The Tatnall School (Top Ranked Private School for 2024) - Wilmington, DE (2024)

The Tatnall School comprises four divisions from age 2 throughgrade 12:

• PRESCHOOL-The Tatnall Preschool combines allof the elements necessary, including an experienced, fullycredentialed faculty, to engage the curiosity and imaginations ofour youngest learners. Our award-winning facility was designed withthis group-ages three through kindergarten-specifically in mind.Inside, children find learning centers and areas that facilitateimaginative and cooperative play, quiet time for reading books,group time and manipulative activities. Outside our studentsexplore a play area designed by one of the country's foremostlandscape architects. This stimulating area includesstate-of-the-art equipment, an amphitheater/outdoor classroom, anarcheological "dig" site, water play areas, tricycle paths and aSchoolyard Habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation.With great care and creativity, Tatnall Preschool teachers guidechildren through early explorations of mathematics, language andliteracy, science, social studies, art, Spanish, music, technologyand developmental gym. The student-faculty ratio of 9:1 allowsteachers and students to form close, trusting relationships. Ourhead teachers also enjoy the support of assistants, professionaleducational consultants, Upper School student volunteers and, ofcourse, parents.
• LOWER SCHOOL-A Tatnall Lower School studentjoins a community of learners. Our homeroom teachers andspecialized faculty work together to create a unique experience foreach child based on a common Lower School mission: To inspireself-discovery, moral courage and academic excellence infellowship. Tatnall students learn how to learn and how toconfidently speak with adults in order to gather support, seekcounsel and generate ideas. Our faculty builds relationships thatcultivate a safe environment where children can take risks andapply their learning. By encouraging inquiry, our students learnhow to learn, actively participate in their education and becomecomfortable and confident interacting with adults. Incorporatingour Daisy Values into our daily language reminds faculty andstudents who we are and how we behave. Citizenship, integrity,perseverance, compassion, honesty, respect and responsibility arenot just words to live by, but traits that are modeled, acted uponvisibly and frequently, expected and celebrated. In addition tocore subjects that include instruction by specialists in theirfields, we also emphasize art, music, gym, technology and Spanishinstruction. Combined with an active and consistent communityservice commitment, a Lower School student is prepared to meet thechallenges of Middle School.
• MIDDLE SCHOOL-In Middle School, grades 6-8,every child experiences dramatic growth and change. At Tatnall,Middle Schoolers find the support, challenge and structure to meettheir rapidly evolving intellectual and personal needs. Our facultyguide the development of each child during these critical yearsthrough the use of a curriculum, activities and a schedule that arematched to this unique age group. The Middle School academicprogram emphasizes higher order thinking skills such as analysis,synthesis, problem solving and evaluation. Middle School teachingteams take an interdisciplinaryapproach to learning and payparticular attention to developing organization, writing, studyskills, inquiry, research, critical thinking and personalresponsibility. Our team approach gives students and facultya strong sense of identity. Eight teachers comprise both thefifth/sixth grade and seventh/eighth grade teams, in addition tospecialists in the arts, physical education and foreignlanguage. In a typical day, a Middle School student receivesinstruction in math, science, language arts, social studies,physical education, technology, the arts and foreign language.Character development, physical development and social developmentconcerns are addressed in Life Skills seminars.
• UPPER SCHOOL-Tatnall Upper School studentsengage in all aspects of a rigorous college preparatoryprogram.Close relationships between teachers and students arethe hallmark of the Upper School community.Students stretchthemselves as they learn to take risks and to acceptchallenges.The Upper School program inspires curiosity andencourages students to become involved in a variety of activitiesboth inside and outside of the classroom as they prepare forcollege and beyond. Upper School students schedule classes in anacademic program that provides foundation courses as well as alarge selection of Honors and Advanced Placement selections. Theyhave the opportunity to participate in three drama productions eachyear, create art in one of our two art studios, travel to ourEuropean sister schools and perform in our chorus, band or stringsensembles.Each sports season, students move to the fields andthe gyms to become members of teams that compete successfully atthe local, state, regional and national levels. Our students growin their confidence and prepare for the opportunities andchallenges of a changing world.They learn how to solveproblems, create and to become individuals of character andintegrity. Upper School students are guided though our program byteachers, counselors and individual advisers who join inpartnership with families to prepare our graduates for thefuture.The Upper School is a wonderful, welcoming place forstudents to find their passion and a love of learning.

57/29/2023

Tatnall isn't just a home for my student, it's a place for me as a parent. Coming to Tatnall in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, I didn't know how we would adjust. Tatnall has an amazing network of parents and embedded student support. I often wish I was attending Tatnall when I hear about the amazing experience and academics my daughter is receiving. I recommend Tatnall to everyone and anyone I talk to. It's a must for you to check out.

- Posted by Parent - Lulu Kaliher

57/29/2023

My daughter has attended Tatnall since Kindergarten and is currently in Middle School. Our family has enjoyed watching her grow and experience the private school life. The teachers are compassionate and work closely with each child. She has made friends and is a school ambassador, she learns and explores new opportunities such as sports and music. We are very pleased with our choice to be at the Tatnall School.

- Posted by Parent - Parent - JAS

57/29/2023

Our daughter is entering Kindergarten in September and she is literally counting down the days until school starts. She has attended Tatnall since she was 3 years old and is absolutely thriving. We are amazed by her love of school and the amount that she has learned already. The teachers and administration are nothing short of spectacular. I participated last year as a homeroom parent, and the home & school association is SUPER involved in all levels at Tatnall. They put together wonderful activities and work really hard to recognize the amazing staff at the school. I am incredibly impressed by the age-appropriate academic offerings in the Early Childhood curriculum (Art/Music/Science/Spanish)! Their outdoor classroom is unparalleled.

- Posted by Parent - Jenn M

511/13/2020

I have seen so much growth in my son since enrolling him in Tatnall's Early Childhood Program. My son LOVES going to school. He absolutely adores his teachers and is building meaningful friendships. Every day when I pick him up, he is so excited to share what he learned at school, tell me about the cool places on campus that he visited (like Melody meadow, the frog habitat, or the outdoor classrooms), and share trivia facts with me (like DID YOU KNOW PUMPKINS GROW ON VINES?!?!). It is so fun for me to see him flourishing, developing a love for learning, and having a blast. Our family has also gotten such a warm welcome from the Tatnall community. We have had other families reach out and welcome us, and the communication from the school's new Head of School and administration has been terrific - especially during the Pandemic.

- Posted by Parent - Rosemary L

54/6/2020

We absolutely love Tatnall! These kids are getting a well-rounded education. There are so many courses for them to choose from. The math and science departments are top-notch. The art department is widely heralded, and the choral department is led by a Grammy-winning artist. There are also a large variety of clubs to choose from, something for everybody. Zero tolerance for bullying. Tatnall has safety drills and a campus that is near major thoroughfares, yet off the beaten path reassuring me that my child is safe. This is a fantastic K-12 school. I had two kids here and the faculty and staff are truly amazing across the board and a couple that are truly spectacular. The school community is very nurturing, and students live by an impressive code. Amazing what a fantastic legacy they have been able to create in Wilmington, Delaware.

- Posted by Parent - Paul S

52/28/2020

Love this progressive, family school that embraces academics, arts, and athletics in equal measure. Tatnall fosters independence & responsibility, and challenges my child academically with rigorous courses and unique electives. Arts & music are phenomenal, Lifelong learning to happen here!

- Posted by Parent - PGB

52/28/2020

This is my daughter's first year at Tatnall and it has been nothing short of exceptional. The small class sizes and amazing academic programming has her coming home with story upon story about what she learns each and every day. Even beyond the normal school hours, her day is filled with extracurricular programs like the escape room, book club, geocaching, ceramics and chorus.

- Posted by Parent - A. McGrisken

52/28/2020

Tatnall offers a thoughtful curriculum, basic and solid core values and - best of all - nurturing teachers who are completely invested in the academic and social, emotional development of the students. These factors are instilling confidence, kindness and a love of learning in our children. When we joined Tatnall eight years ago, we found a welcoming and warm community. In our view, Tatnall is firmly committed to educating well-rounded leaders through a rigorous and thorough academic curriculum, strong arts and science programs as well as solid athletic opportunities.

- Posted by Parent - Parent

52/27/2020

We have been at Tatnall since 2003, when our daughter began in the Early Childhood division. Tatnall has instilled in our child the confidence to be a curious and adventurous learner. One who does not fear mistakes, but recognizes them as opportunities for growth. The families we have met are amazing and have become lifelong friends. The community is very close knit and lends itself to a feeling of connection and security. I would highly recommend Tatnall for families looking for an excellent education in a very nurturing environment.

- Posted by Parent - Rebecca L. Collins

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