Alhambra Traditional School

One year ago, we moved to central Ohio. My children had attended ATS. The move really brought home to me how much my children learned at ATS. Their writing and reading skills were improving very nicely. Reading lists at ATS included wonderful, classic literature. The time at school was spent learning. We are currently at a school in Ohio that rates 'excellent,' but the difference in the level of education is like night and day. Too much school time is used in 'feel good' activities and assemblies. The entire last week of school was spent going on local field trips to McDonalds and Dairy Queen. The teachers seem to expect the students to learn good writing skills simply through reading books. Our children need the guided teaching provided at schools such as ATS. Cynthia Vermillion
—Submitted by Cynthia Vermillion, a parent

My oldest child has attended ATS for 8 years. He will graduate this year and I feel that he is well prepared for high school and the rest of his educational career. ATS prepares students by teaching them time management as well personal responsibility. The curriculum and teachers are excellent. I would recommend this to any family who is committed and willing to put forth time and effort to better their child's educational experience.
—Submitted by a parent

ATS is a school for those who want academic excellence. It prepares your child well for high school. My two children who graduated from ATS were able to test out of several classes in high school, one child graduated from high school a year early as a result. The study skills and academic discipline learned have helped them go a long ways. ATS is strict on discipline and does not allow disturbances in the classroom - I love that. The downside is that they are inflexible and will not bend to accomodate a child with any special needs (learning disabilities of any kind, dyslexia, ADHD, etc.) It is a school for those who are willing and able to work hard and want to get ahead, not for the faint of heart. Depending in where you live, the drive may not be worth all that is required - nightly homework, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended ATS from Kindergarten through 8th grade. It is very parent oriented and very structured. Parents have a lot of say in everything that goes on at ATS, become involved! It is absolutely the best school in the valley.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been taking our children to ATS for eleven years and will do so until the last one graduates. it has paid off for the oldest that have graduated and went on to IB programs and are doing exeptionally well. ATS will work with you and your children if there are some problem areas but it requires a full commitment from the parents at all times to be successful above and beyond what other schools require of the parents. secondly ATS provides a safe and structured environment and exposes your children to other families that are equally dedicated to their well being.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending ATS for 3 years now and we are very happy with the school. She is a very smart girl and we wanted a school that would keep challenging her and not hold her back waiting for the other students to catch up. It is a very structured environment. The teachers are very kind and want your child to succeed and will do whatever is possible to help in that endeavor. The teachers work very close with the parents so that your child can have a successful experience. I like that they teach Spalding, they have all the activities that a normal school would have such as; P.E., music,art,library,computers, etc. This school is not for everyone, it requires parents support and participation. I like that they have raised the bar of learning. My daughter loves it there.
—Submitted by a parent

Great back to basics program. There is no 'frills' (meaning extra-curricular activities), all of those are to come from home. Lots of academic assistants, nearly one aide to every class. Lots of parental involvement, parents really have a voice in this school. Dress code is non-uniform, but strict and enforced. This school is as much work for the parents as it is for the kids, but if you want a good education for them, this is it. This school demands alot from the children and the whole family.
—Submitted by a parent

Alhambra Traditional School What can I say... I can honestly say this is a wonderful great school. I wish all school where like Ats. They show leadership, citenship,resondsibilities and very amazing study skills. Honest to God I can say when I send my child to school I am very confident that he is getting the education he needs and he is in safe hands. ATS as a school and their staff I give them A+A+A+A+A+A+A+A+A Thank you so much! Keep up the good work. From a proud parent who is proud to be a part of ATS.
—Submitted by Clinton Colantro, a parent

A.T.S. what can I say, accademically superior, demanding, strict, and a safe environment. If you decide to put your child in A.T.S., expect to have to work at keeping your child in A.T.S.. It is a family involvement school. I hear 'I pulled my kid out of that school and my kid is now doing great at hes/her new school' But lets see what happens in the long run. I know parents that after making that decision kick themselves for it. The school is tuff on the students, parents, and family. You will have to give up some things and make some sacrifices, to give your child the best education (it is easy to give up) but your child will love you for it in the long run. Parents of students that have graduated from A.T.S. know this for a fact.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school if you are a parent that expects high standards of academics and behavior. Parents have a voice in this school and are expected to get involved in the many essential programs that make this school what it is. Test scores here are always some the highest in the state and this school has a reputation that has been earned over the past 21 years. I have been here 14 years and by next year four of ours will have graduated from this school. If you want a quality education and be surrounded by dedicated teachers and parents, this one is for you!
—Submitted by a parent

The reality of ATS: After not receiving support from ATS, I am now sending my daughter to Sylvan because ATS does not teach students how to study or think outside of the box. This seems odd for a school that is known for being academically demanding. Please know that at ATS, if your child needs any type of support (academic, emotional, or social) it is the parent's responsibility to get it. ATS has defined their role as instructors and discipliners. They provide an occasional pat on the back, but that is where the support ends. If you want your child to have an excellent academics only experience, send him or her here. Please know that they will politely and indirectly inform you that assistance outside of this area is not their issue. Be prepared to find any additonal needs on your own.
—Submitted by Yolanda Thompson-Wheelington, a parent

I have a daughter entering Kindergarden this coming fall and I have been very impressed with the schools policies. I am excited for her to be challenged academically.
—Submitted by J R, a parent

Alhambra Traditional School has always strived to teach the children the best academic programs available.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides a tough academics regeme, and strict disipline guideline which could be a good thing in some nature, depending on your preference;however it could use more teachers that portraits more patience/and genuine concern when it comes to teaching a child on an indiviual bases, whether than being bound by primary school policy in effort in using their on proffesional and intellicual judgment to be fair/just per student.
—Submitted by T L, a parent

I have two children that have attended ATS from kindergarten through eighth grade. You couldn't ask for a better environment for your kids. It goes well beyond just the three R's. The respect, discipline and a sense that each child can succeed. I will admit that it takes alot of parental involvement with their studies. However, isn't that why we became parents anyway? To nurture and help someone else be all that they can be. ATS, provides in a school, what you provide at home. A great, safe surrounding with lots of learning mixed in.
—Submitted by a parent

This school, although academically good, is so strict as to not allow a second chance entrance exam for a nervous child who knew everything on the test. Unless your child is perfect, they might have trouble at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

ATS is a tremdous Academic Challenging School. I would have loved to have kept my daughter in the school, but after moving to a new home, the distance is greater than we can cope with. Other districts could take examples from ATS and build some greater schools on the philosophy from there.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall the curriculum at this school is very challenging for students. This school is not a good one if your child has extracurricular activities. Other parents I know have taken their children out of this school because their child has become burned out with the overload of school work given to them. It was suggested by one of the teachers that the children at the school not participate in outside activities such as sports because the curriculum is far to difficult and all spare time should be foucusing on school work. I think the idea that Alhambra Traditional school has is great but the focus should be to give children a fully rounded education.
—Submitted by james ford, a parent

I love ATS! I wouldn't have my children go anywhere else. Yes, it is hard work for both children and parents. And Yes, it is strict. But the techers are fun and inventive and expect the children to be their best. I agree, that it is not a school for kids with learning problem. Those kids that don't make the grade at ATS might be honor roll kids at the school down the street. We have wonderful parent involment. So much so that we as parents have a say in how our children are being taught. I believe in this school and if you can get passed the strictness and large work load you will find that you children built a foundation that make high school and collage a breeze.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in Alhambra Traditional, and find it to be an excellent choice. I went to public school, then moved onto Brophy Prep and found myself playing catchup for a few years. I know first hand the difference a strong academic foundation can make on a child's life. The school is strict, there is no doubt about it, but in today's climate of youth violence and lax parenting--it is great to find a school that has a vested interest in providing quality education and encouraging parent involvment. Perhaps, one of the best schools, private or public.
—Submitted by Jonathon Gonzales, a parent