The Classical Academy Charter

My child does attened TCA. I am also a chrisitan, but do not want my child only excepting of one type of person ( people) in the world. Kids will have to face the real world sooner or later, I do not want my child to be unexcepting of others. A true christian does not judge! If you are different or have different values from your peers at TCA then you will be critizied for it. Staff and Administration needs alot of work. We will be moving on next year.
—Submitted by a parent

If you want to ensure that your child obtains fundamental skills to succeed, you will want to be on the waiting list and enroll him/her in the TCA. Comparing my two children from different school systems, I find that my youngest, who attends TCA, definitely has better skills to advance. Commenting on a previous message: I am for a Christian-based environment, where teachers, parents, and students are always reminded of Christian values!
—Submitted by a parent

TCA is an exceptional school in that it allows parents numerous opportunities to be involved in their childrens' education. Like any school, there are internal problems, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives. The students are generally very respectful and as far as making the school better, the families need to get involved and make their voices heard. Character and morality is modelled and kindness is a character trait that is easily observed in students.
—Submitted by a parent

As 'conservative Christian' but not wealthy parents, we are rather confused with some of the comments made. We actually find the school has changed over the time we have been here, and not for the better. It was a wonderful school, but aside from the dress code, it has now become more like a regular public school with all the normal problems which we didn't have before. We are looking at other options of which there are not many, because quite frankly the 'vision' and the actuality are no longer the same. The school has gotten too big, and the leaders aren't able to handle the goals that were set out many years ago. We are so very disappointed with the middle and high school in particular.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful staged education based on learning the building blocks (times tables), grammar, GEOGRAPHY, history. Huge difference in math skills compared to my son's time at Prairie Hills. Only problem is that children come from all over town and its hard to meet and bond with neighborhood children. But since Da Vinci Academy is our home school, its not worth switching. Also, find some of the comments ridiculous about sitting at attention and only playing in one direction. Occasionally, a fun teacher organizes a game of kickball but even TAG is allowed. Not a highly conservative, rich, Christian parent either.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a former TCA parent. My 2 oldest children were in the elementary program for 3 years. They received an excellent education while there. From what I could see, TCA tries to provide an excellent academic education within the state's required framework, while still balancing family needs, which is of highest priority. Some of the posts complain about how it's run, who runs it, and the general mindset/paradigm of the people there... my response to those of you who are complaining is quit complaining and promptly remove your children. This is a charter school with a very definite vision which generally requires like-minded parents and staff to maintain that vision. If you don't fit in or like it, depart to a more 'liberal' public school of choice and be thankful you have that choice. Or start your own charter with your own vision!
—Submitted by a parent

Please consider this before sending your child to TCA. This school is only for those students that are able to conform and have no personality of their own. If you do not donate, you will feel repercussions. If you are not active in your church or not Christian, your children will be teased and bullied by 'Christian' students. If your child is handicapped or impaired this is not the school for them. Minority? Forget it! One minority student was bullied so badly she is now homeschooled. The drug problem in the high school is ignored. Although they will tell you differently, there is no one to hold TCA accountable for their actions. The Board and their President are all about the bottom line.
—Submitted by a parent

The elementary school use to be the best of the best. I am quite displeased with the administration at the North school, especially the principal and the president of the school. The north elementary principal there does not push for good behavior from the students and tries to ignore bad behavior rather than deal with it. She does not support high-quality teachers or parents of good-behavior students. The north elem principal and the president do not hold themselves accountable for the many problems that the school is encountering. They would rather ignore the problems than try to deal with them and they are now growing in great number.
—Submitted by a parent

The curriculum is outstanding and the teachers are dedicated. The emphasis on integrity and character has made a very positive impact on my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

School is very good for elementary, but don't expect miracles in middle or high school. From our experience, recommend transferring after elementary from an academic standpoint. As far as all the discussion about ethics and morals, kids are no better here; in some ways worse, because they hide a lot of more things from their parents or teachers/administration. Also, the colleges kids are attending are not impressive.
—Submitted by a parent

I just wish I could leave this school. My paretns think it's the best, but if they only knew what really went on here. THe kids don't have the best character like the school says. I've tried telling them, but they don't listen and think it's so great. They treat us like babies here. The classes my friends take at other high schools are way harder than what I have, and there are a lot more to choose from. I barely have to study here, that's the good part for me I guess - more free time to play on the computer.
—Submitted by a student

TCA comes a long side of parents to teach children morals and values while instilling in them the best education they can give. According to test scores, this school has some of the highest scores in the state of Colorado. To me that speaks volumes. I want my daughter to be academically challenged, but also have reinforecment of what we teach at home. Respect, Modesty,Perserverence, family priorites are a must in my home. Here TCA lends support to the things that matter most to my family as a whole. Probably one of the best things I appreciate about TCA is the fact that they limit the amount of homework given to students. They do this because they are trying to balance school and family life.
—Submitted by a parent

I placed my child on the wait list for three years due to the reputation that I had heard TCA had however I regret ever placing my child in this school. They place small children at the position of attention while seated in class, allow the children to play in only one direction on the playground, test 1st graders to be fast but not accurate in their work and when not fast enough they fail them, and when finally faced with serious environmental issues, failed to respond and take responsibility for their actions. My child was removed from this school immediately.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my 2nd year teaching at TCA and I absolutely love the faculty, parents, and students. I constantly recieve encouragement and support from the people at TCA.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have been with TCA for 6 years. We have been very pleased. My son attended a D-20 school for kindergarten and was an average reader, with in his first 4 months at TCA for 1st grade he was reading at a 3 grade level. When you write down the pro's and con's. You will find that the pro's outway the con's. Every school has issues. I have a middle school child. When I hear about what is going on in the back of school buses and the PDA that is allowed in the schools, I am thankful for our high standards. There was an issue of bullying and when the principal was told about it, it was nipped in th bud that day. We are proud to be a TCA family.
—Submitted by Brooke Shepherd, a parent

My daughter started at TCA in 2nd grade and she has loved every single year. I originally transferred her there for a smaller classroom size and have found that the benefits have been much greater than expected. She is now in Jr High and our Principal Sojourner is phenomenol. My daughter is becoming an amazing and wellrounded young lady and I feel that TCA has been my partner in her character devlopment as well as academic achievements.
—Submitted by a parent

We're a three-year TCA family. Outstanding teachers, guaranteed small classes, and a strong curriculum combine to make this a fabulous school
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree. The kids are very sheltered here. Life at the school certainly doesn't mirror the ethnic or religious diversity of the rest of the Springs, Colorado, or the U.S. Teachers are very average and they don't require state certification. We will be leaving after this year. Do not recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved out of state and were forced to leave our great situation at TCA. We have one in 8th, 3rd and Kindergarten . My kids felt safe, loved and now since moving we have realized they were a full year ahead of most public schools academically. If you have a chance to be a part of this school you are blessed.
—Submitted by a parent

'A Wise Teacher Makes Learning A Joy' to 'Excellence With Honor.' The lengths to which TCA's administration goes to ensure that excellence is impressive. They discourage dissent and encourage mediocrity instead of innovation amongst teachers. Billing themselves as a school who teaches character to its students is a mistake as the only thing that the students will really learn is how to grind people into the ground.
—Submitted by C B, a former student