University Christian School

Hartfield Academy is a huge disappointment. There are several different bullying situations in upper elementary along with other problems. We made a huge mistake in trying it and think that it is not nearly as Christian as it is portrayed to be. There are some great teachers and some not so good. I would not give it a thumbs up.
—Submitted by a parent

I would have given a higher score had it stayed UCS. As for Hartfield Academy enjoy your honeymoon phase, once its over the mass exodus will begin. Kudos to Hartfield Academy and their shining moment when Mr. Self 'decided' to return to MRA.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is my child's first year in Pre K 4 and I am very pleased with what he is learning. I especially like the teacher/student ratio. I have witnessed teacher and staff truly committed to helping the children grow in academics and in spirit.
—Submitted by a parent

UCS Academics are on the rise. ACT scores are way above the national average. My children have had tremendous success at UCS, spiritually, academically and athletically. The negative reviews of the school regarding the Christianity of those involved are horribly mistaken. It only takes a minute of being involved to see the love and compassion of this family. No school is perfect, and UCS is not for everyone. But, if you are looking for a good place to send your kids, where teachers go the extra mile, the staff bends over backwards to accomodate everyone, and children are happy, UCS is it.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended UCS for five years, and its lack of emphesis on education proved to be problematic when I entered public school. Although everyone else at the public school I attend was so much more advanced than I, I managed to overcome those problems. I can honestly say I wouldn't be as gifted as I am without having transferred. to public school. A lot of parents on here seem not only contemptious but also adament that this school distributes a quality education for each and every child, but there is no one better than the student who knows what really goes on. Take it from a former one: this school is hardly one to brag about.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is finishing fifth grade at UCS this year. We transferred her to UCS after k-4th in a Rankin Co public school. The difference is amazing. She was bored to tears in public school and complained all the time, but she is soaking up so much and loving school now. There are 14 in her class now instead of 24. They have a prayer time each morning and discuss each other's prayer requests. Fifth graders are taught respect for the American flag and are responsible for putting up and taking down the flag each day. The headmaster has a love for children and a genuine concern for their growth academically and spiritually. I can't say enough good about UCS.
—Submitted by a parent

We have attended UCS for 2 years and it will be the last!!! They have serious teacher and administration problems. Also the focus is more on athletics than education spiritual or technological growth. The tuition rivals that of JA and there is no comparision.
—Submitted by a parent

UCS is a wonderful school. The small class size ensures that all students get plenty of individual attention. I have found the administration to be very welcoming to parental involvement. I plan for my children to be here until they graduate!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at UCS and have had for 4 years. We have been very satisfied and love it that the class size is small. Some of these reviews are very off base and even mean spirited. Those who claim there is a 'lack of God' or that the school's being 'Christian based is a joke' are probably the same hypocrites that make organized religion so interesting. Ignore it and consider the source. Every program/event for academics and athletics I have ever been to has begun and ended with prayer for the students, faculty, administration, as well as the rest of the world's ills.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone is so friendly and truly focused on providing a strong Biblical curriculum for the children. ABEKA is the program used, which is used by most Christian private schools. It is geared towards the average to above average child and is college prepatory.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been an answer to prayer. We are so grateful for a staff committed to the spiritual health of the children as well as strong acedemics.
—Submitted by a parent

UCS has become highly selective and this has probably caused many parents to become upset.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the most Christian environment my children have ever been a part of. We've been in the public school district and it doesn't even compare to the environment we have at UCS. We have a strong leadership in place, our selection process has become very strict, and we are raising our educational standards day by day. WE LOVE UCS!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school was very disappointing and is anything but 'Christian'. Level of academics was a joke. We left after two years. Administration is in denial about problems at the school and resistant to suggestions from people that are not part of the 'in' group of parents. Extreme lack of technology--way behind the times. Backwards way of thinking on so many things. Have many educators in my family from all types of schools in different parts of the country and I've never experienced such a substandard school. To think we paid nearly $8,000 a year for the last two years in tuition, books, registration and other required fees/meals is sickening.
—Submitted by a parent

UCS could be a wonderful Christian school! I hope that in the near future they replace the current administration and some of the teachers. This was my childs 1st year to attend UCS/probably the last! They are desperately lacking the love of GOD! Complaints fall on deaf ears! Sad! Pray for them!
—Submitted by a parent

UCS has a lot to do before it becomes a great school. The academics are horrible. After four years, I finally took my daughter out and sent her to a different school, and she has had to work hard just to catch up! There is a focus on improving the athletic program, which is admirable, but they are letting good teachers leave while they do that. And I agree with the other poster - there is nothing 'Christian' about UCS.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! The quality of education is excellent in all grades. We have several children here and we are very pleased. Our two oldest ones participated in the athletic program and we feel the coaches really spoke to the character of all students. The quality of families at the school is wonderful. We highly recommend UCS.
—Submitted by a parent

I hope that UCS can overcome its academic/athletic and financial struggles..If this school can survive these aspects then it might make it. The teaching staff & administration is not of the highest standards and I feel the school was not preparing my child for college. 'Christian based' ?? does not apply to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi parents I know UCS first hand I go there its the best school.We have two peoplen that are in the war that grad.from there and we have a realy good athaletics to so come on by.
—Submitted by a student