Tandem Friends School

Posted: October 8, 2021

There are several good educational options for middle and high school students in the greater Charlottesville area, but if you want your kids to be both well prepared for college academically *and* be equipped to enter the next phase of life with the courage of their convictions & a robust socio-emotional toolkit, Tandem Friends is far and away the best local option. This doesn't mean everything will go smoothly all of the time! Facing challenges is an important part of the middle and high school years. But this is a learning environment where kids have lots of opportunities to learn and grow and get to know themselves and others, guided by a faculty and administration that are committed to helping students both navigate difficulties and celebrate accomplishments. We could not be more happy with the learning community our two children found at Tandem Friends, and the authentic relationships they built with classmates and teachers alike. The generalist approach of a small school means everyone can try everything -- sports, arts, science, open mic. The setting and grounds are beautiful and allow for outdoor time every day. A free period during the day in high school allows kids to get a lot of their homework done during the school day, leaving afternoons/evenings more free for extracurriculars, while staying on top of academics -- a *great* habit to arrive at college with! The school's most enduring motto is "Freedom with Responsibility" -- and this inspiring approach is evident in everything that happens in this wonderful little school.

Posted: October 8, 2021

Posted: October 8, 2021

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Posted: July 22, 2020

Posted: July 22, 2020

Posted: July 22, 2020

Quaker values are imbued into all lessons and into daily conversations. The school has really embraces its Quaker identity in the past 4 years.

Posted: July 22, 2020

The administration at TFS has been amazing during Covid-19. The school seamlessly transitioned to synchronous, online learning in the spring and the students did not miss a beat ion their education.

Posted: July 22, 2020

One of my children has learning differences. Yet, he has been able to take and succeed in AP courses. This is in large part due to the support and learning strategies he has been taught through the TFS Learning Resource Center. My other child is gifted and she too has been appropriately challenged.

Posted: July 22, 2020

Posted: July 22, 2020

Both of my children are thriving at Tandem Friends School. I could not be more grateful for the education they are getting and the relationships they are developing. Tandem is not just a means to an end. If you want your child to have BOTH a meaningful Middle and High school experience AND to have them be well-prepared to take on higher education, Tandem Friends is the place to send them to school.

Posted: December 18, 2018

Every school has their bullying issues, and Tandem is no different. However, since it is a small school, it's impossible to hide when a student is being ostracized or excluded. Teachers are very in tune with their students, so when something is wrong, both they and fellow students take notice and try to help.

Posted: December 18, 2018

The teachers at Tandem are life changing. They are encouraging, willing to work with you individually, and very supportive. I never had any issues with my teachers and have maintained good relationships with many of them over the years.

Posted: December 18, 2018

Tandem strives to produce students who are compassionate, respectful, and honest, and a vast majority are!

Posted: December 18, 2018

Occasionally, leadership was a bit disorganized, but never in a way that would hinder the students' learning. Students were taught to be independent, so we were always prioritizing our education and workloads.

Posted: December 18, 2018

Many students I knew had some sort of learning differences - ranging from needing extra help with reading and math to needing more challenges in the classroom. Teachers and tutors were readily available, and most of the time very willing to work with each student to make sure they were feeling challenged and capable in the classroom.

Posted: December 18, 2018

While deadlines were loose while I was there, the homework given was often very challenging and ultimately made me a very strong student. Teachers are very willing to help students with hard concepts, and learning the fundamentals are prioritized. Tandem made me a very strong writer, taught me how to study effectively, and how to reach out for help when I needed it.

Posted: December 18, 2018

I graduated in 2013, and I absolutely loved Tandem. I made my best friends here, and I graduated feeling completely prepared to take on the world. And I did very well in college, so I would say Tandem prepared me fabulously. Their theater and sports programs were great, and I'm still in contact with a bunch of my past teachers. I would always recommend Tandem!
I know there have been a bunch of changes in the past few years, but I still believe that Tandem is a great place and a majority of students will graduate with a strong educational background and become valuable members of society.

Posted: March 16, 2018

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Posted: March 16, 2018

Posted: March 16, 2018

Posted: March 16, 2018

Having known TFS for many years it has changed tremendously. Quaker values are not instilled and it seems they are resting on a previous reputation from years past. We will finish out but many other options, including public schools should be considered for upper grades.

Posted: February 14, 2018

This is a great school for parents who can afford the tuition. It is by far the most expensive private school in town, and financial aid is given and taken away with little regard to a family's ability to pay. There are significant tuition increases every year. The head of school's salary alone would cover 25 student's tuition. Upper middle class and wealthy white children dominate. Some of the teachers are better than others. Some of the independent research projects seem silly at best. All that being said, my child is thriving in the school. Unfortunately, financial aid was taken from us, and we will not be returning. Be warned.

Posted: February 14, 2018

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Posted: August 10, 2016

Tandem is great for many different types of students. It's a school that really allows everyone there to be themselves and learn to live in a community of respect and understanding. I've seen a few comments that imply gifted students do not fit in there--which I think is completely unfounded! Tandem is the kind of school where you get what you give. Any student who is willing to put effort into academics, sports, arts, etc. will leave with unique experiences that will inform the rest of their life.

Posted: May 30, 2014

for theatre, arts and language only Great staff, happy environment, best for struggling kids socially or those with learning disabilities or behavior problems. Average or gifted students will be fine in public school or other private schools with structured courses and rigorous academic standards (example- Tandem students may retake failed exams over and over until they get a good grade so as not to hurt the student's feelings). Gifted students are considered challenging. The math and science department is minimal. Graduates go to liberal arts colleges or have wealthy parents to carry them through life in other ways.

Posted: December 3, 2013

Tandem is an amazing school, I am currently a student there and I LOVE it. The teachers really get to know and understand the students and vice versa. I have many friends here and I would recommend it to anyone who can afford the tuition

Posted: May 10, 2013

Tandem is a special school, with a culture that reflects its Quaker values and an emphasis on independent exploration. It offers a sufficiently broad curriculum to challenge the academically gifted and motivate those who have learning difficulties. The teachers love their jobs and their students and the care they bring to their profession makes a personal difference in students' lives. It is a small school (200 plus) which has pros and cons. Financially, the school finds it hard to make ends meet, especially as it must compete with its much better endowed neighbor, St. Anne's. It is going through a growth transition where it must be careful not to lose its culture, values, and supportive, creative environment. If your child would flourish in a place where everyone knows his name and 12th graders are buddies with 5th graders, consider Tandem. If your child wants a football team and marching band and 40 different AP courses to choose from, this is the wrong place.

Posted: November 7, 2011

TFS is an academically rigorous school with a heart. The outstanding faculty nurtures the best in the students in a supportive, cooperative community. The new head brings great ideas and passion to 21st century education that is inspiring to the students, faculty and parents. In addition to the academics, the school places importance on community service and a student's life in his or her community. We are very pleased with the well rounded education that our child is receiving.

Posted: September 12, 2011

My daughter started here in 5th grade, and is now in 11th. She has had a fabulous education, and a great human experience as well. The community provides kids with valuable experience of understanding other people's needs as well as your own. The excellent new principal who started in July 2011 brings a new energy to the school, while continuing to respect what is already great about it.

Posted: March 31, 2011

We only have experience with the High School portion at TFS and have been VERY happy with the environment, the education, & the community. They really do try to teach students to think and stretch themselves and it IS academically challenging. The admin & faculty has worked wonderfully with us and our student to ensure he is challenged and has access to excellent instruction in science, math, language, history - you name it. There are plenty of AP classes and excellent college guidance. We are very pleased.

Posted: January 4, 2011

Much of the faculty works hard to help the students but the administration is an ongoing fiasco interfering with Tandem's functioning as a serious school. The social pressure from above at the school is rigid, and administration behavior is often hasty, unexplained and callous.