Renaissance Academy

I moved my child from an excellent neighboring district to Renaissance because of the small schools concept. My daughter graduated from the class of 2009 and continues to excel in a rigorous college prep high school. I believe middle school is where students set their future paths. Going to a traditional middle school with thousands kids, it is difficult to get one-on-one attention. Even with kids that did great in elementary school, many fall by the wayside in middle school. Small schools like Renaissance prevents that from happening. Every student is supported 100% of the time. The other problem with traditional public schools is that it's hit or miss with the quality of teachers - get a good teacher for the year, great! If not, too bad! The entire year is lost for that subject. Not the case at Renaissance. In the end, the teachers and staff make this school! With an API of 850 in this area, they are taking in students from disadvantaged backgrounds and turning them into successful students in 3 years - AMAZING!
—Submitted by a parent

RENAISSANCE CANNOT BE CLONED! You guys should not open the new school at Mathson middle school campus because there is a high possibility that the Renaissance name will be tainted. Renaissance is special, with the Iwasaki, the Kleinhenz, the Keltner, the Paradee, etc.. Renaissance is a school about being connected. Until now My child (class of 2009) has been proud to wear Renaissance attire in public to show off this wonderful school. Renaissance wouldn't be Renaissance if common physical environments were not present for the various generations of students. Every Renaissance student should know about Ms. Brasil and it would be unfair for the students which have already graduated to take their hard work in establishing a school and a legacy and just spread it to any one who wants in. One has to be lucky to get into this school, and I hope it continues to be that way- or then what would be the point of a small school that is everywhere?
—Submitted by a parent

This has to be hands down the best school, in the area, that you could ever send your child to. Renaissance has helped me open my eyes to the world around me and has shown me my potential, and I will never have such great teachers. GO HUSKIES!!!

Great School... Some of the best teachers I have ever Had. Can't forget to mention Mr. Iwasaki. Highly recommended.

This school is the best middle school you can find in the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District, and that is because it is different and willing to take risks. It teaches the students how to go against the rules, and brake them if they go against what they believe in. It is an awesome school where there is an opportunity for empowerment for all! And also, there is so much parent and community involvement, even more than there is at my son's high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Renaissance is the best. It was a new and different world that helped me with character strengthening. It encourages its scholars to defend what they believe in and come up with reasons to for their stand up. I have not heard of a better school in its district and am really proud to have been a graduate from Renaissance. I will always be a Renaissance Revolutionary and try to make a change in society, THANK YOUR RENAISSANCE!
—Submitted by a student

I was in the graduating class of '08 and I am pround to say that. This school really improved on my leader ship and presentation skills. When i forst arrived I did not like the school, but by the time i was in 8th grade I adored it. I gotta say thanks to Mr. Iwasaki and Ms. Paradee!! They are great teachers!
—Submitted by a student

this school has teached me so many things and i know it was very challenging but i was able to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and thanks to my teachers ,I've been doing great in high school thanks to Mr. Iwasaki and Ms. Ibrahim Sincerely, Jesus Parra
—Submitted by a student

It is the school that my son shares with all his friends. Although he sometimes complains of all the work, i tell him it will pay off when he goes to collage with a 4.0
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school even though i hate how hard they made me work...lol thanks ms. ibrahim for listening to me and helping me with my problems.
—Submitted by a student

Renaissance Academy has a high standard for its API score and not only succeeds in academics, but it has many classes like social justice and art. RA is the reason for our city to begin ncouraging the formation of more small schools. ~Diana Gomez PS. 2009 Huskies are the best cohort ever!
—Submitted by a student

Great School! Ms. Paradee is a great teacher! Go Princeton Tigers!
—Submitted by a student

as a current 8th grade student attending RA its been awesome for the three years i have been here and Mr. Iwasaki is the best teacher i have had and the after school allstars program is good and the only bad thing i can think of is the cafeteria food its not so great if you know what i mean.
—Submitted by a student

This school is like so good but its jut to strict
—Submitted by a student

Renaissance is a great school!!!! Keep up the hard work Renaissance Revolutionaries!!!
—Submitted by a student

Renaissance Academy is truly a unique school. The high expectations from the teachers create a better learning environment as well as much higher expectations that the students have of themselves. Our students are so confident and prepared for almost every echallenge they will encounterhave of themselves!
—Submitted by a parent

This has to be one of the best schools I've encountered. The teachers are hands on, the class size is small and the administration goes over and beyond the call of duty. Did I mention each student has a laptop ? There are also wonderful afterschool programs that include, cooking classes,dance classes, etc. Parent participation is required and the students must complete community service hours.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the 8th grade algebra / science teacher at Renaissance. While we strive to know every student well, we are not perfect (although we are trying!). Your concerns are important to us and we want to address them.
—Submitted by a teacher

The curriculum is setup in a way, so the teachers can gauge their students progress by the midterm tests periodically, so it could be changed to benefit the students. Tests are targeted by subject, not just a copy of the state test. No other school, except the small school, is run this way. Also, they have 4 classes a day, more class time per class. Two classes are the core subject, 1 the elective and the other is advisory (available for help in any subject). You may find this kind of setup in a charter or private school, but not a public. Teachers are great and spend a lot of their time make this a great school, so excuse them for caring, when they can.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to this school. I have to admit I am not pleased with the invovement from the teachers. They did not follow through as stated prior to the beginning of this year. They are not very friendly and do not make parents welcomed. Their expectaions seem unrealistically high. It seems that they may not have the students' best interest in mind. They are test driven and not seeing the personal needs of these children. I am not impressed so far!
—Submitted by a parent