The Classical Academy Charter

Both my children have been at TCA in Colorado Springs for years. They both started out in kindergarten and are now in upper elementary. We have been at both the East and Central campuses. The education and personal attention that our children receive at TCA is excellent. Their class size would be so much more in a public school. The fact that all the elementary classes have a tutor/helper at least part time is a huge benefit. Many parents volunteer hours each week to assist the teachers and administration. The parent involvement is almost unparalleled with other schools. I know the wait list can be lengthy to get your child in to TCA. Your chances are best if you live in District 20 and get your child/children on the list as young as possible - but I tell you it is worth it. The teachers not only are passionate about teaching - but passionate about your children. I've always said that TCA is like getting a private school education & personal attention without the enormous cost - and also without the "sheltered" viewpoint that many private schools can have.
--Submitted by a parent

As with absolutely anything in life, one must put heart and mind into the experience to genuinely glean the most out of the adventure. Am I right? Most definitely. I graduated from TCA in the class of '09. I now maintain a 3.0 GPA in college, and I honestly attribute this success to the definite way this school views education. Education is a challenge that takes heart. BUT I see compliance in parenting killing the success of child education. You, parents and guardians, HAVE GOT TO let your kidos know that the challenge of education is to be welcomed. It is to be welcomed, because you let your child know, "Yes, you can do it, and yes; I am here to help you, because I care." Empower your little scholars, because the world is out to let them know they are only one person, they aren't amazing, and therefore, they amount to very little. The student who challenges is that is the one who has a solid support system at home-one that encourages the challenge and encourages the student. So, good job to the people out there doing it right. - thanks mom and dad.

My Daughter is in Kindergarten at TCA and I can tell you she has learned a lot. I am not seeing any of the things going on in my daughters class that I read in a previous review! ( I too volunteer regularly in my daughters class) My Daughter continually learns and has developed skills in every area including socialization!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school for an average student who wishes to receive an average education. I was a parent volunteer for 3 years in my kids' TCA classrooms. It never failed that the smart group of kids (about 1/3 of the class) had the poorest behavior. They got great grades and felt wonderful about themselves, but were not being challenged. One of the teachers stated she would love to move my son faster in math, but she had to "teach toward the middle". So, if you don't mind your kid working toward mediocrity put him/her into TCA. We left. That wasn't our educational goal for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely fantastic school! I have a 3rd grader and 5th grader who have had nothing but positive experiences at TCA. They are challenged in their learning and much is expected. This is going to prepare them for life. The teachers and administration couldn't be more caring. Each child is known individually and respected and loved. This is not the school for those who would rather their kids have it easy than be challenged.
--Submitted by a parent

The concept of the Mission statement/curriculum is good and some of the subjects are "rich" in value. However, the stress level starting in Kindergarten is overwhelming. The focus is only on math and phonics. All other "rich" subjects they profess are 15min/day. Your child will be tested every day and will not be supported but singled out as if they cannot keep up with 1% of the gifted ones. You should never have to tell a six year old they need tutoring. Elementary should not be college level but a chance to flourish, learn, and develop an interest in learning not despise it. This would be the worth the wait if they allowed more of their Mission statement to take charge and not the need to pass every college SAT scores or strive to have value in test scores. I would stay away from the hype.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend the East campus of TCA for Elementary School. I love the fact that the elementary school goes to 6th grade. I love the curriculum, especially how rich it is in teaching history, grammar. I think it is weak in writing, reading. I too am concerned about the qualifications of the teachers. The teachers are part of teams which is valuable, especially to new teachers. For the most part the teachers are good but we have had our share of fair teachers. I think the school is still struggling to combat bullying issues especially amoung girls. I don't think staff want to admit how bad it can really be. The school overall is fantastic but would be better if it didn't just teach to one level. Those who struggle and those who are brighter than the avearage are ignore.
--Submitted by a parent

Many teachers don't have their teaching licenses and truly don't know how to teach reading and math, outside of the curriculum. If a child varies from the 'typical', then it's considered that it's the child's issue - not something the teacher needs to evaluate and then make accommodations to ensure the child is learning.
--Submitted by a parent

TCA students that could move faster in class are not allowed to do so. Students that struggle often don't get the attention they need. Also, they are very quick to surprise you late in the year with a summer school recommendation. At spring parent/teacher conferences, I was told my daughter was reading at a 4th grade level (she's a 2nd grader), but still needed summer school. The thing they don't immediately share is that summer school costs $300./subject. So, they hand my daughter a B in math and reading and still recommmend summer school for each subject. That's too much stress for an 8 year old. This is a school that loves to toot it's own horn and put themselves on a pedastal. In my opinion, they aren't worthy of that pedastal. Based on my 3 years of experience, this school is nothing special.
--Submitted by a parent

I love The Classical Academy because of the wonderful teachers who show such love and care for the children each and every day.
--Submitted by a parent