Challenger

As a Challenger Berryessa graduate who has attended the school since Preschool, I believe that the whole Challenger system has a bad reputation for being an unbearable and strict school. Parents constantly criticize Challenger for pushing their children too hard with absolutely no time for fun. Although Challenger does indeed have a very accelerated curriculum, it (at least the Berryessa campus) is definitely not a "jail" that some describe it as. Although it is much less lenient than other public schools, or even some private schools, we students developed strong friendships with one another and were not socially awkward at all. And all those essays and book reports have, at the end, made us competitive in the eyes of private high schools in the area, which is why nearly all of us are attending top high schools after we finish Challenger. Sure, Challenger could improve on some things, such as reintroducing intramural sports days between campuses and being a little looser in its regulations, but all in all, I believe that the pros still outweigh the cons, and Berryessa is still a pretty awesome campus.

As a parent of a lifer Challenger student that just graduated college, what the students learn at Challenger will help them through all aspects of life. My child is a confident, logical thinker and I thank Challenger in helping her to develop to her fullest potential. Yes, they have very high standards but there were no struggles with high school or college curriculum. She was offered four different position upon graduating college. I can't thank the Challenger program enough for all they provided for my child!
--Submitted by a parent

This is great school. I have not had any negative experiences so far. My 4 year old son has learnt how to read upto 5 letter words and is writing well. The school has very high standards which is very good in my opinion. The only very minor issue I have is that they donot offer half day classes. The teachers have been awesome. They are fun and energetic.
--Submitted by a parent

This school may be challenging, but the teachers in our middle school are really fun and the company you get is fantastic. Having a challenge is what life is; challenger prepares you for other difficulties you can come up with in the future. I have been a lifer in BA challenger and I may have disliked this school because of its hardships but then I realized that it is really going to be much harder in college and as an adult so I should be happy that I get an advanced education that would make my future much easier.
--Submitted by a student

I am an employee of Challenger School. So my comments of course will be biased. I have found with Challenger a group of people, (teachers, parents, and students), who have come to an agreement: children can learn at high levels if given the opportunity. Many comments written negatively about Challenger are actually strengths. Mom and Dad can take a child to the zoo. Students play city basketball, they swim, they participate in ballet, etc. all as family led outside activities. They are not provided by the school (except on a limited basis), but academics are. Parents take their child to dance, we teach them to read. That relationship works for our parents. We are not perfect, but we are successful. Please visit a campus; watch a teaching session. Come see us in action! I think you might just like what you see.

In the beginning, the teachers were Good-Ok. As the years progressed on, the teachers got worse and worse. School was no fun. Parties and field trips were canceled and there were no more free dress days until the end of school. Not to mention the price is high.
--Submitted by a student

Better than average public schools, but could be better. Challenger seems to rely on a corporate ciriculum taught by teachers with less experience. My advice, move to a good public school district and use the money you save from Challenger tuition to pay the higher mortgage.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is no fun. Their expectations are too high and there are no field trips. I have to wear a school uniform that's ugly. The assemblies are boring
--Submitted by a student

It used to be great school. It is still good for preschool and kindergarten programs. I do not recommend any grade higher. Teachers have no experience when school hired them. Kids do not understand lecture to do well on their test.
--Submitted by a parent

very good school! great school spirit, everything about this school is awesome! academically challenging.
--Submitted by a student