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GreatSchools Rating

Paramount Charter Academy

Charter | K-8 | 601 students

Living in Kalamazoo

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $100,000. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $670.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 3 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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37 reviews of this school


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Posted May 8, 2013

Paramount Charter School...I've had three children attend Paramount. My last child there is currently in the third grade. She will NOT be attending next year. I kept her in there only because I really liked the third grade teacher she was assigned to this year. The school has deteroriated, there are adults walking through the halls at ALL times of the day, little or no staff supervision while children wander the hallways...(tragedy waiting to happen) The pick up/drop off is a joke. Children running everywhere creating a very unsafe enviornment. There was an incident where a child set a small fire in the bathroom during class time. Plenty of behavioral issues with the children,,,the Principal is never around,,,really sad how a once great school has gone down.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 2, 2013

Love how Paramount recognizes and rewards all the good behavior instead of focusing on the bad behavior like so many other schools do. They work so well with families and I love how involved we get to be. This is is an amazing school and I am so thankful we decided to put our children in this school!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 3, 2013

It's our first year at PCA! My son is in Y5's. We've enjoyed getting to know the students, parents, and staff. Can't wait for next year!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 29, 2012

We are in our third year at Paramount and we love the school. My son is learning so much and he seems to enjoy school and learning. We have had great teachers that really care about their students. The staff and principal are always willing to discuss any issues or questions we have and the principal sends out an email every Sunday to parents with updates on what has been going on and what to expect in the weeks ahead. We also got our niece enrolled this year who seemed to be really struggling with understanding basic math concepts and the public schools were just pushing her through saying she was on track even thou she was father behind then my son and is older. She has had great growth since the beginning of the year and I really think that is because of the school and teachers. If I had anything bad to say I would say many of the parents don't really want to get involved in the Family council (like PTA) and that I wish the the moral focus teaching was a stronger part of the curriculum. Since my son is a typical boy and needs lots of reinforcement in that area. Like any school it may not be perfect for everyone but I am very happy with our choice to be Paramount parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2012

Numbers should not be what a school is based on...negativity has no place in a school when it comes to children! ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


Posted February 3, 2012

The first year was great, second year had it's bumps in the road, this year has been a joke. I support that for the "cookie cutter" student this school is good, but for anyone less than "cookie cutter" there is a huge lack. Mainly unprepared instructors and administrators.


Posted January 23, 2012

We loved the kindergarten class! Moving on to 1st grade has been a huge disappointment! The teacher never speaks to anyone and if she does comment, it's to scold! I would love to see her smile or hear an encouraging word now and then. She always seems uninterested. Not at all happy this year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 6, 2011

My daughter is also diabetic and the principal responded to all my needs and concerns for my daughter. The principal attended meetings with the diabetic nurse, myself and other staff members. I have never had any problems with the school or principal concerning my daughters diabetes.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 18, 2011

I was a parent of 3 children at this school. The teachers are wonderful, but the principal isn't someone that response to parents with concerns. My daughter is a diabetic and when Bronson nurses called her to schedule a training for the teachers, she never responded. The teachers and myself ended up scheduling the training ourselves. She also didn't respond to the social workers calls from Ann Arbor in regards to my daughter. When Dr. Lockett left, the family spirit and atmosphere left with her. I would not recommend this school to anyone. My children will not be returning this coming up school year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 21, 2011

I am an ex-student there. It used to be a fantabulous school. Only twenty students per classroom. I was getting a great education from caring teachers. But things started to tank when Advantage closed. It doubled the number of students going there from 350 to 700!!! And then, the amazing Dr. Lockett left, leaving behind Kathleen Grinwiss. She fired male teachers left and right, placed a stringent dress code in, and almost everybody hated her. If you are considering sending your child there, wait until a new principal comes. And if your can't wait, then don't send your kid there.


Posted January 25, 2011

There is so much good to say about Paramount. I think what I love the most is the relationship they OFFER the parent. As much as I love my boys and care about their education, I just didn't get involved the first year. Since I have, all of our experiences have been better for it. If someone has not felt welcomed, they either caught someone on a bad day or they hadn't tried hard enough themselves. The teacher, staff and principal are all first rate. The way you must pick up and or drop off your children is difficult and yes, there are times some parents may be short tempered, maybe even rude but that is worth how my boys are taught and cared for. I only wished they went through high school too Go Panthers. Mom of three happy, healthy and respectful boys..
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2010

My grandchildren are receiving a quality education there.


Posted June 5, 2010

I use to be a parent there. I took my child out of a wonderful school because I was looking for the moral re- enforcement that I thought Paramount would offer. I soon discovered that it is just something that "sounds" good. I don't think it's a terrible school, just not the one for our family. I also found it difficult as a new parent to feel like part of the school family. I think that the school has a really nice marketing department though. I felt more welcomed when I was just a "potential" parent.


Posted June 4, 2010

My husband and I have been extremely pleased with the level of education that our children have received at Paramount. The teachers are attentive, there is an excellent commitment to moral development and bullying is not tolerated whatsoever. Paramount provides a fantastic balance of challenge and support for all children to thrive and excel. I encourage any parent to take a close look at Paramount!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2010

National Heritage Academies/Paramount Charter Academy does not listen to the parents. I am very disappointed in them and do not recommend ANY parent to sent their children there!!!!!! If you have children there, send them to a school that cares!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 24, 2010

Has rigorous academic standards that help prepare you for highschool and college.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 16, 2009

Wonderful school!I can go on for days.It's a hard decision because of the kalamazoo promise but when you weigh it out paramount definately trumps any ofg the kps elem. Or m.S.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 6, 2009

Paramount Charter Academy really does challenge each child to achieve academic excellence by providing students with the best teachers and staff. They don't hold children back that are above average and they challenge and help the children that might not be up to the average class level. Way to go Paramount!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2009

I have been a parent here for 9 years. I have 4 children attending. This school has absolutely exceeded all of my expectations. My children are all thriving, they feel loved, cared for and that they are packed full of potential to succeed. The teachers and staff are phenomenal. I absolutely, absolutely can't say enough about the wonderful experience we have had. The only thing I wish we had was a High School so that we didn't have to leave after 8th grade!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

Such a fabulous school to work at and be a part of! Everyone cares about the people involved in making this school a success and the children achieving their full potential! We truly are working to prepare all students for life-long learning!
—Submitted by a teacher


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 41% in 2013.

62 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
61%

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

61 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
80%

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
89%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 45% in 2013.

69 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
41%

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

69 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
71%

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
83%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 47% in 2013.

69 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
37%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 46% in 2013.

68 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
56%

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2013.

68 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
72%

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
92%
Science

The state average for Science was 13% in 2013.

67 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
13%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
86%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 40% in 2013.

77 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
38%

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

77 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
68%

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
92%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 30% in 2013.

78 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
17%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
66%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 38% in 2013.

69 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
54%

2012

 
 
34%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2013.

69 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
74%

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
78%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2013.

69 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
48%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2013.

53 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
32%

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

53 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
57%

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 16% in 2013.

53 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
17%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
66%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 72% 71%
Black 19% 20%
Hispanic 5% 5%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 34%N/A42%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 24N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Academic Excellence (MAPSA) (2006)
  • High Parent Satisfaction (2007)
  • Academic Achievement (2008)

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15
School end time
  • 3:15
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Mrs. Kathleen Grinwis
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Fax number
  • (269) 553-6401

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Spanish
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Parent involvement
  • Parents are a vital component in the educational process of our students. parents are involved in many aspects of school operations.
More from this school
  • Our current F&R lunch student percentage is 42%.
School leaders can update this information here.

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What are your chances?

Students typically come from these schools
Kalamazoo Public Schools

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
Kalamazoo Central
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3624 South Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Website: Click here
Phone: (269) 553-6400

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