Parent Satisfaction Survey Results In

by Tom DeJonge, superintendent

Ratings reveal high satisfaction, point to areas for improvement

Last fall, we asked parents to share feedback and opinions about their experience with Grand Rapids Christian Schools through an electronic survey. The survey measured parent satisfaction in several key areas, including academic programs, students’ faith formation, school staff and administration, publications and communications, facilities, operations, and school social environment.

The results have been compiled and analyzed, and I have summarized them below. We’ve already begun to use the results - as well as other sources of family feedback - to establish priorities for ongoing improvement at our schools.

Overview
The survey generated an excellent parent response rate of 64 percent - thank you for taking the time to share your observations. Overall, parents evaluated our schools very highly. The survey measured two important elements: parent satisfaction in various areas and the level of importance parents place on these areas.

I’m pleased to report that in the areas parents value most highly, they reported high levels of satisfaction. Across all grade levels, these areas include:

  • Student faith formation and the integration of faith throughout learning
  • Strength of our academic programs
  • Breadth and excellence of our fine arts programs
  • The quality of our teaching and administrative staff

While overall satisfaction was high across the board, parents pointed to three key areas that could use further improvement:

  • Faith formation. Parents identified a desire for stronger emphasis on students’ personal relationship with Christ, and on the application of their faith. In response, a Spiritual Formation Task Force has been at work this year to gather student input and recommend strategies for strengthening student faith formation in all schools. The Board of Trustees has already approved several strategies; see the board minutes at http://www.grcs.org/about/pdfs/boft21907.pdf for details.
  • Social climate/community. Parents encouraged us to strengthen the sense of community at the middle school and high school levels. A GRCMS town hall meeting has been scheduled to address this and other issues; see below for details.
  • Athletics/physical education. Particularly at the middle and high school levels, parents emphasized the need for stronger athletic and fitness programs. Later this month, I will announce the formation of a commission charged to review and recommend K-12 standards in fitness, nutrition, and athletics.

Further follow-up
I have asked each principal and district board to review together the specific results and comments pertaining to their school. These groups are now in the process of setting priorities and planning action steps in response to the survey results.

Parents may be asked to assist in specific areas of improvement; watch for more information to come from your school(s) and feel free to contact your building principal(s) for further information.

Elementary schools: survey highlights
Parents are generally highly satisfied with our five elementary schools. Compiled statistics show an overall satisfaction rate of between 86 and 97 percent (responses of 7, 8, 9, or 10 on a 10-point scale). The areas with the highest overall ratings were the quality of our teachers, the spiritual formation of our students, and the climate and social atmosphere in our schools. Areas in need of enhancement will be identified and addressed at each school.

Middle school: survey highlights
At the middle school level, parents rated their satisfaction as highest in the following areas: academic programs, spiritual health, safety, administration, and teachers. Parents asked us to place more emphasis on student physical fitness and on improving the school social atmosphere and learning environment.

In view of these comments and in light of our nearing the end of the first year of our consolidated 6th through 8th grade middle school, I’m inviting all Grand Rapids Christian Middle School parents to a Town Hall meeting:

Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Town Hall Meeting

  • When: 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2007
  • Where: Multipurpose Room - Grand Rapids Christian Middle School
  • Why: To discuss with superintendent Tom DeJonge your experience with the middle school this year and to focus on ideas for improvement

High school: survey highlights
Grand Rapids Christian High parents reported their highest levels of satisfaction in the areas of academic programs, fine arts, teachers, and facilities. Parents saw a need for greater emphasis on students’ faith formation and students’ demonstration of faith principles in their daily lives. This was a key motivation for the creation of the Spiritual Formation Task Force, mentioned above. In addition, we have begun a comprehensive review of ways students’ faith development can be enhanced, with Holland Christian Schools and Christian Schools International.

For more information
To see more detailed survey results for one or more of our schools, please contact me at 616-574-6370 or email tdejonge@grcs.org.

Thanks again for your involvement and support.

More about the research

  • The survey was developed and conducted by SureVista Solutions, a satisfaction research firm headquartered at Michigan State University.
  • Compared to seven other Christian and other private high schools nationwide for whom SureVista has conducted satisfaction surveys, Grand Rapids Christian High scored equal or higher in nearly all areas measured.