Jefferson Academy Charter School

We love JA! We have a 1st and 2nd grader. Our second grader is on the "autism spectrum" and this school's structure has done wonders for him. My nieces and nephew (grades 8,6, and 4) have been here since Kindergarten (Mrs. Ryberg is AWESOME!) and they have excelled in leaps and bounds at JA. The newer principal, MR. NOLAN, is out and visible all the time. He is easy to talk with about any concerns not that we've had that many. The teachers all seem to love working with the kids and are easy to talk to as a parent if needed. Compared to my coworkers, I see more parent involvement at this school which has created a great community for my family. I would obviously recommend this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic excellence in a structured, supportive setting. From the principals to teachers to support staff JA provides a consistent, supportive environment for student learning and parent involvement. If you are interested in the highest level of academic achievement this is the school for you. If you want consistent, fair, firm discipline this is the school for you. If you want compassionate, caring teachers and administrators who go the extra mile, this is the school for you. If you want your child to have the opportunity to earn up to 2 semesters of full college credit during high school, this is the school for you. The school also provides high quality extra-curriculars to round out a great education. I am just a regular parent--not on the staff or the board-- with high expectations for any school. JA has exceeded them all. Our experience is with the secondary. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.
—Submitted by a parent

We have eight years into this K-12 school now. The elementary is outstanding with dedicated and caring teachers, attentive staff and the principal/business manager (Mike Munier) is completely professional and an exceptional person. The junior high has followed with the same strict academic and ethical standards, as well as reinforcing the family values and integrity in the students that all good parents appreciate. We are looking forward to the same wonderful experience as we move toward the high school. We feel very fortunate to have landed in this happy place.
—Submitted by a parent

Been at JA for the last 3 years. Amazing teachers, principal, staff, families, kids. Best school I have seen. Private school education without the tuition !!! A+ to all. Mr. Munier (Principal) is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

We attended Jefferson Academy until the end of the 07/08 school year, when we moved to the San Francisco area. We did not realize, at least to the extent we do now, how lucky we were to be a part of this wonderful school. In comparison to what we are finding in public schools in California, Jefferson Academy was superior in every way. The Core Knowledge Curriculum is excellent, and only available in California in a private school setting. Teachers at JA are communicative and supportive, and the the principal was second-to-none. Wonderful school. We miss you JA!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school. My child is an advanced reader for her grade. They have identified this and have continued to challenge her. Great community feeling at the school. Parent involvment is outstanding. Principal is visible and available.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been part of the JA family for five years. The Core Knowledge curriculum methodology of teaching is effective, concise and complete, and far ahead of the regular grade level skills of their neighborhood friends. A real plus to this school (as well as most charter schools) is that being a choice situation, the majority parents are so much more involved than what we experienced when we attended the nearby home school elementary. The parents all know and communicate with each other, the kids are well aware that it isn t just mom, dad and the teachers looking out for them. This dynamic leads to a close JA community spirit that encourages the kids and supports them, come what may. Elementary principal Michael Munier is professional, and a most visible and likeable leader. He participates openly in student activities and genuinely enjoys his job. The teachers/staff are open and friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

JA is an excellent school. Not only does it boast great academics, but the atmosphere is like a large family.
—Submitted by a staff

This is a very academic orientated school. The quality of instruction is outstanding. Discipline, respect and honesty are not merely words but actions of every day school life. It is important to note that parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child s education. Like everything in life, what you put into it, is what you will get out of it. School is no different; don't expect this school (or any school) to do your job. This school is a breath of fresh air. The school has approx. 700 students (K-12) on one campus. This is viewed as a good situation as the older students tend to watch out for the younger ones. Just one fact tells it all. The school has a waiting list of over 1,100 students and Kindergarten of 2009 is full, however 2010 is still available.
—Submitted by Michael Mihalcin, a parent