Testimonials
“Belle Meade School is to be commended for their hard work and dedication to making their school a nurturing community with a family atmosphere. ” – Accreditation Committee Virginia Independent Schools Association
“If I had to pick one word that best describes what makes Belle Meade special to me it is relationships. If you look in the dictionary, you will find the definition of relationship is the way in which two or more concepts, objects or people are connected or the state of being connected. Sounds pretty simple, but starting, developing and maintaining relationships are all very challenging. The ability to form relationships and work cooperatively is what defines us as human beings. Relationships fill our need to love and be loved, they provide the greatest joys in our lives, they give us the ability to have lasting impact on others, and through relationships we have the people to support us in times of trouble. Belle Meade offers a real opportunity for each and every student to develop relationships with teachers, with peers, with animals and with the environment. The teachers focus on helping each and every student to build positive relationships in every aspect of school life. The day starts with circle during which the students and teachers share a quiet moment, join together as a group, center and prepare for the day, acknowledge the person next to them and share something they did that weekend or share in some sort of group activity. Building relationships. Then everyone breaks into smaller groups and heads out to do chores during which they care for the animals on the farm, work in the garden or fill the outdoor furnace to heat the school. Building relationships. Here the relationships that are being built extend to animals, the land, the soil, nature and the environment. The rest of the day is filled with academic classes during which the students build relationships with their teacher and their peers. The school day ends with another round of chores and closing circle. Building relationships. Relationships are at the core of community. By being part of the Belle Meade community, each student finds self value, a sense of responsibility, the ability to problem solve more effectively, and the ability to resolve conflicts. The students at Belle Meade are supported in a way that I have not experienced in any other school environment.” – Monica Y. Chapman, DVM, GDip VWHM, Parent of a High School Student
“Belle Meade is an oasis in the desert of educational opportunities. From the open, sun-filled classrooms to the beautiful landscape, Belle Meade offers education for the entire individual student. It is truly a home away from home in that our son has teachers who are educating him, advising him, and truly care about him as an individual. He is receiving excellent academic instruction, but also life instruction. The education at Belle Meade extends so far beyond academics: he is learning how to be a good citizen, a good leader, a responsible adult, and a good friend.” – Parent of a High School Student
“At Belle Meade School, my daughter has found acceptance of her strengths, her weaknesses, her personality, and her growth. It has been an invaluable part of her education in life.” – Parent of a Middle School Student
“An idyllic educational community built on a strong foundation of respect and exploration.” – Parent of a High School Student
“Belle Meade epitomizes kindness, community, and friendship.” – Parent of a Middle School Student
“Belle Meade School has been an amazing experience for me. I have really enjoyed being able to learn from the great teachers and also from the students. That is one of the things I love about Belle Meade: being able to become friends with the teachers. I have also had the chance to make real friends with other students; I have made lasting relationships with some of them, not just as a passing face in the crowd. Belle Meade has been a place that I can be who I really am. This goes for everyone who attends Belle Meade. Students are able to really figure out who they are as people. That is why I enjoy going to Belle Meade.” – Oliver Herron, High School Student