Kent Place School

42 Norwood Avenue

Summit, NJ 07901

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on November 21, 2022

I am a older alumni and I can testify that Kent Place is an amazing school. The classes are difficult but the rewards are so amazing. Your child will learn everything she needs to know to be well prepared for the world academically, emotionally, and will discover life long friends here. Like any school, there will be issues. I was there from kindergarten through 12 the grade and went on to Tulane University. I received my Masters in social work and has an amazing career until I recently retired due to health issues. Kent place has academics, drama, music, sports, clubs, inclusion, traditions, everything one needs to become happy and stablem
Submitted by student on March 03, 2020

Awful, genuinlly the worst school ever. It comes off as a positive environment but it is toxic and dreadful. The only upside is good food.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2017

Kent Place is all about supporting andfostering the intellectual, social and emotional growth of bright and motivated young women. This is what makes it a special place. Our daughter can be herself. She does not need to dress up or put on make up to look like all the other girls. Status is derived from achievement, not her outfit, parents' vacation home or fancy cars. The message is loud and strong. She can go out into this world and reach for the stars!
Submitted by other on February 10, 2017

My children do not attend KP, nor have they ever, so my review is based only on a negative admissions experience. However, I do want to share it in case others are considering the school for their children, particularly if they are young. The school admissions process for kindergaren involves an application with several parts that are fairly common and a "child screening" that happens when you visit with your child. It was described to us as time my child would spend with a pre-school teacher from KP and would take about 45 minutes. I came to learn later that this teacher took my daughter, handed her an ipad and hit start, telling my daughter to answer the questions the ipad test asked. I was astounded. We did not let my then 4 year old play with an ipad. She had never worked one before. Needless to say, she did not score well and was not admitted. When I brought this up to the admissions staff, they responded that ipad's are widely used tools so they thought it was appropriate. We felt like we dodged a bullet with our negative admissions decision if the process reflects the culture of the school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2016

My daughter has just finished her Freshman year and we could not be more impressed by this school. We did a great deal of homework on all schools within an hr of our home and decided on Kent Place. Great decision. My daughter is a straight A student so we were looking for top academics. We were also looking for great social & leadership development and we were not disappointed. Great teachers and a family atmosphere in a beautiful campus.
Submitted by other on July 15, 2015

This is a truly unique learning experience. They encourage their students to grow and experience more than any school I have ever attended. It was a life changing event for me to attend KPS.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2015

I can only say that our experience has been one of seeing our daughter grow into an independent, motivated, intentional, thoughtful, creative, organized learner and young woman. I credit the very positive teaching/learning environment where everyone around you WANTS to learn and grow and is inspired to make a difference in the world in their own unique way. I am sorry for a previous reviewers bad experience and can only say that not every situation is the right fit. One visit to campus can tell you everything you need to know.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2015

I have to write a response to the notes below. My very different girls have attended Kent Place for over a decade. Both have had a terrific time there, and the school has put great effort into finding their strengths and has gone out of its way to foster them. The school has taught them to respect themselves and their needs, and has taught them so many things, most of which how to to get a lot of work done effectively and efficiently! Each girl has struggled with individual issues at one point or another, and I have found the school extremely responsive. If you are considering the school, I would encourage you to visit and make your own opinion. The admissions office is very honest and clear about what it has to offer, and if your daughter is happy during visits, she will be very likely be happy as a student.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2015

I agree with an earlier post regarding the very narrow "box" into which Kent Place expects its students to fit, in spite of the claims about nurturing creativity and individuality. The administration is not supportive of girls who fail to fit the mold, and if they struggle or encounter emotional difficulties as a result, they are shunned. Individual teachers can be very caring, but administrators, learning specialists and health staff are deeply concerning in their efforts to drive out students who they feel do not conform. They nearly ruined my daughter through their actions.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2013

My daughter recently joined Kent Place. I am very happy with the school. Focus on Personality Development: The school wants to develop the child's personality so that they can be effective leaders as they grow older. Care about the little things: The teachers are particular about the small things that make a difference.. how the child interacts with other children, is the child happy, how the child is forming a letters, does she eat well at lunch.. the things that you care about. Academic Orientation They focus on the child academically. My daughter's reading and handwriting have improved tremendously since she joined. Good Feedback I get a lot of feedback from the teachers on how my child is doing even though I am a working mom and have not had a lot of time to volunteer in school. Daughter Loves it: My daughter loves going to school. The teachers are caring. Diversity: The school is racially and economically diverse. I am really grateful for the school and feel my daughter is truly getting a great education.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2012

I am a parent of several children who attended this school. While my daughters made great friends at KP the academics were not up to par. All of my girls went to elite colleges and have been successful however I wish I would have chosen a different all girls looking back. There are wealthy families and then your not so much ....so it is middle of the road. You have your neurosugeon millionaires and your dentist thousand aires (who act like million aires). Again, looking back, some 20 years ago, I would have chosen differently. I have heard mixed stories of the schoold growth, however our neighbors grandchild attends KP and are transferring to another school. I wish everyone luck in finding a good school, I would just recognize what is important to you and research all options.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2012

Love this school. A very progressive curriculum, great teachers and administration. My daughter is thriving in middle school.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2011

Fantastic school for girls! Excellent curriculum and leadership from preschool through high school. The faculty is caring and willing to meet the various needs of students. KPS is the only secular all-girls school in NJ, and fills a real need. Great place!
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2011

Beware...if your child does not "fit in the box" it will not be a good experience for her. The staff says they like creativity, etc but in reality if your child learns differently or needs some extra help, you are screwed and won't get support. Although they have "learning specialists", these people are unqualifed, inexperienced and ineffective. I have seen them turn brilliant girls into pariahs by labeling them and in effect "making" them leave the school. If you even suspect your daughter might think outside the box...don't go here.