Torch - Fall 2012

HAVERGAL COLLEGE

The Proud Continuum: Havergal’s 2012 Survey Results

score in this category, with 73% of parents agreeing that these elements were significant in their choice.

In March 2012, we asked members of the Havergal community— parents, Old Girls, students, staff and faculty—to participate in a series of surveys conducted by Lookout Management Inc. At Havergal, we recognize the importance of having professionally prepared surveys, which can be systematically collected and analyzed for feedback as a way to celebrate what we do best and pre-emptively address areas of concern. The resulting data will allow us to further refine our strategic priorities and to continually improve our school. Having also hired Lookout Management Inc. in 2009 to conduct surveys, we

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE STUDENT SURVEY • More than 90% of students believe that Havergal encourages in them a love of learning. • 80% of students believe that the key hallmark of a Havergal education is an enriched educational program with rigorous academic standards. • 91% of students are satisfied with Havergal’s athletic facilities, followed closely by the academic facilities (89%) and community partnership activities (80%). • 55% of students believe that they have knowledge of environmental sustainability; this highlights the need to increase student knowledge in this area. • With respect to their own preparedness across a series of academic and life skills, students rated themselves as: best prepared in respect for others (84%); working cooperatively in a group (75%); and independent learning (74%). Lower scores went to public speaking (48%) and organizing time effectively (54%). • 83% of students report that Havergal was their first choice among schools. As with the parents, students rate buildings and grounds (76%) and Havergal’s approach to teaching and learning (68%) as the top two reasons for choosing Havergal.

are able to compare our current findings with the baseline data collected earlier. The current surveys measured satisfaction levels on a variety of topics specific to each group and we are pleased to share the following brief summary of some of the key findings. KEY FINDINGS

FROM THE PARENT SURVEY • 95% of parents are proud of their association with Havergal and agree that it has an excellent reputation. • 85% of parents are well satisfied with Havergal; this represents an increase from the last survey conducted in 2009. • 80% of parents agree that Havergal is a strong community that fosters the qualities of engagement in the world with impact. • From a list of 25 specific school-life elements: 96% of parents are satisfied with Havergal’s athletic facilities; 93% with the academic facilities; 90% with campus security; and 84% with the clarity of the school’s mission, vision and values. • When asked to rate Havergal’s contribution to their daughters’ growth: 84% of parents felt that the school instilled a sense of working collaboratively; 83% felt that it instilled a sense of respect for others; and 80% felt that it inculcated independent learning. • 81% of parents rated Havergal’s approach to teaching and learning as the key reason for choosing Havergal for their daughters. The buildings and grounds were the second highest

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