Academy of Charter Schools

This is a good school with caring teachers and staff. If you are not satisfied with standard test results it does not necessarily mean the school is not good. The kids do learn a lot and are challenged. Teachers are doing their best. Most of the kids are polite. Parents are the power so be involved in your child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific school - if you are simply looking for an elementary school option. I have had children in this school for several years, and it's clear the secondary (7-12) is an afterthought. So far, three junior high teachers have quit since the start of the school year. I have heard concerns regarding salaries and workload as two of the big reasons for leaving. There are very few extra-curricular opportunities, and the 'honors' classes aren't any more difficult or rigorous than the non-honors classes. No true STEM program. Gifted and talented screening is minimal at best. There is no transparency with the school board or administration; decisions are pushed through without due diligence or input from the parents. It's almost as if they do the absolute minimum to communicate with parents (their constituents!) to skirt around debate. As a result, decisions which may not be in the best interest of the school are being made by an invisible minority. It *was* a great school - once. It's become a shell of the original concept the last four years.
—Submitted by a parent

i used to go here but my mom said it got torn down, unless that was a different academy, it was awesome there, and it was also the place i learned to climb stairs ( i didn't have any in my house ) we did cool science projects and there was a big open field, and again, i don't know if this is the right academy, and if it is i will be mad at my mom, because i was so heartbroken when she told me it got torn down. i have a book i borrowed from my classroom and didn't return, and when i smell it memories come to me.

My oldest child is in her second year at The Academy. We were grateful that she started here in Kindergarten, she is now in first grade. We are so impressed with how much she has learned and how she has blossomed into a great little student! All of the teachers, staff and parents who work with the kids regularly are loving, patient and great at teaching! I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a great school that achieves high academics, well rounded specials (science, computers, gym, art and music) as well as core values!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. I like that they embrace the Love and Logic philosophy. The parent involvement is stellar. Ms. Lurvey, the principal is very hands on and responsive to parents. The teachers are all very experienced and knowledgeable. I have 2 kids in this school and continue to be impressed with the Academy's dedication to my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We researched and reviewed so many schools before deciding on The Academy for kindergarten. The Academy has been amazing both academically and socially. It is challenging, engaging, fun, and a warm environment. We could not be happier with the teachers, administration, curriculum, student body and parents. This school has high academic standards, weekly class "specials" such as Art, Music, P.E., Science Lab, Library and Computers, and a very good PTO that organizes great events outside of school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to give the Academy kudos. I made the mistake of transferring my son in 6th grade (this year) to Stargate. I thought Stargate would be be so much better than the Academy. I was wrong. My son was in the GT program at the Academy. In 3rd grade he was placed in a 5th grade math class (my thanks to Mrs. Laughlin). Last year in 5th grade he actually completed Algebra 1 at the Academy. We decided to move him to Stargate thinking it would be a better fit. However, Stargate does not teach to the child's needs only to their curriculim. My son is now taking pre-algebra because they can't won't move him to the middle school for math. He is bored to death. They act like he's the first kid there who can perform above grade level and this is a gifted school where you need a high IQ to attend. It's ridiculous. We are now looking to move our son back to the Academy for 7th grade. He lost a whole year of math knowledge at Stargate.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! Our daughter is in kindergarten and we are thrilled with the high standards, love and logic behavior philosophy and the character building lessons of core knowledge. I will say that this school is intense both for the parents and the student, but the result is a child that is gently pushed to her potential instead of lost in the shuffle of your typical school. Because they choose there own lessons and focus on developing the child over test scores, this school probably will never win at CSAP and that is simply a choice each parent needs to make.
—Submitted by a parent

The high school is fantastic. My son had to transfer in as a senior and was warmly welcomed by students and staff. Every room has a SMART board. The teachers seem to meet the kids where they are at. I am impressed. The football program is TOP NOTCH and highly recommended. Have not had any problems with dress code, high schoolers don't wear uniforms, but normal dress seems fine. I highly recommend, especially high school. The teachers WANT you to go to college. The parents are fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just started going to this school and so far I am very impressed the teachers are wonderful and he comes home every night excited about what he did in class. I also love the fact that they not only have a strong focus on academics but also on building important character qualities in each student, like honesty, respect and responsability.
—Submitted by a parent

I just wanted to say that The Academy has been around for 17 years now, so the former student complaining about things from its beginnings needs to know that things are MUCH different now! The facility is amazing, the technology is second to none compared to any school around this area, and the teachers and administrators are top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

Love the high academic standards. Love the high expectations for behavior and the character education. The specials teachers are incredible...especially elementary PE & elementary art! The dress code is ok...its moving in the direction of being pretty normal instead of so strict.
—Submitted by a parent

I went there when they first started out in the bottom of a CHURCH!!!! We didn't have lockers, and had to carry ALL of our books, everyday. I have back problems because of the weight of the books. I didn't learn much that year, besides how to smoke and color my hair. The second year we were at old high school that had been closed down. there was lockers but I don't remember getting then that year. Science and math were such a joke. I remember there being reporters there all the time, watching everything we do. They didn't have a bus system to get to and from school, besides the city buses, and that was a nightmare for other people who needed to ride the bus because of all these kids that were loud rude would over fill the bus. The third year I made my last because I was tired of the abuse I would get from the other students and only one of my teachers did anything about it. So if Mr. Mark Johnson stills teachers there thanks. If it wasn't for him I would never have been able to go to college and get a 4.0 GPA. Mr Johnson seemed to care if teachers were just, and treated each student the same.

I absolutely LOVE the Academy! I almost never get teased or bullied and when I do, it's so easy to get help. The teachers are flexible and they will bend and morph their teaching skills untill they fit according to their students and parents. Especialy Mrs. Alexander! Without a doubt, The Academy of Charters Schools is the best of the best!
—Submitted by a student

Both of my children attend the Academy and we love the high expectations that the school and each of the teachers hold. As parents we desire for our children to grow to be responsible citizens which will give them confidence to reach for anything they desire in their lives. The core curriculum, excellent reading program and character development are a few of the highlights for our family. Our children are encouraged to be individuals and yet still learn to function in group settings because this will be how their entire lives are structured in the adult world.
—Submitted by a parent

High School teachers really care. Administration in secondary school leaves much to be desired. Board is very secretive. Things happen that are not explained. Good people leave suddenly.
—Submitted by a parent

If you care about keeping kids in dress code than this school is for you-not your kid. If you want your kid to have an open mind and learn- stay away.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have had two children graduate from The Academy 2008 & 2005. The school was great in assisting them maintain character traits that are above and beyond any children we have come across. The staff is wonderful, very well educated, supportive of parents and has great discipline policies. My children are better people for attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My wife attended the school when she was a senior and two of our children go there now. The only problem I have is Mrs. Lurvey. She doesn't listen and she is not helpful at all. We had a major problem last year and she said that her main priority was 'to defend the teachers'. Really? See here I thought it was to educate our children? Replace her and this school would be doing a lot better.
—Submitted by a parent

In general the elementary school here is good but the secondary has much to be desired. My family has been here for over 10 years and it was MUCH better when we were at the other location. The teachers cared about the students they didn't put so much emphasis on the dress code and in general a very warm atmosphere, then it is here. Now it is too ritsy, they act to good for people and worry to much about the way the students are dressed, the clothes have to be a specific brand and style, if they would put more energy into teaching as they do the dress code this school would be outstanding. Mr. Kaufman is just the worst director in the history of directors doesn't care about the students education at all too busy being snotty then trying to teach the students.
—Submitted by a parent