Ventana Academic School

My children all attend Ventana and we love it! The teachers there are the best- they are there because they love teaching and they love kids! They will bend over backward to help your children. We went to Ventana because of Core Knowledge. It is the best curriculum available, hands down. My children love learning with Core Knowledge! The school is small but we love that too because our children get more one on one with the smaller class sizes. The clubs are fun too! I understand there have been some problems in the past but the teachers that remain there now are committed to making it the best year ever. They are a team and I trust them 100%! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone! If you are looking for a "family" feel in a small charter environment, then don't pass Ventana up. The TeamCFA group is building us a new school next year and it is going to be awesome! We are so excited for this school year to begin! The PTO is the best too!
--Submitted by a parent

I use to think Ventana was a great school but most of the former faculty that help make that warm family feel and encouraged teacher, parent and student participation have left. Parental involvement is at its lowest ever. The special education department use to be solid, but is no longer their strong point due to the fact that Ventana now lacks resources. I wouldn't advise sending a child with special needs to Ventana. On the bright side the remaining teachers there are caring and competent in their teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

Ventana is a great school. Like all schools, Ventana has its kinks we are working through. Students and parents are realizing Ventana isn't a typical charter school, the standards and expectations of all of their teachers really reaches new heights.Ventana is a school of choice. This is school should no longer be looked at as "the easy school" or "the school with all the poorly behaved kids". Student accountabilty is a strong belief we hold at Ventana. As a teacher, I love my job. My children will definitely be going to Ventana when they become of age. Even though I travel a far distance to and from work on a daily basis, I wouldn't change schools. The staff I work with is amazing and our new principal is fabulous! If you are looking for a school with small class sizes, individual attention with teachers that care, you should consider Ventana.
--Submitted by a teacher

Ventana Academy is a K-8 charter school with a Core Knowledge Curriculum that has now joined with TeamCFA. The school has small class sizes, afterschool clubs, fosters community involvement, and teaches by utilizing a direct, hands-on and multisensory approach which is integral to students at various skill levels and differing needs. By having a Core Knowledge Curriculum it means there will be no repitions or gaps in our children's education. Each grade level will build upon the previous year. It is what the education system is meant to be and what is used to be. If you're looking for a school where you're child can receive individualized intruction with great teachers, a great curriculum, and in a great community, Ventana is the place to be.
--Submitted by a parent

Would have said that Ventana Academy was a great school. Attended Kindergarten & 1st grade there & the Kindergarten teacher is AMAZING! HOWEVER, due to recent changes in the teaching staff and the Principal, I am now very concerned! My child will be attending 2nd grade there this coming school year because the 2nd grade teacher is the same as prior year and well regarded. However, I would caution any parents who are considering having their child attend Ventana Academy. The current political climate at the school and the loss of personnell due to disagreements with the Board could severly impact the school. Many of those who really made Ventana Academy a GREAT school, are not there any more. The small class sizes, personal attention to individual students, and overall caring atmosphere that was Ventana seem to be disappearing!
--Submitted by a parent

Ventana has changed my daughters academic life. After nearly a year at an over crowded middle school, we moved her to Ventana. The teachers at her previous school were great for the most part, but the school was so crowded that they only had time for crowd control. Ventana has dedicated and devoted teachers who bend over backwards for their students. The principal and staff are excellent as well, and the school has a very distinct "family" feel. You owe it to yourself to check out this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed with the 2 years my children spent at this school, ending in May 2010, and they will not return to Ventana. We have a couple of special needs kids, and as parents we were hooked by the Ventana sales pitch of small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong academics. There were problems the first year with a lot of turnover among the teachers, which caused problems for out kids, but we thought that situation would be fixed by the next year. Nope, same problem - teachers leaving abruptly all year long. It appears many of the teachers dont get along with the principal.No real attempt at helping special needs was provided, and there is a huge bullying problem at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son went to Ventana for two years. He did not get full support from the faculty. He was not challenged in class. He had no homework brought home, so we never really knew what he was learning or was struggling with. The only measure was grades. Lots of bullying and the teachers were not really in control of the situation. Al ot of lip service from the administration; no real results. An overall bad experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently the PTO President and want to say this has been a great year with a great community of parents and teachers! Our children experience school on a personal level that exceeds any other public school we have attended. Mrs.Molloy has given my son the confidence to excel academically. We are not the exception family but a result of the high standards and individualized attention each child receives.
--Submitted by a parent

Ventana School offers so much more than an education. This school teaches character building in such a positive atmosphere. The teachers really know their students needs and care about their growth. The academics are taught above the average grade level and children are allowed to work at their own levels. If you want a change, this is the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent