Reid Temple Christian Academy

We LOVE RTCA! We have a 3rd grader and a Pre-K4.....RTCA is Academically challenging, QUALIFIED, nurturing and loving teachers.....great administration! DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND DO NOT COMPLETELY RELY ON OTHER PEOPLES COMMENTS! We have no regrets enrolling our children and love their enthusiasm for learning! Something my 3rd grader lost because of a negative experience last year at another Christian school! RTCA is MUCH MORE than bells and whistles, as another poster commented! RTCA keep up the great work! The LORD is certainly using you and ALL will know who RTCA is soon!!
--Submitted by a parent

I believe this school plays favoritism towards some students and do not practice their "Christian ways." Educatioanally, everything is great but when you are trying to work on other things they turn their back on you. I had 3 kids that were attending this school and my oldest was being picked on and I reported it repeatedly but nothing was done about it. When he took manners in his own hands he got in trouble. The response was always "we will investigate this situation," but they never did nor did they get back to you on it. A little boy pulled my son's pants down and I was never notified and when I confronted the school the Dr. Dais said she was going to tell me but she was really busy, this was a week later. However, when my son gets in trouble they are not busy to let me know.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been totally pleased with my daughters school experience. I am an educator myself and believe that the standards set are high and attainable. I am proud of the growth the RTCA has made over the past several years. As with any school, anywhere, you have teachers who I feel don't belong but as a parent with a voice... I am my child's biggest advocate. I do not believe that every school is for everyone but if you appreciate rigor, are willing to commit your time and money as an investment for your child and value Christian principle in learning, then Reid Temple might be for you. They offer several Open Houses and are open to you coming in to visit classes. I love it!! May God continue to bless the growth and weed out the negativity.
--Submitted by a parent

RTCA is definitely one of the better private schools in PG County. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging. The school is equipped with modern features, such as smartboards, science and computer labs, and a real Spanish program. Middle school students have an extended day (1 hour longer) to accomodate the demanding curriculum. This school is about 6 years old, and has just added the last grade to the curriculum, 8th grade. They are also piloting the IB curriculum this year, with a pending IB and Middle School certification. Whatever kinks this school experienced during its first years, I think they have been resolved. I do hope they incorporate martial arts, piano lessons, and Girl Scouts in their after school program. I am coming from Montgomery County School system, and I thought the curriculum presented at this school would present a challenge to my child. It is one of the few schools that still have small classroom sizes. I am looking forward to the upcoming school year.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school for 4 years. They do encourage parent participation to offset the shortage of supporting staff. Class sizes are small, but the students still do not receive the benefit of one-to-one assistance when needed. Yes, they do challenge the children mentally, but they also stress the children with a lot of homework. They do not provide parent with the educational credentials of their teachers, even when you inquire this information. Considering the amount of money paid for tuition, you would think they would want to assure parents that the teachers are the best qualified.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at RTCA and I have been very impressed so far. My son s grade 1 teacher is super nice and very tolerance. She understands the challenges involved in raising boys. They get a lot of homework which is very good because it has really helped my son to learn so much in the short time they have been in school. The academic standard is excellent and I am very happy with the Curriculum. It's been worth the cost! My son is so happy here!! Go RCTA
--Submitted by a parent

The last review must have been written by RTCA staff because this is so untrue. Our experience at RTCA was positive overall. But I'm afraid that parent reviews from July 12 and Sept 23 are more realistic of the school, sad to say. They do have very loving and nurturing staff/faculty. Improvements with teacher training/development are needed and less emphasis placed upon fundraising. But positive changes will not occur until there are administrative changes.
--Submitted by a parent

Reid Temple Christian Academy (RTCA) is a wonderful school. Constantly evolving to meet the greater needs of the students faculty and families of The Academy. RTCA administration is always willing to listen and make change when and where neccessary. The children while, challenged to give their best, display nothing but sincere joy for learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children attended RTCA for three years. We withdrew our children because of a poor administrative structure, poor organization, and unqualified teachers. RTCA embraces loving relationships and there are certainly friendships to be gained but learning is a struggle. RTCA indicates they teach for understanding of each concepts and skills and our teachers have created a Community of Learners . We found these to be untrue statements. This last year was the most stressful for our children. One of our children came home crying and frustrated some days. Some teachers lack the ability to teach and control their classrooms. RTCA uses an upper school demerit system that is very punitive. There have been several parent complaints in the past four years that go unresolved by administration. RTCA has lost many great parents and wonderful students. If considering this academy we recommend you use caution and do thorough research. Do not be misled by the bells and whistles .
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended RTCA for several years, but withdrew him. School's emphasis is math and science, but failed to teach him fundamental skills for next grade level, especially in math. He is being tutored this summer to prepare him for 5th grade. School boasts certified teachers but several are incompetent, including math and social studies teachers. Enormous amount of homework given, but no value-added. Administration is disorganized and unresponsive to parent concerns, maintaining status quo. School Head sacrifices effective leadership and difficult decision-making in order to maintain teacher friendships. If you want an environment where learning takes priority over fundraising and marketing, where teachers meet children where they are and teach them to excel, where all children are taught and encouraged to succeed, where all students are treated fairly and considered stars -- then this is not the place for your child.
--Submitted by a parent