Hendricks Day School

I have been a parent at HDS for eight years and was very proud of HDS' academics athletics music and more. However in the 2011-2012 school year HDS implemented an "Ambassadorship Program" which was vague and ambiguous at best. In the 2012-2013 year the school made modifications and allegedly more objective measures however even with the adjustments the "Ambassadorship Program" results are still inconsistent with the feedback of the teachers. The "Ambassadorship Program" is supposed to measure courtesy responsibility integrity scholarship and persistence of the student but the only true result from this Program is irritation for the student and the parent with no definition or explanation of the resulting score and in some cases in contrast with the comments of the teacher(s). After two years of this program (and eight years at this school) my family will be making a change for the 2013-2014 school year where we can still have high academic standards and diversity in the arts and sports but with a more productive and positive character program.

I am in my 4th year as an HDS parent. I can't say enough about this school. It has taught my son to really think for himself in terms of good decisions vs bad decisions. They really teach you on an individual basis as "no student learns the same" this is so true and this is how they teach every student. It is a true family atmosphere everyone from the head of school the heads of the diff depts the head of the cafeteria the receptionist the finance ladies and everyone in between know you by name. My youngest child is 3 & does not go to this school till next yr but just about everyone on campus knows him by name and makes a point to make him included in everything. It truly is a family learning atmosphere with the top curriculum and so many advantages. When they say they teach you "how to think not what to think" it is true in every aspect throughout the school. I couldn't imagine my children going to any other school after this experience. I am so happy I have my youngest starting PK4 next year which means I will be part of the Hendricks Family (and that's truly what it is) for another 10 years! That will make 14 all together & I wouldn't have it any other way!

We are enjoying our fourth year being part of the HDS Family. We not only are experiencing our fourth year being students of Hendricks Day School we couldn't imagine our children anywhere else. Of course all schools offer reading writing math some extras but how many of them infiltrate your entire life. Everything we learn we experience we do somehow ties back to HDS. We have looked and toured all of the local private schools. None "felt right". It sounds to easy to say it feels right but from the moment that you walk onto campus to the moment you experience one of those ah ha moments in your child s education HDS "feels right". Our daughters are not round peg round hole kinds of children. HDS not only teaches them in the way they each need HDS embraces that and supports that. There is a clear attitude of success for the whole child not just the "academic" child. Everything from a Drama Club to a Cross Country Club to Pom's Team to an Environmental Club to Safety Patrol HDS is there to support the child the family and the notion that education is not a one size fits all. Most people like their school HDS parents LOVE their school!

I have been a Hendricks parent for over ten years. If you want your child to learn reading writing and arithmetic so that they can pass a test send them to your neighborhood school. However if you are looking for a nurturing environment where your child will not only grow academically but will be given opportunities and challenges beyond a standard curriculum then Hendricks Day School is for you. I truly believe that the teachers at Hendricks are there because they love the students and they love to teach. With few exception every teacher that my children have had taught with passion warmth and created an environment where my children were excited to learn. My daughter played three sports while in middle school. Hendricks' athletic programs build confidence teach responsiblity and provide a great way for students to be proud to represent their school. They have started to develop more activities for elementary students as well such as a chorus and pom squad which perform at school functions as well as some events in the city. I know we made the right choice in sending our children to Hendricks.

The reason our family loves this school is because it has become our extended family. The entire faculty & staff makes us feel important and welcomed. My daughter has a team of adults she has learned to trust. What a gift that is! Hendricks Day School is also the only school in Jacksonville postured to take care of each student individually. Our daughter was able to take an advanced Math course in order to prepare her for high school. She also has many choices when it comes to encore classes such as Video Game Design Renaissance Theater Television Studio Production Drum Circle Test Taking Skills STOMP Recycling Club Art. Beyond the classroom the athletic program is one of the finest in the city where students are encouraged to participate and because of this she went out for two sports!

I just moved here in December of '09 was faced with putting my son in a school that was BAD students in the hallway cursing teachers all around did no care etc... I went on a mission to find another school I would feel good about leaving my son in and in two hours I found Hendricks Day. Went inside and found not only a school worthy of my son but also hugs to make me feel better and shoulders to cry on. WOW what a great team there. My son will be very happy there. -)

I have two children at Hendricks. There are multiple reasons why we are so happy at this school but I must say that the predominant reason is that the school sees each child as an individual and fosters each child's needs. If a child is gifted and excels in an area then the school helps that child to reach new and exciting levels. If a child struggles in a particular subject then that child is given the resources and attention to help him or her. This is a school that truly focuses on education in a family atmosphere.

Both my children are in the lower school and I can't say enough good things about the curriculum. My boys are way ahead of their peers in the public schools academically and the teachers are very good. Differnt learners? No problem. HDS gears their curriculum to all types. The school is warm and parent's are encouraged to be a part of any activity or school function. Llike any private institution fund raising is necessary - but voluntary.

We moved to Jacksonville in the summer of 2008. Our boys were entering the 5th & 7th grades so it was important to find a school that 'fit' them. They both came from gifted programs so we wanted academic challenge. The boys wanted good sports programs. Although they were accepted at other schools that some might consider more 'prestigous' those schools did not feel right to us. After visiting HDS we knew it was the right fit. HDS is warm and welcoming. It has a unique critical thinking program that provides challenging new ways to learn and think about problem solving. The teachers are enthusiastic and devoted. The staff is flexible and has worked hard to make sure our boys are in the right level/type of classes to remain challenged. We have been very pleased and highly recommend HDS. They will make sure the school 'fits' your child's needs and personality.

We tried HDS because public school was too big and institutional. Couldn't be happier. Yes it is sweet and small but more importantly my kids are taught to analyze information via a critical thinking model. It is a comfort to know when they do search the net they have skills in separating fact/opinion/bias.

best school ever!!! My child is in pk-3 and loves it. His teacher is adorable!!! This school to me is highly recommended!!!

A challenging friendly critical thinking environment...students are well prepared for the high school of their choice. Science curriculum is particularly strong.

My family moved to Jacksonville this summer and as all good parents do toured all of the private schools in Jacksonville. Some of the other schools boast more perks large gorgeous campuses prestigious histories vast athletic fields etc. but Hendricks offers what the others can't. Hendricks understands children and families and provides the best individualized personalized education that helps kids be prepared for life. Hendricks teaches children to THINK and problem solve within a moral compass. We couldn't be happier.

Hendricks Day School has helped me raise my three children. We came to the this school 10 years ago and have been blessed ever since. My children have been well prepared for high school and know how to think about their decisions and problem solve thanks to Hendricks. The atmosphere at HDS is like no other. There is a family friendly feeling and the teachers make learning fun. At the same time the children are challenged and expectations are high. The friends that my kids have made at Hendricks are many and lasting. The field trips to Key West the mountains Washington Savannah St. Augustine Tallahassee and Jekyl Island are awesome. The before and after school extended day program is great and helpful to working parents. The sports program is very competitive and strong. It encourages the students to strenghten their athletic abilities and teaches them to manage their time.

We recently transferred our two children to Hendricks. One of my sons has a slight learning disability and I can honestly say his teacher has gone far above and beyond the norm to keep him (and me) on track. She is kind and thorough and I feel he has progressed substantially largely because of her efforts. Meanwhile my other son enjoys a rigorous academic environment with yet another outstanding teacher. My only complaint is minor and echoes an earlier sentiment they are not very understanding of the working parent. We are constantly asked to fundraise donate attend provide or come to daytime events often with a price tag attached. It is difficult especially when they involve our children in these pressuring tactics. Both my boys are very concerned with numerous fundraising efforts (cookie dough dress down days ice cream box tops) and it has become tiresome.

I have two boys who attended Hendricks Day School and I was impressed by many things but most importantly the level of instruction and genuine interest and provision for each individual child's strengths and weeknesses. My boys had different strength areas - one was strong in math and the other in language arts. Both were successful because the Hendricks teachers just refused to let either child faulter. The level of instruction was very high allowing both my boys entrance into the high school of their choice. Their Hendricks friends remain some of their best friends today because at Hendricks you make friends for life. Check it out if you are looking for an extension of your family values and want a first class education for your child.

Great school academically. The entire staff is very encouraging/nurturing to its students. The staff continuously trains on the most modern forms of teaching. It s a needed school in the area. Downside- All invitations for events/expos are during the work day. Makes a parent feel as though he's missing out on his child s education. Also there's no relief in asking for donations. They have their annual donation drive which is expected. But they also have an elaborate auction toward the end of the year where they strongly encourage donations (money computers weekend getaways?). Individual classes are rewarded if there is 100% participation. Gee I don t want my child to make the entire class suffer right? It is a great school but they should be more sensitive to the working parent.

My 2 boys have been at Hendricks since Pre-K. One graduated very well prepared for high school and the other will graduate this year. Great school for academics and athletics. Middle school goes on class trips to Key West Smokey Mtns. & Washington D.C. My kids have great memories & friends from HDS. Also brand new Mac computer lab this year!

Both my childen were in A-rated Duval public schools for three years before being enrolled in Hendricks. I can't say enough about the educators and the administrators. The enthusiam for learning is seen from the principal to the teachers to the students and parents. Both children love Hendricks and have regained their love of learning. Thier motto is 'Teaching how to think not what to think.' and it shows! Due to a recent contribution Hendricks now has IT equipment that is second to none in the county. It is no longer a Methodist school and while they do have chapel weekly there are children of all faiths attending. It is also enthically and culturally diverse.

We have just started attending HDS from public elementary school and I am more and more impressed with each day. The cirriculum is challenging and well taught. The faculty does a great job communicating with parents and being accessible. My sixth grader is more engaged with his schoolwork than ever before.