Vandamme Academy

Had one good year here, then one terrible year that was a complete waste of time and money -- it just depends on what teachers you get. There is no consistency, and the administration disregards all parental concerns. There is a huge revolving door, not just with teachers, but students...every year there are a lot of dissatisfied families that leave, with good reason. It's unfortunate because the school has potential, but needs an infrastructure and administration that actually cares about the students, not just the select few "stars" that are exploited to make the school look good. Don't be fooled by all the promises when you tour the school, they're just intended to get you in the door. And beware, the sample student work they show is that of their "chosen few", don't expect that quality.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a freshman in High School and attended Van Damme for the 3 years of Middle School. All of his high school courses are Accelerated or Honors and he was supremely well-prepared by VDA. Several times he has remarked that his high school classes are "easy" because they do not require the thought that Van Damme required.
--Submitted by a parent

Lack of consistency is a big problem. Although my kids always loved class, there were years where things seemed off. Sometimes a teacher wasn't as knowledgeable as the rest, or assignments didn't seem to really be the best quality. Whenever my son has trouble with a high school math topic, its good odds that that topic was taught the year he had one of the one-year-and-out teachers that happens now and again. They have the right idea here for sure, but don't always carry it out.
--Submitted by a parent

Routinely, people who meet my daughter ( an elementary student at Vandamme Academy) will comment on how alive and thoughtful she seems compared to other kids her age. Proudly I say that she has a genuine sparkle in her eyes. Her school plays a large role in that. She is confident of her ability to think through ideas in various topics, excited to learn about how the world works, an avid and thoughful reader who loves to discuss the characters in her books, and not intimidated by new subjects. Vandamme academy teachers have nurtured her mind with their well thought out lessons and their passion for education. My daughter has blossomed there. As a parent, that is exactly what I want a school to do.
--Submitted by a parent

VanDamme Academy has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. Students are taught in a thoughtful and exciting way. The teachers are forthright and genuinely interested in what is best for each student, I have seen the teachers work to identify the unique learning styles of each student, This creates an exciting and safe place for the children. As a parent, I have always felt welcome in the school. We could not be happier about the choice of attending VDA!
--Submitted by a parent

Not only are our children getting an excellent education, they're happy. Our kids are receiving a solid education in core subjects, which are taught in a fun and dynamic way by enthusiastic, loving teachers. Subjects are taught hierarchically and are integrated so that students can relate what they're learning in one class to what they're learning in other classes. My kids understand why the things they're learning are important. They soak information up in school like sponges, talk about it at home enthusiastically, and apply what they're learning to their everyday lives. As important to me as the academics is the accessibility of the teachers. I love that my kids are at a school where the teachers respond positively to my feedback. My kids' teachers understand that each child is different, and they have adapted to my kids' different needs and learning styles. It's been a great experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so grateful for this school. My children are receiving the sort of education I thought no longer existed. They learn history (real history!), they devour classics of literature, they excel in math, they are captivated by science, they write better than most adults I know--and all this within school hours. Our evenings are for personal passions, fun, and quality family time. Thank you, VDA!
--Submitted by a parent

Imagine a school with little to no homework, bustling hallways of eager, academically challenged students, and teachers who are dynamic, educated, and passionate about their work. This best describes the average day at VanDamme Academy. The constant forward thinking of the director has resulted in inferior duplications of the program across southern California none of which have proved to be as successful as VDA. The school has demonstrated that education doesn't have to be a chore and summers needn t be spent on academic camps to catch up for the next year. Instead, VDA instills a lifelong love of learning in every child. I have no doubt that my children will be aptly prepared for whatever studies they pursue in the future all due to their educational experience at VanDamme Academy.
--Submitted by a parent

Disappointment and frustration led me to do something I never thought I would pull my child out of school mid year. She was struggling and there was no one there to help her. I don t understand how that can be possible in such a small class, but there we were every night with tears looking over the homework! I spoke to the principle more than once and she was very dismissive. The staff seems to have blinders on to what they don t want to deal with. After I watched many friends leave the school last year, I thought it would still be best just to stick it out rather than change schools so close to high school. I m glad we are finally making a new start.
--Submitted by a parent

I am sorry to say that my teen will soon be graduating from the VDA. Over the last seven years she has come to expect that every school should be just what the VDA is: challenging, exciting, even giddy. How many of us, as teenagers, got up before our parents did each morning, excited to go to school? Say whatever else you will about this school--it has had its share of growing pains--but any school that prepares students to excel at whatever comes next and keeps them motivated at the same time is star.
--Submitted by a parent