Excelsior Charter School

my grandchildren may be enrolled soon, i believe in keeping informed.i am a retired elem. school teacher.

My son's teacher, Mrs. Lee, is the greatest. She keeps him motivated to do his best. He feels safe here - and I feel safe having him here. Having been in education for 20 years, the last 4 here, the students, for the most part, are some of the most well behaved that I have encountered. As a staff member and parent, I can't imagine my child being anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the idea of making each student accountable for their school work, meeting and discussing your childs progress at least every two-three weeks is fantastic, I feel very much involved as a parent with my childs education and her success she is making each and every day... I love Excelsior Charter School and plans to enroll my other 2 children here. Special Thanks to Mrs. Lee and Mrs Bearden for being a huge part of my daughters success....
—Submitted by a parent

This year will be five years at Excelsior.I have three children attending one of them is on an IEP. All of them get tremendous support. I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my second rating for EHS. I have two SENIORS this 2013 school year this will be our third and last year at Excelsior. My kids have done great there!!. (more responsible for their education) The school has prepared my young people for college noone standing over them, its a choose. WE are on our way to college thanks EHS.
—Submitted by a parent

A recent survey shows 93% of students said they feel safe at this school, 89% of parents feel safe at the school, 99% of staff feel safe at the school. In contrast, a nearby local high school shows 25% of students feel safe at their school. It appears data backs up Excelsior's claim that this is the safest school in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves this school because he feels safe and secure. Administration and teachers take appropriate and swift action when reports of bullying are made. Staff show they care about the student's academics and well being.
—Submitted by a parent

Bullying is a big problem at this school and is handled ineffectively or ignored. If a student reports that they are the victim of a bully, they are told that if they cant work it out or ignore it, they will be removed from campus. I know of many kids that had no choice but to leave this school because of the bullying. Even people who teach there are frustrated with this problem because their own children are being bullied and there is nothing they can do to stop it, because the administration doesnt want to address it and have a paper trail that might tarnish their "safe school" reputation. It has become a school full of bullies. The victims get removed from campus or leave voluntarily, and the bullies are allowed to stay and continue bullying. How can a child concentrate on their academics when they are continually looking over their shoulders and fearing for their safety or when they are taunted and teased and being picked on openly and publicly and can get no help from the administration? The anti-bullying assembly they had was meaningless, but it will look pretty impressive in their list of "accomplishments".
—Submitted by a parent

U.S. News and World Report recently named Excelsior Charter Schools "One of the Country's Best High Schools." Excelsior has now received this award twice 2009 & 2012. Excelsior recently provided iPads to all of it's 8th grade students to pilot aggressive 21st century instructional methods.
—Submitted by a teacher

Had a daughter graduate last year and have another one starting 7th grade this year. It is the best school in the high desert by far and they have won another award to prove it!
—Submitted by a parent

Excelsior is very good at partnering with parents to help their students become successful:) The teachers truely care about your child and want them to reach their full potential!
—Submitted by a parent

Let me clarify the two stars. If you want this to be a place where your student gets class time them i give it a 1 rating. If you want the homeschool component then this is probably a good place for you. They are in a season on transition and it is NOT a good year to start here. Wait a year and give it a try then. There is such interest in this school that they cannot accomodate the students with books or teachers. Once they get the new campus completed I surely hope it gets better because the premise of the school is fabulous. The kids really seem to enjoy it and I feel they are very SAFE here. There are just a few bumps that need smoothing. seem to
—Submitted by a parent

I like this school because they do not allow students to rule it,they demand the students to respect them and their selves.I will be having all my kids attend this school for high school.I praise God there is a school that is decent in the high desert all the rest of them are horrible....We need more schools like this one.....
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school! it was my first year here and i had no problems! they do alot of things for the students field trips,pep rallies and alot of other stuff. my facilitator was mr.garcia and he was so nice and patient with me. i had a problem getting one of my grades from my other school and he had a problem getting it too. he was so concererned he was willing to go to the state about it. now that is a great teacher send your kid here you wont regret it!

I have been very happy with my choice to place my son at Excelsior. The facilitators are great and keep you up to date with how your child is doing. They offer tons of electives for the kids to choose from which gives them an opportunity to try different things and see what fits them best. The staff is friendly and there are few discipline problems. They had junior high and high school mixed this year and my 7th grade son had zero problems with older students. He actually made friends with a couple that were in his web design elective class. Next year he will get the opportunity to take game design. There is no other school in the high desert which offers so much diversity. There is a VERY strict anti-bullying policy so there is never an issue with that. My only complaint is that the homework load is pretty light. My son said it's because he gets it done in his last block which is study hall.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at this school for 2 years now and loves it! We have lucked out with 2 great facilitators, one being Lety Gutierrez. She is so warm and encouraging to my child. My daughter has no problem going to her for any help. She always keeps me updated on my child's grades, and intervenes when she sees my child needs help in a certain area. The teachers in the Jr. High are very helpful and extremely encouraging. The 1st year was a little rough with the parent responsibility, but now with new improvements, it has been very easy to keep up with. It has been a great experience at this school and I would highly reccommend this school to other parents in the High Desert.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a recent graduate of this school (Class of 2009), and this was the best school ever. The teachers were patient and helped you in every way they could, and little to no violence whatsoever! And my mom never worried about me attending, and always included her and respected her. This is one of the few schools that has great teacher/student relationships. I highly recommend this school, and we miss it so.

What a blessing this school has been to our family we have 2 children attending and plan to send our other 2 when able. We are so happy with the staff and we always know what is going on with our children's grades, no surprises at grading time. We are always able to communicate with the teachers and they usually get back to you that day. Would never go back to a traditional school, Excelsior is the best.
—Submitted by a parent

The atmoshere at Excelsior is small, organized, friendly and GOAL oriented. I am most pleased with this school, I don't know what I'd do without it!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the best in the county if not the state for it's unique independent study program. Students and parents are given more than enough support for the child's success. Staff genuinely cares for the student's well being. The school is also the safest school in the area. They encourage students to take college courses at the nearby city college. Progress reports are given at least once every month. Teachers are caring, competent, and professional. Leadership is solid as well.' 'This school is one of the best in the county if not the state for it's unique independent study program. Students and parents are given more than enough support for the child's success. Staff genuinely cares for the student's well being. The school is also the safest school in the area. They encourage students to take college courses at the nearby city college. Progress reports are given at least once every month. Teachers are caring, competent, and professional. Leadership is solid as well.'
—Submitted by a teacher