Derby Academy

56 Burditt Avenue

Hingham, MA 02043

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 12, 2023

A wonderful place for all and cannot recommend highly enough
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2020

Now that our son is at Milton Academy we have clear proof of how well Derby prepared him for the challenges of high school. I don't mean just academically, though Derby's programs are rich and robust and fabulous. I mean in all other ways that we deem almost more important: public speaking, written skills, compassion, a global view, empathy and a love of learning which empowers kids to know that they can figure out what they don't know.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2020

Safe, supportive and nurturing environment that supports our daughter with all facets of learning. Best decision we've ever made for her education!
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2020

The motto of this historic K-8 school founded in 1784, IMPROVE BOTH MIND AND HEART, belies the innovative forward-thinking programs at Derby. The oldest coeducational institution in the United States still teaches mandatory sewing classes to all, but also has an extraordinary STEM science center, coding classes, outdoor education, vegetable garden, beautiful sports fields, rowing program with the Hingham Rowing Center, puts on almost professional musicals every year. You have to visit to believe it. There is SO MUCH there, I wish all schools in the country could be like Derby.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2020

We have been so happy that we sent our son to Derby. Its been a great experience and would highly recommend. We have been particularly happy with the placement office. Derby does a great job starting in 7th grade preparing the students and parents for the secondary school placement process. They give open and honest opinions about school choices and emphasize the fit of a secondary school. The placement officer was diligent in getting to know our son and identifying potential secondary school fits. I was really impressed that the head of school and placement officer visit each school that the students apply to and advocate on their behalf. We were really happy with the result and felt that our son will be attending the best school for him next year.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2019

After creating a friendship with a teacher, I learned that there is effectively no traditional HR like rules for how teachers must behave among each other. This tension makes this school less effective because there is no strong administration to keep teacher bullies in check. The outward appearance is good, internally they need an overhaul. No internal checks and balances. Don’t support a culture like this.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2019

Our main concern was the bullying that was reported here. We met with the head of the lower school, who also has students here; he agreed that this was a problem but that they addressed it head on and have a new administration. Our child is in pre-K and so far we really love Derby and are impressed with the teachers and the administration. He loves to go to school and what better foundation can we ask for!
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2018

Derby develops the character of children, and supports them academically whether they need support or enrichment. The new administration is highly effective in their knowledge and understanding of education and children, and they are willing to take necessary risks to ensure that everyone is thriving in a positive environment. Our child was thoroughly prepared after leaving Derby for an honors program at a competitive independent high school, finishing with top honors, often referencing the skills learned in grade 8 science and math as key to success.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2018

Superb. Our entire family loved it. We would do it all over.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2017

We were not impressed by our time at Derby. The leadership of the school is not strong, and as a result, the faculty seem disinterested — there is no school spirit and high turnover among the staff. Most important, Derby Academy was unable to adequately prepare our daughter for high school. Her math and science preparation, especially, was so underwhelming that she likely missed out on admission to certain schools, and is currently far behind her ninth-grade classmates in those subjects.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2015

My review echos some of the others in regards to the tolerance of bullying. Derby's handling of interpersonal issues among children is to deny, cover-up, and eventually just separate children, not ever targeting the underlying issues. The former head of school was aggressive and her lack of professionalism disturbing. Apart from the paucity of effective leadership in the classroom on this point, the academics failed to meet our expectations as well. We were both disappointed and deeply troubled by what we experienced at Derby. The sequelae of their inaction can occasionally still be seen in our child today.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2013

Derby has provided my children with excellent study habits, a love of learning and has helped them to become confident individuals. I think that the faculty and administration at Derby handle social challenges well. There is no perfect place but Derby has been an excellent choice for our family. I highly recommend it!
Submitted by other on August 02, 2013

I wanted to like this school. I really did. But the bullying problem at this school is a major issue. The kids treat each other horribly. The teachers let this behavior happen, and multiple times, there were no consequences for the kids who were the bullies. When the teachers tried to intervene, they were ineffective in doing so. Everyone says that this is an excellent school where everyone fits in, but if you are less than perfect, then you will be miserable here. The parents are almost as nasty as the kids, sometimes worse. The academics were decent (not particularly challenging though). I can honestly say that you would be better off saving your money and pursuing other options.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2012

Derby is the best school anyone could possibly imagine. My children go there and so do all my nieces and nephews. They are all extremely happy at Derby. Derby has excellent teachers and the students are very respectful towards one another. The academic programs exceeded my expectations; the teachers challenge everyone and make sure all the students are on the same page. I recommend Derby Academy to every parent and child.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2011

When I first registered my child a few years ago I had such high expectations. Somehow in the back of my mind I knew I would be disappointed. And guess what... I am. The number one reason I sent my child here is because I felt the public schools were overcrowded and my child who is bright and shy would somehow not make it there. I was also worried about bullying in the public school. But not only does bullying happen at this school, it's tolerated. The teachers and administration make it seem as though it's your child (the one being bullied) that's the problem and they are reluctant to do anything about it. Also, the facilities are below average and for what they ask for in tuition (and they raise it every year) it is just not worth the price-not even close. In addition the students treat each other poorly. The way they speak to one another is downright shameful. I don't know if it's the area in general, learned behavior from their parents or both. Needless to say we will not being coming back. At this school the nice families will leave and the not so nice will stay. Isn't that always the way?