Class Academy

We have been so happy at Class Academy for the last four years. We love the the small class sizes, incredibly dedicated teachers, total inclusion policy, and cheerful well-organized programs. Our two sons, different as could be, both blossomed here in their own particular ways. We are grateful for the school's ability and determination to see the unique strengths of each child, and build on those, instead of trying to make each kid as much like the average as they can. The year-round program is wonderful, and the approach and curriculum is very different over the summer but the kids stay engaged and close to their peers and never drift into a summertime funk. This school might not be the right fit for every family (or every teacher apparently) but it has been great for us and for the many families we know that keep their kids there all the way through.
—Submitted by a parent

I worked on and off at CLASS for about 5+ years. I believe in the curriculum at CLASS and the freedom it allows its teachers. The curriculum is given to the teacher as a curriculum map and the teachers are able to put their own ideas into it. The new principal is amazingly organized and prepared. She listens to her teachers needs and tries to work with them so they feel supported. The new principal gives the teachers freedom to speak with the administration about other ideas they may have to add and / or replace within the curriculum map. I will not lie and say that's easy but it s what allows the teachers to enjoy their work. Teachers at CLASS are given some prep time but of course every teacher in every community would like more. If I felt I needed more time for lessons my team teachers worked with me, if I needed a bit of extra time to prepare for something I would discuss it with the administration and my team so I could get supported in my goal. As for the student community, I find it to be a very welcoming and friendly environment for all kids. Teachers there work really hard to create a place where kids feel safe to be themselves and in my opinion it is accomplished!

Love what you do, and do what you love . That is the best way to describe being a teacher at CLASS. I have been a CLASS teacher for five years. In those five years, I have had the pleasure of teaching with amazing people, learning from creative minds, cooperating with devoted parents, and encouraging eager students. The community that has been created at CLASS is one of respect, unity, and fun. Our curriculum is developed based on the most effective and creative parts of multiple curriculum designs, to touch on all learning styles. The first way people describe CLASS Academy is the way a school, SHOULD, be. Advanced curriculum, small class sizes, passion for the arts, respect, and community. CLASS Academy is a great school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am confused by some of the negative comments by a former teacher. We haven t seen any teacher turnover in the school in the past year and all the teachers profess to love it there. My son has been at CLASS Academy for a year now and we chose it for the curriculum. At three years old, my son is reading and doing math problems and he is so proud of himself. Kindergarteners are doing geometry. They have a very structured program which we appreciate but the after-school program allows for free play and other activities. The kids wear uniforms and are rewarded for helping out and mentoring other kids. Public speaking is part of the curriculum as well. CLASS Academy has a very diverse student body and a high number of Indian-American children.
—Submitted by a parent

My older daughter has been at CLASS for 5 years and my younger one for 2 years. They both have had a wonderful experience with the teachers they have had over the years. As a parent I really think that the teachers at CLASS do an amazing job with the students in educating them and having fun at the same time. They do have a limited playing space but make up in many ways by taking the kids Ice skating in winter, swimming in spring and to the park (almost everyday) during the summer.T
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Class Academy for almost four years now. We moved her there because we felt she needed a small classroom size and more attention from her teachers. Class Academy has proved to be all we had hoped for. They are able to tailor her work to her level of academic achievement while still keeping her in a classroom of her peers. Her nightly homework keeps me up to date on her progress and her teachers and the school principal have always made themselves available to provide me with progress reports and to discuss concerns. I love it that they go outside daily for exercise in addition to visiting nearby gym for basket ball, volleyball and other games. All in all, she is receiving an outstanding education in an environment where she feels safe and well care for.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at Class Academy for four years. It has been a life changing place for both of them. The school encourages independence, creative thought and kindness. Every teachers knows each and every student, and there is a real community feel to the school. Rather than sitting at a desk all day, movement and activity is incorporated into learning at all age levels. Older kids mentor pre-K kids, and every child is truly included at Class. The year round program sounds very rigorous, but the teachers make summer a time of fun and review so kids aren't burned out when they start new material in September. I can't say enough good things about our school!
—Submitted by a parent

There is a comment by the "principal" - whom was hired in the last few years- as a teacher there- she was not truthful about staff having "competitive wages and are on salary". Everyone gets a different payment and I was on a hourly payment. I was also only given one hour of prep per week. Teachers are treated very differently depending on how the owner or principal feel that day. Working there was the worst work experience I have ever had- chaotic, negative..etc. I work at a school now that is amazing- there are much better choices for schools out there!
—Submitted by a teacher

I was a teacher at CLASS for two years, and I found it to be a very negative experience. The Principal runs the school like a business with complete disregard for the educational experience of the teachers and the students. Teachers are not evaluated based on their teaching skills or effort, but rather on their personal relationship with the principal at that given moment. The learning environment is chaotic for the teachers and the students for many reasons, but mostly because the daily schedule of curriculum is inconsistent and fragmented. The year that I left the school, a third of the staff quit. I think that this says quite a bit about the quality of the educational environment.

My daughter has been attending Class Academy for over six years and it has been a wonderful environment for her. Although the school bills itself as having an "advanced" curriculum, the thing that really makes the school stand out is the way they teach. Instead of reading textbooks and taking numerous tests, the students are immersed in projects that make learning fun. Some examples are building a r model of the Great Wall of China inside their classroom, churning their own butter, conducting pretend archaeological digs, re-enacting pioneer life, etc. Students also learn public speaking at an early age and by middle school can give very effective presentations. They also have art instruction every day, receive personal attention in small classes, and are taught to be respectful and kind to their teachers and peers. In our experience most of the teachers have been outstanding and some are just "okay," but you'll find that in any school. Many of them have been on staff for five years or more. The only downsides to the school are the small outside play area for the kids and no electives for the older students. The school is probably best for 4-10 year olds.
—Submitted by a parent

Pretty sad when one of the school's administrators has to respond to the less than positive concerns shared by former parents and teachers to try and set the record straight. Also, gives the school an opportunity to have that administrator give the school five stars. Their feedback should be weighted as less important because they are a current administrator. Feedback from those who have experienced the school, either positively or negatively, should be weighted more. Those who have shared their concerns have some very valid insights. Our personal association with the school was not positive at all for either of our children. I would never recommend the school to anyone. There are so many more schooling options in the Portland area that provide a much more positive and nurturing environment. A different top administrator at the school is what needs to change, the owner. It is a for profit school so remember that when looking at it as a potential place for your child(ren). The "owner" makes a lot of money while the staff live on low salaries. Or, the "owner" begs for parents to contribute money for school repairs, painting, and the bonuses that the staff receive.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to teach at Class Academy and I must agree with the parent who commented on March 7th. The teachers leave after one or two years because they have promised two years when they are hired. However, they are extremely underpaid for the amount of work they do, with very little, to no prep time for their classes. I know the teachers really care about their students and their academic success, but it is an unhealthy environment for such young children who need time to play and be imaginative. As teachers, we would often have to fight with the principal for outdoor time for our kids. I now have a nine year-old daughter and though I was impressed that the young children learn reading and mathematics at an earlier age than the average child, I would never send my daughter there.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a grandparent, and retired teacher whose two grandchildren attend Class Academy. I follow their progress in school and find this school to be excellent. The teachers are responsive to each child, are organized, and have an excellent curriculum. Students get much individual attention due to the low teacher student ratio and the curriculum is age appropriate. The principal is experienced and knows what she is doing. Children have exposure to art, science, language arts, physical education, music, and math at a young age and my grandchildren are learning many new and exciting things every single day.

My 2 children ages 7 and 9 have been at Class Academy for 2 years now. Although it is not easy for me to pay for 2 children to attend the school I would sooner sell my home than pull them from this school!! The academics are great and although they go about things in a different way then most schools I consider that a blessing. My older son attended one of the higher rated public schools in the Portland area and Class is SOOO much better than what we experienced there. 30 kids in a 2nd grade class is a joke! I loved his teacher there but what can 1 person do when trying to teach 30 kids!!?? The people who bash this school are entitled to their opinion but I must disagree with alot of what is said. Yes the principal is strong, but thank goodness for it. My children get so much more individual attention due to the small class sizes. They promote public speaking, creativity, and the normal studies that any school would teach. If you want your child to be a good test taker send your child to public school. If you want a child that knows how to think critically and be well rounded then consider Class Academy. Our children and family are better for it.
—Submitted by a parent

After almost a year at Class Academy we pulled out. The principal is micromanaging every process at the school. If you don't have a really good feeling of her when visiting the school - don't enroll! Collective punishment is used when disciplining, but the management refuse that it takes place. But it does... An example: a teacher asks a group of students to look at the ceiling - if one student refuses, all the students are asked to pick up paper or clips from the floor. Also, several reward systems are based on group behavior rather than individual behavior. When a school accepts children with behavioral issues these methods of collective punishment and rewards can back flip and create tensions between the students. The school doesn t nurture or appreciate any feed back or communication. No parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during the school year. The principal wants to sit in on all parent-teacher meetings why conferences aren t appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent

This school, if you can call it that, is nothing more than a glorified daycare. Maybe back when the school was founded, they had a real vision for making a difference in children lives, but that was lost when the founder/principal started to chase money instead of doing what is right. She is not open to feedback, the staff is not dedicated, evident by the high turnover. They do not listen to anything from the parents, and tell the parent how to be a parent, which is not the roll of a school. The staff approach to most issues is for the parent to conform or leave. If a student is outside of normal, the school does little to assist. They lack discipline and do not address known behavioral issues at the school. As a whole, they do not accel above grade level. If you want a daycare, you might consider this place, if you want an education for your child, find somewhere that is really concerned about your child. And I do find it funny that teachers are claiming how great the school is after honest reviews from parents, the one that have nothing to gain if you dont choose class academy.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a teacher at CLASS Academy for the past 7 years. I hold a Bachelor's degree in History and Art History and a Master's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education. I currently teach the 6-8th grade curriculum at our school. The ages in my class range from 9-12 years of age. I am very fortunate as a teacher at CLASS to be able to work with such incredible students and families. My students ARE several years advanced in their curriculum instruction. They consistently score in the 95th-99th percentile when taking such tests as the SSAT and have been invited to exclusive summer camps held by John Hopkins University due to these scores. As an educator at our school I am fortunate to work with small class sizes of approximately 15 students, provide a hands on and creative approach to teaching that aligns with both State and National Standards, and to continually encourage my students to think critically in their studies. I also enjoy providing them with opportunities to fund raise and help in their community.
—Submitted by a teacher

We recently removed our children from Class Academy for a variety of reasons. The main reason, however, is that as a parent you either like the school or you greatly DISLIKE the school. Per a recent review of the school, how can a student be completing the 8th grade at the age of ten when the school only goes to the 7th grade and a ten year old should be in the 5th grade - hmmm? Class Academy spends a lot of time convincing parents that their student(s) is/are academically advanced, but reality is that when they go to any other school, including a public school, they will be properly tested and shown to be either at grade level or one to two years BEHIND! We are pleased to have moved on. Select this school only after very careful observation. Most parents keep their children at Class Academy because they need the childcare since the school offers an extended day before and after school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child,10 yrs, has been at this school since PK and is now finishing the 8th grade. The school lives up to the reputation of advanced scores and placements for students. It has been one the best experiences for my child academically and socially. The staff is supportive, caring and dedicated which inspires students to perform at a higher level. We are extremely fortunate that the core staff remain at the school for long periods, create continuity and set high standards for achievement. The students here are polite, thoughtful and intellectually curious. Children are challenged on daily basis to think about logic, cause and effect and how any learning is applied in the real world. They participate in volunteer efforts, meet the community and understand that they are citizens of the world. I appreciate that diversity is celebrated. I remember when my child came home showing off yoga poses learned between class breaks which re-energized bodies and mind to focus. Many schools can teach the basics however Class Academy sparks the passion for learning for lifetime. There is so much a child needs beyond the ABCs and that is why I know every year spent at Class Academy is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers at this school are wonderful; some are not. You find that anywhere. What you also find at this school is a principal lacking flexibility to work with students with special needs. The principal is unwilling to work with families that question anything in "her school" and unlike public school, you can either take it or leave it. The school is not required to give your child an appropriate education, even though you pay for it. If you've got a great kid that fits the mold, you may enjoy this school. If you've got a great kid that doesn't fit the mold, suggest you look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent