Local Business Spotlight: The Dorris-Eaton School

By the time students graduate, they have a solid foundation in writing, critical thinking, organization, and self-advocacy, along with the capability to communicate their ideas and approach new challenges independently. These skills prepare them well for high school, university, and beyond.

Patch: How long has your school been around the community?
Nancee Watson: Dorris-Eaton was founded in 1954, so we have been part of the San Ramon Valley for more than 70 years.That longevity means something to me.The school has certainly evolved over the years, but its commitment to thoughtful teaching, steady academic growth, and close attention to each student has remained constant

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you're in, and how did you get started?
Nancee Watson: I was drawn to teaching by the belief that the right teacher at the right moment can make a lasting difference in a child's life. After teaching in the Midwest and San Francisco, I had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Dorris and Mrs. Eaton. As we came to know one another, we discovered a shared philosophy about children, teaching, and education. That common ground ultimately led them to entrust me with the leadership of Dorris-Eaton.

What has kept me in education all these years is the opportunity to create a place where both students and teachers can do their best work. Schools and curriculum change over time, but the fundamentals remain much the same: good teaching, meaningful relationships, and an environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and discover what interests and excites them.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Nancee Watson: Before offering advice, you have to listen—really listen—to understand what a parent is concerned about. More often than not, the underlying question is, "Is my child on track?" There isn't one answer to that question because children develop and learn at different rates. Our job is to understand where students are, recognize what they are ready for next, and provide what they need to continue to grow. Just as important is reminding parents that children don't all follow the same timetable or the same path—and that's okay.

Patch: What's the most satisfying part of your job?
Nancee Watson: Watching that "light bulb" go on for a kindergartner never gets old. It might be the moment a child realizes they can read, writes a first real sentence, or suddenly understands why three plus seven equals ten. Those small breakthroughs are incredibly rewarding.

At the other end of the journey is watching our eighth graders cross the stage at graduation and realizing how far they have come. For some, that journey began with us as three-year-olds in preschool. To have the opportunity to watch a child grow from those earliest days to the point where they are ready to take on high school is one of the great rewards of being an educator.

Patch: How would you say your school distinguishes itself from the others?
Nancee Watson: Dorris-Eaton combines a strong academic program with the personal feel of a close-knit school community. We are small enough that every student is known—not just by their teachers, but by staff and by me. That familiarity allows teachers to know when a student is ready for more, when some extra support is needed, and when to give them room to figure something out for themselves. At the same time, the breadth of our program gives students opportunities to discover and develop their interests through academics, the arts, and activities such as our math, science, and debate teams.

What really distinguishes our program, though, is what happens in the classroom. Students begin Spanish in preschool and experience science labs starting in kindergarten; language arts is taught as three distinct disciplines—literature, writing, and grammar; junior high math classes are structured by level of readiness and aptitude; and across the grades, teachers provide thoughtful feedback that helps strengthen their skills. Most importantly, our teachers teach for understanding. The goal isn't simply to cover material, but to ensure students understand it, can apply it, and are ready to build on it.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your school?
Nancee Watson: Visit our website at dorriseaton.com or email us at admissions@dorriseaton.com.