THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 28, 1995 TAG: 9506280005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
Four years ago my wife and I made an appointment to tour Maury High School. Since both of us had received our high-school education overseas, our knowledge of large, public high schools in the United States was derived from news-media publications such as Time magazine. So you can well imagine that we were somewhat apprehensive about letting our daughter Elizabeth attend one of these formidable institutions.
One of the misconceptions we held was that these large schools were very impersonal and that nobody cared about the individual student.
Our first surprise occurred when we found out that the principal himself would be conducting our private tour. Not only did he take the time to answer our individual questions but he also took considerable time to show us everything that the school had to offer from an outstanding library to printing facilities, carpentry facilities, etc.
It became very evident that the principal took personal pride in every aspect of the school. Even more amazing: He seemed to know all of the students.
That was certainly a revelation to us. We were impressed by the orderly manner in which the students switched classes, by their polite behavior toward their teachers and by their general enthusiasm. We came away from our interview realizing that we had harbored many misconceptions about U.S. public schools in general and that certainly as far as Maury High School was concerned, there appeared to be exceptional leadership at the helm.
After four years of experiencing Maury High School's education program, we can only marvel at the depth of commitment shown by the principal and his staff toward the students. Quite frankly, I believe the standard of education at Maury High School is equal if not better than some of the finest private schools to be found anywhere.
I can say that with personal conviction because I attended an elite private boarding school in South Africa and my eldest daughter attended a very expensive prep school in New England. Not only is the Maury education, particularly in the advanced-placement courses, equal to the education offered by the private academics, but the guidance, support and nurturing of the students is superior to that of the private schools.
DONALD NUSS
Norfolk, June 5, 1995
Editor's note: Dr. Nuss is surgeon in chief and vice president for surgical affairs at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk. by CNB