Dear Donoho Community,
I hope you found my first letter informative and look forward to my monthly blogs. In my first couple of weeks, I’ve done a great deal of thinking and reflecting on what makes this school great. I’ve sought to understand the many reasons The Donoho School is the perfect fit for your child(ren). If I am responsible for convincing you that it is the best fit, I want an understanding of the “product” we are delivering. Is it a good one? What are the defects? Are our customers satisfied? I need to know the story.
Paige Faulkner, Director of Marketing, pointed me toward the preliminary information I needed to get started. It’s not complete, but it’s a good point to start.
What are the great aspects of The Donoho School?
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College-preparatory for students in PK3 – 12.
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Dually accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Donoho is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Alabama Association of Independent Schools (AAIS).
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83% of faculty and staff have advanced degrees.
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91 National Merit Scholars in the school’s 50-year history.
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The class of 2014 had a college acceptance rate of 100%, was accepted to 61 colleges and universities and received merit-based scholarship in excess of 5.3 million dollars.
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1:1 Digital Learning Initiative using iPads as classroom learning tools.
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11 AP offerings, 14 honors classes and dual enrollment classes taught on the Donoho campus by certified Donoho faculty.
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Foreign language exposure beginning in kindergarten.
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Individualized college counseling beginning in the ninth grade.
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21 AHSAA recognized sports teams boasting 17 state championships in three different sports.
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Required community service for graduation.
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Drug testing beginning in the ninth grade.
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Opportunities in band, choir, visual arts and performing arts, with a school-wide spring musical.
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Intersession program that offers off-campus career exploration, educational trips and on-campus enrichment courses that give students practical experiences not possible within the confines of the normal classroom situation.
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Over 85% of all students participate in co-curricular programs (athletics, performing arts, visual arts, academic clubs and service organizations).
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Technology exposure begins with our PK3 class.
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The level of commitment from the faculty, staff and community as to the importance of education and preparing our students not just for college but also for life.
I hope this gives you some insight into the great things going on at Donoho. I assure you I am committed to making The Donoho School a place where your child(ren) can thrive and enjoy a wonderful learning experience. In my next blog post I will share with you some of the many things I hope to accomplish in the coming years as your head of school.
I would appreciate any feedback you might have on ways to make Donoho an even better school. Please stop by or call if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you.
Go Falcons!
James Hutchins
Head of School
P.S. Don’t forget to follow my Twitter account (@jamesghutchins) for updates throughout the school year.
