Scales Technology Academy

We have been very involved parents since our daughter at Scales in kindergarten in 2008. Since the change in administration this year, I fear that this school is becoming like all other problematic schools in the area. Parent involvement has been discouraged, to the point of not feeling welcomed at all. The new admin personnel seem to thrive on their new titles & like another reviewer stated, are very dismissive. I have noticed an increase in bullying not being dealt with appropriately. The atmosephere is more tense and not family oriented anymore. I must say that I am glad we are moving out of state and if we weren't I'd probably be looking for a new school for our daughter's 4th grade year this fall. It's unfortunate, because when Dr. Diokno was there we loved this school and were willing to drive our daughter from wherever we lived to take her there.
--Submitted by a parent

The Principal at this school changed before the year began and we were not aware until we attended meet the teacher night. Dr. D seemed like a great Principal and was the reason we choose this school. Our kids, along with other kids attending this school have disliked this school. We came from Meyer Elementary and have felt that the new Principal is not good. She allows bullying and there are several fights weekly. Children actually physically fight! I am changing my children's school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so disappointed in Scales this year. My children have always loved school- until this year. We have been here since it opened, kindergarten through now. Dr. Diokno and the staff made Scales such a warm and loving and family oriented place. The teachers really cared and Dr. Diokno ALWAYS made our children and us feel special and welcomed. The new principal, Mrs. Hohobo is mean to the kids and doesn't want to speak to us parents. When she does talk to parents, she is dismissive, and literally puts her nose up in the air like she is better than us. I have heard her on several occasions, when I've been in the office, tell the office staff that "they are her problem" referring to parents and deal with them. Mrs. Himenez is so wonderful and always so helpful, but I can see that it is hard for her to be mean to us like the Principal. I also know it is a problem when the teachers talk about the principal and are negative towards her. It is so different from last year. Dr. Diokno listened to us and really cared. He did not always do what we wanted, but at least he made us feel like what we said or thought was important. Bring Dr. Diokno back, get rid of Mrs. Hohobo!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has just finished his first full year at Scales Technology Academy, and I have found much to praise about the school. Dr. Diokno and Ms. Valadez were two of the first people I worked with there, and as noted in other reviews, they are exceptional educators. But there are many exceptional teachers and administrators on the Scales staff, including at least two retired staff members who continue to volunteer at Scales. A stellar staff is not the end of my praise for Scales Technology Academy. The administration does not sweep problems under the rug; I have found them always eager to discuss any problem that comes up. The way they address these problems is what I admire most about Scales. They do not diminish problems, or solve them by turffing problems to special schools or classes. Rather, they hold everyone (child, parent, or staff member) accountable for their actions or lack of action, set up realistic solutions, and then execute the solutions. In this way every child is not only allowed, but expected to succeed to the limits of his or her ability. My child and I both look forward to next year at Scales.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves Scales Technology Academy!! We have always lived in the Scales neighborhood but through first grade my daughter attended a private Montessori school. This past year, we made a transition and she began 2nd grade at Scales and we couldn't be happier. The school administration and teachers have been great to work with and really supportive. My daughter loved Mrs. Valadez and was always excited to go to school. There were also a lot of opportunities for her to participate in after school and extracurricular activities, like student council, design squad, the PACE program, the talent show and now she is attending summer school and camp invention... all which are no additional cost!! I highly recommend Scales for the great educational experience they have provided my daughter and the supportive environment for both the kids and the parents.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is most concerned with the goal of educating their kids. I was taken by surprise by the principal Mr. David D'okino. *(spell check) He is regularly seen meeting and greeting parents when we pick up our daughter. He knows pretty darn near every kid by first name!! This is the prime example of a passionate, dedicated, involved and consummate administrator. Its because of him that my youngest (who is now one) will also be attending when its time. Madison is now in her 2nd year at Scales.(1st grade) Her reading is terrific! Her comprehension has improved greatly, and looks forward to school everyday. She has been in Mrs. Jacks class since the year began. I just can't say enough great things about this educator. She is kind, involved, caring, and respected by her students. She is the reason Madi is always thrilled about how fun it is to go to school! We have attended several functions from reading with our kids in the library, to the Halloween party. Scales did everything possible to help us when times were tough and money was tight. From providing uniforms to reimbursing our fuel costs, to ensure Madison would get to keep coming to their wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

I was nervous when I first enrolled my oldest son because he loved Hudson so much. But his 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Valadez, was awesome! When it came time for my 2nd son to start I was confident that he was going to do just fine. My oldest is constantly challenged which is good because he is in the PACE program for excelling students. My 2nd son loves going to school everyday. Both of my boys are A+ students, their teachers really know their stuff. They are available if I have questions. If I feel my sons need to practice at home, their teachers give me tips on how to keep them engaged in education. The staff is so friendly. The principal is a total sweetheart but stern, a HUGE plus! The school isn't too big, too small, or too crowded. A HUGE convenience is the Ladmo Boys and Girls Club down the street. My boys go here after school is done where they continue to learn and build healthy relationships. I honestly feel Scales is an excellent school. When my youngest is ready for school, in 2 1/2 years, he will be going straight to Scales. I would suggest any parents who are looking for a good school to check out Scales. It's an awesome place!
--Submitted by a parent

I am so happy that my daughter is attending this school. Scales Technology Academy is a great school, with an extraordinary, enthusiastic and a dedicated principal, hard working teachers, and very caring and friendly other staffs such as the administration, the library and the cafetaria staffs. I have honestly never seen an awesome principal like Mr. Diokno at any other schools i have been to. He is so friendly, energetic and helpful and I often see him outside after school greeting and interacting with parents picking up their children. It's impressive that the school provides each student with their own laptop. The school also provides fresh and healthy breakfast and lunch. All of my daughter's teachers have been very attentive to her . They have worked so hard and are so committed to help my daughter improve her study. This school is also very diverse and all staffs are very approachable and helpful. I feel like they're my family. My daughter loves going to this school and I highly recommend all parents to send their children to this school. This is an excellent school, thanks so much to all the staffs at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Had two boys enrolled there and recently moved to TX. Family will miss, the principal, faculty. Community does not know what a blessing it is to have a school, like this, in essence it was a public school, with private school qualities. The principal is a man of great character, really cares about the children their well being and a very hard worker, I personally witnessed him numerous occasions stand outside and greet and interact with parent's picking up their children after school. His attitude portrays one who loves his work, a man with extraordinary leadership qualities, one who instills a sense of accountability and responsibility in all My wife and I were enamored with the teachers my boys had, they will be missed, I have never seen such a group of hardworking, men and women who were so devoted.The technological based concept provides a laptop to each child in the classroom. The environment is conducive for learning and excelling, along with hard working, caring faculty, they made me feel the school was an extension of my family! Awesome school! We'll miss them.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so happy that my son has had such a positive experience in his education already at Scales! It is a wonderful school, with dedicated teachers, and a caring, enthusiastic staff, including our very involved and, thankfully, energetic principal!! I am happy that Scales is a small school, where I know the librarian and the ladies in the office, and my son feels at home, which makes me feel safe. The school worked to get the grant for the fresh fruit and veggies program, and now every week the kids get to try new healthy foods! I am grateful that Scales is back in the neighborhood, and that it is full of such a powerful force of people to shape and strengthen our kids in their development! Thanks everyone, you are so appreciated!!!!
--Submitted by a parent