Connections Public Charter School

I was a student in this school's high school from 2006 to 2010. The teachers are wonderful for the most part. They understand that seminar-type classes prepare kids for college, and they are usually more than willing to just sit and talk and give advice (as there is no official counselor at this school, which makes college prep time extremely difficult). They hire so many security guards who just sit around all day, but they can't hire a guidance counselor, and that's why so many students who graduate from here don't end up going to college. Administration is a joke - the principal does not care about the welfare of his students so much as giving himself a good public image and spending his workday doing nothing and skipping important appointments. Also note that major policies (like school hours, credits required) are often changed at whim and without notifying those who are affected. This almost cost me my opportunity to graduate and it destroyed me mentally. The classes themselves are great depending on the teacher. Some are so biased that their lectures border on proselytizing, but some make you feel so welcome and almost like family. It's hit or miss, but the hits are amazing.

CHILDREN AREN'T SAFE HERE!!!! A disabled student was assaulted 6 months ago and hasn't returned since. He was attacked by a continuously undisciplined 'problem' student, and the administration's top concern has been reputation. They've swept the whole thing under the rug like it never happened, but the parents and students know better. It is very disturbing that these leaders hope to receive funding to operate a boarding school soon.

DON'T SEND YOUR KID (S) HERE! FROM A PRINCIPAL THAT ACCUSES A CHILD OF DOING DRUGS WHEN NO DRUGS WERE TAKEN TO A TEACHER THAT HAS PERSONAL FEELINGS OF HATE TOWARDS A CHILD BECAUSE SHE DOES FIND HIM "CUTE" ,THEN TO TELL A CHILD THAT HE HAS GRADUATED THEN FINDS OUT 4 MONTHS LATER( WHEN HE GOES TO PICK UP HIS DIPLOMA) THAT HE HAS NOT GRADUATED--- THIS IS THE WORST PLACE TO SEND THE CHILD YOU LOVE!
--Submitted by a parent

I give this school thumbs up! My oldest just graduated in 2009,and now she's at a university. She has been going to this school off and on since kindergarten. And now my youngest is in her fourth year here. I have always prasied this school for the hands on work. The only thing that I would really like to address the parents is, see where your high school student is acheiving, and not doing so well in, and get the class's your child needs, instead of what he wants. Exspecially if he/she wants to go to college. You have to remember this is a new school, and they are learning as we are :)
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great. However, this school year 2007-8, they got a new food service provider. This food service provider meals are not great, the food preparation facilities inadequate - many kids don't eat the food or are bringing in home lunches. Efforts on mitigation have been stonewalled, nepotism has become a method of operation under the guise of we don't have enough money.
--Submitted by a parent

A public school that gives private school results. First graduating class will be 2009 and it will be awsome to see in 4 years their achivements.
--Submitted by Maraia Sanders, a parent

The school is wonderful! My son has never been happier! He has been to another charter school before, but it was horrible!This school actually takes time to spend with each child to make sure the are learning to their full potential and more. Next year my daughter will be attending here and she cant wait! The small groups of children are better for both child and teacher that way the child will have more of the one on one and the teacher will be able to check on the progress of the child to see if the child needs more help. This school gets a big A+ from this parent!
--Submitted by a parent

This is simply the best school that I have ever seen in my life! We commute our daughter nearly 100 total miles per day just to attend this school-- that is how good it is. The kids are able to learn at their own rate, not wait for their class to catch up. This allows them to go up grade levels in whatever areas they are able to so they are never stifled or bored being taught something they already know. The math program is accelerated and not the 'traditional' math so my 1st grader is doing pre-algebretic equations! And the kids at any level are doing this. It is like customized classes for you child. The teachers are great and the parents are kept informed about everything. The structure of the classes makes it very inviting for parents to observe or help out at any time. We also really appreciate the disipline of the school. The basic premise is that you are responsible for your own actions and you are to show respect for other people around you. There is no swearing, for example, which is so rampant in too many elementary schools. There is a common misconception that this is a private school and that there are fees to join, but there isn't. This is a public school, so there is no tuition fee for the parents. We are looking forward to our 2nd daughter beginning kindergarten this coming school year. I can't recommend this school highly enough! A+!