Aliso Viejo Christian

Pros - Christ-centered Education, small environment, loving teachers, nice families. Cons - No foreign language classes until middle school while other public and private schools are adding Mandarin Chinese and French into their curriculum, picking up time is a flashback to high school again (small talk is required) since you have to get out of your car to pick up, school supervisors are made up of moms who have children currently attending this school and gets a tuition discount and gets paid for supervising, as well. Like the PP, some teachers appeared to be blatantly struggling with some subject matters. Overall, I would save the money and go to public.
--Submitted by a parent

We were thrilled with the caliber of teachers and the small caring environment for our child through 5th grade. However, once our son started middle school, it became very apparent to us that the school was lacking academically, and several teachers even appeared to be blatantly struggling with their subject matter. We switched our son to our local public school and were shocked to find that for $7000 less per year our son was actually getting a far superior education from teachers with ADVANCED DEGREES in their subjects. AVCS offers a great Christian education for the younger grades but an inferior education once subject matter becomes more complex. Also, the kids on the campus are somewhat unruly and discipline is not enforced. My son actually commented that poor behavior was not tolerated at his new public school as it would have been commonplace at AVCS. I was disappointed, as we always though that private school was synonymous with higher standards. Not true in this case.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is TRULY a Christ centered school. I have witness the amazing grace of God here especially in the last two weeks. The school, the parents, the staff, the pastors, and students have shown an amazing outpouring of love for those in need. This is what a Christian School is all about. My children have been going here for the past eight years and I'm so honored to be part of this Christian community.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellence in all aspects of education and spiritual growth. Our child was prepared for H.S. and is excelling socially, in academics and contiinues to grow in his relationship with Christ! There was no feeling real or percieved about being 'in' or 'out' with the school or other parents- we felt welcome to participate as much [or little] as we wanted or were able. Parking lot and traffic? well, they move a whole bunch of folks in and out quite well... being 5 minutes early at drop off and pick up alleviates stress...nobody is on time anymore, so take advantage of the late starts of others!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at this school for several years and it is by far the best school around. The staff works hard to create a Christ-centered environment while maintaining a level of academic excellence. I would disagree with the previous poster as every teacher at the school is a California Credentialed teacher. This school has been such a blessing to my whole family and incredibly nurturing for our child.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great academically, however, if the child does not fit a certain "mold", the teachers/parents will figure a way to make life at school miserable for the child. This group of parents are hard to deal with if you are an "outsider". I would look carefully and ask many questions as the other parent suggested.

My son has been at AVCS for 4 years. He was previously in a different private school that was three times the price. He has been challenged academically and done exceptionally well. He has been accepted in one of the best private High Schools in California. Kudos to the teachers and staff that helped prepare him for his High School years.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at AVCS for 3 years and love it. I disagree with the parent that indicates you have to be involved in everything or you're an "outsider". I've been more involved some years than others, never as much as I probably should be, but I've never felt I was an outsider. I think a lot of schools have parking issues, and actually, from talking to parents at public schools, our parking lot runs pretty smoothly for the most part! The staff is loving, caring, they know your child- they all know WHO your child is and by name. The staff is supportive of you as a parent and the students. We're so thankful that we found AVCS.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are very religious, this is the school for you. If not, look somewhere else. My child has been here for a few years and loves it. However, you have to be very involved with everything or you will seem like an outsider. Almost all the staff and teachers have own children at the school and the supervisors are all made up of parents. The Science Fair at the school was a total joke since the "judges" were all made up of students from grade 1 and up. By the way, pick up time is also very hectic. Most parents have to actually park the car and walk to the classroom to pick up their child. There are no drive through pick up here. It is brutal because parking can be difficult and very far walk.
--Submitted by a parent

AVCS certainly lives up to its mission statement as the students do grow in the faith and knowldege of Jesus Christ. The teaching staff is composed of loving and caring Christians. However, please consider the following: 1) there is no governing body - administrators make decisions (including financial) with little or no oversight. 2) A majority of the staff are parents of enrolled students. If you are considering the middle school, be sure to ask many detailed questions regarding grading policies and homework makeup policies. The math department's grading policy is inconsistent with area middle schools (both public and private). If these items are not of concern for your family, then AVCS would be a good choice for your student.
--Submitted by a parent