Magnolia Science Academy Santa Clara School

Love this school it's awesome not much days off and not too less days off.
--Submitted by a student

We recently transferred from a local public middle school & find a big difference on how the same tax dollars/child is being used in MSA-SC. The school offers extended instructional time 8.15am to 3.15 pm to accommodate a 6th grade elective (unlike previous school) & a daily PE as well as "Get Ready For Life" counseling class. The teachers hold extra free clubs & 1-on-1 tutorials from 3.15 to 4.30pm. In my previous school it was parent driven sporadic activities with children of volunteers given preference. Here the teachers conduct Robotics, Debate/Public speaking, Drama, Creative Writing, Science Tech, AMSP Math, dance, sports, foreign language etc. clubs and the dedication shows as this 2 year old school has already placed at competitions. Besides the well rounded curriculum,they offer Basic, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry in 6th grade depending on placement tests. Unlike previous school where computer time meant just playing games on the PC here there is a teacher dedicated to teaching programming, game development etc. Also, the school is small giving it a community touch minus the parent politics. My daughter fit right in & no bullying. We are very happy we made the move.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm thinking tranferring my kid to MSASC, but the student's review posted on 3/15/2012 seemed unfavorable. However, it sounded quite honest. Thank you for the informative review. It would be nice to see for of the reviews coming from the students' point-of-view. Since, the students are the ones attending the school everyday, it would be great to learn from their experience.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is chaotic and misorganized,the premises's cleanliness is questionable. There is no anti-bullying policy, i was bullied so many times and still am. Other middle schools have counselors, to help solve many issues, where is our counselor? Can't wait to get out of this place. This is the worst school I've ever been to.
--Submitted by a student

My son started Magnolia in the 7th grade. The bar is raised high at Magnolia and it made my son want to do well. His great attitude combined with the staff and teachers, has given him the confidence to do well. He's been there one semester and each grading period his grades have improved. I love the after school "clubs" that allow him to stay after school and do his homework. The teacher is right there to help him if he needs. His previous school was very stressful for me. He needed help, but didn't qualify because he knew how to read and he could multiply and divide. At Magnolia his potential is recognized and the teachers take the time to help bring it out.
--Submitted by a parent

Moving our son from a Montessori to MSA was one of the best decisions we made. MSA has a online system called Coolsis and this helps parents, teachers, and students track progress and monitor all school activities. This includes behavioral aspects as well as subject matters. Our son is so into the system that he is motivated to gain more positive points and not earn negative points. For us as parents, we are able to keep track of every activity in school and HW that is due and when it is due. Now there are plans to extend the grades to 9th and upwards each year. This is an excellent news for us as we don't have to worry about High School. Our son is having a lot of fun in the the after school clubs. The tutoring club is also very useful for kids to catch up on subjects they are falling behind. There is a after extended care service offered by an adjoining School. The teachers have been very responsive communication has been very easy. The principal is a wonderful gentleman and always ears to any suggestions and feedback from parents. We recommend any parents with kids going to middle school to check this school out during the open house or event to see for themselves.
--Submitted by a parent

Having a maximum of 25 students per class is great. Uniform is also a plus. This small school is currently still expanding, and we are hoping that students will have a better facility. Academically, this school can compete with the nearby Cupertino schools. The teachers and the principle are caring professional in education. There are demand for good education, so MSA is opening more campus in Milpitas and San Jose.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically challenging for the students. Small class sizes, parents are very involved, teachers are so dedicated. The uniform is very appropriate. My daughter was in a private school for most of her elementary school years and Magnolia provides the same criteria. It's a middle high school so we don't have to worry about looking for another school later.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter entered Magnolia Santa Clara as a 6th grader in 2010, in it's first year of operation. We picked the school for it's small class size and academically challenging program in all subjects (not just math and science). All the teachers and the principle made the school year fun for kids and by working together with parents and kids created an atmosphere of caring community. We are looking forward to a new school year filled with exploration, learning and fun.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter entered 6th grade this year after all her previous years being in a very academically focused private school. We have been amazed with her transition and the academic level of the school. Magnolia's curriculum is on par with her previous school, and we have been impressed by the teachers attitudes and dedication. The school's student/parent diversity is great as well. While not as robust as other schools with the extra-curricular activities, all teachers offer fun after school clubs they will help these kids mature in this well-rounded educational environment.
--Submitted by a parent