The Results Are In!
(2008 parent survey)
Brett King, RMCA Headmaster

In January we contracted with Developmental Testing Services to conduct a comprehensive parent opinion survey. After extensive analysis, the results are in. And the results were good! According to the report, “strengths clearly outweigh concerns – an excellent school. Parents know that their children receive a quality education at your school.” Below is a summary of the results:

Strengths (in no particular order):

• Academics.
• Teaching a Biblical World View.
• Atmosphere. (Friendly, caring, organized environment)
• Teachers and staff.
• Relationships
• Character-Building.
• Financial value.
• School credibility.
• Communication. Frequency, content, printed materials.
• Leadership.
• The school’s library.
• Facility. Adequate facilities and equipment, clean.
• Student-life variables. These would include student reputation, student behavior, student appearance, school spirit, and student-teacher relationships.
• Policies. Particularly office, admissions, discipline and uniform policies.
• Curriculum. Particularly History, English, Math, Science, Bible/Discipleship, Latin, Spanish, Reading/Literature, PE, Music/Band/Choir, Art, biblical worldview integration, and classical curriculum.
• Positive multi-year comparisons. Several variables showed significant improvement over the same survey conducted in late 2004.

Areas to consider improvement:

• Extra-curricular activities.
• Food Service.
• Accreditation
• Financial aid

As you might expect, I was quite pleased with the survey. It indicated to me that RMCA is strong and on the right track. The variables that are most critical to achieving our mission were rated high. Just over two-thirds of the surveys distributed were returned. This strong response rate gave me confidence in the positive results.

The survey also provided us with valuable data about adding high school grades. Approximately 60% of our families expressed a high interest in enrolling in high school. Again, this was very encouraging. There were other interesting results related to programs, location, and financial support. However, space is limited here, which is why we have posted the results online.

Therefore, if parents would like to view a more detailed analysis—and the statistics behind the results—the report is posted on RMCA’s intranet, Sycamore (parents, if you need your log-in information, please contact the office). Not only are the results available on Sycamore, parents are invited to post their thoughts and questions there as well. And as always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, you are welcome to contact me directly.

For those of you who participated in the survey, thank you! Your honest assessment, insightful suggestions, and kind words of encouragement were deeply appreciated. It was evident to me that we have parents who believe in their children’s school!

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