Santa Clarita Valley International School

SCVi and I give it 5 stars. It is progressive in its studies and allows the students to participate in all manner of educational activities. The 7th grade will be doing a reinactment of the Civil War for example.

This is the third year that both my children have attended SCVi. One in middle school and the other in high school. I have been so happy with the mode of teaching, the projects that emcompass the field of study, and the personal attention given by the teachers. This school is destined to turn every learner into a leader which is not a skill that is taught in every public school. I went on a tour of the school when my now 11th grader was going into 9th grade and when we were done with the tour he decided right there that he had to go to this school. The small class sizes and project based learning is exactly the type of learning he loves along with the emphasis on using current technology to enhance his projects. He is extremely bright and has been challenged to reach his full potential along with making some great friends that I think he will have for a long time. I have never been fond of schools that "teach to the test" and at SCVi they encourage their learners to really explore topics even if it takes them off the beaten path. This will give them a true advantage at the college level. I give this school a two thumbs up!
—Submitted by a parent

I often wonder if high API score schools produce students who are more prepared for college and life. At SCVi, I KNOW my kids will be better prepared for college and life. They know how to colaborate and how to think outside the box. Do traditional schools teach colaboration in all classes? I feel fortunate that my children got in to SCVi and can't wait to see the adults they become.
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughters have been attending SCVi since its opening. All of them have wonderful attitudes toward school and their teachers. They've told me how much they feel their teachers care about them. When I've attended events at the school, it seems obvious to me how caring and involved the teachers are. One thing I love about the school is the small amount of homework that is assigned. I'm now retired, but taught in public schools for over 30 years. In general, I dislike homework, and think very little of it serves any purpose. When kids get out of school, they should have time to do other important things, like participating in after school activities, reading, and playing outdoors. It makes a for much more well rounded life. My granddaughters are avid readers, and that will help them to be lifelong learners. I so appreciate that they are having positive school experiences. It will make a big difference in their lives.

My son is in Kindergarten at SCVi. He has had such an unbelievable explosion of knowledge, that can only be attributed to his Kindergarten curriculum. He comes home so invigorated by the project of the day, that he runs to the kitchen table to write and illustrate his own story. As a parent, this is exactly what I was hoping for from a school. I don't need a school to teach my child to OBEY and CONFORM, and fill their heads with memorization tables that will surely be forgotten. I want a place that sparks a love of learning in my child, because THAT will last a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is really trying to do something completely different. Every students studies a foreign language, k-12. The local community plays a HUGE role in the school. The school is constantly conducting community outreaches and it's really impressive. Charter schools are the future and this school is exploding. If you are able, get your student in this school immediately. You will immediately be met with well-qualified staff and a community of educators, and parents that genuinely push students to success. The newly remodeled classrooms are sooo nice and there is technology lurking in nearly every corner of the school. Every student has a laptop (mac or chrome book) and many students have iPads. Totally cool. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

We tried the school. We tried everything to make it work. I knew it was time to give up when I was waking up in the middle of the night feeling sick with worry. I couldn't get the constant thought about it out of my head. My child was not learning, the "learners" are out of control and are rude. There is so much wasted time during the day. My kids complained about the disrespect to the teachers. I like the philosophy so that is not the problem. The problem is that you can't expect kids who have no guidance to just automatically embrace a new way. It has become a dumping ground for kids who are having problems in their previous school. They hear "no homework and lax behavior standards and they are so excited to not have to hear from the school everyday that they jump at the chance to enroll. What about those that have kids that love learning and actually respect the teacher I am so tired of everyone saying they love the outside the box style and that it is not one size fits all. My experience was they put the problem kids inside the school's box and if you are a "learner" that doesn't have "issues" that you must be put aside to meet their needs.

We just started at SCVI and we were on the waiting list last year. Even though we were at a top rated public school and one block away I cried with relief and joy when we got i There is no other school I would want her in not even if I were a millionaire. The people from the founders to all connected with the school are great. They get it, our children are not one size fits and we are blessed to be there and given the opportunity to see our daughter learn and grow in every aspect. My child is in the first grade and she and I are more than happy with the school. Our family is excited about all the new things coming up at SCVI the cafe with healthy food choices and you can actually do lunch with your child. They are adding to the sports opportunities again this year. There are classes in Love and Logic that I will be taking again. The bottom line is I know they have it right and they are only getting better and I thank God we were able to be part of this.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm gonna keep this simple There are only a few experienced teachers there and the new ones are overwhelmed by the out of control Children! IMO chronically disruptive students are the problem . SCVI allows a free-for-all environment that results in chaos instead of learning. I'm sure there are a few good kids in there but i'd have to quit my job to volunteer all day just to check up on my daughter s progress! Playground is dirty with open trashcans surrounded by flies right next to the area where the kids eat ! Yes they are building a cafe next door. No enough supervision on the small playground, I was concerned because the kids kept climbing up to explore (not safe)
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school that teaches to whole child. It's not a traditional school in a smaller box. Thank you scvi for an amazing journey!
—Submitted by a parent

"Almost every significant breakthrough is the result of a courageous break with traditional ways of thinking." --Stephen R. Covey That is this school in a nutshell.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids love our school, they are going into their fourth year. They have learned so much from learning how to do research for projects to learning how to work together. I was never concerned about star testing scores, I rather my kids remember historical figures, how science works, and other things that have life long significants. The only negative thing I can say is to please stop taking children that have given other schools in our area a reason to kick them out and then we take them in and the same disruptive and worse behavior continues.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two kids at this school. 3rd and 6th. My kids would come home and tell me learned nothing.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at SCVi, with kids in 7th and 5th. I'm confident this is the right school for my boys. They're happier, have made many friends and are indeed learning. Their teachers are VERY dedicated. As for the STAR, my kids have always scored advanced. So what? That test does NOT reflect what they know or don't know. I've gone through released STAR questions with my kids. Often when they missed one, they gave me a good reason why they chose the "wrong" answer. Standardized tests give you standardized results. SCVi knows that children aren't "standardized". But don't ask SCVi to "fix" your child. Schools aren't miracle workers. If you want by-the-book instruction, kids glued to their seats and trained to spit out the "right" answer but unable to demonstrate an independent thought or action, don't bring your children to SCVi. If you want a school where your kids can learn HOW to find information, will learn to work in a team and become innovative thinkers, then take a look at SCVi. If you want to be very involved in your child's education through high school, want the chance to know every kid in his or her class, even if you have ideas for new programs, then consider SCVi.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have a child who can benefit from hands on interdisciplinary and project based learning - you might like SCVI. If you want your child to be responsible for and engaged in their own learning - you might like SCVI. If you want your child to be allowed to reach their potential, to learn problem solving and leadership skills - you might like SCVI. If you prefer presentation over testing - you might like SCVI. To research the approach or methods - check the SCVI website. Under 'curriculum', find 'teacher toolbox' and there is a plethora of information - also note the recommended reading section. Public school was useless waste of time for us. Methods were archaic. My kids were never engaged or learned much of anything. Since changing to SCVI 2 years ago, they are engaged, learning and surpassing grade levels. I post the information above because I am sorry to read poor reviews from parents. They seem angry with the school, but it makes me angry with them - I was on the waiting list for 2 years while their child did nothing but take up space! Maybe if they had done their homework first? Why be angry with a school of choice? Just go and make room for learners who will benefit.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm thrilled to be a part of such a caring and non-traditional school. Both of my children started this year. My 4th grader and my K learner love this school! The staff and Administration really care about the success of the students and are always available to answer questions. My 4th grade son finally doesn't give me problems with getting up for school and actually thinks school is cool now. I spend quite a bit of time volunteering and have gotten to know many people in such a short period of time. I wish more schools like this were available for other families. It's a perfect fit for us and I will continue to promote this school to everyone that I know that is tired of the traditional education their children are receiving. So sad to read some of the negative reviews. We have not had that experience at all! Guess you can't please everyone. It's not a one size fits all school, it's individual learning for each child. It's a great school for independent thinkers and parents that want more than 'busy work' for their children. My family finally has quality time in the evening together as a family.
—Submitted by a parent

In having left SCVi prior, we have now returned for various reasons. Though in the public school system, our son's academic foundation was thriving and his STAR results for 2011 were in the 400's in all areas, socially and emotionally he was being squashed. The teasing and bullying that went on was unreal and the behaviors were tolerated. The problem was exacerbated and my son was in tears daily and getting hives in anxiety. The high scores weren't worth anything. He was being ostracized and isolated by the other kids who said he was weird and stupid. SCVi is making many improvements and changes and we originally misjudged it. No child there is left behind socially nor emotionally and this is something other schools fail to do. High test scores mean nothing if your child's self esteem is being chipped away. The 4-5 hours of homework a night for 6th grade at the public school didn't help either. At least SCVi is open to parent input and open to making the changes necessary to improve on all levels.
—Submitted by a parent

The API scores were posted on the california Department of Education web site today...SCVi dropped again! They are down another 20 points and have fallen below 800. year one 843, year two 810 year three 790! Down 53 points in three years. Along with teachers that leave mid year every year, the chaotic environment without discipline, this charter school gives charter schools a bad name. What a sad excuse for education! What is the Hart District doing???

When we started at this school, the teachers our kids had didn't know they were getting a new student! They weren't expecting our kids and seemed really stressed out and put off by having an additional student in their class. We should have turned around and left right there and then. Esp. after seeing the parking lot where the kids play and the sad excuse for a library. Save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

SCVi Charter School is an amazing fit for our kids/family. We are extremely happy here and can't wait for school to start in a couple of weeks.
—Submitted by a parent