Lisa Academy

I was a former student at LISA. I attended for 5 years. It was a superb experience and deeply formative. The teachers care about students. I won't deny that there were administrative organization issues, but those couldn't possibly overshadow the success the school has clearly been having. Don't believe for a second that a student wouldn't excel because of a language barrier at this school. I can assure all parents that I was never taught by a teacher who didn't have full fluency. All of my teachers were clear in their vocabulary and had easily discernible accents. Most students would use this excuse if they were failing the class, because it is an easy excuse. Anyone who claims that admins or teachers are sexist or racist are also misleading you. Never before have I seen teachers with such a joy for teaching. It is very different from the apathy many students are used to seeing in public schools these days. Anyone who claims there is no community or that your student will be "socially awkward" as a result of attending LISA is also misleading you. I met my closest friends at LISA, and I'm a pretty sociable guy. If I had kids, they'd be at LISA Academy.

I am relieved to say I am a former parent. Although I loved the diversity and quality of the student body (and by the way, start with bright high achieving students and your test scores had better be good--no need to start three hour practice benchmarks in August as Lisa does), the school has many problems. In addition to an apparently sexist, unresponsive administration (I could not get either an email response from nor an appointment with the principal), many of the teachers my child had seemed to range from "boring but nice" to "boring and mean." Only one teacher of a core subject seemed to engage my child. Yes, it is a safe school, but also mindlessly rigid about discipline, and extremely test-driven. Do not even consider it if your child is interested in arts, creativity, or subjects in the humanities.
--Submitted by a parent

Lots of problems at Lisa, starting with the traffic problems. Teachers seem to change at a faster than normal rate, also teaching important subjects when English is not well spoken and cannot be understood. No control of the students in or out of the classrooms. Some very good elements, clubs and toutoring, some need a lot of work. Visit the school a few times and you will get a good feel how the school operates. Several teachers excellent. New high school is good.
--Submitted by a parent

...worksheets as classwork and I feel as if I have wasted science classes the past few years. Biology and Human Anatomy are the only classes I can remember anything from. The Admin usually changes every 2 years, but I feel as if they don't really listen to students. If I were to take every AP course available, I know I would really see LISA at it's worth, but if you get stuck with most of the foreign teachers who teach the basic courses, it's almost a lost cause because you have to teach yourself from the book. Now, I don't want to say that LISA's downfalls are due to the Turkish teachers and admin, but I blame it on the cultural difference as to how to run a high school. I have learned a lot, but I know that the school could be so much more if they would just make a few changes. The atmosphere is wonderful, there is a real sense of community, and the History and English departments are sub-par. The Math is on the right track, and the Science department just needs to start fresh. We are building a new 3 story building, and we have a practice gym and soccer practice field. Take a chance while your student is early in their school career to see if it works for you. You may love it.

A real school for learning that teaches the kids not only academics but character ed and proper behavior. No room for bullying, drugs and behaviors that stop or interupts learning. Extra curricular clubs offer sports, music, maths, languages, geography etc. Programmes also for expanding knowledge and voluntary work. For those kids struggling in any subject they provide free tutoring. They have the friendliest, most caring staff. Your child will come away from this school well educated and with an appreciation and respect for their future. More opportunities ahead for college and a good career.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at LISA. Im going to be honest. While the academics ARE really good, socially, the school is horrible. I do not like the fact the 1) you stay in one particular group and go from class to class with the same kids. We as young, developing children need balance. Its MAINLY about grades, but what help will grades be if we're scared of the outside world. This isnt a place someone would want to spend their senior year if they wanted to get a real senior year experience. I have faced racist teachers that won't admit to being racist but show it through everything they do. 2) LISA is really small. It's REALLLLLYYYY small. I go to LISA West, but i was first accepted into LISA North, they are both small. It's very boring and they rarely do anything fun that doesnt get canceled bc of lack of funds. Its crazy and ridiculous. i hate it. We rejoice when we have an assembly that lasts 52 minutes (length of classes). LISA is absurd and a horrible excuse for a school. Do NOT send your child there unless you want them to be socially awkward and experience culture shock from the lack of... culture. BYE!

I was very impressed with the schools curriculum so I enrolled my son in LISA North Middle School. BIG MISTAKE! First: The students are "grouped" A,B,C. They go to EVERY class with their "group" ALL YEAR, Homeroom - 6th period. No info on what determines which group your child will be in. You later learn from the student that it's based on performance. You know what that leads to from peers. Second: Too rigorous! 13 courses all year! This I wasn't warned about. Also I discovered at the end of the year, after hounding my son about his GPA, they had something going on with how they calculate GPA that they can not explain how it's calculated and no one on the staff can recalculate. Third: They are nonresponsive to emails to the account they have on their website to contact them.
--Submitted by a parent

lisa is great high school they take care of our children with their great friendship,nobody does this before
--Submitted by a parent

LISA is an excellent school in providing our children with a solid foundation for their continued education. It's a very safe enviornment which fosters a good atomosphere for learning. There are several systems in place that we are not too fond of, such as the amount of time for lunch and downtime for the children. But, it's something we will live with, as the benefits far outweigh the negative. It's good to know that our son is in a safe school, receiving a great education. LISA is a great school and the test scores prove that educating our children is the top priority
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids at Lisa schools 1 west 2 north, if you want your kids to have the best possible foundation for higher learning and life this the place! my boys have won many awards and honors on the local and international level in the science fairs, and my daughter couldn't be a happier honor role student!!!! If you want the best here it is come and get it!!!
--Submitted by a parent