Grass Valley Charter at Bell Hill School

I don't think I have any complaints about this school. My daughter's first year at Grass Valley Charter has quite a journey and fun experience for her and for us as parents in her learning environment. I just hope I will be more involved as she continues to learn in the school's expeditionary learning curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an expeditionary learning school and the kids are engaged and great stewards of the earth. They are taught to be critical thinkers and compassion crew.They are not just passengers but CREW
--Submitted by a parent

Fun environment. Happy kids,ready to learn in a great environment.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is so great. I love it. Almost everything is hands on learning. I am actually a student here.A 7th grader as a matter of fact, and going to this school has brought me to love school even more.
--Submitted by a student

We have been involved with GVCS for 7 years. We are thrilled that our children's academic success is not dictated by tedious, scripted curriculum. Their learning revolves around thought-provoking 'expeditions' or in-depth studies. Art and music, plus the core curriculum, are focused on the expedition. Parents are invited and encouraged to be an active part of their child's education through classroom help, fieldwork and other volunteer opportunities. Each child's needs are taken into account. This school has a wonderful staff who are committed to our children. I love that the classrooms buddy-up with other classrooms. The older kids get to read and mentor the younger students. A well-rounded sports program is available for the upper grades. It is truly a learning community. Come take a look for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

This year will be my daughter's 4th year at Grass Valley Charter School. We moved away for a year, and she was so sad to have left Grass Valley Charter School that she kept asking, 'When are we going to move back to Grass Valley so I can go to my school?' My son just started, and he loves it as well. This school has so many opportunities to experince learning in such an interesting way. Kids are more likely to remember what they learn because of how they are taught-by experiencing things rather than spending most of thier time reading about them. I am very happy with the parent involvement and the encouragement and care that is given to each student.
--Submitted by Deana Fuentes, a parent

We're with the Grass Valley Home Study (homeschool program. Our experience has been very good, I've homeschooled my gifted child there for two years now after the regular school system couldn't meet his needs. The school provides standard texts and some classes, as well as an allownce of $400 per semester for extra supplies or classes. I've been extremely pleased with the writing, journalism, and art courses. They also provide math once a week, english literature, and computer class. You can use the allowance to pay for clay sculpting and/or science class at the imaginarium. They are still a school system and there is some bureaucracy and accountability. Science support is weak, and they don't really understand the needs of a gifted child but they do listen. The people are warm and friendly. They need more science support for 7th and 8th grade. I'd give this school a B+.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended this school for four years. The curiculum (sp) is alright, and very hands on. The teachers are sweet and very patient. Friends are easy to make, and there are very few cliques. I enjoyed this school, very much.The design principles are excellent! I recomend it!
--Submitted by a former student