Menlo Park Academy

This is a great school concept...great community, curriculum and, for the most part, great teachers. I do, however, have great concerns about the survival of this school as the school board is completely inept and refuses to acknowledge their short comings and utilize their resources....very very reactive, not at all proactive, which is not a good ingredient for a successful long-term run.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is constantly firing good, hard working teachers. 'The board' votes on which teachers stay. A school cannot run like this!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended three different public schools & shadowed at various private schools, & has never found an environment as nurturing, stimulating, & challenging as that provided by this school. At Menlo, she is exposed to: 1). lively classroom discussions that always inspire further inquiry at home, 2). monthly field trips, 3).a multitude of independent research projects, 4). and a Singapore math program that has rigorously prepared her (a 10 yr. old) to perform at an 8th grade level. Despite the academic rigor, she can still manage to gush about one "amazing" and "fun" day after another. Yes, the teachers are that impassioned & inspiring and the curriculum is that creative. There are many strong reasons why this school has such a long waiting list & why so many parents will make the sacrifice & commute 2 hrs./day so that their children can attend. My daughter sees the school now as her extended family. Here, she is not afraid to be a nerd, because every individual talent & eccentricity is celebrated and supported with great sensitivity--from the mildly gifted to the one 1st grader, who in a flash of flying fingers, could easily bust any adult at solving the Rubyk's Cube.
—Submitted by a parent

Am thrilled with this school for my gifted child and can't wait for the new school year to start. We are all truly lucky to have such a gem in the area. Awesome teachers, great peers for the kids, and NO TUITION! Can't go wrong.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. We currently have two children enrolled here. We have been very pleased with the teacher interaction and challenging work. The school offers extras such as Spanish, Chineese, Violin, Lego Clubs, Young Authors and Science Fair. You can't go wrong here!
—Submitted by a parent

My child LOVES this school. He was bored and hated school before we found Menlo Park. My husband & I are thrilled to have found an option that both fits his needs and where he feels like he belongs (the Excellent rating doesn't hurt)!
—Submitted by a parent

I strongly recommend that parents explore public school options before enrolling in this school. Discipline is not handled in a consistent manner. Home-school communication could be better. The best thing about this school is that students with similar abilities are grouped together and they seem to have more social opportunities with peers at their level than typical public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I was so excited to find this option for my gifted child. It is the best kept secret around. There is no tuition charge, and the students are provided with small classrooms and individual, customized instruction.
—Submitted by a parent

There is always teacher turnover at Charter schools, as they don't have the budget other public schools have, however the curriculum structure and parent involvement more than makeup for occasional turnover. I have been here for 2 years, and have never had a teacher leave. This school is far more challenging at an elementary level than any other public school in our area.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school option for gifted students, especially younger ones as most public schools in the area don't offer any differentiation options for them. The principal is passionate about the students, and the teachers are committed to offering a fun, creative, and challenging curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent. Excellent principal, teachers, parent involvement. Safe, nurturing environement.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs at Lorain Academy are excellent. The curriculum for the students places a challenge that allow the students to go beyond their potential. From grades k-7, the students are taught by experienced educators that allow the gifted students to explore, and collaborate with each other. The students at Lorain Academy for gifted students have a music class, a basketball team, and they often participate in extracurricular activities throughout the year. The students are involved in musicals, talent shows, and projects that benefit the community such as gathering canned goods for families in need. The school also has family game night, skate night, and other gathering throughout the year. One of the strengths of Lorain Academy is parent involvement. Parents are encouraged to volunteer during school hours in the classroom, centers, lunch, recess, and in the school office. Parents are also encouraged to be a part of LAGS PTO.
—Submitted by Adelaida Brown-Maya, a parent