The Aptos Academy

This school was started almost 20 yrs ago by a couple of parents who just wanted to give their kids a really good, solid education. That tradition continues here, on a beautiful campus that is full of kids who are happy and want to learn. Our neighbor's child went from k thru 8 at this school and is excelling at his high school. Aptos Academy fills the holes left in our public schools and then goes beyond. And the teachers are excellent. They have energy and the credentials to make master pieces out of our kids. People should come and see the holiday performance, or graduation speeches, or the kids' science projects - it all speaks for itself. Then go visit a public school and see what kids can accomplish when they are crammed into a class room with 30 others and a teacher who is frazzled and scraping together enough donations to do some kind of art project. Or go to a different private school, like Monte Vista, where creationism is what they consider science. As every parent knows, no school is perfect, but the negative reviews here aren't remotely productive. If you are looking for a great alternative without a commute, schedule a visit and draw your own conclusions!
—Submitted by a parent

Yea, and I also hear that the principal wasn't even BORN here. HA! Please people!! Who cares what religious beliefs anyone holds as long as those beliefs don't adversely impact outcomes. And that's what this is about. Outcomes. You can stick your kid in with 28 other children whose teacher is " Christian" and whose goal is to teach your kids how to take tests, or you can stick your kid with 10 other children whose teacher is prepared and dedicated to the education of our young people AND who has the time and resources to do so. In both cases religion will never come into play but the outcome will be very different. Why? Because Aptos Academy has everything we could only dream of for a public school; art, music, lego, ROBOTICS, foreign language, PE, drama. They even have a newly revised preschool and preK program. You won't find religious or political or social prejudice and you won't have to pray that your kid won't be bullied. The school needs some good PR to once and for all put these nasty, unproductive rumors to bed. This is a hidden gem of a school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at The Aptos Academy who absolutely love the school. The teachers are excellent and care for each and every child. The teacher to student ratio is low so everyone can thrive. There are a variety of elective, enrichment classes for the kids to choose from which are included in the nominal tuition. I note with dismay that people post "Scientology" (07/20 post) as an "undercurrent" as if that has some ominous meaning. I don't know what the "undercurrent" is nor have I ever experienced anything remotely religious at the school. It seems a ridiculous remark meant to somehow conjure the boogeyman. I suppose its good to know that they did not find any "undercurrent" of Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism or any other belief system. My five year+ experience with the school has been very positive. The fact that my kids are excited to go to school each day and love learning speaks volumes. I know that the elective experiences, love of learning, relationships with caring teachers and esprit d coeur the school engenders combines to create a singular, unique school anyone can be proud to send their kids to.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loved his preschool and preschool teachers. This school is a hidden treasure. The preschool is Montessori-based without the expensive Montessori prices, and the teachers are masterful in understanding the individual child. They work on social development and help create an atmosphere of kindness. My son loved coming to school and felt so good about himself when I picked him up. He especially loved music with Teacher Conner and the fun art projects. This was the absolute best start for him . Loved the families at the school. When you walk onto campus, the other parents smile and say hello. The older children also are aware of your presence, and say hello too. I think It is because the staff values social intelligence, and actively participates in creating an peaceful environment where all children feel a part of things.
—Submitted by a parent

Save your money and do NOT send your children to this place!! This school is struggling and has been for quite some time. Scientology is indeed an undercurrent at the Aptos Academy, regardless of what they say otherwise. Be wise! There are definitely better schools in the area...
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Aptos Academy for 7th and 8th grades and it was just such a positive experience in all aspects. He got focused academic attention from the 7th/8th grade teacher, Lee Hoover, who worked with each student individually, with a special emphasis on language arts and writing proficiency. In addition, Hoover teaches them real life and study skills that will help them in high school. Nowhere else would young teens get such focused help in writing, small math groups, etc. I feel the academic standards and expectations are higher than public school, and yet they still have time to learn Spanish, Art, Music, etc. as part of the regular curriculum, PLUS electives. Very impressed with all the teachers we had and, most importantly, it was a positive and supportive SOCIAL scene - all the kids knew each other and really looked out for each other - so important to get them through this difficult age with positive relationships and self-confidence. It was an invaluable alternative to a large public junior high...
—Submitted by a parent

At the 8th grade graduation last night I was so impressed that I decided to write a review. The grads were articulate and poised, each thanked the staff for their specific contribution to their academic success and all stated that they are confident and ready for high school. A really impressive group of kids who gave credit where it was due. I am shocked by the three June 2011 reviews. The person who posted 6/9 is wrong, the principal did not "turn to academics very recently", she started with this school in 2003. I disagree with the 6/7 post too. I don't really know the Pre-K director, but I have heard great things (I was told that she is 27). The other Pre-K teacher's heavy accent is actually a lovely, soft Scots brogue. And the 6/2 post: The kids do work at their own pace and if able, work ahead...when they are ready to, and not until then. The "ever-swirling" Scientology rumors are kept alive by people like the 6/2 poster. I don't know the religion of the staff members, and I don't care, it's none of my business. I never saw anything "Scientology" at the school, just solid academics and lots of extras like art, music, drama, horses and kids loving their school.

School claims to let each child progress at their own pace, but nobody will go out of their way to actually allow kids who are ahead to progress faster than their peers because "this wouldn't be fair to the other kids". The Principal is consumed by her own personal problems to the detriment of her job, and completely unwilling to hear or address feedback. Because private schools can hire whoever they want without open recruitments, there is strange nepotism with "friends" of teachers being hired suddenly for permanent positions, versus the most qualified candidate. And then there are those ever-swirling Scientology rumors that just won't go away...like the entire board of directors has taken many "courses" with the Church of Scientology (verifiable online) and strange Scientology-speak on the "philosophy" section of the Aptos Academy website - e.g. - "introducing the child to a proper study technology". Don't assume that your child is getting a superior education because you're paying for private school!

Great school, my child has been attending for 3 years. He LOVES going to school and never wants to leave. The teachers are great, they are patient, caring, and take a genuine interest in the children. Students from pre-K to 8th grade know each other by name and the older kids always look out for the smaller children. It is worth the money to send your child to this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attending The Aptos Academy since PreK and is now in 2nd. It has been wonderful to get a daily download from the teacher on how he is doing. This is a nondemonational school, no Scientology and no Narconon does not give donations. Their family has children who attend and yes they help with Carnivals, our auction and anything else needed and that parents would do. The school is always open to new things, great ideas and what would be better for the students and families.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a graduate of The Aptos Academy. She received not only a great education, which included all of the extras, but the entire family was always treated with the utmost respect and consideration. If you are looking for a full well rounded educational experience for your child, I highly recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

That latest review is misleading. The Aptos Academy teaches no religion, is a fantastic school and does not receive donations from Narconon. There is a family at the school with children who work at Narconon, so perhaps this person is just assuming too much. My three children attended this school and I found it a wonderful, caring environment, challenging them to do their best work with encouragement and direction all along the way. Their teachers set high standards as they were interested in their futuresuccess. My kids did well there and have continued to do extremely well since.
—Submitted by a parent

Caution: The Aptos Academy is a Scientology based school. Narconon in Watsonville, a Scientology based rehab treatment facility contributes money to the school.

After three years there I can honestly say we won't go back & wouldn't recommend it. There is a complete and total disconnect between the school officials & the kids and parents. The School Officials are completely close minded and not interested in parent feedback or concerns. It is a very open & shut mentality where "out of the box" thoughts and ideas are disregarded and disrespected. I disagree with the previous review that it isn't an Academy. When I think of the word Academy I think close minded, regimented and inflexible. And that is exactly what you will get there, a close minded mentality that doesn't foster growth, creativity, understanding or confidence in either the parents or the kids...too bad.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter excelled at The Aptos Academy. She received more personal attention due to the smaller class size and this helped her greatly. I was very pleased with the high standards and the encouragement to achieve them. After graduation she went on to a large school and was completely prepared and excelled. The arts program was a wonderful addition.
—Submitted by a parent

Nice school in a great area. Unfortunately, the name Academy would lead some to believe the academic standards would be greater than average or in comparison to a public school. This is not the case at all and the word Academy is clearly misleading and a general misrepresentation of the school. It seems this school is more geared toward children who live in less than desirable school districts or parents that may be somewhat over protective and prefer a smaller feel good class size. The smaller class size is great, but I do not believe the teachers utilize this reduced class size correctly. The smaller class size seems to benefit the teachers primarily in that of a reduced workload. All in all, the Aptos Academy is a good school and a reasonable choice, just not so much of an Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

Aptos Academy has a very good teacher to student ratio. The staff seems to genuinly care for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Aptos Academy has been my son's school from K to 4th grade. He is very happy there and has done very well academically. There is a large emphasis on the arts at this school- drama, music and art are extremely well covered. While the p.e program is great (Paul is very creative) the extracurricular sports program is very minimal. Academics are well covered, but aimed more at self starters. It is a very safe, comfortable environment. the older kids treat the younger ones well, and everyone in the school knows each other. Parental involvement is VERY high here, the majority of the parents are involved on some level. We have been very pleased with this school. We have been very pleased overall with the experience here
—Submitted by a parent