Dana Hall School

45 Dana Road

Wellesley, MA 02482

7 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 24, 2023

About to enter high school there, so we will see soon how it compares to the MS. Leadership at both levels is lacking, and especially direction, identity. We were greatly disturbed that there wasn’t more class discussion about current events, politics, global warming, international relations, as if the girls live in a bubble. Of course, there are teachers that are brilliant, others rather daft. Ditto for administrators. A few of the girls really shine, but others depend upon their privilege. PR must be revamped. We cringe at every email because they seemed to fundraise non-stop. Staff always friendly. Overall DH needs to wake up to the real world and get their girls interested and involved in it. Flyers we saw in the loo about climate change and social equity don’t cut it. Daughter enjoyed the coaches and FH, some sense of camaraderie prevails. Both heads of schools are aloof and unresponsive to parent emails, it seems. Where is the Dana Hall of yesteryear? We must now consider if our ride every day is worth it. Daughter says aye. We say no. One year shall tell.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2021

Our experience is one of regret. Wish we never sent our daughter there. Lack of culture of kindness and respect, which results in unhealthy, intolerant, unfriendly, and clicky culture. Lack of leadership from the staff and the way the school is run. DH is always behind the curve and trying to keep its head above water in all regards. Their terrible handling of the Covid situation got a lot of parents angry and walking away from fundraising. Communication is non-existent and void of any meaning. Don't waste your time and money there.
Submitted by other on March 28, 2014

Just attended the Dana Days revisit day and I can hardly wait to go to this high school. I especially liked the teachers and the many options I will have there. I'm not really athletic and can do rock climbing and the fitness classes. Everyone was welcoming and kind.
Submitted by other on March 19, 2014

This school focuses mainly on sports. Of course, academics are a priority, but their music school fell short of my expectations. I decided to attend Dana because of their music school. They lead me to believe that I would have good opportunities there to pursue music. Unlike any other programs there (dance, drama, athletics, etc), it is often overlooked. I feel as though the music school, while it is a valuable asset to the Wellesley and Dana Communities, should not be a deal-breaker as it was for me and my family. In other words, if you are serious about a career in music, DO NOT go to Dana Hall, especially if you will live there. Also, the school is very overpriced. The facilities, excluding the gymnasium and riding center, are old and need to be updated. This is true for the classrooms, dorms, and especially the auditorium. 40k or 50k, depending on where you live, was a lot for my family to pay for the facilities to be so outdated. This is not everybody's experience. I do believe that the people there are very nice and that the teachers care a lot about their students. I just would have liked to know what I was getting myself, and my family, into before I decided to go there.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

The faculty and staff at Dana Hall are really invested in their students; girls are encouraged to be themselves, to find their strengths and passions and grow. Academics are challenging and engaging, and extra-curriculars are fun. Our daughter entered during her middle school years, and told us that Dana Hall is the first school she has attended where she has never been bullied or put down. Remarkable. The Parents Association is very involved, creative, energetic, and supportive. Not sure where the 1 star reviewers are getting their information, but clearly they're trolling. Open-mindedness is a virtue that is nurtured and encouraged here - if you are closed minded, this is not the environment for you.
Submitted by other on October 10, 2012

I'm graduating soon from Dana and I've had a wonderful experience so far. Though I do think that Dana can be limiting in how it censors it's students to create a "good" image sometimes, that is mostly administration who tries to push us back in this way. Besides that, much of the community is wonderful. I have made amazing friends, in my peers and my teachers. The teachers really do want you to succeed, and that doesn't just mean get into a good college, they do care about you. The campus is beautiful, and is close to Wellesley center. The academics are hard, but there is a good amount of flexibility. There is a lot of creating in this school, going beyond just academics. With the creative arts magazine and the school newspapers as examples. There is high support for both the arts and for athletics, and the athletic facilities are indeed gorgeous. A lot of people worry about the all-girls thing, but really, I enjoy it. It allows you to be more yourself and there is less drama, and closer bonds because of it. I won't lie and say that Dana Hall is perfect, it has it faults, and with there being a hilarious amount of preps and a feminist push, but I wouldn't rather go anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2012

My daughter came from a public school and is just loving this environment. Her teachers are engaging and she is learning without feeling "lost" in math and science. The amount of individual attention and opportunity to work with her teachers one-on-one has made her a much happier and focused student. She is "loving" school. Strong International student population demonstrates diversity and creates a serious academic student body ready to tackle a discussion about international issues. Inclusive, not exclusive environment. It works for us.