Dwight School

Good school people good school

I am Tracy Thomas Williams of the Class of '75, Franklin House. Someones earlier posting complained of school fees. I have never once regretted the monies spent by my paternal grandparents to put me through Dwight (Or any other private school since Pre-K for that matter) How much did they pay? Full price which is the same as todays cost in inflation adjusted dollars. No scholarship or financial aid, either. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Williams, Ph.d., were prominent both professionally and socially. My grandfather took over management of the family business which was the Phenix Color and Dye Company at 284 Pearl Street. He was an analytical chemist who both won awards for his inventions and prospered financially. So they could afford Top Tier Schools like Dwight for me. It was money well spent. The school reinforced our family beliefs about defying the odds against success by way of excellence at something for which one has a talent. Dwightonians are currently celebrating 140 years of a remarkable history. It is a history tenanted by some of the most highlighted names of the past two centuries. It has been said of the 20th century that it was shaped by Dwightonians. It is Chancellor Spahn's ambition that the same shall be said of the 21st. Pursuant to this he has been developing a new leadership class forged in the crucible of his own remarkable personality. It is cosmopolitan yet parochial, meritocratic but humanitarian. As notable as the school's career has been in the 19th - 20th centuries under Dr. Spahn's 21st century leadership growth has been logorithmic in comparison. Recently an outside management consulting group suggested that this growth may be impeded by Dr. Spahn's hands - on leadership. I disagree. This makes as much sense as alleging that Apple's share value had been hindered by Steve Jobs's presence! A private school is run by force of character not by committee. Thats why no two private schools are the same in spirit. Fiercely independent in its thinking, the independent school achieves a societal impact disproportionate to its small size. So it is with trepidation I watch as the Chancellor loosens his hold on the reins.

Never ever accept an offer from this school (means pay "deposit") unless you have absolutely no choice.
As you can always go back at last minute (i.e. all the waitlist hope is gone) and still can join the school.

Once you pay the deposit, they will never let you go until you pay the full amount of tuition plus huge fees even though you do not attend a single day at the school.

Many schools have similar rule (once you pay deposit, you are obligated for full year) but most private schools waive it as they can easily fill up the spot.

The problem is this school has so many prospective students who pay deposit but do not actually show up (i.e. many of them get accepted from better schools) so this school is lined up with collecting agencies and lawyers to collect money out of these candidates who tried to resere the spot.

That reveals they cannot fill the spot (in manhattan private schools, it is travasty) !

This means, if you pay, you can join the school any time so do not waste time and money just to be safe and reserve the spot.

Bottom line is this is the 2nd-3rd tier school for people who have money and are desperate.

Some dedicated teachers, however, overall Spahn does not care how his students are educated or treated. As evidenced by the middle school principle who has no business calling himself an educator and is merely there to coach basketball. Sub par academics in the lower school. Kids used mostly to raise money for international causes to make Spahn look good. If you are a child of a diplomate or give a lot of money to the school you can get away witn anything.

The Person reviewing The Dwight School below clearly knows nothing about it. I have to say that it was a great School, with inspiring teachers and a very warm environment. The IB system worked great and prepared me well for college! Overall, I loved my time at the Dwight School and would always recommend it to friends.