Research Thomas Sumter Academy private Schools in Sumter, South Carolina

“Thomas Sumter Academy is an outstanding school, both academically and socially. In fact, it is certainly head and shoulders above any other public and many private schools in our area. Our children have attended the school for several years now, and we continue to compare the academic status and studies of our children to others who attend schools in the area. TSA's curricula and teachers continue to rate highly and will prepare our children for their college and work futures. While the school has been through some administrative and staff changes recently, the Board of Trustees seems to have the school in hand and has recently promoted a lead teacher to interim headmaster. This lady is well-versed in both teaching and leading, and should lead the school forward during her interim tenure. We are grateful for TSA, and know it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Sumter area!”

“Being military we move around alot and we try to send our child to a good school....We were mistaken when we signed our child up in TSA. The school is rundown. Some of the teahcers are incapable of teaching. We buy the text books and then the teachers state that the books are no good and will not be using them. The head master seems to be deaf to concerns brought to her attention. Bottom line...Send your kid elsewhere!!!! o'yeah the old head master was fired...I hear the school has a financial issue but they claim to have it fixed...A rate increase in tuition was over 4%...That is more than inflation.....You decide.”

“First off i would like to say, I am shocked at some of the lower rated reviews. I've been at Thomas Sumter Academy since i was in the 1st grade. Some of the reviews claimed that them or their child is doing better at a public school then Thomas Sumter, I would like to point out that Thomas Sumter is a higher level of learning then public school, and sure we have had some administration problems, but that is being resovled. Thomas Sumter is my home away from home, does your family sometimes have problems, well if it doesn't open your eyes, something is going wrong. Thomas Sumter is a family to me, we get through things together. I plan on graduating from Thomas Sumter, and I also feel like I am getting a very good education.”

“Traditions are very important. The academics are superior for the area. Average SAT scores are higher than other schools in the county.”

“I have rated Thomas Sumter above average only because it is a school that allows students to have more opportunities as long as they are willing to work hard. This school, though, has taken a plunge in the past years with its administration. The teachers are overworked, underpaid. Tuition has increased and extra unmentioned costs have been 'thrown in'. The school has had good renovations, but really unecessary. Be weary if you do decide to attend TSA because not many know exactly where all the funds are going. Its a great school, but it would be even better if those in the administration and especially Dr. Mayfield the headmaster, would follow the mantra of the school, 'Acta non Verba'. This means 'actions not words'. His words are powerful; he is a great speaker, but his actions do not imitate his words.”

“I made a lot of friends when I went there. But I get a more personalized education with a much wider range of classes at the public school I switched to out-of-state. We all take the exact same classes at TSA, at the school I go to now we have a choice of about 15 different english classes, (humanities, Shakespeare, creative writing.) But at TSA there was a single class for every subject. If the classes didnt work for you then you were screwed. If you want your child to get a personalized education that will focus on their specific needs and intrests then TSA isnt the place. I feel like my parents wasted their money. my free education is better.”

“Thomas Sumter is a wonderful place to be. Our children all attend - from the elementary school through the high school and the teachers are wonderful, caring and nurturing. The recent changes have enhanced an already great place. The academics are strong and getting even better and there is a real commitment to excellence. The thing that we love most about TSA, however, is how students of all races, socio-economic levels and home situations are welcome and accepted. It really is more than a school - it is a family.”

“When we decided to send our son to TSA we made that decision based on many factors, teacher vs student ratio in the class room, Christian values, the fact that many of the teachers had been at TSA for years and knew each student personally..and would step in to help if needed when things got tough. Lets face it, with each new administration, major changes will take place, but they are not always for the better. Lets hope TSA continues to move forward but not at the cost of the students and families.”

“Yes, the cost of the textbooks for this upcoming school year is high. But in all honesty, if it means our students are using the most up to date information to better themselves and no longer using textbooks that are from the dark ages, by all means, send me the bill. The change in the whole system on 'The Hill' is one long overdue. The Board stood up to those who felt they should be running TSA, stood beside the Administration who is leading TSA and accepted the resignations of those who wouldn't. Too bad it took so long. I am thankful that our family will get to reap the benefits of those strong individuals who took a stand for TSA and will return it to the small Christian school atmosphere it use to be with an administration and board that will take charge and FACE THE CHALLENGE! I recommend TSA!”

“Excellent School with Christian Families, Healthy Emotional Environment fostering encouragement and empowerment for a students self-esteem. Academics excel. We love it.”

“Over the past year we have gone through many changes and many for the best and some took time to get used to but overall this school is amazing! I have gone there since I was 4 and I have become a very well rounded individual. The school's focus is on giving every student the best education and character. Although I must add the greatest quality are the people the school is not like any other in this aspect we are a family and everyone takes care of one another!Go Thomas Sumter Generals! I ecourage anyone and everyone to come and be apart of this family!”

“Thomas Sumter Academy is more than a school for our children, it is our home and second family. My children are actually looking forward for the end of summer because they miss going to school.”

“Major changes in Leadership (Administration and Athletics), and Upper School faculty during the past year have improved the school and moved it to a higher level in almost every program and subject. The school has always had a good reputation for 'family atmosphere' but it lacked good quality in some programs and teaching. That has all changed in the 2006-2007 school year. My high school student loves the school and says it has never been better. She looks forward to the next three years at TSA and so do my husband and I.”

“Thomas Sumter Academy is a quality school with good leadership and an excellent faculty. Students are strongly encouraged to develop their God-given talents in all areas whether academic, artistic or athletic. The school really practices what it preaches in 'development of the whole child' including emphasis on spiritual and character development. The balance and extensiveness of the curricula of the school is outstanding for a school its size. The teaching is exceptionally good at all levels and students welcome newcomers with open arms. A comprehensive extracurricular program is available to students starting in the elementary grades. The athletic program, under new leadership, has made excellent progress in only one year. Emphasis is on fundamentals and the results have been remarkable. The Fine Arts program is outstanding winning state performance awards in Drama, Dance and Music and sending the school choir on a 7-day performance tour of Scotland in June 2007.”

“TSA is a fantastic school where my children have been challanged academically and grown personally. They love school and actually 'jump out of bed' each morning ready for school. I am always welcomed and encouraged to participate in the activities at TSA. The atmosphere on 'the Hill' is one that I would like for all children and their families to experience.”

“The academic advantages at TSA are superior! There is no other option for my daughter's education. I like the atmosphere and the fact that she is known by her name. The teachers care about her.”

“Quality education, caring teachers, family atmosphere, safe environment.....Thomas Sumter Academy stands heads and shoulders above the rest”

“I have 2 kids in school at Thomas Sumter, and think the school is just great. The quality of the academics is just so far ahead of the public schools, and the teachers really care about the kids. We just love this school so much that my wife even took a job at the school.”

“The guidance counseling at this school leaves a lot to be desired.”

“I have a daughter graduating from TSA this May and a son going into the 9th grade. Both children came from public schools (grades 1-10 for my daughter and grades K-6 for my son). I cannot say enough good things about Thomas Sumter. The standards are high, the teachers are excellent, the school is small, there is virtually no discipline problems when compared to public schools, the work is hard, excellence is expected, teachers are available at school and at home, teachers willingly attend virtually every function. It is the norm to excel; students are not looked down upon if they do well on the one hand but they are also not looked down upon if they struggle. They are given every opportunity to succeed and parents opinions and input are welcomed. We wish we had moved our children earlier.”

“Not at all a very good school teachers look out for themselves more then their students. The family feeling at the school soon falls once a student gets into trouble, its not a great school to be at.”

“I aggree to some of those negatism comments here. But certainly I would not generalize it either. Some teachers are good, and some are just plainly ignorant. In my opinion, some teachers look at it as, if you are rich, your children is completely fine and will pay close attention to them. As simply as that. Those teachers that are acting disgracefully is worst than less educated people.”

“As a school that values Christian principles, it is our nature to help support learning in many ways. I pride myself on being available virtually everyday after school for any student who seeks extra help in my classes. The only requirement of the student is that they have done their part - that homework and classwork have been given appropriate effort. For example, if a student has not done their homework for Tuesday, then they would not be able to come for extra help on Tuesday. I know my colleagues also offer extra help, so I am bewildered about the 'no help' comment.”

“Another parent mentioned this site to me because she was upset and wondered about the truth of a few critical reviews. These negative comments prompt me to add thoughts on our own positive experiences at TSA in order to provide a balance to what has been previously written here. After having looked at three other private schools in the area: Wilson Hall, Heathwood, and Hammond, my husband and I have chosen to send our children to TSA for four critical reasons: The supportive family atmosphere; the outstanding, challenging teachers; the opportunity to participate in any sport or club; and most importantly, the academic excellence of the school. Is this merely an opinion? Yes, it is, in the same way the negative comments are.”

“Thomas Sumter Academy is a wonderful school. Our daughter transferred from a DODDS school to TSA and was readily accepted by teachers and peers alike. She has had outstanding teachers in the high school. She was able to obtain numerous scholarships and graduated from college with a 3.87. We attribute this success to the foundations built at TSA. She was taught great study habits, challenged to go beyond her limit, and was fully prepared for life when she left there. Although the academics were superior, we feel she learned three very important life lessons: respect, responsiblity, and resourcefulness.”

“The teacher at Thomas Sumter are unfair and play favoritism...the classes are small but if you son or daughter needs extra help ... forget it... they are only geared to help those kids that can learn on their own... Its the worst private school in SC... More parents need to speak up ...those who have wonderful things to say about the school have kids that learn well on their own.”

“Avoid Thomas Sumter! My children are excellent students who no longer attend. Many of the teachers are parents of students. Many of the teachers attended TSA when they were young. Many parents pull their children out each year due to the incompetent teachers. Avoid this school especially if you are from the base. They will take your money and you will not realize the harm done by incompetent teachers until you are reassigned and your children attend a better school.”

“Thomas Sumter is a great school. I am a teacher there and I have two children who are High School students. I was shocked to read some negative comments about the school at this site. Very seldom do we hear anything but positive feedback. Sometimes a parent becomes disgruntled when their child doesn't do well and instead of making him accept responsibility for it blames the teachers or the school. The curriculum is challenging and a student must work to do well; those who do so thrive and love the school. I have taught at Thomas Sumter for ten years, primarily because I want my own children to go there. I feel that they are prepared academically, socially, and spiritually for college and for life.”

“Thomas Sumter Academy is the best school in Sumter County. My children have been successful in both academics and athletics. All children have the opportunity to particpate in all areas of the school. Teaching morals and values are especially important at all levels of the school. My children are now in upper school and they felt that they were totally prepared for high school. All children are encouraged to do their best and extra help is offered after school. Parent involvement is great! Parents are welcomed all day every day. I enjoy helping and being able to be so involved in my children's school life.”

“This is a terrible school. I switched to that school in the 7 grade and I felt stupid as opposed to the feeling i had at my old school. I felt as if i was not learning anything and the teachers were often unfair and played favorites. I gladly went back to my old school in the 10th grade.”

“My daughter is in Pre-5 and she is learning so much. The academic program is wonderful. She is in dance and has physical education once a week. The parent involvement is very good in her classroom, they plan alot of activities.”

“TSA is a wonderful school. My son is ADHD (inatentive type) and requires some one on one help often. His teachers (k5-5th) have very understanding and willing to work with him. He has had teachers willing to stay after school to help him understand classwork and homework. My only concern is for the schools (board of directors) willingness to help the handicap. After speaking with the headmaster and brought the problem of stairs to the board, I have been told that ramps are not a priority. They are looking at installing an elevator in the upper school; he won't be there for another 3 years.”

“My children went to TSA for over 10 years, and loved it when they were little, but as they grew older and got into middle school, the academics were poor, and the teachers were playing favortisim, and weren't being fair, and things just got worse in the high school. My daughter now attends public school and is in the 11th grade, she is doing better than she ever has at TSA.”

“My son attended this school from the 2nd through 12 grades. He gradutated, with scholarships and 16 University credits, and he was well prepared for a major university. The faculty and staff provide a climate of safe learning with emphasis on the whole child.”

“My daughter came to TSA in the eighth grade and is now in high school. On a positive note, the school has an excellent academic and college prep program. She has done extremely well at TSA. All of her teachers, with an exception of a couple, were awesome instructors. They have always been there for her when and if she needed them. On a negative note, the school really needs renovation in every aspect and restructuring. Now that we have a new headmaster, maybe some things will begin to change for the better. We parents are paying so much money, and every year the tuition gets higher, but we cannot see where the money is going. The high school desperately needs new desks and equipment. The cafeteria kitchen needs total renovation. Both of these matters should have been addressed before the weight room was built. This is a start.”

“I have two children at the school; one in Middle School and the other in High School. It is a wonderful school with a wholesome enviornment. There are high standards and excellent teachers who give lots of extra time to the students. The High School is very strong academically. I would not send my children anywhere esle.”

“TSA is a great school. Our daughter graduated fully prepared for college. The high school has high expectations and keeps abreast of new developments in education without following ever educational fad. TSA give exception value for your money.”

“Thomas Sumter Academy has provided my child the opportunity to grow academically within her comfort level. As an avid learner, she has been able to explore areas that may not typically be open to students elsewhere. The school has a great family atmosphere that embraces the children upon entering the doors. It has been a great place to have my daughter become a better citizen by giving back to her community as well as growing academically.”

“Attended briefly in Middle School and the academics were so weak it was sad. Disipline was no where to be found. School grounds were unkept and building was in need of repairs. Students given sports scholarships appeared to be held to lower standards which created the negative environment. Personally, I feel it was an unsafe, unhealty environment with very weak academics. Also, could never get the overall test results for the school, which is a strong indication of failure. Good schools do not hide this information.”

“K-5 offers a very good program. Middle School leaves alot to be desired and lacks control. Middle school student to teacher ratio is on average 24 per class. The Headmaster lacks personal skills and seems more worried about the bottom dollar. We have attended since the first grade. We are sticking it out so he can enter the High School program. Tuition vs. amenities does not add up. Honor system has been an excellent start to improving the honesty level. Would recommend for K-5 and 9-12...not middle school.”

“Everyone is held accountable. They even have an honor committee, staffed by the students. Each student is held to this honor standard. The staff and the students promote honesty. Students give of their own time to tutor other classmates that are having a problem. This program tends to lead to life long friends. One example it the Principal was once a student. Best move we made for our daughter. Money well spent.”

“I am a struggling parent of 6, and I love TSA, it's like a family.”