America's Finest Charter School

My two children attend AFCS and they love it. I feel that is safe and small school. The director is always available and I can see the she really loves children. She has an open door policy and treats every child as her as if they were her on. Any time I need to talk to her she stops what she is doing and listens to me. She always goes out of her way to help students and parent.
—Submitted by a parent

Recently I have heard some upsetting comments from parents about this school and I am very disappointed in them. These teachers work so hard and spend so much time and energy to make sure that the things the students are learning are engaging and things they actually care about. The skills my children have learned at AFCS have not only made them successful in school academically but also they are well rounded human beings in society. I constantly hear teachers reminding students to "have good manners" and "make the right choice". I am proud to have my children go to this school and if the parents talking spent more time in their children's classrooms then they would see the wonderful work that is being done. We try to teach our children not to judge a book by it's cover but when you always keep yourself outside of the box and not working with the teacher and students in the class then you are in no place to judge.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 6th grader. I love AFCS because the school staff is very professional and at the same time caring and kind. The Director of this school has helped my child in so many ways, she takes the time to talk to the children in a positive way as well as to the parents (with an open door policy). I feel fortunate to have found AFCS as it has made a wonderful difference in my child's life as well as in mine. I highly recommend you check this school out. AFCS also offers a free after school program dealing with the art, music, karate etc. I am a happy happy parent! A special Thank you to the Director for all your help!
—Submitted by a parent

America's Finest Charter School is a safe haven for children. We just finished our ballroom dancing unit with our fifth and 6th graders! What a life long skill to know how to dance! We had a WASC Accreditation visit and the reviewers were amazed by the dedicated administrator and teachers! You must visit AFCS!

I was a founding member of the school. I have watched it grow and develop since the beginning and I continue to be involved with the school. I know Jan, the director, to be a direct and effective leader. She makes every attempt to get all of the best for the students. Sandra, the curriculum consultant, was paramount in developing curriculum framework for the school and her over 35 years of experience in education is obvious when you talk to her about education. I am an educator myself and I believe that students need lots of support both at home and at school to be successful. I would send my child to this school and I would also read to them daily, check all of their homework and monitor their activities closely. The last part is the teacher in me ;)
—Submitted by a teacher

Love their family oriented environment, also their lunch program is so appropriate for the times we currently live in with obesity being on the rise. They take discipline very serious witch helps with bulling.
—Submitted by a parent

America's Finest Charter School is a place where children can acheive the American Dream! Our school is going on it's second year. We have organic lunches and an afternoon arts program that is free. Working artists teaching students with passion and expertise. It takes a lot to be a teacher at AFCS. They love kids, are smart and hard working. The director had a dream to put the best school in City Heights and attract students from all over the city. Time will tell if this dream comes true!
—Submitted by a teacher

Had a chance to vist Americas Finest this September and was very impressed with the new facilitys and the way the faculty was engaged with the expantion.

america finest charter school is an amazing school and it has amazing teacher,s and a lot of after school programs like arts and craft drama guitar&drums and a lot other programs i would recommend this school to anyone will like a loving and amazing school
—Submitted by a parent

My three daughters attend this school and I would recomend it for everyone to join this amazing school. AFCS has been a great place for education for my children. I have three reasons that I like this school they are: 1) In the mornings, teachers or school staff help children with their homework, or if one of the kids doesn't understand something, the adults are aviable to help them. This way helps kids to speak up and learn more easily 2)The classrooms have that many studnts, in which helps to control bullying and can have more communication with their teachers. 3)SInce the economy has been affecting many other schools, those schools can't afford for arts and crafts which helps to develop the talents that each child has. But in America's Finest. my three girls attend karate, piano, and drama for FREE. I am proud not only of what my kids have been able to do now, but also all the hard work that America's Finest Charter School staff does to give the best education for my children. Cecilia Ramirez
—Submitted by a parent

I volunteer regularly in both my children's classrooms at AFCS as well as with school events, and see first-hand how wonderful their teachers and staff are. My children's 2nd and 4th grade teachers last year were fantastic; they offered creative and fun learning experiences, challenged them to do their best, and always made themselves available to assist and encourage them. Their teachers this year have proved just as dedicated, capable and caring. They put their hearts and souls into their teaching, they work very hard (even weekends) and have incredible patience and understanding. I've been so impressed with the entire AFCS staff; they are always friendly, helpful and kind. I have nothing but respect and admiration for its directors too; with budget cuts and many other challenges, its not easy to start & run a new and innovative charter school. The principal seems to be proactive, fair and dedicated, and disciplinary issues appear to be handled quickly and judiciously. You can tell that their primary concern is their student's educational welfare and safety and I feel appropriate measures are taken to ensure both. This parent gives America's Finest Charter School a solid 5 stars!
—Submitted by a parent

I would highly recommend this school to parents looking for an exceptional and quality educational experience for their children. Even though its far from our home and not located in a typical school campus environment, we chose America's Finest Charter School last year because we liked its teaching philosophy and program and the fact that there was no homework. We've experienced other public and charter schools in the SDUSD and AFCS has proved to be the best school for our children and that's why we're back again this year. In addition to the excellent teachers and staff, they offer lots of enriching field trips throughout the year as well as many fantastic after-school arts programs. I also appreciate how the teachers and directors have always been available and responsive when I stop by or email them. We are very pleased with our experience at AFCS.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Americas Finest Charter School and I unfortunately know who is writing the negative comments you are reading. For prospective parents, there are not four families that have written these negative reviews, but one. I don't have room here to explain what I witnessed; however, last year, they threatened the director repeatedly, blew easily dealt with issues into BIG problems, and acted inappropriately to the point of being vulgar. When their child came to our school, he was behind in all academic areas and needed strong support. With more cooperation, this child could have given himself the opportunity to grow enormously; but guessing, refusing to do the work, and a bad attitude much of the time just doesn't advance students as we would like to see. It's sad that this one family is using this public forum to continue lying and slandering the school. AFCS has an extraordinarily dedicated staff. In reading we have been coached in the practices of a country with one of the highest literacy rates in the world. In math, we are helping children to become fluent in number sense as well as a conceptual learners. These are just a few things that make our school rock!
—Submitted by a teacher

You can write all the positive reviews you want about this school but the truth will come out eventually. I'm sure the teachers are dedicated to the children but you can't run a school with an iron fist. My child has been getting A's and B's since leaving this school, is happy and hasn't complained once about the school they are currently in. At this school, everyday was unhappiness horrible stories about what happened there. Parents, don't be fooled and leave your blinders on. Stay involved. My child dropped a full grade level there. The teaching was inconsistent and disorganized. I let my child down by keeping them at that school. It's my responsibility to make sure they have a quality education and I made a bad choice by putting them at this school last year.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm glad to hear they cleaned up the school so much after the fiasco last year. Maybe they did listen to the parents. Best of luck to all.

After teaching in SDCS I have found America's Finest Charter School to be an outstanding charter school. The Director, teachers and staff are committed to student learning and success. The Arts in the Afternoon program provides students with the opportunities which include: piano, guitar, arts and crafts as well karate. In our second year of operation positive changes have been implemented. Our school motto sums up our beliefs "Work hard, learn everything you can, always do your best, and success will follow"
—Submitted by a teacher

I have been at this school for 2 1/2 months now and I have nothing but good things to say. I find the negative comments below to be quite abrasive and false. The teachers, are all dedicated, committed and qualified individuals who strive for nothing but the best for our students. I truly enjoy being a part of this community and look forward to a great year!

Very happy with community involvement in the school. It takes a village, after all. And most of all happy with the (first grade) teacher of my student taking such a concerned effort with his reading ability.
—Submitted by a parent

my children have been going to the school since it began last year. my two kids are reading and speaking english when he didnt before. the principal helped me pay for uniforms and takes them to lunch with classmates. i want to say thank you!!
—Submitted by a parent