Unity Charter School

Awesome School, my children love it, and do not want to go back to our district school. I bought my homes location because of the schools. Teaching staff is fabulous, creative, and inspires the kids to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a kindergartener who adores math and science, and a second grader who would be happy reading, and making up stories all day. We all adore Unity. Before discovering the school, we were considering moving out of the area. In this day and age of dittos, rote memorization, and teaching to the test, Unity has a creative, intellectual, multi-disciplinary curriculum, which still manages to emphasize drill where beneficial. My kids are learning about space via science, research, art, and expository writing. They are becoming citizens of the planet--and their smaller worlds. They get to spend a fair amount of time outside, learning about the environment while interacting with it physically. Unity teaches EQ as well. The staff is superb in terms of dealing constructively, sensitively, and intelligently with social disputes. The children's first impulse is to "talk things out". The high level of parental involvement means kids learn in special interest groups--costume design taught by someone from the Met, karate by a sensei--and extends to community gatherings. I can't imagine a better place for my kids to be nurtured and grow when they are away from home.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Unity and I can't believe our good fortune to be part of this school. The teachers are supported, are allowed to bring in activities that are specific to the interests of the children in their class. Don't underestimate the value of this. At our district school, even the best teachers were mired in bureaucracy, and it held them back. At Unity, I consistently see the teachers engaged in the work of finding the way to get to MY kid. And what's happening is that my children are learning to learn--how to fall in love with a subject, and how to slog through and do their best even when its not their thing. It's a slow process, and I get impatient sometimes, but the teachers here take the time to partner with you, communicate what's going on in the classroom, and listen and adjust when my child needs a little help. I didn't think this was possible in a public school--Unity sets a new standard.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Unity Charter School recognize my child's special skills and assign appropriate work to help her continue to develop.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Unity for a number of years, and this has been the best year by far. The school is over the growing pains of last year (jumping from 100 to 150 was a challenge), and has a strong, committed teaching staff. Despite the increased size, I still feel that the teachers know my children very well, and are committed to challenging them academically as well as in areas of social-emotional growth. The Director is excellent, and embodies the best of Unity, and the addition of the Assistant Director this year has been great. There is a real sense of "commUnity" at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Unity and I couldn't be happier with the school this year. Last year was bumpy with all the changes, especially the new location and last minute move. This year there are excellent additions to the staff: assistant principal, new teachers, staff psychologist, special education teacher. There is a clear infraction policy in place. The playground and garden are almost finished. Everyone at the school is open to suggestions and changes. A good school should be dynamic and open to change, while still maintaining the core value. Unity staff are willing to listen to parents who have concerns or comments. If changes need to be made, they will. If not, there will be an explanation why not. I hope to be a part of the school for many years.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student here and I've been reading the comments and post about our great school. All of the teachers are amazing fun smart and make learning fun. I wish i could give this school 10 stars but the ratings only go up to 5. One of my favorite subjects is math and before i came to this school i hated math and didn't enjoy learning. For all of you that think there is bullying in this school think about every other school in the world and see if they have bullies but here there are no bullies and is a very safe enviroment to be your self. :) :)

This is our 4th year at Unity, and we are very happy with the experience our children have had. They are at different places on the "academic spectrum", yet we are pleased that the teachers are able to enrich them where needed, and able to provide the additional help and support where that is needed. We also like that sustainability is woven into all subject areas. I am very impressed with the character development program that they use - Positive Discipline. All children are treated with dignity and respect, they learn to find their voice, and they learn empathy for others. The Director is passionate about the students, and I think she embodies the best of Unity.
--Submitted by a parent

As a prospective parent at Unity I was very impressed with the new facility, the students and the director. During a recent visit to the school she was knowledgeable, compassionate and genuinely interested in every aspect of the school. The students spoke candidly about their learning experiences and how the administration supported them to be empowered. The school was peaceful and filled with excitement for learning. I am thrilled to have been selected in the lottery and look forward to becoming a part of this caring community.

I am thrilled with both Unity's academic environment and its mission. My children have blossomed since attending Unity. My academically-inclined child is challenged daily; her teachers make sure there are always extra projects for her, and her intelligence is viewed as a "positive" thing, rather than a cause for bullying. For my child who is not as studious, her teacher stays on top of the class, ensures homework is being done, and makes learning fun. The mission of sustainability reinforces what we teach at home, and the positive discipline aspect creates an environment of kind, considerate children who care about their peers. The lunches are healthy (amazing for a school!), and the kids eat with real dishes, cups, silverware, napkins, and tablecloths! The teachers are nothing short of fabulous, and, most importantly, my children look forward to going to school each day.
--Submitted by a parent