Math Civics and Sciences Charter School

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