best decision we have made. He has always been well above grade level and for the first time has been challenged. Not only that, my child (who has always loved math & science) has developed a love for subject matter I never dreamed possible, like English, Literature, & Social Studies. The teachers' enthusiasm spreads to the students, who then are prepared to learn material at a greater depth. Teachers are easily reached via e-mail, & they often respond to questions, needs, & concerns within 1-2 of hours of receipt. They care about the students as individuals & build a strong rapport with them. My son, who is shy, has been able to shine & thrive. Though the teachers have high expectations & and are consistent with their follow-through they are also compassionate in the way they teach students to live up to them. It's an ideal combination. Sumner is not focused on test scores or teaching to the test. The teachers do a phenomenal job teaching, & the test scores turn out great.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012
Our experience with Sumner Academy has been awesome. The teachers are excellent. Class size allows for individual learning and fun activities. The leadership is open and helpful. Most of all, the atmosphere encourages and instills a love of learning. Could not be happier with Sumner Academy!
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012
As a parent of children in this school for over 10 years combined, this truly is a great school. I recommend it to everyone I come in contact with. Small class size promotes both a positive learning environment, along with a sense of "family" atmosphere. The administration is able to call parents by name when approached because of this. The education is also top notch, and students really get out of their education what they are willing to put into it. There are many intelligent kids at Sumner Academy, and the school embraces all of the students whether they are at the top of the class or not. The education the kids receive is designed to fit and exceed today's standards for learning. This school does an excellent job at teaching kids to sometimes think outside the box in order to be able to achieve a better level of understanding what they are being taught. I really cannot say enough great things about our experiences at this school. The school enrolls any age up to 8th grade, but I would definitely recommend checking it out before your child gets to middle school, to get their core curriculum, and study habits starting in the lower grades too. It's PK-8. ++++++++