Alcuin School

Posted: November 23, 2023

I've been at this school for 12 years and i absolutely hate it. I'm a middle school student and get bullied constantly and the teachers don't do much about it. I've been told to end my life and received death threats and the staff have done very little about it. People are very ableist I've noticed. People say slurs and don't get in trouble for it. This school needs a proper bullying policy or everything will crumble.

Posted: November 23, 2023

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Posted: August 1, 2022

I have been at Alcuin for about 4 years now, and I absolutely love it. The teachers and other kids are super kind, education is fun and progressive, nobody is mean or anything. Definitely would recommend. It's certainly selective - I got in and so many of my friends (even my brother) didn't. But I love it here.

Posted: August 1, 2022

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Posted: January 29, 2021

My family and I cannot say enough about the school and the exceptional staff. They are very caring, nurturing and dedicated to preparing our kids for the future. We cannot thank them enough for the bright, compassionate global citizens they are helping us raise. Phenomenal!

Posted: January 29, 2021

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Posted: January 29, 2021

Alcuin provides a unique, exceptional learning environment. The montessori method has proven to encourage an internal motivation to learn in every one of my children. We have been at the school since my eldest was in the toddler program and we plan to continue through high school. The staff at Alcuin is the primary reason we have stayed the past 9 years.

Posted: January 29, 2021

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Posted: December 29, 2020

I recently graduated from Alcuin in 2018 after attending the school for 13 years. It has made me a well rounded and compassionate person; I could not have asked for a better place to grow up. Having been out of the Montessori program for some time, my review is focused on the middle school and high school experience.
The curriculum can be demanding, but small class sizes and dedicated teachers made it easy to pay attention and ask questions. The mutual respect between students and teachers created an effective learning environment where students were encouraged to explore their passions and take leadership positions. All graded work used comprehensive criteria that made it easy to produce great work. Homework was overbearing at times, but I always had time to participate in over five extracurriculars every semester of high school. I had a great time at Alcuin, and I never felt like I was deprived of a social life. I now attend the University of Southern California where I can firmly say that Alcuin has given me an advantage over my peers academically and socially. I learned critical thinking skills in all subjects, time management strategies, and how to research and write A level papers. Socially, I am able to connect with all different kinds of people and make meaningful connections with the right kind of people because Alcuin taught me to be an individual and to be confident in myself.
Alcuin is a great school for all different kinds of students- you will always find your people.

Posted: December 29, 2020

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Posted: August 24, 2020

I have spent over 10-years at Alcuin and to my dismay, it has become a chilling, Orwellian nightmare. It is a dutiful arm of the UN-chartered IB system of indoctrination whose single goal is to 'create global citizens' not well-rounded, educated children. It is truly The Ministry of Truth come to fruition.

Posted: August 24, 2020

The tactic is to overload the child with homework to monopolize all after-school time, thus forcing a crowding-out effect. There is no time for social activities, athletics, or simply fun for the older child.

Posted: August 24, 2020

Teachers are committed partisans who have consistently shown contempt for parental authority, instead secretly pushing the IB agenda. In a meeting with a department administrator, I asked to have a copy of the class curriculum in order to supplement the child's course work and was told "we don't need you to do that".

Posted: August 24, 2020

The development of virtue seems on the surface to be present, but in fact, it's not a character development that adheres to any traditional model. Instead there is a pervasive humanist ideology propagated which is autocratic and contemptuous of religion. Social engineering is the preferred method of achieving compliance.

Posted: August 24, 2020

Leadership is under the iron-fisted control of the board. This school is not controlled by parents. It was originally founded by an Episcopal priest but all vestiges of religion have long-since been removed and replaced by a secular humanist ideology.

Posted: August 24, 2020

The school pretends to be 'supportive' but in fact is quite intolerant of differences.

Posted: August 24, 2020

If you refuse to adhere to the group-think pushed by the teachers, administrators, and pervasive IB curriculum, you will be gently 'corrected'. There exist a culture of passive-aggressive bullying for those who don't acquiesce to the culture. This is a different type of bullying but there is no tolerance for dissenting thought or behavior.

Posted: June 4, 2020

Generally the school is "ok," however nothing really exceptional. Lacks the resources to provide proper one on one instruction for emerging readers. Resources are strained and administration is weak and needs an overhaul.

Posted: June 4, 2020

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Posted: December 20, 2019

The music, Spanish and theater program for the elementary students is VERY good. However, socially it is like Lord of the Flies with the ring leaders of the classroom (children of big financial donors or teachers) dominating the atmosphere of the social environment. This school lacks respect for diversity of RELIGIONS.

The administration and teachers in the middle school lack training for talented students. There is a lot of apathy and ignorance. Trying to understand where students are coming from is not educational philosophy here. For IB, Plano schools are amazing. For elementary, look at the public schools or other privates in the area. Westwood doesn’t have the campus beauty, but they are kind, loving and supportive. Other public districts here are amazing, like Allen ISD, Richardson.schools and others. Girls are favored at this school, and I am writing from a feminist view. I would look elsewhere...

Posted: December 20, 2019

Posted: December 20, 2019

Repetitive work. Not many assessments. Growth is minimal.

Posted: December 20, 2019

This school favors those family who pay full tuition, teachers’ children and those parents who donate money. The more money - the ‘higher the student’ on the social ladder that exists at this school.

Posted: December 20, 2019

Administration is weakand toxic. Curriculum design is inferior to even ho-hum schools. A large sense of administrative apathy predominates.

Posted: December 20, 2019

This school lacks the knowledge and training to work with learning differences- including talented, gifted and well-socialized children.

Posted: December 20, 2019

They deal with bullying if it is happening to a financial donor’s child, an employee’s child or a friend of the child’s. They do NOT deal with situations well if not part of this realm.

Posted: October 31, 2017

This school focuses on respect and good citizenship. Bullying is not tolerated by students or teachers.

Posted: October 31, 2017

My children have been at this school for 8 years and it's been a fantastic education. It's expensive but it's been worth the financial sacrifice. No other school in Dallas is growing children into compassionate, global leaders at the level of Alcuin students.

Posted: October 31, 2017

The homework gradually builds in quantity. It is also assigned with deadlines meant to help the students manage their time well and not cram it all in in one night.

Posted: October 31, 2017

They seem to know my children better than I do and they accept them whole heartedly with all of their strengths and weaknesses.

Posted: October 31, 2017

The school develops a deep rooted sense of self respect and respect for others. My children are always confused at the behavior and attitude from children who are not being given this type of character building education at home or at school.

Posted: October 31, 2017

The school is changing so the leadership is juggling a lot right now. Overall they are handling it very well.

Posted: October 31, 2017

They have plenty of staff and extended staff who can help meet the needs of students who have differences in learning or need something extra. It's the perfect place to get a little more support in one area and an receive an extra challenge in another area. This works so much better than the cookie cutter standards of mainstream education.

Posted: October 25, 2017

Posted: October 25, 2017

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Posted: October 25, 2017

Posted: October 25, 2017

Great school! Reliocating from Europe to Texas it is the perfect school.

Posted: February 6, 2017

Posted: February 6, 2017

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Posted: February 6, 2017

Posted: February 6, 2017

We've been fortunate enough to have our children at Alcuin for 10 years. I can't imagine them being anywhere else. The school looks at the whole child: academics, overall wellbeing, individual learning style. It is also apparent that the teachers genuinely care about their students. Love this school!!!

Posted: January 16, 2017

There aren't any real bullies. Kids can be mean at times, but there aren't the old-school steal your lunch bullies.

Posted: January 16, 2017

I really feel like I have developed a lot of integrity, compassion, and respect

Posted: January 16, 2017

I have a good teacher who is nice.

Posted: January 16, 2017

We have the right amount, not too much, not too little

Posted: January 16, 2017

I am a student at Alcuin. I love it. I know we have a very good high school and it is fun

Posted: July 13, 2015

Posted: July 13, 2015

Homework is just right. Not too much in the younger years and increases starting in 4th grade.

Posted: July 13, 2015

Posted: July 13, 2015

The most under-rated school in Dallas. Over the course of the next decade, I predict that this school will be on par, if not ahead of, the top private schools in Dallas. Many think it already is. The innovative approach to learning that is happening at Alcuin is unmatched.

Posted: June 5, 2015

Posted: June 5, 2015

Posted: June 5, 2015

Posted: June 5, 2015

I am blown away by this school at every turn. We as parents, and my children are not treated like just another number. Being part of a community that is really interested in development is a wonderful thing.

Posted: April 15, 2015

I am amazing unimpressed. The teachers overly prescribe testing for your average child. I spoke to my son's pediatrician who saw nothing wrong with my son and mentioned that he has had other parents that had the same issues. I have spoken to a number of parents that have had the same experience. It looks amazing when touring but as another reviewer mentioned, if you are a 30 something parent expect ZERO respect and it is even worse when both parents work. I wish I could take back the past year. Basically if your child isn't with the perfect child and your aren't willing to jump through hoops of testing, you will politely be asked to not return. -disappointed parent

Posted: December 1, 2014

I am a convert who started out very skeptical about the value this school could bring to my kids, especially in light of the expense. I have two kids at Alcuin, and they both started at 18 months old. I was not converted by the school. I was converted by my children. I see every day the effect the school has on them. They love learning and challenging themselves. That is something that I did not get until I went to college. Imagine the possibilities of getting to feel that way your whole life. Equally important is the community. I am constantly blown away by their peers, who are like minded and have a home life that values education and development as much as we do. Yes, it is a lot of money, and I didn t think I could justify the expense. Now I know, that it is the very best money I spend even in this economy. I m converted and because of that, my kids get to grow and develop whatever potential is inside them, and become the very best versions of themselves. What more could you want?

Posted: October 29, 2014

Alcuin is a truly unique school that centers around the ability to bring about the absolute best in every student combined with the flexibility to allow students to progress at a custom pace. Each child gets their own education plan that is stringently followed up on and evolves with the child. Our children have been there since infants and have thrived educationally, socially and emotionally. The teachers are so well trained that they often know more about my children than I do even though I am a stay-at-home parent. My elementary student's curriculum always exceeds the standards at the other top schools in Dallas. In first grade she writes in cursive, reads on a 5th grade level, and multiplies and divides by 10,000. The best part is that they focus on individual responsibility, accountability and courtesy. Their middle and upper school is now IB and the students are already being courted by some of the top programs who seek out the unique educational experieces of a Montessori and Baccalaureate program. To top it off the school has a "home-like" feel and the staff is always available for questions and guidance. We feel very fortunate to have gotten a spot at Alcun.

Posted: October 29, 2014

I am so happy with Alcuin school. My children have thrived educationally as well as socially. The level of education exceeds what I personally have seen as a teacher in high achieving schools. The teachers and staff take a personal interest in my children across the board. I recommend Alcuin to anyone looking for a great school!

Posted: September 29, 2014

The teachers are wonderful, that is, if you can get through the unorganized, under qualified upper management (most importantly, the director). If you are a 40+ aged parent then this is most definitely the school where you want to spend your money and where you will be treated with respect, but apparently if you are young working mother in your 30s, then you might want to stay away as the staff members turn up their noses to you. I would rather pay a million dollars for my child to be somewhere she is loved, cared for, and learning in a comfortable environment. Horrible experiences with the staff and past students & families in many instances. I wouldn't send my child here if it were free.

Posted: March 26, 2014

My child attended only the upper grades - 6th through 8th and graduated from the Middle School. We could not have been happier with the teachers, the school leadership, the Montessori and IB format, and everything about the education this school offers. Too bad they had not started an Upper School yet because this education far surpasses anything we have experienced in a traditional Independent high school. Dallas is so lucky to have Alcuin as a choice in high schools starting next year; it will be one of the only private IB schools in town and I have no doubt it will be the model for IB schools everywhere.

Posted: March 24, 2014

Both my son and daughter attend Alcuin school. My son is in last yr of Primary and my daughter in her first yr of primary. I must say the school has far exceeded our expectations and it shows in our kids. They seem very well behaved and able to have a conversation with an adult about a variety of topics at age 3 and 5. Most importantly my kids love the school and we love the homely feel there. It seems that its been a while since someone wrote a review as the last one is from 2010. With all the good changes since 2010 and with our new principal Walter Sorenson's leadership, I can say the school has com a long way already.