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"SRDS students often group themselves into ""niches,"" which can be helpful for newcomers looking to find their footing socially or make friends. On the surface, it may seem like there’s no bullying, but tension and gossiping are present. While this might be expected in any school environment, it’s something to keep in mind.From a college-prep perspective, SRDS offers valuable resources, but much of the responsibility falls on students. Teachers and administrators are helpful, but you need to take the initiative to seek out opportunities. Most of the college application support I’ve received has come from reaching out to the head of the upper school and consulting teachers directly. Community service is another strong focus, with one teacher providing a dedicated resource document for volunteering opportunities. Still, don’t expect anyone to hand opportunities to you—you have to express interest and take the lead.The school has hired more new teachers than I can count in recent years, which reflects its efforts to accommodate its growing student population. However, the quality of teaching varies. Each teacher has their own style, and while I have my favorites, some are more effective than others. Performing arts teachers focus on creativity and fun, while the math department has mixed results. Self-studying is often necessary, though that’s to be expected at this level.One area where SRDS falls short is handling its rapid growth. The school’s expansion feels rushed, and it hasn’t adapted well to the increased student population. Hallways are more crowded than ever, and class sizes can be surprisingly large. During a parent-teacher conference earlier this year, nearly 40 parents were packed into a small room—a frustrating and poorly planned experience.Overall, SRDS has its strengths: strong community service initiatives, some dedicated teachers, and a college-prep environment. However, the growing pains from rapid expansion, the variability in teaching quality, and overcrowding are challenges the school needs to address.Not a complete waste if you are financially capable of dishing out the near $60,000 tuition. +Teachers can see passion. From what I saw, teachers mainly favored students who were respectful, passionate, and not hesitant to show their interest in the subject. In the end, what happens to you is based on your own efforts so I wouldn't blame everything on the school alone."

"Honest Review from a High Schooler's Experience: DO NOT ATTEND SRDS!SRDS was a huge disappointment. I endured one disheartening year before begging my parents to transfer me out. Here’s a summary of saddening $60,000 experience.Academics: I come from a household that values academics and strong college placement, and SRDS failed miserably.Education: The poorest education I’ve ever received. My lazy teacher never checked homework and gave quizzes at a 6th-grade level to 9th and 10th graders. Advanced classes like Linear Algebra and AP Calc AB were a joke; they were essentially Algebra 2.Grading: Grading was random. Despite submitting all assignments, I never received feedback. I worked diligently, only to get random grades months late.AP Classes: AP classes are not taken seriously, resulting in poor scores.Environment: There is no library or quiet study rooms. The school is overcrowded, noisy, and lacks order. Students come to socialize, play video games and use social media rather than study.One-on-One SupportThere is no personal attention or help. Teachers are unresponsive, and seeking help is fruitless.Students:Students are snobbish, entitled, and engage in cyberbullying. They come to school to chat, play games, and scroll through social media. Education and college are taken as jokes. The environment fosters laziness and immaturity.Food and FacilitiesThe promised ""chef"" and variety of options are a lie. Students are yelled and punished for taking a bagel in the morning.Administration and AuthorityThe Upper School Dean and Head of School overreact to situations and are ineffective.Buses and TransportationThe buses are small, dirty, and noisy. The $5000+ transportation fee is a waste, and it’s heartbreaking to see young children in these conditions.College AcceptancesThere are only two college counselors. One is the lazy, uneducated dean who teaches nothing. The college acceptances are disappointing, with students going to random schools with high acceptance rates.ClubsClubs are disorganized, and the free period called N Block is chaotic. The reality is nothing like the advertisements.Please, do not attend this school. The advertisements are an illusion.Message:Please, do not attend this school. The advertisements are an illusion. SRDS is not the place for education or success. It’s a way to “drag” rich students into graduation and acceptance into random, poor colleges. My family wasted one crucial year of high school and $60,000."

"I have two very different children who attended SRDS. It was a life changing experience for each of them for very different reasons. During COVID, they didn't skip a beat. Students were required to login to each class as normal and continue to wear their uniforms. I never felt that my children were falling behind during COVID yet rather thriving. The curriculum is excellent and each student is always recommended for classes that are challenging for them vs ""grade level"". Meaning, if they excel in Math, they will be advanced into a Math class appropriate for their individual level. The camaraderie between the students and teachers/staff is a blessing and creates an emotionally safe space while building self confidence to thrive academically. My children's strongest friendships have derived from their time at SRDS. I cannot recommend SRDS enough. Sending our children here was the best parental decision we have made to date."

My daughter has excelled at this school. She has totally transformed academically and personally from her private school days to coming to this school. We could not be more impressed!