Oxford Preparatory Academy - Chino Valley School

I am completely unimpressed by the Mission Viejo campus so far. First, I found out recently that many of the teachers are working off of emergency credentials. How can a school boast of high teacher quality when there is no way to measure or certify that? Also, with the huge pool of teachers who have been laid off, why chose teachers who don't have a regular credential? Ideology? Nepotism? Second, it is clear that teachers are spread really thin, often have a myriad of courses to teach, and have difficulty becoming and expert in one field. I would rather have a master of one trade teach my daughter, rather than a Jack of all of trades. Finally, there is too much of a push for students to perform well on the STAR Test. It is all they talk about! I know that the school is trying to 'prove' itself, but it is doing so at the expense of teaching to the test. For these reasons, and many others, my daughter won't be going to OPA next year. I admit, I was duped by the parent-hype surrounding this school. Do your research first and ask tough questions!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed...needless to say...that I am enrolling my child tomorrow in the hopes that he gets in through the lottery. I hear so many wonderful things from parents all over town! They drive to Chino from Oceanside/San Clemente/Mission Viejo to bring their kids to OPA. I am keeping my fingers crossed! Keep up the wonderful work OPA!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a student residing in Oceanside, CA, where Oxford Prep is petitioning to open a campus in the upcoming school year, I was very concerned to notice the number of 'perfect score' postings that came in on October 2011, same time as the school is pulling her petition forward in Oceanside. I am glad I read all the reviews in here to be able to formulated a better rounded opinion whether to support the opening of this school in our neighborhood. What concerns me the most is the speed with which the school is moving forward into opening campuses here and there, before establishing itself in the original sites. I also note, though, that they seem to come forward with an incredible proposal of curriculum and opportunities. Again, I'm glad to have great schools as a research tool! Thank you all!
--Submitted by a parent

With two children at this school we couldn't be more pleased! We are so blessed to be surrounded by other children and families that value education like we do. Our children are thriving at this school and we look forward to having them there through 8th grade. Love their teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

I am consistently amazed with OPA and rant and rave to others when the topic comes up. Though my child was too young to attend at the time, my wife and I went to an orientation prior to the opening of the school and we were blown-away at the opportunity this school would be offering. We decided to volunteer during the first year to be sure we were making the right choice and were impressed at every turn. We were fortunate enough to get our child in this year and have not regretted it even once. They have a science lab, music class, sports, cheerleading, karate, foreign language, etc... all in the first year! I have found the faculty and staff extremely dedicated and hard working. My child's teacher is available every morning during drop off, we get grade progress reports often via e-mail, and we recently had our first Parent/Teacher conference. They even offer an excellent after school child-care which includes homework help, which as a 2 working parents household, this is HUGE!
--Submitted by a parent

Let's start by saying that there is no perfect school like there's no perfect person. There will always be people raving & ranting. So this review is based on our personal experience and feedback from friends. We are extremely happy with OPA based on our child's experience last year (2010-2011). OPA set an ambitious API score goal of 901 for its inaugural year, only to blow it away an additional 56 points beating consistent leaders in the district such as Rhodes & Country Springs. That's an amazing feat for a school that barely has the support of the school district, limited funding in a time when everyone's pinching pennies, and just starting out. There were/are tons of enrichment activities - academics, social, etc. Students, faculty, administration & staff all work hard but they also have fun. I was pleasantly surprised to come to school during recess to hear music coming out of the speakers - kids were playing, singing, dancing, even some of the teachers were smiling and dancing. What a fun and enriching environment OPA is fostering. Sure it's not perfect, but it exceeds our high expectations/standards.
--Submitted by a parent

As an OPA parent of two children, I cannot express how grateful I am to have the opportunity to experience education - OPA style. The freedom and validity that I feel as a parent and my crucial role in my child's education is empowering. As a parent, I realize that I am an important part of this amazing puzzle. As I unite my dedication and support with amazing teachers and administrators, who adhere to proven theories of education and not only the traditional protocol that is micro regulated by unions, the sky is the limit of possibilities. The philosophy that all children are gifted and have various and unique learning styles is the foundation of the school's success. Using the theory of Multiple Intelligences, students are given opportunities to learn in many different ways that stimulate the mind and increase enthusiasm for learning. Implementing such a plan is not only possible it is successful! The proof is not only in the incredible test scores (after one year of existence), but in the smiles and enthusiasm you see on campus...the side by side effort of parents...the trireless dedication of OPA teachers..this is education...this is real.
--Submitted by a parent

Oxford has been quite a ride! The school was pulled together relatively quickly by a very dedicated and experienced group of outstanding educators; they got their charter, opened the school, and triumphed! My son started in 3rd grade, now in 4th. He is challenged, educated, amused, pressed, and delighted, pretty much every day, that he attends the school. They had some growing pains getting up and going quickly, with only grudging support from the local school district, but with a can-do attitude and lots of hard work, the school became a reality and my son had a better option than the local elementary which had 4 principals in the 3 years he attended. Oxford's outstanding STAR score, 957 in its first year of existence, was remarkable... but there's more to the school than a score. For me, as a parent, there are administrators and teachers that say "Yes- let's figure out how to do it!" when we come up with a new idea or program. When I learned that teachers were on a year to year contract, I knew that giving up tenure meant Oxford would have an outstanding staff.. and they do. A blessing for my son and his future- Thank You Oxford!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent I was a little skeptical that this first year charter school would be able to pull off all that it was promising. There is so much work that goes into opening any new school. I was counting on a bumpy road for the first year. BOY WAS I WRONG! Through the tireless efforts of the administration and staff and through the remarkable ability of parents to come together to create something important for their children, OPA's first year was a huge success. During this first year, after school sports and cheer were offered. Science lab , band, PE. foreign language and computer labs were part of every week's curriculum, ASB elections and activities were held. My two children attended a school where everyone worked together to create an environment where children can thrive. If this is what was created in the first year, it can only get better from here!
--Submitted by a parent

OPA is one of the few schools around that actually puts the kids first! The teachers, administration, staff, and parents put in countless hours for the benefit of all the students. There has been a lot of talk that OPA earned a 957 because the students came to them with advanced and proficient scores. That is not the case. Yes, many did come with good scores, but not everyone. OPA has EL students, a high amount of Special Education students, and students from varied educational backgrounds. However, all students were taught in the way that worked best for them, and the test scores prove it. OPA might not be for everyone, but it is the best thing that ever happened to my family!
--Submitted by a parent