The Classical Academy Charter

The East campus went through a major teacher and principle change for the 2012-2013 year. Teachers remain dedicated but are hit and miss however, the principle seemed dissociated and absent with regular communication for this year. The trend, I believe , with this charter school is to only concentrate on pushing harder and more academically with only a few fun days to look forward to, which there version of fun still involes competition. Fun is having 3 jean days for the whole year.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was bullied here by the children and the principal did not do anything about it! School is supposed to be a safe place for children. Also the school food is repulsive. I will not be coming back.

Excellent school, great, caring teachers and small classes. We couldn't be happier with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

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

I can't imagine there being a better school! Our kids attended two elementary campuses - Central and East. Our son has learning differences and their special services and resource room is unsurpassed. In one state we lived in, he didn't qualify for services but at TCA if he's just at grade level, he got tremendous help. They discipline with a lot of grace and try to find out why the kids are acting the way they have and resolve the problem at the source. The teachers also make the school what it is. Their hearts are into the kids and teaching them to enjoy learning through all 3 learning styles. On top of only having about 18 per class, each class has a part-time assistant. And the parents are just as dedicated which I think makes TCA the anomaly it is.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my girls attend TCA and they amaze us with their knowledge. The teachers are fantastic and really care about teaching kids to be responsible, well educated citizens.
—Submitted by a parent

Sent my kids there for 8 years, was great at first but now it's the worst!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at TCA and we couldn't be more pleased. Our daughter is in K, we are amazed by what she is has learned in just the first semester. TCA believes in partnering with parents, and we love that the school further instills the core values/core curriculum that we teach at home! We are pleased with the structure, the phonics program, and the math skills our child is demonstrating. The teachers are dedicated, kind, and loving towards students. Our daughter is excited to do her homework and complains on the days when she doesn't have any! Even the school's report card is in a class by itself. TCA is C.S.'s Shining Star... and we look forward to the day when all our kids will be attending here!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. The pricipal is amazing. Awesome teachers. We are blessed to be at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children now attending TCA and we love it. My oldest child was reading at a 5th grade level by the end of 1st grade! Yes, it may be considered a more conservative school, but we like that about TCA. And believe me, the kids all have very unique, individual personalities! They are not all sitting in one position or one direction as stated in one review! They are great kids who have learned when to act silly and when not to. Isn't this what they'll need to know in the 'real world' one day? I have been amazed at the things my children learn--in reading, writing, math, geography, art, music, Spanish, and more!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending TCA and a third one to start this year. TCA has a lot going for it and the staff has each child's best interest at heart. This school is very academic so I wouldn't recommend it to a student who is challenged academically. We are a Christian family and when we have had trouble, the parents have always been open to dialogue, even if we can't patch everything up. If we were not a Christian family, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable sending my kids there. I think a non Christian might feel a bit left out since there tends to be much talk among the students of where they attend church, forming bible study groups, etc. Parent participation is expected, that is part of what makes TCA the great school it is. TCA is the best thing going for our family currently.
—Submitted by a parent