Acaciawood School

There is a playground AND there is sports. ie volleyball net. Its a wonderful school. It is a small school, so more people should enroll.
—Submitted by a parent

Fun school. The teachers are wonderful. Since the classes are small, teachers can help each student individually.

No school is perfect, neither is any person. Yet, it seems that those who criticize never see the positive, and are very narrow in their perspective. My children have attended acaciawood for the last 3 years, and are currently enrolled. The teachers are caring and know each student personally. The curriculum is researched and core standard based, yet each student's needs are met and addressed. I did not have this experience in the public schools with class sizes of more than thirty. The environment is one where learning and goal setting is encouraged and fostered. My children have benefited greatly by attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

When I read the criticisms of this school I am reminded of those who criticized Jesus when he walked on earth. What's the motivation and purpose of the critic? Why would someone want to keep parents from coming and checking out this exceptional and wonderful learning environment for people sick of the public school environment and curriculum? Why does WASC (accrediting agency) rate the school so highly. Why does the critic base their comments on untruths (math books are extremely outdated, students not being accepted at top schools, etc.). If you're not happy with this place, send your kids somewhere else but don't "picket" the place to keep others from discovering the value that so many of us have seen. Yes, the school is not "grandiose" by the some standards (like Jesus) but what the students receive and become is priceless. I encourage you, if you're a parent, to "come and see"...make up your own mind and don't be so influenced by a "critic". One thing I have found as a parent, is that the school is honest, the staff is excellent, the teachers are exceptional, and the product is a person of high character, well-educated and prepared for a life of purpose.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is merely an enlargement of homeschooling. Their Web site lists some very selective universities where students have been accepted to, but no one has been accepted to the Ivies and other top schools in five years. The acceptances occurred many years ago, and the board and principal during that period have already left. For example, although math is one of the fundamental core subjects, the textbooks are extremely outdated. If the resources are so poor, how can this school produce competitive students? Despite the school's claim that their graduates have a 100% matriculation rate, there are only about ten students in each graduating class and most of them go on to attend community colleges. If you plan on sending your child to attend Acaciawood School, expect the unexpected.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with all the statements in the one-star and three-star reviews. The five-star reviews are false advertisements.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a retired educator and administrator from the public school system. Teaching is my passion, so I was thrilled when Acaciawood School offered me the opportunity to do what I love best again; TEACH! I am very priviledged to be part of a school who has excellent qualified teachers, a sweet and caring family environment, but that offers a very challenging curriculum. Our school motto perhaps best defines us" Strong in Character and High in Standard". Our school offers students not only a riguorous curriculum that requires in-depth analysis, higher order thinking skills, cooperative skills, communication skills, decision making and many more skills , but prepares them to be goal oriented and productive citizens and meet the challenging demands of the 21st century. In addition, students are surrounded by a caring and nurturing atmosphere and staff, who are always willing to help students with all their needs. I invite you to come and see for yourself. I really feel honored to be part of this school!
—Submitted by a teacher

My two sons have attended this school for three years. We are extremely happy with the atmosphere and staff. We shudder to think about the negative influences they would have to be exposed to and infused with in the public schools. The staff are wonderful role models and the development of character and respect are primary objectives. The kids are well prepared for life and further education and develop the inner strength to resist the moral degradation that is taking place in our society.
—Submitted by a parent

I have an 8th grader and a 5th grader at AWS. We have been super happy with the curriculum and the teachers. Our children get lots of attention and care, yet are challenged to become high achievers. They went to a California distinguished school previously and have been much more challenged here at AWS. The projects take a lot of time, but have helped my children in many aspects (planning ahead, working with others, communication skills, and critical thinking).
—Submitted by a parent

Acaciawood School's learning environment and curriculum goes beyond the traditional standardized educational system. It takes more than a standardized curriculum to raise a competitive, global citizen with personal standards of excellence and a strong character. I have a child at this school and am more than satisfied with the level of personal and academic care that has been rendered to her. I myself have taught in both, the public and private school sectors, and I can assure any reader that the level of care, passion, responsibility, commitment, and collegiality from all the teachers exceeds what I have seen even in the "best" of schools. It is a true "Professional Learning Community" not "Organization", committed to the academic improvement and achievement of every child. Last but definitely not least, staff development is highly valued, and most teachers have at the minimum a teaching credential with previous experience in education. Many DO possess masters degrees with post-graduate course work, and have affiliations and/or memberships to professional educational organizations such as ASCD, OCDE, and BTSA to name a few.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in first grade at Acaciawood School; and we have been so happy with the school thus far. His teacher loves all the students and strives to encourage each student to do his/her best. My son is thriving in a class size of 12. The personal attention my son is receiving has made a huge difference in his penmanship, math and reading skills.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the perfect school to indoctrinate your child at young age. The curriculum include seminars about the evils of rock music, praising Jesus and other assorted extreme religious values. The school is held in a militant state with staff intolerant of free thinking and spirit. The teachers' credentials have come under question many times. I find it unsatisfactory that there would be any question at all. I would not recommend to enroll your son or daughter unless they are a part of the associated church group. But if you would like to put you child "in their place" and leave them ill prepared prepared for the rest of the world, this is the place for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Acaciawood builds character for us students and gives us the support to succeed and accomplish our life goals with the vision of Jesus Christ.
—Submitted by a student

they have a play ground but,no sports
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion AWS is the best. I have 2 sons and 1 doughter and all I can say is that my kids are reciving what they need to be better students and better citizens. May the Lord keep this school, the Principal and their teacher w/the same love, goal, attitude and passion to teach and prepare such citizens.
—Submitted by a parent

it is not good bcuz they dnt have a playground for kids or a ploace for them to play recess kids have to play pe in the parking lot. And the teachers are super strict and show favoritism.
—Submitted by a parent

Teaching is a passion of mine. I am completing my ninth year of teaching at Acaciawood School. Overall, I've been teaching more than 30 years in various classrooms K-9. I am a credential teacher in the state of California. All of my colleagues hold elementary teaching credentials and are caring, commited teachers. Come and see!
—Submitted by a teacher

this school is okay, although i think we need REAL teachers and a new principal. Michio isn't doing such a satisfactory job at being principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has gone to Acaciawood School since she was 9 years old. Acaciawood is a school where the children come first. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best. The teachers are devoted christians and skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. They pray for the students. The principal is kind and knows each child. He is a great example of a leader and laborer. The school best atmosphere for the students to grow and learn.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an awful school. The faculty is untrained and illprepared to handle children. One of the members of the board had the temerity to call one student a failure.
—Submitted by a former student