Academy of the Canyons School

Without a doubt, AOC is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life. I was one of the lucky ones who won the lottery to get in as a freshmen for the 2011-2012 school year. I came into AOC from being a depressed and 'bored with school cirriculum' junior high student with low self-esteem. After coming into AOC, I felt a dramatic change in my attitude towards school as well as myself. I now feel much happier because I am with other kids that are similar to myself. When people claim students at AOC have "no social life"; this isnt true. If you're looking for a drama filled typical high school environment that often revolves around dating; AOC isnt the school for you. If you're looking for an environment that involves around more mature, respectful, and sometimes "quirky" kids that have intense passions or strengths in certain subjects and want to learn more about and study these passions at the more advanced and fast paced college level, AOC -is- the school for you! On a side note, if you were ever identified as "GATE" or "Gifted"... seriously, this school will be a PERFECT fit for you.
--Submitted by a student

This school is not for everyone. With that said it has been the absolute best solution for my two sons. I homeschooled both of them up to 9th grade at which point each were admitted to AOC as freshmen. The eldest is now a junior and my younger son is a freshman. My older boy has expressed regret that AOC does not have a football team. That is unequivocally a case of "the grass is greener" mentality. He enjoys playing touch football at the junior college's football stadium with his friends at lunch. He does not realize that what he is doing is FUN, but that competitive high school football is a LOT of work and usually not described as "fun". Both boys do enjoy being in the unique position of taking college courses while still being high school students. They are given a measure of priority when selecting classes, though the AOC administration does restrict what is available. That is primarily to protect the kids from biting off more than they can chew. As they mature they are able to take more rigorous, academic courses at the college usually starting in 10th or 11th grade. + The almost total void of typical teenage/h.s. issues...A perfect choice for OUR family...
--Submitted by a parent

Although my kids have only attended the school for the 2010-2011 school year, I have never been as highly impressed with a school as I am AOC, and believe me, we have had the best of the best (Carpenter Avenue ELementary in Studio City, Fair Oaks Ranch in Santa Clarita as well as Sierra Vista and Canyon High Schools). Within two weeks, all the teachers as well as staff and administration knew my children on a first name basis and were calling me when one of my children was having difficulty with specific concepts in math. Imagine my shock when his teacher called me just to say he had a test the next day and was having difficulty in x, y, and z concepts and wanted to know if there was someone who could help him that night to solidify those concepts. He Aced the test and has continued to excel since then. But, truly, if your child is in to sports, it's not the school for him. However, contrary to what is posted here, there is plenty of socialization and the kids have a TON of socialization events not only planned by the school, but planned by the kids outside of school as well.
--Submitted by a parent

AOC is a really great program in my opinion, but it is NOT for everyone. If you have a social life (like I did), kiss it good bye. Many say that you will have time on the weekends to hang out with friends, but in all honestly, you will have NO chance in doing so. Students here are drowned in homework from college and high school. If you're not doing homework you're most likely studying. Not to mention there are no sports at all in this school, which really needs to change. You can still attend other schools dances, but it's really not the same. If you want a real high school experience, stay away from AOC. But if you are a shut in and loves to study (*Satire), AOC is the school for you.. (Written by a student of a traditional high school, transfered to AOC, I regret it..)
--Submitted by a student

AOC offered an exceptional opportunity to my twins They enters as Juniors and to my amazemnet graduated as seniors in the same year. The opportunity to do college classes along side high school classes was an amazing experience. The staff teacher and students are caring and understanding. This was the perfect opportunity for my kids and provided a great environment. The kids still attended all high school functions at West Ranch high school at the same time
--Submitted by a parent

I must say this school has been amazing!! They staff make sure they can help you with any problems and they want you to succeed!! This school has helped me better myself and academically!! THIS SCHOOL IS AMAZING AND WONDERFUL
--Submitted by a student

Small campus. Everyone knows everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

Stellar school and program, allows all students to thrive on academic knowleged allowed through the college surroundings. Perfect for those with high ambitions and ready to enter the college atmosphere. Teaching is great as well, with instructors with a grasp on experience and an understatnding of the restrictions and access allowed on a campus withing a college.
--Submitted by a student

this school is awesome! I attend academy of the canyons and they have prepared me for the future. the teachers are great and have great ways of teaching. overall, I love the school!
--Submitted by Tiffany, a student