Research Triangle Charter Academy

This school is great. There is a very strict moral code and behavior code. They use lots of positive discipline (rewards, good notes home, verbal praise) as well as the typical green/red/blue color system. My son had a great teacher who would text me or email me with questions. There is also great communication between the administration and parents via email, Facebook, and weekly calls.the only thing I would change is the class size but they do a great job managing the larger classes.
—Submitted by a parent

My daugther is in 1th grade and the teacher are amazing..always attenden my request the teacher are very friendly......everybody know everybody and I like that!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school. My kids were there for 3 years and it was an awesome experience. I left this school year and I missed the school so bad. The teachers at RTCA really care for each child and they want each one of them to succed. I volunteered as much as I could and the teacher were always nice.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in Kindergarten this school year. I am very impressed with his teacher. I am a very involved in my child's school life and I expect a lot of him. His teacher understands this and we email almost daily. My son lets me know daily what "my teacher said to do it this way". The principal is new, but seems to be making changes for the better. I highly recommend this school to parents seeking positive reinforcement and a sense of comfort within the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is by far the best school that my children have attended. We went to three schools in three years. Regular public schools have nothing on RTCA. All of the teachers are caring and dedicated. I do not see any difference in treatment between kids. I try to volunteer regularly and do so unexpectedly, and it is always a pleasant experience. Furthermore, their orchestra, band, and art programs are some of the best! My children will continue to attend until their time to move on to high school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten at RTCA. So far, I am pleased with the school. She is learning well and getting plenty of homework, I can see her maturity since the beginning of the year. She went from not really reading to writing sentences and she works very well on her own. She gets along with the other students and loves her teacher. New Principal this year and seems to be still feeling his way through but has made a couple of changes for the better. I have not yet gotten involved with the Parent Association but would like to next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended RTCA and was very unhappy. He was constantly having to defend himself against bullies. When I transfered him to Merrick Moore he was not only learning more but he had a great relationship with the teachers and staff there. Getting him out of RTCA was the best decision I could have ever made.
—Submitted by a parent

this pst is right on target,im not sure how this schol is still open.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to admit RTCA was a HUGE disappointment to say the least. I'm completely grieved with the overly crowded classroom size and the abundance of homework, (it seems the teachers are not teaching in the classrooms) the students bring home on a weekly basis. I have witnessed a lack of cultual compentency as well as great lack of classroom management skills. It's so easy for a child who is not an initiator, or leader to get lost and fall way behind in the classroom. Yes the kids don't talk in the hallway and are quiet during mornning meeting but the classrooms are chaotic to say the least and the lack of disciplining the students who bully are just heart wrenching. Some of the staff treat every child as though they are a behavioral problem and not with the respect that EACH child (regardless of parental involvment) deserves.
—Submitted by a parent

hi im desmond, attended RTCA from the 4-8 grade and it was a good and bad experience. the teachers got on my nerves almost everyday and everything they said went in 1 ear and out the other, but now i regret not listening. the teachers are just trying to get you ready for high school
—Submitted by a student

This is without question the worst school I have ever had the misfortune of being involved with. It is a total disaster. Never send your child here.
—Submitted by a parent

I submitted a review on this school yesterday and for some reason only the first 2 lines are showing. So I'm trying again... My daughter attended 8th grade at this school and our family loved everything about the school. It's a wonderful school. She has a handicap and I found the teacher very supportive. I visited the school often and found the staff was always polite and helpful. I'm not sure why one parent thinks the hallways are chaos but that was not my perception. I had my daughter in a private school before RTC and I found the experience between the 2 was about the same. Yes, there are more children in the classroom than a private school has but it's still much better than the regular public schools. And my daughter did stay in the upper level of her class.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school for 3 years (middle school) and it was the worst school experience I've ever had. I feel like I learned nothing from this school and the misbehaved students were the main focus of all the teachers, rather than wanting to actually teach us. I feel like most of the good teachers left in a huge wave leaving the students to fend for themselves.
—Submitted by a student

I could say so much, but for right now I'll just say, if you love your child/children, please do not send them to this school. This is our first year here and it is horrible. I'm so sorry that I ever went this way.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi, This is my first year dealing with RTCA. At the beginning of the shcool year I had problems with my childs teacher. It took too long for administration to address the problem with the teacher. Finally, they addressed the problem and the teacher now is doing great. I do believe that the school has a long way to go. For one, they need to address the cafe issue. There needs to be a breakfast and lunch menu provided for the kids in an actual lunch room. There seems to be no organization within the halls. Students are all over the place. I do agree that the white shirts are an issue. They could change to a more suitable and durable color. I am going to wait this year out and see how my son progress being here at RTCA, but there are several things I am concerned about.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attended private school before attending RTCA. I was very pleased with the transitioning process. The teachers and administrative staff were consistent in their respective areas. Both of my children excelled while attending RTCA. As for the behaviors, discilpline begins first in the home. Parents are childrens first teachers. Children only mimick what they learn at home. Thus far, I have been very satisfied with RTCA.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son a RTCA in the 7th grade. The kids are out of control. (but they are everywhere) I feel sorry for the teachers. The tolerance for misbehaved children is LOW. If their was a no tolerance rule the kids would get the message and so would the parents. We need that at RTCA. Send their butts home so others can learn. CONSISTANT no tolerance will work. Homework is not want I expected it to be. There is not enough of it. Vocab. never. Math homework is never what they went over in class they need reinforcing assignments. Uniforms GREAT but why white shirts they are so hard to keep clean and so many of the kids have stains or just plain dingy that its embarassing. Behavor needs to be a subject that requires an A to advance to your next grade level. Is RTCA better than other, NO.
—Submitted by a parent

RTCA is a great school with concerned teachers and staff. Compared to public school, it has been great for our family to be able to be in one school together with a group of teachers and administrators who we feel are very concern for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm certain a child feels that this school is great...the children run the whole show! Look, the test scores speak for themselves; change schools immediately.
—Submitted by a teacher

Okay I agree and disagree with the comments and I have read each one. Take into consideration the year of some of the comments. When we first came to the school in 2004, its true the school was great and the scores but we have spiraled down every since. Some things have been good and quite a few things bad but as a parent, I'm still willing to work with the school for right now. Let's begin with the students. Students are only what you help make them to be and I think the kids are rather great kids just need some care and structure and encouragement to succeed. Second, the teachers-some great some not so great but overall pretty good. Teachers need support from the principal; teachers need mentors and teachers assistants; third, too many uncertified teachers with no real education and are not helping the students; front office great!
—Submitted by a parent