Windsor Charter Academy

Along with half of the middle school, I pulled my child out and am now better off in public school. Bad principal, terrible Board (will some normal parents without agendas PLEASE run), less and less emphasis on Core Knowlege curriculum, more teaching to the test. Some of the positive posts are clearly by either a)uninformed parents or b)School Board plants because people are leaving this school in droves. I'm not a big believer in following standarized tests, but look at the WCA CSAP scores..... declining. My child was not even learning the basics in math or English. Discipline is TERRIBLE - belittle the good kids, but don't address the big problems, or problem kids. Social Engineering abounds.....busy bodies teaching kids about relationships, their idea of family structure, undermining parents and lessons taught at home. School Board has one or two aggressive people with agendas - they don't listen to parents. I could go on and on all day. Do NOT go to this school unless they completely revamp administration and school board. There is an election this month - maybe some good people will run.
--Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough positive things about WCA. The current elementary Principal is WONDERUL. She cares about all of the kids and holds them accountable for their actions. I do not understand any of the negative comments especially the ones that WCA only cares that the children pass tests, that is not true.The teachers and staff include me on all the decisions for my kids, even the punishments. My kids grades and behaviors improved since they started at WCA. The whole staff cares about all the children. When the WCA children become adults, they will be the ones that succeed because they were held accountable as children. Also it must be said that the new principal is so much better than the original. WCA has been the answer to my childrens education and the positive environment that they are educated in.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous review. Bad Board and bad Principal. Most of the teachers do not encourage children to ask questions, and when they do ask questions the answer is "not now". Children are not being helped to develop thinking skills. Instead WCA teaches the children to the test, how to pass them. In our opinion this is cheating and will not help the children later on in real life. That's why we transfer our children to a public school that we are happy with.
--Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough positive things about WCA. I have three children attending this school and the changes I've witnessed in them have been amazing! The teachers and staff are very involved in the progress of each child that attends. They have gone out of their way to help my children succeed and they do it with compassion and sterness. They are teaching my children to be accountable for their actions which is exactly what I feel is very important for kids to understand- escpecially these days! I truly believe in their motto, "Failure Leads to Success," and to always keep trying-never give up.Some parents may feel that the leadership is to strict here but I ask you, have seen the kids nowadays? Many of them are very disrespectful! I don't want my kids to be this way to the community. So I am very pleased with the way they correct my children when needed and they ALWAYS include me when there is an issue. They do what it takes to help my children achieve their goals. This has been proven to me in their grades and in their behavior. This school and its teachers and staff are a blessing to my family and I and for this I thank you WCA leadership and staff. Keep up the AWESOME work!
--Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children in the elementary school, who were both enrolled in Kindergarten. We are extremely pleased with their educational experiences. My husband and I both have advanced graduate degrees and our standards are therefore high. While no school will be perfect, we have found the school (both the teachers and the administration) to be partners in making our children's educational experience a positive one. I am puzzled by the negative comments here. However, like most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it. If you are expecting a school and it's administration to do ALL of the work for your child AND for you, then you will be disappointed wherever you go. However, if you become involved and engaged in your child's education, you will be more than pleased with WCA. We are.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters second year attending. We were thrilled when she was admitted, but have been disappointed ever since. They spend more time testing than teaching and do not challenge the kids at all. My daughter came in mid kindergarten and has begged me all through first grade to put her back in a school like she previously attended. They treat the children like robots and teach to the tests which is probably why the test scores are as high as they are. My daughter is in first grade and is still doing preschool math. The reading curriculum isn't much better. The only math and reading she has learned this year is from what we teach her at home. The one positive thing I have to say is they have an excellent science program. I will be sad to leave that behind, but we will be looking for a new school for her to attend next year. They say they have a no bullying policy, but I have witnessed bullying first hand while volunteering and nothing was done about it. The kids are very clicky and my daughter has felt like an outsider the entire time she has attended even though she has made friends. Also, they give tons of candy and treats to the children.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school and leadership, always willing to listen, great interaction with the students and adults, recently toured another charter school in the area, Windsor Charter is well ahead of this school with the same academic program. I love being involved in the school and assisting with the education of my child, Transistion to Singapore Math was rough, more so with the represtentative from the program, however the school has been very open and accommodating with my concerns
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at WCA for 3 years now and are very happy there! We have had great teachers and no problems with the school at all. I love being as active in my children's education as I want. My children have done very well and we are proud to be a part of the WCA family!
--Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at WCA and we could not be happier. I volunteer often in my child's class and I get to see first hand how dedicated the teacher is with the students. All of the staff goes above and beyond to make sure every family/student feels like this is "their" school. We have only great things to say about WCA and absolutely love the core knowledge and character education! My daughter loves going to school each day and is getting a great education! Thanks WCA staff and parents for making this a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at WCA are fabulous. I have served on several hiring committees. While charter schools might not need to hire only licensed teachers, WCA does. I have multiple children in this school, and there has never been one single day when I didn't feel like they were in good hands. These teachers are some of the mose dedicated, professional, caring people you will find anywhere. They are highly-qualified, participate in on-going professional development and bring world-class education to our children. They care deeply about the success and well-being of each child in their care. Even the smalles issues are dealt with quickly and compassionately. The childrens' safety, security and emotional health are taken seriously here. It is unfortunate that in the era of school choice, it frequently degenerates into a competition among parents who want "bragging rights" about their child's school. We have many fine schools in Windsor, each with its own unique "personality." WCA is a better fit for my children. This is not a condemnation of other schools, they are simply different. We are fortunate to have the ability to make that choice. For us that choice is WCA.
--Submitted by a parent