Bullis Charter School

The school ranks lower in API ratings when you compare on a per demographic bases. It achieves high API ratings by recruiting specific demographics, and requires students to pay some $5000 more. Very inefficient model.

This school has a very bad relationship with the general public school population in the school district. "Tuition"? $5,000. I am sure that this message will be deleted soon, for the school doesn't want any truth of this nature to be told. You can do some search and easily find out.

This School is absolutely amazing with its hands-on learning, passionate teachers, and wonderful enrichment program. I am absolutely delighted that my child could go to this school as he has developed a love for learning in a way I never thought he could.
--Submitted by a parent

BCS is an excellent K-8 school. I have never seen teachers and staff that are more passionate and willing to help your child progress. It is an alternative to the standard LASD public school system, which is good as well. The difference is in the curriculum. Mandarin enrichment and Spanish at later grade levels, drama, arts, public speaking and more. At the end of the day you want to give your child the best education possible and for us it was BCS.
--Submitted by a parent

BCS has been perfect for my child and my family for the last six years. While I am sad that anyone might leave after a less-than-perfect experience, I respect the choices *parents* make for their children. The *writer* who makes accusations, however, and who tries to scare people off rather than directing people to bullischarterschool.com that has the FACTS about our school, I do not think should be able to "review" this fantastic school they have not attended. If you are considering BCS, I invite you instead to look at the enrichment education (full time, credentialed, staff giving every student art, PE, dance, drama,music, and foreign language) and dedicated staff inspiring individual students on a daily basis. Yes, LASD has not offered BCS reasonably equivalent facilities as required by law and now must make a speedy decision and follow through on how to rectify their mistakes. We are all local families and community supporters who want what we each think is the best environment for our own kids. No controversy there.
--Submitted by a parent

We are a new family to the school. Teachers, staff, and principal have been super nice. Facilities are a bit cramped, but I think they are going to add some space next year. We love the mandarin program and music opportunities. Great public school choice for Los Altos.
--Submitted by a parent

We chose this school because we wanted our kids to have an education that developed the whole child, with music, drama, art, P.E., and foreign language. What we got was so much more. Individual learning plans. Project-based learning. No drills for standardized tests. Our kids love going to school because it is so much FUN. Their teachers are enthused about their jobs. The teachers are all working on their own professional development with things like National Board Certification and teaching co-curriculars (during the school day) like Edible Math, Lego Robotics, Origami, Watercolor, Dance, All About Sharks -- an amazing assortment of classes 2-3 times/week that keep everyone jazzed about learning. The teachers are smart, engaging, and the hardest working group I've ever seen. The parents are a terrific group of diverse folks, both ethnically and socio-economically diverse, that work in a wide range of industries but all share a passion for education that works. I look around me at school functions, drop-off and pick-up and see happy, well-adjusted kids and families who feel grateful for having had a choice in their child's education.
--Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be happier with BCS! The teachers are wonderful, the principal is amazing, and the other families and students are warm, engaged, interesting - it's a great community to be a part of! There are so many opportunities for growth at BCS - the students learn Mandarin, they learn to read music and take part in a top notch music program, there are plays and musicals, and drama is integrated into the school curriculum, PE, art, lots of interesting choices for during the day electives and after school extra-curriculars - from stage combat, greek mythological monsters, book making, culture cooks, lego robotics, four square, marble math, and many many others. The kids have fun, learn a ton, are each provided with individualized learning plans and focused learning goals. Developing character and leadership skills, risk taking and good relationships are all part of the curriculum. The school invites parents to participate in so many ways, from the regular volunteering, to lunch duty, to strategic planning opportunities. I cannot say enough good things about BCS!
--Submitted by a parent

In our fifth year and still amazed at what these guys do at this school. Programs are unique and innovative. Children have choices about their own courses starting in first grade! And this year, my fourth grader was invited to attend his parent teacher conference to discuss his plans and goals! Wow! Of course he should be making these decisions! I could not be more excited and proud of the place...location aside!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree, the parent below clearly does not attend BCS. That being said, I think it s fair to say that BCS is not perfect either, and I am a long time supporter of BCS. While my kids have thrived here, I must admit I feel they would have been just as happy at our nearby school. Kids in Los Altos will likely be successful, not because of the marginal differences between schools (public OR private) but because we live in a community that values education. I honestly think that we parents self select into the school that works best for us. I ve noticed disgruntled LASD parents that transfer their children into BCS expect the school can transform them. It feels like BCS is becoming the alternative school for kids who aren t thriving at their home school. So, I think BCS early grades are outstanding, but the upper grades are faltering because we experience an influx of kids with learning/behavioral issues. While I m certainly keeping my kids here until we head off to Egan, I ve been alarmed at this increasing trend. And, I do fear our funding model is not sustainable in the long run as many parents refuse to make the suggested $5K donation.
--Submitted by a parent