Washington-Parks Academy

WPA as it is affectionately known is a good public school academy trying to uphold the traditions of its predecessor history in the private sector. It is difficult at times due to restrictions by state mandates. Academic standards have not been compromised but can be challenging enforcing with the new clientele. We still strive for excellence but we must remember that it takes a village to raise a child and we are doing that one child at a time by diligently striving to attract competent teachers and support staff. They have implemented various programs to bolster classroom learning and the children have taken to those programs eagerly, i.e. Blended learning labs, Debate team, Academic Games team and a Garden Club. All these programs along with the new technology added to the curriculum has helped improve the academic achievement of all our students. All schools have issues. We just have to be willing to be involved by bringing solutions.
—Submitted by a parent

Washington-parks helps my daughter to believe that with the quality education she be anything she dreams to be! However the communication of concerns and issues between the school and parents needs improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been apart of the Cornerstone/Washington Parks "family" for five years. My son has been there since kindergarten and is now in the 4th grade. Before the school went charter, it was GREAT! We had the best teachers; a challenging academic program; and an orderly learning environment. Unfortunately, I have watched the steady decline of the school. It's very sad and disturbing. We have lost great teachers and the best Dean of Students (Mr. Fike). The school once strived for excellence in everything and expected excellence from the children. Now, the school only strives to meet state standards and celebrates mediocrity. This institution has lost a number of good families because their children were not receiving the "Cornerstone" education that we all have grown to expect. When the school went from private to charter, the parents were promised that the academic program would not change. This promise has not been kept. After this year, the school will (again) lose a number of families that have been with them a long time because parents are just fed up. I will say that they do a good job with grades K-2. Any grade past the second is questionable.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best thing that ever happen to organized education. Sometimes I think the teachers give too much homework but I do see the results of it. Good Job
—Submitted by a parent

I could not asked for a better place for my son to begin his education. My son is a pre-k student and has grown by leaps and bounds over this past year. He is completing homework that my neighbor's 1st grader is doing. At 4 my son can spell and read 4 and 5 letter words, do basic addition/ subtraction, spell his first and last name and so much more. If you are a "lazy" parent this school is not for you, but if are excited about helping your child to be the best, U WILL LOVE IT! I will admit that at first the 3-4 pages of hw each night, weekly spelling and bible verse test, book reports and projects were a bit overwhelming...but after seeing how quickly my son was progressing I could do nothing but support his teacher. She emails, text messages and sends weekly notes home to keep parents informed and involved...I love that. I could not be happier with my choice to have my son attend Cornerstone's Washingto Parks Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

This review is more directed towards the Cornerstone Pre-K division of the school. From my experience the administration has no idea of the processes or procedures for Cornerstone. Everything is very disorganized and many of the teachers that I have seen in the location of my child's classroom do not talk to the children with respect. In fact they do not talk at all, everything is a yell or a threat of punishment. The teachers have no control and the children run around the halls often unsupervised and with little direction. I will not be continuing my child's education here.
—Submitted by a parent