Seneca Academy and The Circle School

I just attended the Parents School Night yesterday, 9/18/2012. After hearing what Dr Carroll and what my son's 1st grade teacher does in her classroom, We, as parents, are so glad that we made a right decision for our son to attend the Seneca Academy. We really like what they (staff and teachers) believe in terms of teaching kids in the element school level; yes, the results are important; however, the class as a participant(s) in the learning process is so crucial to kids for their future. The Seneca Academy does that... If you have any doubt, any one can check the school out his/herself by visiting and talking to Dr Carroll and others.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid was in Seneca Academy from the 1st grade to 6th grade. What I think is the teachers do not buy in the IB program, so the program completely varies from class to class. They take in any teacher who takes a less pay, so my child found that the class students have to first adapt to the teacher's style first in order to understand and follow what the teacher is teaching.j It is aloso very frustrating , that the teachers do not have training in the IB program, and it is a hard curruculum to integrate without training. Another major issue is Math, their math program is, Everyday Math and it barely completes the regular elementary math curruculum, let alone challenge the kids. We had to supplement at home a lot. It feels like the PTA is only there for nick and dime parents for funds. I wish the school takes it seriously about hiring competent teachers who can handle the curriculum better and understand kids better. All the teachers we've had were not trained. Hope this helps.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are struck daily at the change that has occurred in our daughter since her return to Seneca Academy for first grade. After trying public school for 8 weeks, we knew that the crowded classes and uninspired homework assignments, were not working for our daughter. The light and joy that had always filled her at school was dimming. She wasn t happy to get up in the morning anymore. After a few weeks, she would stare at the photo taken of her Seneca kindergarten class and cry. At first she would talk of missing her friends, but that evolved to descriptions of missing something much bigger. She said she missed singing songs in class, she missed counting the days of the school year on Mrs. Hauck s bubblegum machine, she missed the sandbox and the gazebo and the playground. She missed Seneca Academy, and we did too. Now back at Seneca, she is happy, confident, and full of breathless enthusiasm. The gratitude that I feel to the school for welcoming us back so warmly is immense; but even more than that, I m thankful that a place like Seneca exists and that we are fortunate enough to be able choose it for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 kids in this wonderful school. I currently have one in 2nd grade and she is really enjoying the hands on learning. My other two are in all honors courses and on the honor roll in their middle school. I feel like Seneca Academy prepared them for greater challenges that come with being in a public school. I know that Seneca gave them a wonderful sense of who they are and to do whatever they want without being laughed at or singled out. Seneca has no bullying or bad lanquage. I don't think they have any behavior problems at all. The teachers are the best and getting better under the new head of school who is revamping pay and benefits. It is now a International Baccalaureate for primary years and this is wonderful in the framework it brings to the school and provides extra training for the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school from 6th-8th grade and i have to say i have mixed feelings about this school. Some teachers could of been much better than others, while some were just fine. This school didnt really do all the much for me at least. After you leave Seneca you get a big reality check especially if your moving on to a high school or a public school. The school does not do a good job on preparing kids to move on to high schools or other middle schools. For younger students in elementary school, this is a fine school for them to attended. On the other hand those who are in middle school, i think you should think about going to a different school. So in all this school is better for those in elementary school...trust me.
—Submitted by a student

Seneca Academy and The Circle School shines in its enthusiasm for learning. It is a small school with wonderful individualised learning and a large sense of community. I love the teachers, the staff and the total environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended Circle School and Seneca Academy from pre-school until 7th grade. It is a wonderful place to educate your children. The great majority of the teachers are excellent and the academics are strong. As it is a relatively new school, there not a lot of extra curricular activities but for the past two years they have been able to offer workshops, sports, and other classes after school. Hopefully they will be able to eventually build a gym for sports. We are relocating out of state and I hope I can find a similar school in the West. We will really miss Seneca and all the wonderful opportunities our children had to develop their skills and learn new ones at this great school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Seneca Academy for first through third grades. She is now in public middle school. To this day, her fondest memories are of the very caring teachers she had while at Seneca. Because the school is relatively small and the class sizes are small, students form strong bonds with their classmates, which, unlike public school, stay the same from year to year. The teachers at Seneca go above and beyond their job description to ensure the success and well being of the students in their charge. Expectations are set high for the students, and the children work hard to meet those expectations. We left Seneca because of a move. My daughter made a smooth transition to public school - but misses being a big fish in a small pond rather than being one of over 100 students in her grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Our three girls went to this school for 2 years. It was the best school. The staff is great with a small teacher to student ratio. The administration is awsome and works very hard to keep the school growing and in touch with the times. All elementary classes had high speed internet and PC's for both teachers and student to use for class work. One of our daughters was there thru 7th grade. That was a great class with small numbers and more learning than you can believe! The community of parents are very involved in making the school fun and a great friends. This is one of those schools that the parents can not do enough for because it is so great for your kids!
—Submitted by a parent