Elgin Academy

We are the parents of 3 alum from EA. Each of them were challenged where they required challenging and supported where they required support. Teachers and administrators got to know our kids. We never thought we'd put our kids into a private school, but it was worth every penny and sacrifice to do so. The kids got to explore all their interests, even if they weren't sure it WAS an interest! Athletics / Drama / Choir / Community Service all of it! Our young adults can not only succeed in their chosen field of study, but can look an adult in the eye and have a thoughtful conversation with them. This is SO important to us in this age where many kids are immersed in their digital world to the point where that they can't look up long enough to say hello, never mind have an intelligent conversation with an adult sitting next to them. EA has phenomenal faculty/staff and administration who truly care about your children and will work overtime to help them be the best they can be.

My wife and I are so happy we found Elgin Academy. Our son started in pre-school and 14 years later is now a Junior at Elgin Academy. He is doing great. His experience has been outstanding. Elgin Academy has a college campus feel to it complete with a grassy quad and historical buildings. The school was founded in 1839 making it 181 years old. Think about all that history behind it all the students who have graduated and went on to change our world. The Academy has a good feeling about it. Administrators, teachers and parents work together to put our students first. The head of school is often around campus mingling with students. His door is always open to parents. When we have a concern, we see changes for the better happen fast. Our son has had so many opportunities; volunteerism, sports, theatrics, environmentalism, and amazing camaraderie amongst his peers. The relationships he has formed at Elgin Academy will help him throughout his life. Our fellow parents stick together and help make sure our students are safe and feel included. I believe the Elgin Academy experience has done so much to help students be so well adjusted and successful in their college careers. My wife and think this was the best decision we every made for our son.

I wrote the evaluation below in 2014. I still feel confident that our son is at the best choice. We are especially appreciative of the college counseling our family is receiving as part of our son's education. We have 2 highly trained college counselors and additional support staff that actually know our family for individualized assistance. That is approximately a ratio of 1 counselor to 15 students. my 11/28/2014 review: We chose Elgin Academy for our son and have been glad he has been given the opportunity to experience the Elgin Academy difference. He started in Pre-School and has grown in so many ways. He is able to interact with students as well as teachers of very diverse backgrounds. He has a great choice of electives. His academics are taught in a way that makes learning fun. It is a great feeling as a parent to have your child eager to get to school and awaiting what new experience will unfold. The class sizes as well as student to teacher ratio is great. Once he gets into Upper School, he'll have individual attention for college placement. Students are involved in a variety of Community Service Programs-reinforcing the importance of giving back to society is very important to us.- Posted by Parent - Skirk.

We started our daughter in the preschool program. She has thrived at Elgin Academy and presently is in the middle school. The opportunity to progress through to high school from preschool was a big factor in enrolling her. She has thrived academically, socially, and emotionally. Exposure to sports and the arts a huge benefit. Strongly endorse Elgin Academy if you desire development of your child at any age.

If you are looking for a PS-12th grade nondenominational school with small class sizes and an emphasis on individualized active learning, then this is the place for you! Our daughter and son have excelled socially, emotionally, and academically since starting at Elgin Academy in 2012. Their 1 month Immersion program in the Spring allows students to intimately learn about a select country including their language, culture, dance, and culinary cuisines. Our children became Kenya experts this year and were singing in Swahili at the dinner table! A one of a kind education and experience!

We choose Elgin Academy for our daughter because of the student to teacher ratio, classes offered from preschool through high school, and a staff of teachers and administrators aligned with our expectations concerning our daughters development. The balance between academics, social activities, and athletic opportunities are one of the academy's greatest benefits. The fact that our child, who began in the preschool program has role models and interaction with students in upper grades is another benefit the academy offers. Regards, Phillip and Elena Cowen

We chose Elgin Academy for our son and have been glad he has been given the opportunity to experience the Elgin Academy difference. He started in Pre-School and has grown in so many ways. He is able to interact with students as well as teachers of very diverse backgrounds. He has a great choice of electives. His academics are taught in a way that makes learning fun. It is a great feeling as a parent to have your child eager to get to school and awaiting what new experience will unfold. The class sizes as well as student to teacher ratio is great. Once he gets into Upper School he''ll have individual attention for college placement. Students are involved in a variety of Community Service Programs-reinforcing the importance of giving back to society is very important to us.

Students at EA enjoy a lot of opportunities that other schools cannot offer - small class sizes, a rich arts curriculum, and lots of opportunities for sports and other extracurricular interests. We highly recommend it!

We are very pleased with the progress of our four year-old daughter so far through preschool and pre-k at Elgin Academy. She is building self-confidence and maturity while maintaining curiosity and excitement about school each day. By starting with French class in preschool, she is getting a jump-start on learning a second language which we never had and she just embraces it as a normal part of school. Experiential, hands-on learning of both small and large motor skills are a favorite daily part of the curriculum. Separate music, library and art classes from dedicated, specialized teachers also rounds out the excellent half-day pre-k program.