Cherokee Charter Academy

Certainly, when a school like this first starts, there are growing pains. Knowing that ahead of time, I very nearly waited until next year to apply for my daughter's spot. Still, knowing that perhaps she wouldn't be able to get in next year, we opted to accept her spot and held on for a probably bumpy ride. What a good decision! Despite the growing pains, despite the driving, despite the drama with our school board, this has been my daughter's best year in school. She's met wonderful friends and has LOVED her teacher! A bonus -- the network the parents have found in each other has been amazing! So, we will continue to attend CCA -- hopefully through to 12th grade -- and I will continue to support the parents' right to opt for a public school they find to work best for their children.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was started out of a desire for parents to have a choice regarding their child's education. Our child was also there when the school first opened, and we were very hopeful and excited at having differentiated instruction and more parental involvement. However, it became clear after the first month that they didn't really want parental involvement at that time, and there was no differentiation. Most of the classwork was worksheets, and not very challenging ones at that. I realize there was a lot of pressure to get CCA up and running in a VERY short amount of time, but I have to question why so many out of state teachers were hired? It's true that there were some "layoffs" and subsequent staff "reshuffling". I accepted that the first few months were going to be a huge adjustment. I just had no idea that the work would be so elementary and worksheet heavy. Also the one and only time I spoke with the Principal, she was already starting to focus on the spring's CRCTs. I thought that by touting creativity and differentiation it would make the school less focused on standardized testing. I hope they can turn it around as some of our good friends' kids are still there
--Submitted by a parent

This is extremely concerning. I am starting to doubt my decision and am wondering if I should have just enrolled her at Arnold mill. I do know what you mean about the defensive parents. I encountered a couple of parents like that whenever I raised questions about the school. I have heard great thing academically about this school and that was my primary reason for enrolling my child...
--Submitted by a parent

My school began middle school in Cherokee County public schools. What happened there astonished me. She had always had a great love and excitement for learning and is a gifted child. When she got to middle school she was enrolled in "advanced" classes in all subjects. There was NOTHING advanced about her classes and some of her teachers were not "highly qualified" to teach gifted students as they didn't even have degrees in the subject area (social studies). When my daughter finished her work and asked for enrichment, she was told to just go back to her seat and read. When she began to get in trouble for reading, she shut down completely. Tears were the norm every morning and she voiced her hate for school. CCA has been a blessing to our family. My daughter thrives in her "gifted" classes and has minted straight As in all subjects. She loves chorus and was a cheerleader. She competed with the technology team. Most of all, there are no more tears in the morning and her zeal for learning has returned! I am one happy parent!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child at Charter and we are in love! Concerning the saftey of the school you are going to have issues like that at every school. Wish I didn't have to say it but it is true. My ex, who never ever went to the school and is a big man, went one morning at my request. He walked into the school, this was in morning before school, my 1st grade daugher who looks nothing like her dad, walked him to the class. He was standing in the middle of class when her teach walked in saw him and said hello and left! He was upset! She had never met him and didn't ask who he was and what he was doing there and with my daughter! CCA class doors are locked, no one in! You have to have badge to get in class! Students have bathrooms in class so no need to let them out to go unsupervised. When they leave class it is with teacher going somewhere o/w in class with locked door! My 2nd grade daugher is safe! One way in, front door, everything else is gated and locked during school hours. Very safe!
--Submitted by a parent

We LOVE this school. We have lived in Cherokee County for over a decade and my four children have attended the public schools in Cherokee county. The administration and staff at this school go above and beyond what you would expect. The academics are challenging to those students who need it. If a student needs help with a subject, they are tutored until they are proficient. My daughter has learned how to play the flute in band and is involved in many sports. She loves school and looks forward to it each morning. I am so happy that we have had the privilege of being a part of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough great things about this school. My first grader went to Knox elementary which was a very good school but pegged her at Kindergarten as a "B" student. She has excelled this year at CCA and has been accepted into the gifted program. CCA's focus is on education and that's it - no politics. And I LOVE the fact that with their STRIVE program the students are being educated in excellent moral character as well. So thankful that the Cherokee Co. School Board (Dr. P.) did NOT get their way and CCA opened!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school! We are a family that has moved often, so I knew what to expect from an elementary school. Our first school in Cherokee County that my son attended was such a disappointment. We were lucky to have been able to enroll him at CCA and have never looked back. The school cares about each and every child, the teachers are engaged, the courses taught are more hands-on. My son is learning a foreign language, which isn't taught at the county schools. I'm thoroughly impressed and would encourage anyone to send their child to CCA.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in kindergarten at CCA. I couldn't be happier with his education. The staff and administration have gone above and beyond to make every family feel welcome and part of the school. The parental involvement is key to this school success. What I really love about Charter Schools in general is that we (the parents) are the customers. If we are not happy, the school bends over backwards to rectify all issues. With the education, I am thrilled with the Personalized Lesson Plans each and every student receives.. This way every parent knows exactly where their child stands and can keep on top of any concerns they may have. This school is not just a building to educate children, but a community that is invested in the success of every student that walks through their doors.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very excited to be here at this school. The uniforms was a big push for us to be able to attend this school! When we got in there was much more than I could of ever hoped for! Our school does alot of hands on stuff. For Social Studies this year for our 5th grade did wax figures. They all dress up as a person that was a historic figures. This was so amazing to go see! All the grades would come and see the children and push a button and the child would tell them about there historic person. If your looking for a school that thinks out of the box,this school is for your child. Our school has so many after school programs to. They have alot of socials for the grades to where they can get to know each other better outside the classrooms.
--Submitted by a parent