Last spring we asked all current Chapin families to evaluate the school’s programs and operations in a Parent Survey. A total of 123 surveys were returned, a high response rate of 57%. The surveys were tabulated and summarized by a consultant.
The most significant overall findings were as follows:
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88% of respondents schoolwide rated their child’s overall experience at Chapin as very good or excellent, an increase of 5% since the 2008 Parent Survey.
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81% of respondents rated their overall experience as parents as very good or excellent, up 10% from 2008.
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Average ratings improved from 2008 to 2010 in two-thirds of the 74 items evaluated.
The survey also asked parents to respond to the following questions:
1. What were the deciding factors when you chose Chapin for your child? The factors cited most often by parents, in priority order, were:
- small classes
- personal attention
- quality of curriculum
- sense of community
- size of school
- Character Development Program/faculty quality
- PK-8 configuration (no high school)
2. What do you like best about Chapin now? The most frequent responses, in priority order, were:
- quality/dedication of faculty and staff
- sense of community
- small school/small classes
- academics/curriculum
- Character Development Program
- child is happy
- personal attention/focus on each student
3. What, if anything, would you change to make Chapin an even better school? The most frequent responses, in priority order, were:
- various curricular/ program suggestions
- improve discipline/social issues
- more/better after school activities
- improve communication
- improve/maintain faculty quality
- improve diversity/multicultural perspectives
The results of our Parent Survey point to significant, positive change in many areas. Clearly, our parents agree strongly on the characteristics that define a Chapin education. While the survey did not provide any great surprises – this is good news – the data is insightful and helpful in focusing our attention on our strengths and on areas for improvement.