City/Pembroke Pines Charter High School

Safe School. Generally good teachers. Great Principal. This school seems to hold the "golden" standard and they claim to be a "college prep school". I can tell you that this is not the case. They took out alot of interesting and great electives that kept students motivated and intrigued and replaced them with FCAT prep courses so that students could score higher on the FCAT to graduate high school. During my experience here, the school offered a SAT prep class senior year for one semester and it was only available on a first come first serve basis. Therefore many students were saddened that they were not able to take this class and had to look else where and paid for outside courses and classes with help for the SAT. It seems that this school is more focused on training students for their FCAT tests and getting them to graduate high school then focusing and preparing their students for college for much more important tests such as SAT and ACT. Please consider taking your child to another school in the area that has more college preparatory classes and programs to choose from. This school is definitely overrated. Your child will definitely get more out of another school.
—Submitted by a student

I worked as a permanent sub for the City of Pembroke Pines Charter Schools and loved it - from 2003 - 2004 - almost a year and a half - I got to teach in all of the middle schools and in the highschool and just really enjoyed teaching for them. I taught in every subject area as a sub with emergency lessons from the class teachers - and threre were several rather long stints where I ended up being assigned in my own areas (English/Social Studies/Reading) I have applied several times to work full time (but not since 2007 - I am full time and a Dept. Head - in another school) but always ended up on a waiting list for positions. This is a good school system. They are fair with their employees - and this is the one charter in South Florida I would be happy to workagain.

I love this school. But like any other it is not PERFECT! They are not great at dealing with making accommodations. I spent a lot of time this year trying to reason with them about my daughter who was sick. Most of her teachers were great, but 2 of her teachers just did not get it! The Principal is AWESOME and will take the time to listen to students or parents! There are very few fights which are very common in high schools here, and the supervision at school is above average. The homework load can be a little insane, but I guess that is why the students are so much further ahead of others in the area! It is a college prep school and these kids are going to feel like college is a vacation compared to this H.S. All in all, I love the school!
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from PPCHS and had attended there for 10 years. My younger brother attended for 14. PPCHS was a great school. All of my teachers were generally more than delighted to help me whenever possible. The principal, Peter Bayer, is an excellent principal and a great role model. PPCHS is the total package.
—Submitted by a student

there is not enough time to walk to classes, have never had such a bad math teqacher in all my years of schooling. Uniforms aren't as strict as they could be. This school needs more extracurricular activites and motivation because students are not as driven as they could be. Though the food is better than what the county provides it is too overpriced. More electives are needed and block schedule would work better into student's schedule.
—Submitted by a student

I have two children in this Charter School and I am very happy that they got in this school, they care about the children education, the teachers are good prepare and helpfull to the kids and the parents also, it is a great comunication between the school and the parents. Definitibly a wonderful school
—Submitted by a parent

i am a parent of 2 children one who graduated the high school last yr and there for 3 yrs and i am very pleased with all aspects my daughter now going to 11th and there since the 6th grade...academically they came from catholic school and i believe the level of education surpasses the cathlic school minus the parental cost and very college oriented.parents are required to participate as they have to do 30 volunteer hrs per yr. is is a definite great school of choice and the city is wonderful in supporting them...
—Submitted by a parent

I am the mother of three children, two of which have graduated from PPCHS (class of '05 & '06) and one who is currently attending (class of '10). I am so grateful that my children had the opportunity to attend this amazing school. PPCHS is run by an amazing staff & faculty, all of which are more than delighted to help you with anything you could ever need. The principal, Peter Bayer, was and still is a great role model for all three of my kids, who love him dearly. All of the teachers genuinely care about the quality of education their studentS recieve. This school is the total pakage. PPCHS creates a safe environment for student to embrace the rigorous cirriculum and enjoy learning along with plenty of extracirricular activities. I don't believe my children could've recieved a better education anywhere else in this area.
—Submitted by Grace Rufin, a parent

I have a daughter who began this year and she is very happy. She is getting the help she needs from her teachers and she is very enthusiastic with her classes. Lots of friends and a comfortable environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student in the charter school system and this was a big mistake. The academic challenge of this school is lacking in every department. The kids are not taught discipline or challenging education. I truly believe that the kids in this school will not succeed as others would across the country.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a graduating senior this May of 2006. I am very disappointed with the quality of education at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The kids when they reach High school are not performing. They are distracted by working off School hours and they are tardy when in school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not quite sure the level of the parent involvment at this school. However, i am not sure (but am trying to find out) the quality of the acedemic programs, certain people are happy and some people are not. However, this school does have a variety of extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has received an excellent education at this school. However, the school's principal is very autocratic. Additionally, politics must be kept out of the system.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of PPCHS and let me tell you, going to that school was the best thing that happned to me! Not only are the teachers great, but the quality of the education is exceptional. The teachers actually care about the students and feel responsible when a student doesn't understand the material. Looking back at it this was a great learning environment and I am proud to say that I had the priveledge to be a part of that school and to be a part of the first graduating class. Class of 2003!
—Submitted by Kellie E, a former student

PPCHS is a charter success story in the making! The administration and faculty are attentive to parent concerns and respond within a short time frame. The schools promotes academic achievement by all students. The also strives to keep parents involved in the educational process with Saturday workshops. My daughter has been at the school 4 years and excels in the educational environment. KL
—Submitted by a parent

PPCS is a great school. I'm so glad my son has the privilage to be part of it. In all areas I'm confident that he is developing greatfully.
—Submitted by Ana D/, a parent

This school is 'exceptional' in my book. I am very impressed with administration and the entire staff. I couldn't ask for a better school. Two thumbs up in my book!
—Submitted by M. Perez, a parent