Julian Charter School

I have two boys, in grades 5 and 7 with Julian Charter School's Phoenix Learning Center program. I couldn't be happier with their education. I count myself lucky that they have amazing teachers and are getting a well-rounded education. Phoenix doesn't teach to the test, and my kids are taught lifelong problem-solving skills. The study and organization habits they learn, I didn't learn until high school and that was in honors classes. All of the teachers are so dedicated. I'm so glad to have this option.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of the Innovation Center Encinitas School k-8 program since it started. We went through some serious growing pains but we are doing so great now. The teachers are remarkable and the kids are so loving. It is a special environment that must be seen.
--Submitted by a parent

Julian Charter School Murrieta High School Academy is where everyone goes if they somehow didn't make it in Public School, or if their parents and/or them are very Religious. We're a school of oddballs, and we love it. If you think you're weird - come here. Everyone else is going to be just as weird as you are, if not more so. Yeah, we have some not good weird people - druggies and a couple of those people that never EVER take a shower, but we don't shun them. We may not seek them out to talk to them, but we accept them, and they (if they try) will find people that will eventually become their friends.JCS also offers tutoring hours every Thursday for ALL classes. My teacher once said something - if you come to tutoring, he can raise your grade at least one grade level. To everyone I've talked to (I can't get a ride on Thursdays to attend tutoring, alas), that is true. One of my friends actually raised two grade levels. The fact that this is possible is amazing. Anyway, I hope this was helpful! Sorry it's so long.

(Cont. of the one below.) People at this school go to their dances, enjoy throwing pies in the faces of their teachers, and actually participate in the festivals we throw. (I'm on ASB) As for academics... at JCS it really depends on what teacher you have. Mrs. Sheehey, Mr. Bahlmann, Mrs. Whann, and Mr. Albert are some of the best teachers I've ever had... but Mrs. Whitworth is one of the worst. As for the academics themselves, well, they're at state level. No more, no less. However, for the four teachers stated above - they're the best because what they teach STAYS in your head! And they have a knack for going slightly above and beyond what the state requires to do so. Academics at JCS are really nice because of all the one-on-one attention. JCS MHSA is currently at around 260 students (when I first started going here we had around 20), and classes are around 7-20 students each. We're growing every year, and will probably move locations again sometime soon. Plus, the teachers are so flexible! If you miss a test or something, you ask, and generally can take it after, before, or at lunch if you can't make it up at tutoring. They're amazing.

Innovation Center Encinitas is a horrible environment. The school is located in a big gym with no seperation of classrooms. The Noise level is terrible and the kids can't concentrate. The director has high goals but fails to live up to them. There is something very unhealthy going on as she talks bad about teachers and student. If you inform her of a problem, she blames your kid. The teachers seem miserable and dooped.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending JCS's Innovation Centre in Temecula since 1st grade and we are very happy with the school, academics, leadership, policies, safety, small class size etc. The only thing lacking is an outdoor space for playing. P.E. is every day (indoors) as of this year which I really like. The number one thing I like about this school is the focus on Individual Learning styles. The teachers have the ability to work with the students at their level and homework, centers, etc. are assigned for the individual learner's level. My child has excelled from day one and has never complained of being bored or unchallenged.
--Submitted by a parent

Julian Charter Schools has many different learning centers. My children attend the Phoenix Learning Center in Encinitas. They attend school Mon. - Thurs. Friday is a home school day. We are very happy with the curriculum and staff. The teachers are all hand-picked. Most have extensive GATE training. We expect our kids to continue all the wat from K-6 at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Not a 'whole child' centered school. Not enough emphasis on art and science. Not a school for kinesthetic learners. Much needed tact and grace when it came to parent-teacher conferences. 'Most students are memorizing their addition facts by this time of the year'.....not something a parent of a kindergartner wishes to hear. And, in general a lot of comparisons between other students work. But, what I do like about the Innovation Center in Temecula is that the standards were addressed and I feel my child will be prepared academically for a new school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not too happy with the instruction. I was disappointed to hear that only two of the teachers were trained by Dr. Sandra Kaplan. The amount of homework is crazy. I am checking out The Academy Learning Center, where all the teachers were trained by Dr. Kaplan.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been with Julian Charter School for 3 years. She has improved a lot. She has special needs, and all the teachers have been very helpful. She is 9th grade now and has been signed up JCS Online which keeps track of her progress.
--Submitted by a parent