Hendricks Day School of Jackson in Jacksonville, Florida

“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. :-)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“best school ever!!! My child is in pk-3 and loves it. His teacher is adorable!!! This school to me is highly recommended!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“A challenging, friendly, critical thinking environment...students are well prepared for the high school of their choice. Science curriculum is particularly strong.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a 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!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“HDS is a growing school, however it has a small town feel. Parent involvement is high. Teachers are loving and encouraging, yet provide discipline as needed. I've compared the academics to those of friends with children attending other private schools in the area. Overall, HDS academics are more advanced. For a school of this size the athletic opportunities are great. I highly recommend HDS.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“HDS is a strong academic school which has the reputation of sending well-prepared students on to high schools. The classes are challenging and critical thinking is really taught in a very unique way. Science curriculum is fantastic.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“My two children have been lucky to attend Hendricks Day School for eight years. The academics are very high and the teachers are so caring. It's a wonderful nurturing environment for elementary and middle-school kids, with plenty of opportunities, like art, music, Latin, and a wide range of middle-school sports. We've all made great friends at Hendricks.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful school! I've compared and had 3 children at 3 different private schools and this one is top notch.....no comparision in all categories. Teachers really do care, academics are the best and very challenging, PTO is very active and everyone is willing to work with you or you work with them! The Critical Thinking that they teach and emphasize is wonderful. Please check this school out. You won't be disappointed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is my child's first year at HDS. I am very happy with the teacher and the academics provided. I do not feel that they are really getting a lot out of music, art, and spanish. I haven't seen anything since the beginning of the school year come home from those areas.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Academics are first rate. High level of parent involvement in all areas of school. Extracurricular activities are well-balanced with academics. Our son has attended since 3rd grade (now in 7th). He is a unique child, but his teachers work hard to appeal to his strengths and strengthen his weaker areas. He has never once been teased or bullied even though he is 'nerdy'. The Critical Thinking focus in the curriculum is exactly what we want for our son-how to think, not what to think.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent parental involvement. Great education. I am a previous student, and I look forward to sending my children there.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Though this school is going through a transition period, I would highly recommend it. Unlike other schools HDS does require a lot of parental involvement. That's what parents are for anyway. The curriculum is top rate and the faculty are also. They require the students to put forth their best efforts in all they do and this school produces children with excellent academics. They encourage the students to be well-rounded and think about issues rather than follow someone else blindly. The school may be rough around the edges after the recent move, but it is a true diamond in the rough.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I do not reccomend. Period”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hendricks Day School has provided my children with a loving envirnoment and has prepared them well academically,socially and morally. The school has opportunities in the arts and sports that we have also taken advantage of. We have been very pleased at Hendricks- the quality of teaching would also be hard to match. Parents are welcome and encouraged to be a part of activities on campus and to attend field trips,participate on the PTO in various ways. I have found the teachers to be very approachable- they truly want to help each child succeed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hendricks methodist Day School is a great school for your child to get an education. But do the teachers really know whats going on behind closed doors. The kids behave terribly and the teachers are to busy keeping themselves happy, they dont even know whats going on. Other than that the sports teams are good, but there arent that many good clubs and not a variety you can choose from of foreign language.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Your child will receive an excellent education here, but along with that comes panic atacks and illnesses from the work load! There's no music available for middleschoolers. There's a variety of sports but girls soccer, softball and co-ed swimming aren't available evry year. The small class sizes allow your child to get individual attention for help and the students are for the most part very friendly. I have learned a great deal from this scool and believe that while some teachers are clueless others give very enjoyable lessons. I have made some of my best friends ever here and hope to keep in touch with them all after I graduate in May.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Small school. Going through disassociation with church process.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hendricks Day School has a great art program, the parents are very involved, and they launched a critical thinking program last year that has enjoyed much support by both parents and teachers. It also had a good enrichment and gifted program until this year. The school decided to spend its budget elsewhere and decided to drop the gifted/enrichment classes. At the same time, we have noticed a large influx of children with learning and behavioral challenges enter the school this year. The school lowered its testing standards to make entry possible for a larger audience. This I'm sure is good news to many, since Hendricks is a local institution that is regarded well by many. Having a gifted child and an academically talented child however, I am very disappointed that my two children were not challenged this year. Consequently, we are looking for a new school this year.”
This review was posted by a parent.