Childrens Community School

You must have faith to choose progressive education. If your child is a late bloomer or you're an anxious parent, it may be more difficult for you to tolerate CCS. CCS kids, however, demonstrate an inordinate amount of acceptance and tolerance. In the last few years, the school has had turnover in staff. Nothing can replace experience in progressive education, but I am hoping enthusiasm and faith in the progressive process go a long way. My child attended this school since kindergarten. We strongly preferred a school that would focus on her as a whole person. While we were surprised that there were many kids with different abilities (speech, social and academic), their differences have helped our daughter to become more empathetic and kind. We also appreciated the socio-economic diversity and small class sizes. Some teachers fit better with our child than others. All the teachers, however, were honest and open to discussion. There have been curricula foci that we did not appreciate. Others, however, loved those same experiences. CCS is a solid example of progressive education. In the end, CCS is "good enough," for us.
--Submitted by a parent

I was so sorry to read a child's review about CCS here, and can't help but wonder if he was compelled to write on his own--or if the parent was propelling him to do so. Either way, I am saddened to hear about his experience, mostly because I have not yet come across a child who has attended CCS who did not love it with their whole heart. This is a place of true learning; a place that supports and nurtures lifelong learners through progressive education. There is a vital lifeforce at the school, one that is present in every classroom and in every teacher. The community is close-knit and supportive, and the staff and administration are warm and welcoming. This is truly a one-of-a-kind school, and I feel so lucky to have found it for my children. Go visit CCS. I guarantee you will be inspired by what you see there.
--Submitted by a parent

The best schools/temples/churches/organizations will always have critics - people, for whatever reason, who don't connect. And no place is perfect - that's a ridiculous standard. I also find a site that allows anonymous criticism for public consumption morally questionable, but since this is a school I love, I'll use this forum to say that CCS has worked for my children, given them acceptance and love (in addition to whatever skills they've needed), and been the center for my own life for many years. I'm grateful we found it and are lucky enough to be open to it.
--Submitted by a parent

this school was the worst school i have ever gone to i went there for 5 years and studied the same thing 4 years in a row never really learned about American history well. i also suffered through and witnessed a HUGE amount of bullying with no consequences the teachers turned there backs on it all. the school is obsessed with money and has multiple fundraisers throughout the year. they say they are a community it feels like the teachers say once you are out of my class your not my problem. if you think that shoving kids into an auditorium once a week and making them sing for an hour you are dead wrong it makes them miserable its uncomfortable and boring. you are making a huge mistake at sending your kid here. it is over priced and unpleasant. its your choice if you want to ruin your kids child hood

CCS has a socioeconomically diverse student body, 30% receive financial aid; therefore, a smaller than expected number of students apply to independent schools when graduating. This year, of 13 graduates, only 5 applied to private middle schools. All were accepted to their first choice school, and all were accepted to more than one. Kids were accepted to Oakwood, Campbell Hall, Immaculate Heart, Berkeley Hall, Sierra Canyon and Wildwood. Yes, some of these kids were tutored and some were not, but it is impossible to tell from where they were accepted, which were the tutored ones. My child was accepted to 2 prestigious schools, was only tutored for the ISEE.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a very happy CCS parent. As a public school teacher for 10 years, this is the model I choose for my son. He loves school, and he loves learning. Also, he is learning how to be a productive member of a community and he has a voice in the school--and he's in Kindergarten!! It's unfortunate that state curriculum framework writers are not as educated about child development as progressive educators, because they set the standards that parents freak out about. Just as not all kids walk or talk at the same time, they don't learn to read or calculate at the same time either. This notion of "below grade level" is by whose measure? It's a shame that the closer kids get to middle school, their parents forget what drew them to the school in the first place. Progressive Ed is not for every parent, but it IS right for my family and we love it!
--Submitted by a parent

Reading some of these reviews makes me very sad - If I had rad these reviews before enrolling my son at CCS I might have missed out on an amazing school. The truth is, most people who take the time to write online reviews are unhappy or disgruntled. Think about it... How many times have you taken the time to write a review about something you really like or love? Not that often. But when you've got a bee in your bonnet you will stop at nothing to get your point across and writing online reviews is part of that process. Fair enough - Just take these 1 star reviews with a grain of salt. Something should be truly horrendous to merit 1 star, and even if you disagree with the teaching at CCS, 1 star is just not a fair assessment.
--Submitted by a parent

Seems like the previous reviewer should learn a little more about the school. Yes, three of the teachers have been with the school a long time and are trained in progressive education - the other three and most of the assistants are not trained in progressive education and it's supposed to be a progressive school. Of those 3 newer teachers, only one is from public, one got her teaching credentials on the job at CCS and one has no elementary teaching experience at all. Yes, they did add a second 2nd grade class, and they had room to do that, in the already too small campus, because the other classes were so small they could combine them. Is the fact that half the graduating class got into magnet or advanced studios, supposed to be impressive? What about the other half of the kids? All in all, I feel like for what they charge it should be the best progressive education around, in my opinion it is not.

I have been at CCS for three years as well and what these two reviews below are suggesting is simply false. Rate of attrition? We had to ADD another 2nd grade class because the school has grown so much - AND 'kids remaining in the upper grades are an exception?' Seriously? This can't be written by someone who has been at this school in the past few years. The upper grades are larger than they've ever been - 20 kids or more! Now, the 5/6 grade may a have a few less, because most Jr. High starts at 6 grade, and some parents want their kids to start Jr high with the new class. That all said, I've never heard of tutoring from the families I know well, however they do get help in test taking so they are prepared for that. But over half the graduating class was accepted into Magnet and advanced studies programs, so I don't get this! And the teachers here - Come on! 3 have been there forever and the other 3 came from public. Lol, and our Head of School leads forums and discussions on education with the top Progressive educators in California! These accusations are nuts!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree 100% with the last review. Prior to enrolling your child at CCS, do yourself a favor and ask these questions: Why is attrition so high from 2nd grade on? They will tell you it is due to a lack of understanding of the progressive education method. It s not. How many students are tutored for years to bring them up to grade level prior to middle-school application? (This is the worst-kept secret at CCS) How many CCS teachers have teaching credentials? How many have any training in progressive education prior to coming to CCS? Why are top progressively-trained educators NOT knocking on CCS s door for an opportunity to work there?
--Submitted by a parent