Collinswood Language Academy

I have a chil in 4th & one in 1st. Both of my kids have been at Collinswood since kindergarten and we love it. Although our primary language is English both my husband and I had some Spanish in college which helps a lot with the homework. I'm very impressed with how fluent my kids are with the language especially my 4th grader. Sure some parents have issues with different teachers but you'll find that at almost any school. The method they use to teach these kids is amazing! I was nervous at first but the kids catch on so quickly...again the method they use has a proven track record. Last, as far as parental involvement goes, I feel they give several opportunities for parents to get involved. It's up to the parent how much they choose to do so.
--Submitted by a parent

I wish that the parents who chose to leave this school wrote their opinion as well. There is little support for the parents who are not spanish speaking to help support their child at home. Compare the demographic of this language immersion to others across the state and you will see an imbalance from the start. Unfortunately too little parents complain to the prinicipal, so nothing changes. I (who was a teaching professional and administrator for over 10 years) have never seen such poor parental support. As for the comment of lack of parental involvement, that is most likely (and I have spoken to other parents) because this school does little to inform parents/support them (it is almost lost after 2nd grade). For children who need help just by the nature of them being immersed in learning a new language (as many ESL students do), they are all too quick to lable children as having learning problems. Those children who were labelled as "learing problems" they have flourished in other schools. Before coming speak to parents and ask for the non-PC opinion. There is more of a drive to keep their scores up and funding, than really teaching a foreign language.
--Submitted by a parent

My daugher has an IEP and I am very happy with the services she is receiving.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so expressed with the quality of education my daughter receives at Collinswood. She is not only taught NC curriculum through both English and Spanish, she is given experiences that help her appreciate diverse cultures. Even though my daughter is a native English speaker due to the amazing teaching practices of her teachers, she now speaks fluent Spanish. I am so fortunate that my daughter will be able to stay at a school where she feels safe, supported, challenged, and loved until the 8th grade. She is also looking forward to her 8th grade study abroad trip to Spain.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in 1st grade at Collinswood Language Academy. I have to say that having him in Collinswood was one of the best decisions I could have made for his future. This is not just an elementry school. This school is a Language academy that teaches Spanish this is k-8 so by the time your child leaves it they wil be college level spanish going into high school. Also the fact the test scores are amazing check out their progress report in the CMS website. Its not just that makes the school so amazing it is the people the staff they are so attentive to your child.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent! Mrs. Grant and her staff are dedicated and innovative! The use of Smart Board technology with global learning is amazing! It is a great pleasure to see the students learn cultural diversity through exposure of various Latin cultures. The staff is provides the students with Latin diversity ranging from countries like Spain to Venezuela! The parent involvement is also a strong link to making this school effective. They support teachers and continue to work alongside them through open communication! It truly is a unique school! If you can obtain a spot for your child you will truly be rewarded!
--Submitted by a teacher

It is a great Spanish Immersion Magnet School!
--Submitted by a parent

I have a son who finished Kindergarten at the school last year and is now in First Grade. We have been really pleased with the school and the results. I'm not sure there is as much parent involvement as at other schools we could have attended - but that is the only downside. The program here, the teachers, the principal, they are all top notch. I'm so happy we got in after being on the wait list for many months.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in 2nd grade and another in kindergarten. The faculty are outstanding, and Mrs. Petrea, the principal, runs a tight ship. She is strern, yet kind. The children thrive in this environment. Their grades are among the best in the city, and they do so while studying in two languages. I'm still amazed to have a daughter who is nearly fluent in a second language in only 2nd grade, when her parents do not speak the language.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! My daughter is in Kindergarten and she already knows so much spanish! She will probably be fluent by the time she reached the 3rd grade!
--Submitted by a parent