Russell Byers Charter School

I love this school. I have had a son who graduated from this school and is doing well in high school. They actually helped him get into his new school after graduation and they keep up with how he is doing by offering workshops and other activities for graduates. I have another son who has attended since 4k and is now in 1st grade. I think the school has made great efforts with changing administration, they have a new academic curriculum in place, and so far the teachers have been consistant with teaching methods. No lack of communication, I have nothing bad to say about the three teachers my son has had. The administration is friendly and you can tell they care about the kid's well being. It is a beautiful, safe environment. My son has a health issue and they have a fulltime nurse on site, who is wonderful with him if he needs her. They offer afterschool programs to help students. I have no doubt in my mind that they will be where they need to be as far as the standardized tests because they are working hard on this goal. Parents can be as involved as they would like, they have an open door policy there. Great shool, but it's hard to get your child in because of so many applicants
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is heading into her 2nd yr @ RBCS and thus far I am satisfied with the success in the classroom. There is no lack of communication here. There's a calendar given at the beginning of the school yr and they stick to it. Parent participation has been excellent as well. The HSA added creative fund raisers and made it easier for other parent to be involved in ways they may not have otherwise been able to be. THANK YOU!!
--Submitted by a parent

Since attedning Russell Byers my children reading has improved beyond my belief. They love school and always come home telling me something they have learned. Both of my children have had the same 4k teacher who has been there for years and he is an excellent teacher. My child is learning to play the violin, learning Spanish and learning Mandarin. I do not believe my child would have learned or been exposed to so much in another school. I was fearful when my children became school aged because the schools in Philadelphia are not great but I feel blessed that I have found Russell Byers.
--Submitted by a parent

I can not believe the rating. RBCS is an excellent school. My sons are reading above their grade level. My only complaint is lack of commitment ( going through three principles in four years).
--Submitted by a parent

RBCS needs a major "OVERHAUL". This school has not made AYP that I know of in the last 4 years. The school keeps losing teachers and changing administration. The students at this school deserve better. It will be twice as hard for the children at RBCS if the school does not make their teachers and staff accountable for students success especially on the standardized test. A's and B's in the classroom are so so, but what matters in choosing middle and high schools are their PSSA scores. Don't be fooled, make the school accountable. That's saying it lightly!
--Submitted by a parent

Iam a single working mother who has 2 children who attend the school. Which make it difficult for me to be involved like I would like to be. I must admit that since Mr. El resigned the school has not been the same. My oldest is graduating this month and has been an active chess Player. Mr. EL made sure that things were done right and in a timely matter. The staff is not as accurate as they once were. I must admit that this has affected my outlook on the school overall. I am now looking for another school for my younger child to attend. I wish the school much luck and hope that it gets back to where it use to be.
--Submitted by a parent

One concern about the school is the PSSA scores. The school talks about making AYP, but they are not making AYP outright. They are making AYP through Growth Model, Confidence Intervals and Safe Harbor. (http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c51/4/7677) The Growth Model will be applied to an AYP Performance Target only if the target cohort has not met AYP performance by any of the existing six (6) provisions.)
--Submitted by a parent

No parental involvement? Speak for yourself. There is a large grourp of active parents which form the HSA and we dedicate countless hours to making our children's school experience a meaningful one. I agree, communication can be better, and I think there has been improvement made in that area. But please do not insult those parents who are at the school, day in and day out, organizing events and coordinating outreach with the community. You are doing everyone a disservice by reporting inaccurate facts about this wonderful school you are so fortunate to be a part of.
--Submitted by a parent

The building is fantastic and I've always like the expeditionary learning curriculum. The teachers are dedicated and some of the nicest people I've ever met. The administration seems to be lacking a strong director and it shows in the lack of communication. There is virtually no parental involvement in the school and the PTA is a joke. We also would have liked to see more diversity, economically and socially at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been with the school 4 yrs now. I am an involved parent towards HSA, and my children's education. I make the most out of the school. My sons are reading as much as 3 grade levels above where they are as reviewed in private testing. Math they are on par. I work with them though. I believe it's a paren'ts job to nurture what the teachers' teach. It's a shame people don't take advantage of the opportunity we have at the school and contribute their 30 said volunteer hrs a year. HSA would achieve more. I put blame where it needs to be. If my child forgets to bring home homework it's not the school's fault. Their 4k team creates a strong platform for further education. Open communication with teachers/ and being active is KEY given any learning establishment. Our Chess club placed 9th nationally last week.
--Submitted by a parent