Rancho Encinitas Academy

Some aspects of REA are fantastic, but buyer beware: not all teachers have a teaching credential, despite the claims on the school's FAQ. Please take a careful look at each teacher when deciding whether or not to send your child here. There are great teachers here, as well as unqualified ones.
--Submitted by a parent

REA is a wonderful school. I cant say enough good things. We transfered our children here from another private school in Encinitas. We originally had some worry as to the smaller size of the school, but our worries were quickly put to bed. The education was night and day compared to the children's old school, gosh did it open our eyes. We are thrilled that the teachers and administration take such great pride in their school, the curriculum and how & what education and life lessons are being taught to our children. Communication with the teachers and staff has been a true pleasure, it is a non issue - something that is also an extremely nice change for us (the parents) coming from our previous school. The special assemblies that the students earn all throughout the year are off the charts, and just plain awesome! The stress free natural environment of the school grounds is so welcoming and comforting for the kids and the parent involvement is wonderful, not too much, not too little, its just right. We made the right choice when we decided to make the move to REA.
--Submitted by a parent

Things are working out well for our daughter who transferred here from another private school this year. There is lots of personalized attention and nurturing.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school if you're looking for a small, non-competitive environment. It's low stress and we feel it's a very child-centered, safe place for our child. Well worth the money if you feel nervous placing your child in a crowded public school or a highly competitive private school. The parent group is great too - everyone has been very down-to-earth and friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended this school for 3 yrs, for the middle school program. Beware this school charges major tution but does not deliver a quality eduation for your money. The administration is completely out of touch with what is happening for the students of today...i.e..forbiding of wearing of make up for girls without even asking parents opinions or allowing for a voice, changing to uniforms without parent involvement, not wanting boys and girls to socialize or any "romantic" involements. Clearly, they should not attempt to school preteens, but stick to the K-5 grades where they would not have to deal with more adolencent issues. The teaching was also subpare and did not prepare them for high school work. Beware of placing your middle schoolers here and don't expect a quality education, especially for the price.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has been at this school for several years. It used to be a top notch school, but in the last year or so, it has gone down hill. The teachers are wondeful, but the administration is in need of replacement. Families of a chosen few are the only ones listened to when there is a issue. Also, the admin, is out of touch with what the student of today needs in their lives, espec. in middle school. Our child will not be returning there next year as we have selected another private school that is thriving and growing and really preparing students for HS and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

Rancho Encinitas Academy is a wonderful school environment. Our daughter has been attending Rancho Encinitas Academy for the past few years and our, and our daughters', experience has been great. The classrooms at Rancho Encinitas Academy are a highly collaborative multi-grade environment which has allowed for the opportunity for our daughter to learn at her grade level as well as at an excellerated pace. Each child receives the individual teacher attention, aspiration and encouragement to positively learn and grow. Additionally, we have found that the classroom environment at Rancho Encinitas Academy strongly encourages student responsibility for our daughter but as well as with interactions with her classmates. Overall, Rancho Encinitas Academy has proven to be an intimate environment for our daughter, and us as parents, that provides an outstanding balance of academics, arts, and physical education all wrapped in a enjoyable, natural setting campus.
--Submitted by a parent

We think this is a great school. We moved our daughter here after her ADD caused her much grief in public school, and after the school administration was not helpful in resolving the issues. Our (by then) depressed and withdrawn daughter has blossomed here. The classes are small, with lots of individulized attention available. Our daughter is able to do academically advanced work while staying in the same class with her social peers - an important consideration to us. It is wonderful that the children have language instruction, art and music as part of their regular curriculum. The school has regular, organized recess and there is a Sports Club available after school. There are a number of after school clubs and programs available. The school stresses personal responsibility and accountability. We were so happy pleased with REA we enrolled our second daughter in kindergarten when she was old enough!
--Submitted by Elisabeth, a parent

My 12 year old twins go to this school. My daughter was always a straight A student, but my son struggled, and got c's and d's. Now, since they have been going to Rancho Encinitas Academy, my son has been getting all B's. What an improvement. He also just got a Book report back, and got an A+. Great school, great teachers
--Submitted by a parent

Rancho Encintas Academy is a fantastic place for kids who need a small, intimate environment. The Edison Academy classrooms within the school go a step further and help to put children who have been lost in the public system back opn track. Their approach to organization and learning how to learn is vital to the child who struggles with distractions in a classroom, retaining information, testing and test preparation, etc. It is a calmer place for children who can easily slip through the cracks. Well behaved children tend to go unnoticed in large classrooms and are never able to overcome their learning deficits. At REA each child is encouraged to show their strengths and build on them for a succesful school experience. My daughter has made remarkable progress in only one year.
--Submitted by a parent