Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy

We have several children at this school (one of which has "graduated" to regular public high school.) Scholars is AWESOME---especially comparing my child's readiness to his high school peers. Great parents, accelerated llearning, diversity, lack of private school "affluenza" and the companionship of other smart kids. The beauty of this school is how smart kids feed off each other, support each other and make each other better. My high schooler still considers his Scholars' friends his closest buds.
—Submitted by a parent

This could be an excellent school that has been lacking direction in curriculm, best practices, and teacher leadership. Its excellent scores are due to the hardworking nature of the students. I rated it above average because of the students and how they interact. Parents eyes are now open and they are eager to be able to finally advocate for their children. I hope that the teachers who are excellent will continue to flourish (and there are some really good ones) and the teachers who are constantly yelling at the students will be dismissed.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the Scholars' Academy. It has been such a blessing in our lives. Our child wakes up everyday excited about school. The teachers are great, their knowledge of gifted children is phenomenal. They know what these kids need. Love it!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids and I have been very happy with this school. I've read the reviews below criticizing the school because there are so many siblings attending that are not gifted. That is not true, as every student at the school must meet the minimum IQ requirements to get in. I also saw the review about lacking a science lab, and the new location now has an impressive lab. Another reviewer wrote that teachers focus on the slower kids. That's just silly. There are no slow kids at this school. Now, there are differing levels of giftedness, but during our five years at the school, every teacher has either grouped kids according to ability (ex: in math) and has allowed kids to progress as quickly as they are able. The parents are incredibly supportive, and the kids care about their education. The school is consistently at the very top in NC testing.
—Submitted by a parent

**WOW** Fantastic new school building with all the bells and whistles has just opened this week (8/25/10) The teachers / staff along with all the really bright kids have made this K-8 a unique learning place and the school now has the facilities it deserves. I find the mixed comments on this site rather odd, as without doubt as its reputation grows this will be the premiere school to aim for in Charlotte if you have gifted children. I have older kids who've been through the public magnets, top private, and parochial schools here in town so I know what I'm talking about and can honestly say i am continually grateful my youngest son is so happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is for gifted (TD) level kids. The highly gifted and profoundly gifted are pretty much on their own. Not much different than a traditional school. The teachers spend most of their time with the kids on the lower scale. The higher scale kids are told to not work ahead and stay with their group. It' s a shame. We thought we had found a solution.
—Submitted by a parent

It totally prepared by daughter for high school. She had a great connection with all her teachers, a one on one you don't find very often.
—Submitted by a parent

My children are challanged all the time, and the staff is fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent

I have finally found a school that is challenging my son without bombarding him with homework!
—Submitted by a parent

Kids are encouraged to reach their fullest individual potential in an active and challenging environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Here is what my impression of school is: 1) Excellent, studious kids that make the school special. It makes kids very competitive. 2) Accelerated Math program in middle school 3) Small class size 4) A lot of parents involvement Now some suggestions: 1) Enrichment classes are very average. Kids cannot speak Chinese or Spanish, comfortably, after learning it for 8 years which is a shame. Too much of teacher turnover and no tangible goals set on what this program will achieve. 3) Curriculum is set randomly. For middle school science, there are no textbooks which is shocking. It is solely upto the teacher on what to teach. It makes program too much teacher dependent. No independent body oversees curriculum guidelines. 4) School has very average music/art and very little sports. 5) No science labs in middle school due to lack of funds. I still give the school a 5 ratings because overall the school is much better than CMS.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids in MRSA - 3rd and 4th grade. Both went to the best rated public elementary school in Charlotte, prior to joining MRSA. I am extremely satisfied with the quality of education and the academic challenges provided by MRSA. My older child was in public school while my younger child got accepted earlier in MRSA (both kids have same IQ level, but both were on wait list). My younger child at MRSA was doing more accelerated program compared to her older brother in public school, such that he could not wait to get into MRSA. Great job staff and director.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with this school. My child is thriving in a way that would not have been possible in a traditional public school. He is surrounded by other children that enjoy learning and being challenged. The classes are small, and the principal and the teachers are really engaged and into their jobs. Being a part of this school has been a wonderful experience.
—Submitted by a parent

This our fourth year at Scholars' Academy. I am so grateful this school exists ... more importantly my child is happy, thriving and is part of a warm, welcoming, diverse school community. As a charter school, limited funds mean no fancy buildings and resources, but the tradeoff in the high quality education, teaching, parent involvement and leadership from Dr. Peine more than make up for that!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the third year our children have been at this school and I cannot imagine a better place for them. I am forever amazed with what they can pull off with the limited funding available for charter schools. I credit Dr. Peine, the staff, and parents for working together to make this incredible school possible. The Scholars' Academy students (our children!) depend on everyone working together. If there is something you would like to see changed then please come to a PTO or Board meeting to offer your suggestions AND your TIME. My experience has been that the parents who grumble the most are the ones who do not spend any time helping out. If you don't have time to spare than contribute generously to the Annual Drive.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud parent of 2 children at this school. But first make no mistake; it is the students that make this school special. All of the students had to pass entrance requirements and yes there are varying degrees of 'giftedness' among the student population but they all benefit from the interaction with each other in this culturally and economically diverse environment. They are remarkable children and we as parents should feel fortunate that they have the opportunity to interact with each other in an academic setting. Secondly, from my experience, the teaching staff is dedicated and also feels fortunate that they have students that are enthusiastic about learning although I get the feeling it can be challenging. The curriculum is accelerated but is still customized to meet the various strengths and weaknesses of each child. The important thing is that the teachers do seem to genuinely care about each
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2 children at this school and we love it! My children (each of whom had to meet the IQ requirements - as there are no benefits for siblings) both look forward to each day and come home excited about that day's learnings. We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity that MRSA provides to us right here in Charlotte.
—Submitted by a parent

Too much parent interference in the lower grades, they seem to run the school and you are right only certain kids get into trouble. THe enrichment classes are a farce.
—Submitted by a teacher

'And that focus is on the children rather than the whims of unrealistic parents who just don't have a clue.' Good job on noticing that. More and more kids are getting into trouble because of the lack of administration. Many students don't respect the teachers, and some kids that should get in trouble don't get in trouble. More kids are failing tests etc because the princiapl doesn't care about it anymore. The school is going to move to downtown sometimes in the future. Lots of students have a hard time getting here already.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm the parent of two children who attend this school, and I've been very impressed with the quality of the teachers. In addition, one of the things that I find most valuable about the school is that the students intellectually stimulate each other, and their lunchtime and recess conversations often reveal that these are kids who are excited about learning.
—Submitted by a parent