Math Civics and Sciences CS

I am an alumni of MCSCS, I've attended this school from 5th-12th. Grades 5th - 7th I've actually learned something and was able to understand the teachings. It was my later years where the struggle began. The grading methods is VERY POOR! NO child can fail, NO child receives less than a C, regardless if you actually work or not. Throughout my years of attendance, many teachers have tried to encourage me to attend another school. Regretfully, I stayed thinking it was a "Easy A", not realizing I was cheating myself of my very own education. There are plenty of Alumni's who came back for tutoring because they could barely READ! I would recommend this for grades K-4, any grades higher than that, RUN! Education is VERY important, and for the school to be so strict.. most of the teachers aren't qualified teachers. -_-

I am a parent of a current student at MCSCS. I must admit I was a lot more confident in this school during the earlier grades. However now I am starting to doubt the grading system and the lack of technology in the classrooms. A write and wipe board as the only means of teaching? and lets not forget the worksheets of course. My child brought home a text book that was very old and out of date. Ummm........ a little behind the times. My child complains that she can not concentrate in class because the students are misbehaving and the teacher has to constantly stop to correct them. Im not crazy about the idea that she has spent years without recess and there is no curriculum for gym, which is a requirement. Over all I do think it is better than a neighborhood school. However now that she is older I am going to transfer her to a school with better technology, gym equipment, foreign language, updated books, and a more rigorous academic component.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to be a student at this school from the 3rd-10th grade. One thing I can say is if I didn't attend mcscs I would NOT have had the academic skills I needed to succeed in life. I don't know what the other parents leaving reviews for this school are talking about, but I am one of those students who received straights A's but it's because I deserved them. I scored advanced on every pssa, Tera nova and any other state exam and when I transferred to my local public school in the 10th grade, I was way ahead of anyone on my grade and in grades ahead of me. I would only advise this school to get some sort of gym program because it raises health awareness; I joined basketball to fill that void. If your child attends MCSCS and isn't succeeding, my guess is that your child is the problem and maybe public schools would be best!!!

i dont appreciate how ive been in mcscs for 3years and the grading system is very horrible! you dont even have to work to get an A. we have hard working people in our class and people who dont even pick up a pencil. i had to switch schools and now i know my true grades! i love the school i go to now its much better than mcscs. i do not recommend to put your child in this school if you want him or her to succeed! even the teachers are encouraging their students to go to a diffrent school! its very sad!

This school is a disgrace and needs to upgrade its grading policy and academics. My son attended this school from 1st-5th grade and received all A's while attending this school. When I tried to transfer him to another school it was a big hassle. Veronica Joyner had the nerve to indicate that if he leaves he will be able to return. The purpose of the transfer was for that reason alone. It seems as though the were giving out A's like candy. The school even tried to keep him enrolled there by not submitting his transfer paperwork. When he finally attended the new school he was so far behind his fellow class mates that we had to pay for tutoring. If you are trying to find you son/daughter an excellent school to attend, this is NOT it!!!
—Submitted by a parent

If you want your child to be in a safer environment then what is offered in the average neighborhood school, then that is the only advantage to sending them to MCSCS. My son attended from 1st -4th grades. Ms. Joyner keeps order, but she is not the supreme educator that she markets herself to be. The school doesn't really encourage parental involvement. Ms. Joyner told me point blank when I questioned the program, "You are a mother; not an educator." Well, this mother produced a child who was on a 7th grade reading level in 2nd grade and made very little progress while attending MCSCS. I would also be concerned with their grading process. I have rarely met the MSCS student that isn't receiving all A's and B's. From what I have heard from parents who's children have graduated from the High School, the student's aren't given the skills they need to actually succeed in college. They may have high college placement numbers, but a lot of their graduates are flunking out of college in their first year. If I had it to do over again, I would have left my son in the neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am in the 9th grade and i have to say, i hate this school. the only reason why i attend the school is because my dad pushes me to go. The hallways are small . The teachers are o.k but if someone don't understand the work that is handed out, the whole class would have to wait for that one person. This stops the other students from getting thier education. Another reason why i hate the school is because they dont give you your real grades. No one can fail the classes because the cao dosn't believe in leaving a child behind nor giving them low grades.

My daughter is going into the 6th grade at MCSCS and I am proud of what the school has done for daughter elementary years. She's bright and has loads of self esteem. She loves the uniform policy. The strict policies Ms. Joyner has for these students are excellent. However, it seems the longer you've been there the more you seem to be able to get away with bad behavior. Especially with the fact that so many student are related to the staff. On a good side it makes it family orientated. My daughter loves Ms. Joyner and Ms. Joyner loves her too.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended MCSCS for two years. The school served well during those first two years...but the third year was a disaster! The third grade teacher had no control over the class. The owner of the school runs a tight ship... she is very tough and her expectations are high and she likes to brag about her school....but the school's tolerance policy is too strict. They expect your child to have no disciplinary problems the entire 12 yrs. that they are there..even minor incidences. The owner of the school... wants all the teachers to use her teaching method (that she created herself)...which is not used in any other schools. So when my child transferred, learning another new method of math because of the way MCS taught, proved challenging. The school has absolutely NO physical outlet for the children;.no gym or recess. Not even a 15 minute break to let the kids walk around or get some fresh air! The after school program is a joke...its just a babysitting service. The school doesnt even have a library. There is a computer room. The owner's motto is "I will educate them...and you (the parents) can exercise them." Overall...I don't recommend MCSCS.
—Submitted by a parent

This school offers children to really utilize there skills as well as learn new trades that normally they wouldn't experience till 12 th grade I'd going in to college. The Mathematics, Civic and Science Charter School has them in a nice uniform letting them know this is your proper attire in why , because its getting them ready for the corporate world , not to mention they have an academics program for the children free of cost that offer things such as SAT Prep, Writing Club ,Engineering Club, Piano, Pep Squad, Math Club, Charm Club please I could go on in on this school is wonderful . The school has many great programs to offer your child where you will strongly about your child's educational growth they have a no failure policy and free tutoring for any child having difficulty. Just note I could go on in on with the information in the things I've experience so far from my daughter in 2nd grade and my son in the 7th I've never seen them more excited about attending school in there years of education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have done a lot of homework on this school because i knew my grandchildren would be going this year and so far from what ive seen its all that it said it would be in there is only one word for that great.

I have had children attend this school for the lower and the upper grades. This school has taught my children a respect for adults, themselves and their peers. I must admit I am more impressed with the lower school's academic performance, but love the school overall. My children have done exceptional well at this school and the other schools they have moved on to. MCSCS provided our family with a solid base to move on with. Two of my children have attended high school somewhere else, and were disappointed with the behavior that the schools accepted from their peers. Mrs. Joyner would never allow such a thing. They have a standard and expect others to meet it. Thank you MCSCS.
—Submitted by a parent

I would have to agree with the review on May 23rd. I have a child that attends the high school and just recently got back their SAT results. I was shocked to discover that she scored in the lower percentile after attending this 'top charter school' since the 5th grade. I work with my child at home in reading and writing, but the results of the exam do not lie. She can barely get into CCP with that score. So now I have to spend more money for additional tutoring in order for her to succeed. I am extremely disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

It is very sad that a few of you don't have anything positive to say about MCSCS this is one of the best schools in Philadelphia, recognized by both the school district and the state. What did you do as a parent and students to help advance yourself or your children.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a student here and I am a senior. This school is kind of good and kind of bad. In my opinion, I believe that we should be given real grades. I think we don't work for the grade we get. I guess the school overall is okay. I just hate the rules but I'd rather put up with them than be surrounded with violence. Thanks Ms.Joyner
—Submitted by a student

Iam a student at Mcscs and i been there 6 years and i really like it . Iam a junior at this school and iam about to be a senior next year . my teachers and classmates are very nice . Iam been in trouble alot of times but mrs.joyner the CEO really worked with me on my behaivor and other things like that.
—Submitted by a student

I am the parent of a former student of MCSCS. I applaud Ms. Joyner for her efforts as founder and CEO and the accomplishments made thus far. However I would not recommend the school to any parent that is truely concerned about their child's education and future. The academic program is not designed for college bound students. If your goal is to receive a high school diploma then this school could work for you.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my children's first year at MCS, I am very impressed. Their school closed and I was very apprehensive about where to send them, but the small class sizes and the commitment of the Chief Administrator, Principal, and teaching staff, have been extraordinary, and have but all of my concerns to ease. I read the critcism about readiness for college, and I don't think too many Freshman are ready for college (I know I wans't), but the fact that 99% of MCS students go on to college is saying a whole lot. Parents the school can't do everything. MCS, Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has its good and bad like most public schools. I commend the efforts of the teaching staff, however feel that some lack experience and skill that is necessarry for the children to truly thrive educationally. Too many times i am reteaching skills to my children that should have been taught in the classroom. Although tutoring is offered, it appears that the children are left to their own devices instead of reinforcing what skills that need attention. The cheif administrator should also be commended for her efforts, however she can also benefit from a little humbleness and allow for the teachers to be creative in their teaching styles to reach all of the children. Its her way or no way kind of attitude and no acceptance of responsiblility when things are wrong. Not a horrible school , however would recommend that you do research and stay on top of things.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a Granddaughter that graduated from this school in 2007, she was basically an A-B student. But when she attended college she needed a log of remedial help. She basically flunked out the first year. But seem to be doing better in her second year. I don't think she was prepared well.
—Submitted by a parent