Renaissance Charter School of St. Lucie

RUN for the hills! Middle school is horrible to say the least, students rule the classrooms disruptive behavior is non stop daily, cursing at teachers, leaving classrooms etc... Poor teachers have NO support from administration and have their hands tied to put up with students disgusting behavior. Feel sorry for teachers who wish to teach and can't. Administration sweeps everything under the rug and throughout entire school year has allowed student behavioral issues to continue. I would NOT recommend this school for 6th thru 8th grade to anyone. I am so THANKFUL this is my childs last year.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is abhorant. Lack of communication is the norm. Calls and emails go unreturned. School is understaffed with no intention of increasing (23 children is the average for the younger grades..St. Lucie school board sets the limit at 18, and every school in our area tries to truly keep it at 16 max, most being 15. The new Renaissance is slated to open in Tradition and Iwas hoping that this would mean less crowded classrooms with 2 schools in the area--WRONG! Per USA Charters their classroom size for K-3 is 23 students. I asked how many teachers would ther be for these grades---their answer. We don't know yet--it depends on how many kids are enrolled. They will be 22-23 per class and THEN they will hire teachers to match that. 1 Guidance counselor at RCSSL for 1300+ students, adn I assume Tradition will be the same. Such great hope and possibliites with this school, but all for not. Lots and LOTS of bullying issues, no consistent rules (I still have YET to receive a parent handbook even after requesting multiple times!), horrible horrible horrible. I am so saddend we made this choice and can't wait to leave!
—Submitted by a parent

RCSSLC has great teachers who challenge students daily. The teachers are dedicated and go above and beyond their job description. The administration are amazing individuals and they go out of their way to support their teachers and staff, and work daily at building relationships with the students. The teachers are creative in their teaching styles, and assignments. They are helpful to the students and encourage them to their goals and go beyond their learning comfort zone. I am very happy with our decision to have our children in this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

RCSSL is a dynamic school that serves a diverse student body and stake holders. We are not only accountable to our administration and CSUSA, we are also accountable to our governing board, the community, our Parent Teacher Committee and most of all our students. Although, some situations are not ideal for some, I cannot think of a better place to teach. Students begin from early grades and grow into intelligent, friendly, and outspoken young men and ladies. Our school cultivates a culture of respect. Our children grow up together in a small community and welcomes those who join. As you may read below, not everyone adjusts well to the high expectations and rigor needed to teach a vast student body within the school and classrooms, so they move on to schools with a different philosophy and mission. The rest of us TEACH. We are a school of choice. Our students were brought to us by their parents who entrust their learning and development to us. Parents who pledge to work along with the teachers and volunteer at least 20 hours each year. My colleagues and I take this very seriously. We are all change agents. I am proud of my school. Nobody does what we do better than we do.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is my daughter's 2nd year at this school and my son's 1st. So far every teacher they have had including Specials teachers have been amazing. They are hardworking and do everything they can when there are issues. I have to say, that even though the teachers have been amazing, the administration staff has not. The front office staff is rude, disrespectful and down right nasty. Every time I have to call for something, the attitude on the other end of the line is completely uncalled for. "They" have even gone as far as to yell at me in front of other parents about a document I was requesting. If the school had new admin staff and better discipline actions in place I think it would be great as a whole. Parent involvement is urged, but there is also the option to "buy" out of your volunteer hours by donating $10 for every hour to the school (and I'm not just talking about donating items to the classroom). That kind of defeats the purpose. Purchasing items for class is great and should be done, but the parents should have to do hours at the school also.
—Submitted by a parent

I left one charter school to come to this one....I have not been given a reason to second guess that choice once! I have been lucky with the teachers so far and my child is growing and doing better all the time. He got two 5's on FCAT. I have met one of the most dedicated and student involved teachers of my life and am grateful my son had her as a teacher! I only give out fours because there is always room for improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This school isn't all it's cracked up to be. The teachers and staff are dedicated and hard-working, but the administration is suspect. Be careful when considering this school from someone on the inside who has seen more than meets the eye. Oh, and a workable discipline plan has not been in place here in a good long while.
—Submitted by a teacher

I enjoy working at this school. I feel as if I am truly capable of reaching students and making an impact. You have to be dedicated and hardworking to work here. If you want the easy way out you will not last at RCSSL. If you want a teacher that listens to you and your child concerns makes a plan and implement it according to your child's needs and data come to us!
—Submitted by a teacher

I love teaching at this school! The work we do here is completely different than any other school I've taught at. We drive our instruction based on the needs of our individual class, instead of mindlessly following some state-issued pacing guide. The teachers have flexibility to determine what their students need and the data we collect from test scores is meaningful and accurate. I LOVE the parent involvement too! Only hardworking, dedicated teachers last here.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school lacks any type of consequences or discipline for bad behavior. Sure students get written referrals for bad behavior, but nothing is done about it. They get a slap on the wrist and a piece of candy. This ruins the entire atmosphere of the classroom. It is not fair to the teachers or the other students.
—Submitted by a teacher

and last year, also! You hit the nail right square on the head. That "corporate" feeling has been prevalent ever since the current administration took the helm. I challenge you to look around and notice just how many teachers are relatively new in the profession, versus those who have done this for a while. The former is dominant here, and that should speak volumes to the staying power this school possesses. When you have a strong and supportive administration, everyone around them becomes better and the kids benefit. When you don't, as this school doesn't, then the kids suffer, sadly! These kids deserve much better! Also, these kids know what is happening. I hear them! It is unsettling for them.
—Submitted by a teacher

Teacher's seem to be leaving in droves this year. I'm starting to get that corporate feeling that they are more about the bottom line then about educating the kids. They had better start treating their teacher's better, or their reputation will be further tarnished.
—Submitted by a parent

teachers and staff are great...education is good..students however are rich snobby and biggots...they have put down my daughter for wearing certasin sneakers...please...what kind of parents are raising thhese horrible children
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a good school it just need teachers and staff that cares about our kids future. My daughter started in 2011 I was very anxious for her to start but of recently I was not happy with the lack of homework giving by the teacher. I don't believe the teachers challenge these kids enough and love what they do. We need teacher who are there because they love what they do not just the paycheck.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been here just K and 1st but so far he have had wonderful teachers. Very happy with the new principal as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is wonderful, especially after the new administration this year. Everyone I have encountered is truly attempting to making every student the very best they can be. Their efforts are ONLY undone by parents who think public education is responsible for raising their kids and teaching them manners, or parents who don't realize teachers can only do their best when openly supported by parents instead of the vicious cycle of either complete lack of support/contact or the hovering "helicopter" parent that's convinced their kid is so special they're exempt from the rules. Support your kid. Support your kids' school. Follow the rules. Make your kid follow the rules. Respect those in charge. Make your kid respect those in charge. Stop making excuses. Stop letting your kid make excuses. READ TO YOUR CHILD!!! Stop being surprised they CAN'T read. And you'll see RCSSL is A FABULOUS PLACE!!!! They have amazing staff, teachers and administration who genuinely care about the well being of every child. And if someone doesn't, well they don't last long...teacher, kid, or parent! I love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

People have to understand that charter schools do not get as much funding as public schools. We are creative when it comes to fundraising and offer a variety of educational opportunities for our students. RCSSL is more than just a school, it is a community of families. We teach character education, we provide an after school enrichment program is that is unique, and we always put students first. We are an "A" school and provide our students with every opportunity and tool they need to be successful academically. Teachers are dedicated, hard-working, and truly care about our students. Administrators are available to meet with teachers and parents, give our students fair disciplinary consequences when necessary, and are visible throughout the day outside during arrival, dismissal, in the cafeteria while our students eat lunch, and in the classrooms. Staff members are flexible and walk that extra mile when the need arises. Parents are so supportive with their time and donations. Students are well-behaved, respectful, and eager to learn. Charter schools are not for everyone but I would never go back to teaching in public again. www.charterschoolsusa.com for more info.
—Submitted by a teacher

The school is great...parents has to realize that you only get out what you put in. Teachers are not magician and parents have to do their part, monitors grades, check homework s, give extra work etc. I love the school network so you are able sent emails to the teachers and check the kids progress, set goals for them etc. Lots ok options for afterschool activities
—Submitted by a parent

Kids kissing in stair ways, bus, older kds swipping milk of smaller kids teacher 3rd grade yells at kids and says "Shut your face"! NO CONTROL!!!

I think ths school is amazing! There have been some "growing pains" for sure and yes...the teacher turnover is high but the reason for that is because charter school teachers do much more work for much less pay. So those who want to criticize should consider that. Not all teachers are cut out for that kind of job. These are the ones who do not last here. The ones that are left are those who teach because they truly love it and it is not just about a paycheck. Teachers here are not just teaching to test. They are teaching children to become intelligent, responsible good citizens - to be more thsn just their score on the FCAT. My children have amazing teachers who push them when they need it while still nurturing and caring for them. For those who are leaving negative comments about this school perhaps if you were more involved or took the time to communicate with the teacher your child would have had better success here.
—Submitted by a parent