Research Steward School private Schools in Richmond, Virginia

“I disagree with the previous review that the teacher's do not like to be questioned and are somewhat inflexible. In our two years at Steward we have met nothing but support and success for our 1st grader who we believe is not just average. Steward like many other independant school is saturated with high achievers that are far above average. The administration and the teachers seem to take great care in the placement of the children and are very accomodating in most if not all requests for assistance. Steward is a fabulous educational institute and the teacher's are top-notch!”

“My first grader loves Steward. I've been so impressed with the school's emphasis on nurturing the individuality of each child, so different from the 'cookie cutter' mentality of other private schools. Steward will, when possible, tailor the classroom curriculum to suit a child's specific needs. My son and another child were ahead in math last year so the teacher gave them additional math work to keep them challenged. He is very bright and I feel his educational needs are being met at a high level. Steward is the perfect fit for my son.”

“Our children graduated from Steward. We are most grateful for the attention given to helping them select the right colleges. They were well prepared for the academic demands of college and had easier transitions than many college freshmen. In particular, instruction received in writing and public speaking served them well in college and will continue to do so in their chosen careers.”

“The emphasis and exposure to the arts is excellent and unmatched by public education in the area. My children in K and 1st are very bright and were not adequately challenged academically given the small number in the class. Teachers do not like to be challenged or questioned and are somewhat inflexible. Amazing parent community that is not hard core Richmond and more open than other private schools in the area. A fabulous school for an average who wants a well rounded education.”

“The school's mission of not just looking for the rocket scientists doesn't mean that the education programs aren't top notch. Because of the small class sizes, average and very bright students get a wonderful education. The International Students Program adds a global diversity which is important in today's world. The fine arts and sports programs are incredible for a school of its size, and parents are welcome partners. Kids matter here!”

“My daughter enterered Steward in middle school and is now a senior. The opportunities this school gave to her brought out her leadership and athletic abilities. She developed good organizational and study skills and appreciates the importance of a good education. Steward's teachers are very dedicated people that truly care about the children they teach. My children have attended both private and public schools, but Steward is, by far, the best this town has to offer. With regards to the dress code, my daughter feels good about looking nice when she goes off to school everyday. As a parent, we can still say NO to shoes or other attire that is unsafe or unsuitable for our children. The dress code does allow girls to wear pants during the winter, so this is not an issue. Nothing is perfect, but Steward sure does come close.”

“What is with the nineteenth century dress code? Girls are actually required to wear dresses or skirts on certain days.Dress slacks are not permitted except in the dead of winter. It is quite humorous to sit in the carpool line and watch the parade of girls in ridiculous attire for school walking in five inch heels and carrying fifty pound packs on their backs. That is only the beginning of the dress code. The school's claim of two hours of homework for middle schoolers is flatly false. Homework routinely requires three to four hours and often more on weekends. This has a family unfriendly effect that limits the family's and the child's other pursuits. Despite this, there are a number of excellent and dedicated teachers.”

“The Steward School is a very easy school in the piont of educations. The only challenging part is the Homework(my kids do their homework for 3-4 hours a day!). Other than that the Steward school has an excellent Athletic program. All in all you can say that the Steward School is the right place for Students who had trouble in other private schools in the point of education.”

“I disagree with the reviewer that said deep pockets get you in. I know of several families with deep pockets that didn't get in, and many families of modest means who did. My kids love it there, and though they have very different aptitudes and learning styles, they are happy and successful. The focus on the whole child through the strong arts and athletic program is a major plus. Also, it is a very caring community. It's much less snobbish than many of the other private schools in the area, and acceptance of differences is taught and modelled from Kindergarten on. The buildings are gorgeous, but it's the staff that are the real treasure. You can't beat it in the Richmond area.”

“This school offers a banal approach to education. It is entirely consumed by rules and regimentation and appears to understand little about the process of stimulating independent learning. Parents and students frequently are subjected to hours of homework and much of class time is consumed in checking and assigning more homework. Testing is ceaseless. There is no attempt to honor or support diversity. This is truly a small town school with a small town view of today's world.”

“If you've got a kid who's been a problem somewhere else, you can get in with the right kind of money. But if you don't have deep pockets, forget it. And if you want your kid to get a good education, look elsewhere. The public schools in the city are a better alternative.”

“Our experience of 4 years was ok. For the price, 13000.00, you would think they would want your feedback. It is not an acceptable thing to challenge any of the teachers or the lower school head. If your child is bright, you have nothing to worry about. If you are wealthy, you have nothing to worry about. This is a business, not a community. I would think long and hard if you are looking to enroll here. The lower school is good, but is there is a long way to go for college prep in the upper grades.”

“The Steward School is an excellent school! By far superior to others in this area. Our experience in the past 5 years was fantastic. One on one attention, excellent staff, small classrooms, warm enviroment. Parents are very involved and friendly. The lowerschool head mistress is the best, along with her staff. I would highly recommend this school over any other in Richmond. Both of my children have enjoyed the school so much and have a love of learning as a result. The campus is NEW and has wonderful facilities. Teaching methods are above board. This is a gem of a school in a world that is not so pleasant. Review for yourself, you will be pleased. E.Gallahan”

“Good school for kids of wealthy doctors and company execs. Good luck getting in if you are of average means or are not white.”

“Steward is one of the top schools in the area. Excellent faculty and very small classes. Beautiful campus and strong in sports and arts. Faculty and staff very involved with students.”