San Jacinto Valley Academy

Wow, I am shocked at some of the previous reviews.. We have all 3 of our children here, and are completely satisfied. We tried regular public school and it was horrible, curriculum was lacking and bullying was all too common. I have no problem communicating with teachers or staff, and feel fortunate to be there. All of my children are thriving. True I would love to have a cafeteria, & no school is perfect, but its a small price to pay for my kids happiness :)
--Submitted by a parent

This school leaves a lot to be desired. I thought this would be a good place for my children where they could get a good education and make friends. I refuse to send my children back there. Both of my childrens test scores dropped significantly when they attended SJVA. Both of my students were bullied and nothing was done about it. My children were very unhappy at this school. If this is an indicator of education in America then our country is going downhill and we will be a third-world nation with millions of un-educated citizens.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is equvialent to a prison!!! Since Penny Harrison and Paul Huynh have taken over, the school has gone down hill very quickly. Penny Harrison is a control freak who puts people in certain positions who do not have the credentials to even have those positions. She also makes sure that certain staff members are family members or good friends of hers. Paul Huynh does anything and everything he can to humiliate the teachers. For example, he yells and screams at them in front of the students and he will also undermind their authority to show them his power. The school also has a no bully policy, however, kids are constantly being bullied over there. The students who are the bullys do not get disciplined and are allowed to reak havoc on the other studens. Not to mention Penny Harrison and Paul Huynh bully the staff and allow people they have put in charge to do the same. If you are planning on sending your child to SJVA I highly suggest you look else where.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor communitcation skills. If the administration is any indicator of what they are teaching the students, it is a sad state of affairs. If the school wants to be competetive with the other schools in the area it needs to figure things out. The charter school in the neighboring school district offers many more choices and the teachers and staff there are fantastic. Be sure to check there if you want the charter school experience. We are much happier with the classes, test scores, my students attitude, and the leadership there.

Been There Since Kinder, I'm Going into 11 th 2011-2012 school year. Academically its not all that grand, the classes they offer are little to none.for high school students you do not get to choose your own class which is beyond unsatisfactory, they don't have many clubs or e.c activities or even sports, and everything is unorganized. they have fired all of the high school teachers, which i have personally liked, they have enforced a dress code of a private school with out having everything that a private school offers? they say they stand for equality and making everything there own but yet they do not let you express personal style/opinion. the school doesn't have anything to offer, its just a terrible place. I completely do NOT suggest this place.

Sad situation for a school with so much potential :-(. Lack of proper administration, and political agendas, have taken away from the inquiry-based curriculum and made this a school ruled by nepotism. This school does not offer a multi-purpose room, cafeteria program, and doesn't have full services for students with any special needs. Strict dress code will be enforced next year requiring students to purchase uniforms from a specific vendor. Keep looking if you are looking for a school that can provide all your child's needs...this school is not it!
--Submitted by a parent

worst school EVER!!!!! they have this motto, " I think therefore IB" they think for us, we dont get to voice our opinion as students because they block us out. the priciple or "CEO" as she calls herself, is never around, she locks herself in meetings all day and nobody can talk to her about the issues at the school. this school was great until THEY came and changed everything!! i'm very into sports and they want nothing to do with our teams! they are slowly destroying our sports teams and very quickly destroying the school. heres some good advice, you want your kids to have a good school to attend, try any where else

I'm not really sure what is going on with this school any more, but we have been unhappy there for years. There have been so many empty promises made. We are finally pulling all of our kids out. We had such high expectations and we feel completely let down. In respondse to the last post....At last count, they let a total of 12 teachers go. 2-1st grade, 1-2nd grade, 1-6th grade, and I believe the entire HS teaching staff. I wish things would have been different!
--Submitted by a parent

CEO Penny Harrison strikes again. For her history, search "Penny Harrison charter" on Google. Facts: At least six SJVA teachers were fired (not renewed) last week, on the last day of school, with no advance warning or chance to change whatever they could possibly be doing wrong. None were given an explanation why. This was NOT a budget cut decision, as they will be replaced. Both first grade, one second grade, one fourth grade, one sixth grade, and at least one high school teacher have been terminated. These are all great teachers, as are the teachers who remain. Bless them for doing their job for $10K less than what the nearest districts pay, while in constant fear of being let go.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has the potential to become better...But, with current administration and teachers...it will not rise to the standard! It does not have a variety of subjects... No art, no music, limited sports...And, the P.E. teacher lacks motivation in teaching the kids various sports...he only wants to be a military drill sargeant. The advertised International Baccleraute program is null and void in operation! Everything is late,late, late...Teacher assignments, field trip scheduling notifications ,report cards, and anything that should be sent home to parents in advanced. if your child receives an award...you will get a notification 1 or two daays before ceremony. There is inadequate school crosswalk and guards Homework is nonexistant to minimal!!! if you send your kids to this school you will be wondering why???You will have to homeschool them and give supplemental lesson plans to keep them at their current aptitude!!.
--Submitted by a parent