Chapin School

4101 Princeton Pike

Princeton, NJ 08540

59 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 15, 2024

Worst experience ever at Chapin's Pre-K program. From the first month, it was clear that the lack of teacher attention created an and unsafe environment. My child was hit multiple times by other students, and nothing was done to address the incidents or safety of my child. There was no communication from the teachers or staff about what had happened, and when I raised my concerns, I was met with indifference and no action was taken to address the situation. The school wasn’t concerned about my child's safety or well-being.No wonder why so many teacher left this past summer which should have been a red flag to begin with but I like to give the things the benefit of the doubt. The school is dull, lifeless and boring! The lack of supervision seemed to be a recurring issue, with multiple incidents happening due to the teachers’ failure to pay attention or intervene when needed. On top of that, the school was more focused on meeting enrollment numbers than actually providing a quality learning environment. There is also lice in the upper school, raising serious concerns about hygiene. I’ve heard from other parents who pulled two of their children out within the first month, and now I understand why. If you value safety, communication, and proper attention for your child, I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

Here’s a revised version of your review:Our experience with The Explorers at Chapin Pre-K program has been disappointing and concerning. My son was hit multiple times during his time there, and when I addressed these incidents with the staff, the response was disheartening. The Pre-K teacher openly stated that she couldn’t promise such incidents wouldn’t happen again, which showed a lack of proactive measures to ensure my child’s safety.Additionally, there seemed to be a lack of authority and action from the teacher to address these situations effectively. As a parent, I expect the school to create a safe and nurturing environment, and this was simply not the case.The lack of accountability and the inadequate response to these incidents have made it clear that this program does not prioritize the safety and well-being of its students. I would strongly caution other parents to think carefully before enrolling their child in this
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2024

My child graduated from Chapin School and was very prepared for high school. I found Chapin School teachers to care deeply about student success and each really knew about their students. As a parent, it is easy to get involved at Chapin, and I found when I had a concern or suggestion, it was addressed. I would highly recommend Chapin School!
Submitted by other on July 29, 2024

This school don’t not care about anything. There education is poor and overpriced school. This place ruined my life.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2024

Chapin school seems to have a lack of leadership problem and high teacher turnover rate which is probably direct correlation of the leadership problem at this school. This is the type of school who will chastise a parent for letting the school know there is a safety issue at the school. The head of school basically told me that cussing and yelling at women/mother's at school pick up/drop off line is totally fine and accepted behavior from other parents. This school is truly soulless and culturally drab. I can honestly say that this place is just dull and lifeless on every level. Not everyone was not worth while. Mrs Diggan is an absolute saint and great representative of the school. I think the school could use a leadership overhaul and find actual leaders and pioneers of education. We have pulled our son out of the school for next and will not send out daughter there either. I think there are better options especially considering they want to charge top tier prices and operate like a second rate institution really disappointing as a parent. Can't have consistency with multiple teachers being replaced every school year there is zero continuity. Overall the school was alright but the lack of leadership and accountability is truly a deal breaker on all levels.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2021

The school offers an outstanding academic foundation where students thrive in all curriculum areas surrounded by teachers that are enthusiastic and caring and get to know each student's strengths and weaknesses. Even better... you couldn't ask for a nicer group of students and families!
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2021

I am a current Chapin Parent with one child who will be entering 7th grade and another child who graduated from Chapin in 2020. This pandemic brought upon so many challenges, which I feel Chapin took head on. In March of 2020, Chapin made sure all students were prepared for whatever was to come after spring break. The faculty and staff saw that we would be unable to open after the break and gave up their own time off to go into full over-drive to provide sound, quality education in an ever changing environment. One of the most profound things that occurred during that time, was advisors reached out to me and asked how we, as a family, were all doing at such a challenging time. Their continued commitment to making sure our students have the skills needed for the world tomorrow continued even after the tapestry of the school changed. One of the biggest projects that upper school has, the Curriculum Fair, was refigured and redesigned to fit the current environment. Students continued the tradition of dressing up as their subjects and displaying a rich breadth of knowledge on the subject at hand. We were able to see all of their hard work in an online presentation on our school-wide system. It was a reminder that not even a pandemic could quell their creative spirit. In terms of community, Chapin did not disappoint. From extra curricular activities such as Show Choir, Quiz Bowl and Science Olympiad, Chapin gave true meaning to the slogan “the Show Must Go On”. Quiz Bowl did outstanding in its position in their competition as well as many students placing in Science Olympiad! Show Choir stole the show with an outdoor performance that reminded us that the future is bright and is right around the corner. The Parents Association hosted multiple online events including one of our most celebrated, Ice Cream Bingo. Families came together digitally to just have fun and of course try to win the most popular Ice Cream Party for the grade that wins! I feel that Chapin gave our family hope. I was able to send my 6th grader to a physical school safely last year. I felt lucky and fortunate that my child did get a graduation in 2020, even if it was postponed into July. Chapin made things happen in a safe, effective way which I will be forever grateful. I look forward to what’s to come for my child’s 7th grade year. I feel that if Chapin did such an amazing, safe job during the pandemic, the future is incredibly bright for things to come.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2021

We have been a Chapin family for eleven years.My older daughter had attended Chapin since pre-k and graduated last year. She was more than ready to take on the challenges of secondary school. Her freshman year was an academic success! Throughout her years at Chapin, she has grown to be an independent, well-rounded individual. She’s not afraid to email teachers about assignments, ask questions when she is uncertain about something discussed during class, or voice her opinion about anything. We owe those positive attributes to Chapin.My younger daughter has also attended Chapin since pre-k. She continues to amaze us with how much she’s learned in just a short amount of time. We owe that to the excellent Chapin teachers who not only educate their students but also care about their growth and development. My husband and I are excited for my little one to experience all that Chapin has to offer in the coming years.Chapin is an extraordinary school. The decision to send our children here is one of the best decisions that my husband and I have ever made.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2021

Our son has been at Chapin since 1st grade. We are extremely happy with the curriculum, character development, and faculty and staff. We are amazed at the cross-curricular approach brought into every subject and every classroom, the creativity of assignments, and the clear grading rubrics. Students are taught how to be responsible for their work and how to advocate for themselves -- independence is increased each year. Chapin also excelled navigating this past year and half with the pandemic, the faculty and staff have gone above and beyond to reinforce community and connection in addition to curriculum.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2021

My child has attended Chapin since Pre-K. I can’t say enough about how Chapin is such a nurturing, academically rigorous, and supportive school. My child has thrived in this environment. He loves going to school every day. His teachers are attentive, caring, and keep him challenged in the best way possible. Kindness and a strong sense of community are deeply embedded in the school’s culture. I feel that my son is well prepared for the transition to high school. Come visit this wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2021

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO CHAPIN SCHOOL. It has mediocre teachers, poor leadership, and the school will not nurture your child.I am a professor who cares deeply about education. I was new to Princeton and I sent my Kindergarten-age child to Chapin at the height of the pandemic. They let her down so badly that I pulled her after *only three months* and ended up paying for a second school rather than keep her there. Chapin marketed themselves as being able to offer in-person instruction and profited from a lot of parents who, like me, were concerned about their child's academic progress. They took the money, but barely bothered to teach my daughter. They also switched to remote for two months in the middle of year when every other school near them, private and public, remained in-person.Here are some of the "lowlights" of my Chapin experience: --the teacher complaining that my child needed individual attention--at 5 years old, in a class of 9; --the head of the Lower School telling me I was "lucky" that I wasn't in the public school system; --the teachers and the principal of the school failing to respond to emails;--the principal of school laughing when I expressed concern about my daughter's progress with reading and writing;--discovering that the school switched to remote for two months in the middle of the year because they had been allowing the students *to do unmasked extracurricular activities outside school* and *still attend in-person school* and they were worried about community spread (the school eventually realized how dangerous--and unfair--this policy was and changed it, but it was too late for us);--the teacher being unable to work the technology during remote learning;--the teacher telling me I was "lucky I didn't have four children" when I was having difficulties with the remote learning schedule;--the teacher making the majority of the assignments in December Christmas-themed, even though half the class were Jewish and/or Sikh--the school hiring a debt collector to pursue me for the few thousand dollars that were remaining on my bill, when they had already received around $20,000 from me and/or my insurance company (and when I had made it clear that I was paying for a second school and felt that they had not honored their contract)Chapin will try to bury this review by getting parents to add lots of 5-star reviews. Ignore them and focus on the 1-star reviews (I wish I had). There are *many* other better schools in Princeton
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2020

I have three kids at Chapin School, and I can assure you, this is an awesome school. Some aspects I love: 1) no high school attached; 8th graders are the true leaders of the school -- no influence from older teenagers - all resources are dedicated to lower and middle grades 2) 8th graders choose their high school 3) small class sizes 4) extremely dedicated teachers who truly want each child to succeed 5) feels like a home away from home - my kids look forward to going to school everyday and would probably live at the school if they could 6) this school truly upholds their solid virtues of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, and perseverance - families who do not believe in these values should look elsewhere 6) they are constantly looking for ways to excel with the solid belief that education is always changing - everything they do is for the betterment of the entire community. Sending our kids to Chapin is one of the best life decisions my family has ever made.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2020

Chapin School is a school like no other. From the moment you enter the Chapin campus, you feel like you have entered into another world. There's always staff right in the parking lot to wave a friendly hello, and greet you with a big smile to start your day off. The friendly staff, and attentive teachers, who not only focus on academics, but enhance a student's life by weaving in the Chapin's 5 virtues into every thing Chapin teaches and does. The teachers are highly communicative and connections are made through each and every academic field, enabling students to see how various academia are linked! The best private school around. Chapin is a family community that helps students and faculty alike grow, flourish, and create lasting bonds!
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2020

We enrolled our son at Chapin School after doing extensive research on local private schools because we felt that Chapin was a good match for what we were looking for- academic rigor, small class sizes, good extra-curricular options, and a warm atmosphere, all within a multicultural setting. Over the last eight years we have been very pleased with our experience at Chapin. The teachers are very invested in the success of their students; even to the point of them attending our son's non-Chapin related events. We are very happy with our choice.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2020

For the last 7 years the Chapin School has become a second home to my family . Not only has the school provided an optimal learning space and exceptional education experience to my children , it’s emphasis on CHARACTER building models the same virtues we teach at home .
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2020

Our daughter started Chapin School in 1st grade. She is currently in 8th grade and graduating in June. Our daughter has blossomed at Chapin School because of the great academics, caring teachers, and friendly students. The administration and faculty at Chapin School truly care about the children. Chapin School also does an outstanding job throughout the private high school application process. The administration and teachers prepare the students for the entrance exam and interviews. We believe that Chapin School is the best k-8 school in the Princeton area.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2020

Chapin School has been such an outstanding choice for my son. He has been there since preschool and we could not be any more pleased with our experience. The small class sizes, individual attention, and care can not be compared to any other school in the area. The teachers take the time to really get to know the students on a personal level, which allows them to navigate their academic and personal needs. For our family, it has been a true extension of our values and parenting. The level of support that is given is beyond measure. Chapin's curriculum is rigorous and pushes the students to be their best day in and day out, not just as scholars but as individual people. The teachers work hard to have cross-collaboration between the units of study which is extremely evident in the hands-on projects and daily course of study. Beyond what these kids are learning daily, they still get the opportunity to be KIDS. Chapin succeeds superbly in their ability to create, teach and support life long learners. This school is beyond an academic institution it is truly a community and a family.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2020

An absolutely life-changing and amazing school for students looking to be prepared for a changing world.
Submitted by principal on February 06, 2020

Truly a amazing experience for all of my children
Submitted by other on January 28, 2020

If you have a truly bright student, don't send them here. The public schools in Princeton or West Windsor/Plainsboro far surpass the education your child will get at Chapin. And there are plenty of better private school options in the area. This school in Princeton should NOT be confused with the other Chapin school in NY which is an excellent school.