Blair Christian Academy

BCA is , the worst school to ever send your child/children to ! The lunch has mold on it , the teachers are mean as ever , the principle has a Benz && a nice big house but can't afford to pay for the holes in the ceiling in the girls bathroom! Like Dr.Jenkins need to go sit her old self down somewhere like bye girl! And her own grand kids dont even like the school ! I truthfully see BCA closing within the next 2-4 years!
—Submitted by a parent

I am amazed daily at the progress my niece has made. She has been at BCA since she was a toddler, and she is now going to 1st grade. She is currently beyond a 1st grade reading level. What was even more amazing was listening to a PK4 student read a poem and student address at the graduation ceremony. It it is a small community, but there are many opportunities for students to get involved. She participated in Glee Club and Praise Dance. Next year, she is going to join the Chess Club. I just got an email about an upcoming Fishing Trip for families. They also have a Summer Camp and she is having a ball!
—Submitted by a parent

We enrolled our son at BCA. We were sceptical at first with the reviews. We know a few people who sent their children to this school and were very pleased. They did say that it is too much fundraising. We can say that we are pleased with the progress our son has made. He's eager to learn and has learned alot. He entered in kindergarten and will be going to the 1st grade in the fall. The fundraising is a pain but I attended catholic school and they were the same. My son had a great teacher.for people who say it is pricey, you have to understand that each child gets their own workbooks and do not have to have their work photocopied. The class sizes are small so you child can get individualized attention. If your child is struggling they bring in resources to keep your child on track. We are very happy that we did choose BCA. We have never experienced staff being rude. Child success is both the responsibility of parent/teacher. When you work together you will be able to get the upper hand of your childs strengths and weaknesses.
—Submitted by a parent

Disciple and discipline have the same letters, but the teachers at Blair do not practice their duty with the small number of students that they have in the upper grades. The other reviews that you read here are true. The preschool and elementary program is adequate- middle school- a waste of your hard earned money and high school does not exist. Your child will require tutoring if he/she has no other training in the subjects. Parents have complained that their children's standardized test scores are dropping. Most of the staff and admin. are well meaning, but that won't help your kid. You would hope that you could find a school that supports and truly guides your child's academic and spiritual development, but sadly, you won't find it there.
—Submitted by a parent

I wish I had known about these reviews prior to sending my child to Blair Christian Academy (BCA). If you are considering spending an astronomical amount of money on a private school education for your child, or children, DO NOT waste it on BCA. For the past 3 years I have witnessed this school decline in leadership and academics. How can children test poorly on standardized tests when there are only a handful of students in each class? The teachers are not doing what we are paying them to do; providing a private school education. The leadership is horrible. The principal needs to understand the meaning of Christianity. If your kid makes one mistake beware because it is one strike and detention. There are no grounds for forgiveness or second chances. HORRIBLE!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Before my toddler attended BCA she was barely speaking. Going into her second year, not only is she speaking clearly but speaking in spanish as well. There is no 'perfect' place on this earth. There are some issues with teacher turn over but I found, by asking, that those decision are not administrative acts. Teachers come and go as, they feel. Building grounds have not been an issue for us. When we have had a concern we address it and wait for follow-up. My daughter love her teacher and her classmates. We are very pleased with her growth mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We continue to pray for God's best for BCA.
—Submitted by a parent

Well, Well, Well. What can you say about Blaire except that my husband and I found it be a big disappointment for our son. The administrators were horrible this pass school year unless you were thier favorites (attend their church). My son's teacher was excellent, that's the only positive thing we can say at this point. I wish Blair the best and hope parents do their research before choosing this school. If you can speak with the administrators, what good is it. Shame on them. Maybe I should have contacted 'Shame on you'. Dissapointment parents who spend too much money this school year for thier nosense. Our son is moving on and I hope a lot of other parents follow suit.
—Submitted by a parent

I wonder about a school that is always fund raising and there are no details as to how the money will benefit the school. Also, when you owe the school money they hound you over every penny. However, when they owe you money they avoid you and try to find reason's to keep it. This school is not worth the money or aggravation. Also, check their curriculum and compare it to the school board standards. They are not as academically sound as they think.

Who came up with the idea to treat parents like they don't matter when they pay the tuition that is needed to keep their business going. The teachers are dedicated and some of the administration can be pleasant at times but they have their favorites. The curriculum is so so and you may find a Charter School or Public that is more academically sound. We pray that the school realizes that they need ti improve on their public relations, academics and facilities.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe every child is different. My two boys have excelled at this school. They are both still in Pre-K and their teachers are wonderful, caring individuals. Yes the tuition is pricey and so are the 'fees' but I must say this sacrifice is paying off. My kids know Spanish, can recite scriptures, and their handwriting I think is amazingly for their age. It does help when the parents work with their children prior to and during their time here. The learning does not end in school. Taking the time to review what was taught that day helps to reinforce their knowledge. Now, there are some things that bother me from time to time but what place doesn't. You just have to look at the Pros and Cons and decide what is best for your child. Overall, I am very pleased with the school, their curriculum and the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

If I knew in the beginning what I know now about Blair, my son would have never gone here. The teacher was great but that's about it. They nickle and dime you for everything like they want you to pay their bills. I think the tuition is high as it is. Some of the staff attitutes is terrible; not the way to be if your working for the lord. My child will not be back, shame on them. A Very Dissapointed parent
—Submitted by a parent

Blair was so wrong for my son. When we went to visit the school I was very impressed until he got in the first grade. He could hardly read and he was very behind in Math. There were a number of days the heat did not work or all of the children did not eat the same lunch because they ran out. I pulled him out in the middle of the school year. That was the best thing I could have ever did. He is doing amazing in a new Christian School.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend Blair to any family. The cons definitely outway the pros. As a private school, the curriculum and the programs are inadequate. When I removed my child from Blair, there was much catching up to do. When I tried to address these issues with the administration including the facilities, heat issues, and cleaning issues. These concerns were never addressed. After multiple Go to the facility unannounced, you never know what you may find. There may be leaking ceilings or no heat. There has been one time too may seeing the students trying to work in their coats. This is a private school. With paying this kind of tuition, I expect to get what I am paying for. Do your homework. Don't be fooled by the name of the school. I encourage you to look at other school to see what a private school should offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended blair four years ago and I was not parpared for college at all. I had to take basic mat and english classes because my SAT's score were too low. While at blair i didnt have a real science lab experiment so my freshman year I was in for a shock I had four history teachers in four years. My younger sister was going to go to blair but my parents have decided not to send her there which is a wise decision. The school needs a new principal with good leadership skills and stop hiring just anyone to teach at Blair.
—Submitted by a student

When my children's school closed four years ago, my husband and I thought we'd never find another Christian School that would meet the children's academic and spiritual needs. We visited two other schools and as soon as we opened the doors to Blair Christian Academy, we knew that we had found the school that we were searching for. The staff really cares for the child as a whole, physically, academically, and spiritually. You really are treated like 'family'. The curriculum is challenging and the benefits of such have been rewarding. I am constantly asked 'Where do your children attend school'? Hats off to the staff and administrators of Blair Christian Academy for providing a safe and caring environment that the students can truly call 'home'.
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership in this school has set high standards for academics and behavior. Staff members are accessible to parents and always respond to their concerns. Teachers have established high expectations for academics and behavior. They are organized and have a clear plan for what they want students to learn. They know their subject matter, and they use multiple teaching strategies to reach all students. They give regular feedback to students and they communicate openly and clearly with parents. Several school-wide events and classroom projects are planned yearly and a large percentage of parents attend these school functions. Discipline procedures are clear and are carried out consistently. Parents & students feel safe when they are dropped off at school. I am a teacher in the Philadelphia public school system and I find that this school is meeting my child's needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend Blair Christian Academy for any child above the fifth Grade. I was very disappointed with Blair and the poor education that my child received. There is a high turnover of teachers. The Administration is terrible! Don't do it to yourself and especially don't do it to your child. Do not send your child to this school! Any parent who knows anything about education will be greatly disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not send my child to Blair Christian Academy. The Administration is not readily available to discuss problems/issues,and the educational program needs major improvement. At Blair they ration almost everything, causing one to wonder what they are doing with the $6,000 annual tuition fees. There is a lack of parental involvement. Your money would be better spent elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Blair Christian Academy overall is not a very good school. Every year there are new teachers. Some teachers even leave during the school year. They focus on students that are doing well. The program that is set up is not good. Children are well behind at least one to two grades. teachers and the price you pay, you would think that the teachers are excellent. To sum it up I would not send my child at Blair.
—Submitted by a parent

I had my child at Blair from Kindergarten into elementary. When my child transferred into public school she was woefully behind! I am disappointed because she excelled at Blair -- so I'm not sure how the academics stand up to larger schools and more competitive school districts. Also, I am constantly asked for fees and payment that I gave a few months ago. High teacher turnover and there's almost no students in the upper grades.
—Submitted by a parent