Discovery Charter School

This school is run by an amazing principle. Her primary focus is the students and their future. The teacher's share in her enthusiasm. My son is in first grade and started here in Kindergarten. The main reason, among many, that I feel my son is at the best school around is the teachers take the time to evaluate where each child is academically and then place them in groups that help them move forward towards success. My younger brother and sister started here when they were in 5th and 6th grade, they are now in college and said that Tracy Learning Center had them more prepared for college then the private high school they attended in Stockton (they moved to Stockton and choose to go to a different high school). If you are looking for the best school for your children put them on the waiting list and move them over as soon as your name is picked. Well worth it!
--Submitted by a parent

My son moved to Discovery from a gate class in 4th grade. I was not happy with the level of work and it seemed to be just more worksheets and word searches. Discovery has proven to be much more. It IS challenging but he has been placed in an appropiate class for his learning style. Since day one the teachers have communicated though emails and phone calls (even to just say he did a great job participating today! - who does that - fantastic). I am very happy I made the move and feel he will be better prepared for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

Middle school combo classes for 5th/6th grades and 7th/8th grades not ideal. 6th graders are made to review and correct 5th graders work like in Math; Some teachers are good at communicating with parents about progress or issues with their child's grades or assigned work, others particularly Language art teacher did not communicate or notify parent at all until final grade is issued and you see that child has A and B grades and a surprise 'F'. Very disappointing, not sure if it is a case of happy grading an F or lack of care about if the student's learning has progressed or what could be course corrected. School has long hours and only gets one month summer vacation although entire month of June appears to just be spent on mostly non-academic stuff, they could very well just given one more month of vacation for kids.
--Submitted by a parent

While TLC does offer a good accelerated academic program compared to the other schools in Tracy, the staff and many teachers lack the ability to work successfully with a diverse group of children. When you chose the profession of being a teacher, there should be some mandatory diversity training. All children don't act the same or learn the same. TLC seems to have a good grasp on diversity in learning but they lack the ability to work with strong, independent, well spoken and smart children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Instead of mislabeling and discouraging these students, incorporate some leadership programs at TLC that channel this positive energy in the right direction.
--Submitted by a parent

Muy son Kimo has gone to this School since 5th grade, and he Graduates this Saturday only three classes away from his associates degree as well as his High School Diploma. This School has the best academics to help prepare the child with the tools needed to succeed in life. I would recommend this type of education for anyone's child because from day one this School has stood by my sons side to guide him in his path to a strong foundation in life.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a student that is in the 7th grade. My view of this school is horrible! First- Just trying to drop your student off safely is a challenge. The school is unorganized and should worry more about their students making it safely on the school campus, rather than suspending a student for being tardy to 'unity' (not start of class). Second - The staff is not very friendly, especially the receptionist. 'Director' (in my world - ie. principal) of the school is unprofessional and should take her position more seriously. Third - The subjects that are taught is something they should be teaching in high school. Some of the subjects are a bit overboard for such young students. This school has not taught my child anything different than any other public school could do. I will never have my children attend another charter school again.
--Submitted by a parent

'The parents at this school have worked very hard and have fought tooth and nail to keep desirable programs, like art and music, afloat. And of course, the kids are great! Unfortunately, leadership is lacking at this school and the teaching my child received was very uneven. Personal experience with some teaching staff was extremely unprofessional. A small school like this one doesn't afford much choice when teachers aren't meeting your child's need. And the principal is doing very little to weed out those teachers who are just 'biding their time,' while they waste the precious time of the students they are trained professionally to serve and inspire.'
--Submitted by a parent

Discovery is a Great school! It has been the front vision of the Tracy Learning Center from the first point 8 years ago. The staff is the best and goes beyond normal to work with students and parents. The only problem is a big enough site, there would be many other students going there but are on a waiting list do to no more room. Rock on Discovery!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a Discovery Student who will also attend high school there.I am very please with my sons progress as a means to and end.He will be going to a good college as a result od attending this school.I love the Admin and staff so helpful and a special thanks to Mr Pombo and Mrs Stewart, patient teacher
--Submitted by a parent

(continued from: 'The school day is also an hour longer than most schools and they fill that...') ...hour with useless classes. They have no extracurricular activities for Discovery and spend all money on Primary and Millenium. They waste money building structures only to find out that its not safe and have to tear it down. I am soooo glad I'm leaving. Parents: Its all a lie. Don't go the Discovery Charter School!! Trust me.
--Submitted by a student