American Academy

I have two children at American Academy and they absolutely love it! We left our neighborhood school in search of more. The ability grouping for math and reading is fantastic! They have science and social studies everyday, not rotating the two like our old school. Carpool line takes some getting used to, but is to be expected in a commuter school. I will take a little hassle for a quality education. You really feel you are getting a private education for free. I have no idea why or how people are posting negative reviews when their child never attended the school. Bizarre!
—Submitted by a parent

As in many charters the literacy instruction is outdated and faulty. There is a negative attitude towards students who struggle or who have special needs... "This school might not be the right fit for your child." Meaning- they need CSAP scores. They have a board that operates as friends do- not as a school leadership team.
—Submitted by a parent

American Academy used to be a great school. Unfortunately, now that the new building is in Castle Pines, it has become a school fo the haves versus the have nots. The entire culture of the student and parent body is changing, and not for the better. The principal is the mother that founded the school and she has no background in education with regard to a formal education. She defers to the Senior Academic Director for virtually all academic issues. Additionally, there is an elitest attitude that only the brightest students need stay. Teachers are encouraged to tease out the students who are not performing at or above grade level so that their state testing scores are not influenced in a negative way.
—Submitted by a parent

My family loves this school! The depth of the curriculum is incredible. I am amazed at the information my children retain. Carpool is somewhat time consuming, but not a deal breaker. The teachers seem to be very enthusiastic in regards to helping the children understand. More and more extracurricular programs are popping up every month, creating an even more rounded educational opportunity for the students. There is a bright and exciting atmosphere within the school, helping the kids feel comfortable and eager to learn. I cannot promote this school enough - I tell all my friends about this amazing find!
—Submitted by a parent

We're finally finished with American Academy!! Kids are ability grouped with NO flexibility and once they are set in a particular group they do not move!! New principal has no background in education and yet is supposed to evaluate best practices within the classrooms. Kids individual learning styles are not addressed and there is little or no attempt to work with kids that struggle academically. Kids will either be indoctrinated into the AA way or will struggle and leave. There is NO concern for providing an environment where ALL students can succeed!
—Submitted by a parent

we are very pleased with the high quality of the academics my children are receving. The teachers and the staff are very professional and knowledgeable. The STEM program is one of the best in the nation. This is the kind of education our children need in order to compete with the rest of the world.
—Submitted by a parent

The school year has been wonderful in every aspect. The front office does an amazing job. I am very pleased with the staff and administration!
—Submitted by a parent

The academic curriculum and the teachers are good, but the administration and the front office is extremely rude and does not address the issues and concerns of the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at American Academy and we have nothing but positive things to say. To me, the highlights are definitely the the Core Knowledge curriculum, the ability grouping and the uniforms. In my opinion, these three components set the stage for a successful education. Our son has enjoyed the entire year, from Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reading down to PE, Music and Art. We're thrilled with what he is learning, how he's being taught and the environment in which this is all happening. We've also enjoyed the opportunity to attend a special after-school Spanish class. As with most things, you get out of it what you put into it. We couldn't be more happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so thrilled with this school! Our kids do athletics in the surrounding community, so I'm mostly concerned that the school my children attend has a focus on, heaven forbid, academics. Whatever else they deal with on a daily basis, the first priority of AA's administration is obviously the academic success of their students. Kids are tested regularly and the teachers are held to those results. And they use those results to tweak the curriculum and staff. What a concept! My they are average students at AA. Sometimes there's a lot of homework. But they are thriving and happy and learning amazing things every single day at this school. I wish I could go back and attend this school! I couldn't be more enthusiastic in my recommendation.
—Submitted by a parent

Amerian Academy has been an exceptional school for my two kids. We started at AA 3 years ago. We are so impressed with the curriculum, the teachers and the staff. We particulary like the fact that character education is emphasized. I have never seen a group of kids act with such respect towards others and property. This is a school that is on the cutting edge and so needed in today's world. I would recommend this school very highly.
—Submitted by a parent

First and foremost, the charter school option is a self selecting option. If you do not like the option, seek a better option. If you like the option, congratulations you've found it. We sought and found a school that is Core Knowledge and STEM focused. What we got was more as this administration, faculty and student body is fully ENGAGED in all aspects. Wonderful school. If I have to raise funds to keep it running then so be it. I sought it out. If I did not want that for my child then I would've put them in the regular mill. Remember: Options, Choices and Consequences. Good, bad and ugly, its all relevant to your perception.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a brand new family at American Academy and we are thrilled with the success our daughter has had. The ability grouping is such a great system and we can't say enough about the teachers. The STEM weeks are incredible, the information the kids come home with is so encouraging. Her class size is small - 23 kids compared to 28 or 29 at some of the other schools in the district. The new building is beautiful and the teachers and front office staff have been so helpful, friendly and supportive to our family. We are so happy with the education our daughter is receiving and have absolutely no regrets about choosing American Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not the school we signed up for four years ago. Small class sizes are no more with the building of the new facility. The highly qualified principal was let go for no reason, and the founding parent of the school is now in charge! This leader is not qualified and has never taught a day in the classroom and stands to get the $90K job for next year. Teachers make some of the lowest salaries going and everyone is told how we need to raise funds, but they need to pay attention to where the money is really going. Children are nothing more than revenue to AA. If you aren't outraged...you aren't paying attention.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved to American Academy this year (2009). We previously attended a charter school and so we understood the volunteer requirements, uniforms, board situations, etc. Charter Schools do not follow the same game plan as a public district run school. Some are run using a business type structure, some mimic private schools, and others follow your average public school setup. Research and know the difference then determine what is best for your family. My oldest son is advanced in most subjects but really needs help with Math. American Academy definitely can and is providing that structure for him through their ability grouping. My other son is advancing far beyond what I could have. Teachers are responsive and want their students to thrive. With the new building the extra cirricular activities are there. Overall this has been a great experience for us.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the perfect school for US, my kids and my family. As with any school the right fit is the key to success. It may not be for everyone especially busy parents without time to be 'hands on' with their childs' education. A ton of parental involvement is expected and I grow weary of all the complainers, seriously are you more interested in what is going on with staff kids than your own? I am not a staff person, just a parent that feels this is the best place for my kids. The scores don't lie and watching my kids excel and remain challenged keeps me thrilled! It's not for everyone or for every kid, parents partner with your kids and decide if it's right for you and your kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a schoool that is either loved or hated by the kids and parents. There are some really wonderful teachers at this school that my kids dearly loved and learned a lot from. Unfortunately the bad apples ruin the bunch. The principle does as little as possible, in the hopes of avoiding confrontation, to address numerous parental concerns. Nor does she have a grasp on what is happening in the classrooms and the extreme variences of expectations between grades and teachers within the same grade. Again, despite numerous complaints from concerned parents. On top of a very academically rigorous day the kids are sent home with large amounts of homework (far beyond district standards) leaving little time for downtime and after school activities. The kids and teachers are beyond burnt out by the end of the school year. I don't feel that this school supports a well rounded student.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school! The kids are held to high standards of behavior & accountability. The teachers obviously love these kids and are enthusiastic. It's also amazing to me how flexible they are in meeting the needs of each child academically. They are continuously re-assessing these kids. We have attended several private and public schools and there is nothing better than American Academy. There are some things that are lacking, like foreign language, but you can only fit so much work into a day without stressing young children out. The specials teachers take very seriously their music, art and PE, which is outstanding. They're not 'soft' classess by no means. I'm thrilled that my children will be there through 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

American Academy simply stated, raises the bar. Expectations of students have deteriorated - which is evident in how the US ranks among other countries when it comes to education. American Academy has set out to remedy that for students and parents who are willing to give what it takes to uphold rigorous academic and behavioral standards. American Academy will not meet the needs of coddling parents, however, it is a school that will produce tremendous leaders of the future. Wait and see.... - Proud, Pleased Parent
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. The education my kids are getting is far superior to the public schools in our area. Expectations are so high. Would not have my kids anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent