Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart

I grew up in Princeton with a very large family. We were privileged to attend most of the local Princeton schools between us, including the excellent public school system and other very fine independent institutions. When it came time for my son to enter school, only ONE school stood out as a very special place: Princeton Academy. We found there was no other local school that prioritized the singular development of each and every child. YOUR child really is their focus. The Head of School, Rik Dugan, starts each day joyously greeting each child by name, as they enter to start the day. The academics are top notch, the sports teams are competitive, the theater/arts/technology programs are fantastic, and the communication is darn near perfect. My recent graduate considers PASH his second home, his PASH friends are 'friends for life', and he continues to go to campus when he gets the chance. He still gets greeted, by name, by Rik Dugan and all the faculty. Thank you, Princeton Academy!

My son started his journey with PASH when he attended an in-person Public Speech and Debate summer camp offered at PASH this year in the Covid 19 pandemic. I was amazed by the efficiency and effectiveness of the safety and health measures PASH executed in addition to what my son learned from the summer camp. The subsequent application process was a totally pleasant experience and the Admission Office staff was superb in providing all information that an applicant`s family would need. Although my son has been with PASH for a relatively short period of time, we noted that PASH is huge on academic, social-emotional, and critical thinking approaches, and the teachers invest a great amount of time towards teaching students how to think rather than what to memorize. Furthermore, the communication between teacher, parent, and student is incomparable and faculty/school staff are wonderful at providing daily and sending updates and reminders. I highly recommend PASH to K-8 boys in New Jersey.

Our two sons spent most of their primary school years here and we could not be happier with the results. Even during these times of madness, the administration and faculty have been successful in keeping the PASH tradition community alive through online communications. Beyond rote instruction, the school's emphasis on kindness and compassion has kept our boys rooted and confident.

I have reviewed Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart before, but I wanted to leave additional feedback about Distance Learning. The Distance Learning platform, called HAWK Hub, has been well imagined and well executed. The technology has been working great, and the lesson plans and expectations are clearly defined. My son has been utilizing asynchronous learning so far, but the school plans to transition to synchronous learning in the coming days and weeks. The teachers have been encouraging and accessible. The Headmaster emails pre-recorded messages EVERY morning in lieu of the morning handshake!

We have loved Princeton Academy for our son. It's been the perfect combination of academics and athletics, with a unique understanding of how boys learn and, in 2020, a much-needed emphasis on character. A visit to any "Friday Thank You's" session says it all! Thank you, Princeton Academy!

Princeton Academy has made a positive and indelible impact on our son and our family. We attribute this to three fundamental principles at the school: 1) a deep understanding of how boys learn, develop and grow to become scholars and gentlemen; 2) holding dear the universal values of learning, compassion, courage, creativity, service and spirituality and 3) a talented and dedicated leadership team committed to the success of every boy.

Princeton Academy has been a wonderful place for my son. After a rocky year in kindergarten, we sought a school that could provide a more personal and nurturing environment. We have been very happy with our experience. My son is a changed child - he used to come home for school unhappy and anxious. He now comes home happy, relaxed and more self assured. They teach boys in a way that engages them in learning. So far in first grade, my son has built a city, recreated the Nile River, and made root bear floats (to learn about liquids, solids and gasses) all in his spacious classroom. The library even makes sure it has books that cater to boys' interests. The boys also get plenty of physical activity: they go for a run every morning, have regular and sometimes extra recess, and when there's snow, they even go sledding. Both teachers and the headmaster take the time to know each student individually. Any time I've had a question or concern, they have been responsive and thorough. This is a great school!

Every single day that I drop my son off at Princeton Academy under the leadership of Rik & Paris, I feel like he is one of the luckiest boys in the world!! Princeton Academy, like no other place, truly caters to how boys learn best! I also love the idea of educating the whole child...with focus on the academics & character. The 5 goals of the Sacred Heart are intertwined in all of his experiences! He is thriving! It is heart-warming to see him SO excited about learning!

We love Princeton Academy for our son. It offers excellent academics, character building, and a warm community. The academics are vigorous and hands on. The boys have plenty of opportunities to go out into the field to conduct science experiments, for example. The teachers are creative and they truly care. The athletics are competitive, yet fun. Boys at all levels can compete -- and it's encouraged. The arts are strong too. The music dept is robust, and the fine arts opportunities are growing with the recent hire of a talented local artist.

We enrolled our son at Princeton Academy in 2nd grade and this is our fifth year as members of this community. The Princeton area has many educational options so careful research is important when finding the right fit for your son and family. Princeton Academy's mission and Sacred Heart values are in line with what we as parents strive for every day. We count on the partnership with Princeton Academy to guide our son toward good decisions, kindness and a curious mind. When we struggle in those areas, the partnership holds fast due to the strength of leadership and care from the faculty and staff. The school has been re-energized by new Head of School Rik Dugan and Head of Lower School Paris McLean who hold themselves and their teams to the highest standard of care for the boys in mind, body and spirit. In his third year, Dugan has truly implemented a One School philosophy and Strategic Plan that inspires and holds the entire community accountable for the growth and success of the boys from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Also in his third year, Paris has taken his years as a classroom teacher and life experience to truly connect to the boys in the critical years of early development and influence. Planned and spontaneous interactions between lower and middle school students allow for special opportunities for sharing, mentorship and emotional growth. Morning handshakes, morning runs and rug meetings create critical touch points early in the day to identify and address any issues for the boys' transition from home to school. As a parent, I know that my son is known and his contributions are valued.

My five year old just loves his school, from our first visit we could feel the sense of community. The academic aspects of the school are impressive but when you combine it with the values and support system the school offers, it makes for an amazing environment to have your son experience. My husband and I did a lot of research before choosing Princeton Academy and every day we are glad to have found and be able to provide our boy this wonderful opportunity and we know it will help him become the best version of himself

My son currently attends Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart (PASH). I don't know where, to begin with, how pleased I am with our experience at PASH. My son enjoys attending PASH every day. He can freely interact with his teacher with ease. He is an only child and the brotherly bonds that he has created with his classmates are priceless. I can also see maturity in my son from attending PASH. Additionally, Headmaster Rik Dugan is the epitome of what an awesome role model and mentor looks like. He selfless dedication to the boys is evident in everything he does for the school. The school faculty is genuinely just as wonderful as the Headmaster Dugan. I am extremely GRATEFUL to GOD that my son attends PASH and is enjoying learning in a friendly yet academically rigorous environment. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PRINCETON ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART AND I AM SURE YOU WILL SHARE THE SAME SENTIMENTS ONCE YOUR CHILD ATTEND.

It's hard to put into words how special this school is to my son and our family. If you are looking for both excellent academics and a whole child approach, you MUST look into this school. The administration and faculty - in particular the Head of School and Athletics Director - are unmatched. Every boy is known and valued and driven to reach his individual potential in academics, athletics and the arts. The school does not just pay lip service to a values-based education; values are woven into the fabric of every school day. Having spent time in other independent schools, I can say there is a very unique sense of community among the boys and among the parents. My son started in the Lower School and is now in the Middle School and his growth has been phenomenal. The hardest part will be saying goodbye to this wonderful school!

My son recently graduated from Princeton Academy and I could not be happier with his preparation for high school. Princeton Academy taught him how to think deeply, how to write thoughtfully, how to problem solve and persevere. The values base of the Princeton Academy program also helped him grow tremendously as an individual. He graduated ready for the challenge of high school and as a young man with an understanding of what it takes to truly appreciate and respect others. This school does wonders for boys and I only wish my son had entered the school earlier so he had more time there.