Avon Grove CS

My 2 sons began AGCS in kindergarten and have thrived in this environment. Education seems very team-based, with an incredibly talented group of teachers leading and managing very personalized experiences for each student. Dr. Brady has demonstrated a MacGyver-esque talent, saving the planet with 2 popsicle sticks and a strip of duct tape: the facilities are old and crude, but the classrooms have smart boards and the academics are advanced. Arts are still embraced, as are environmental sciences. AGCS is essentially a private school education in a brown paper bag, deserving of a much better ranking than the 6. I imagine it's the quality of the building and lack of on-site sports programs that spare those extra stars.
—Submitted by a parent

I can only speak from my experience, but my child is in his second year at AGCS and loves it. He recently mentioned that someone in his class was going back to their old school and he said "Why would anyone ever want to leave here?" I love the sense of inclusion and acceptance at the school. I love that my emails are responded to, and concerns are addressed very quickly. I paid less for school supplies this year than I have in years, but really, school supplies are just something we have to accept no matter where our kids go to school, at least in my experience. I don't know what the teachers are paid, but I do know that all the teachers I've encountered there are excited to teach. I sense the enthusiasm in the halls, and I take notice of how many kids are actually smiling and engaged. Walking down the hallways of my son's old school I sensed apathy from the staff, and saw a bunch of sad-faced (or blank staring) kids. For us, AGCS has been a blessing.. Worry about our kids has kept us all up at night one time or another. We've all been there. For any of you who didn't like AGCS, I wish you only the best in finding the best place for your kids to be happy and prosper.
—Submitted by a parent

Not enough room; will be brief. Previous reviewer was so factually incorrect I had to write. The "Gifted" program is still going; my daughter is on it. The school is out-performing the state, I checked. Never heard bad language in school. It is the most friendly, family oriented school & was mentioned in NY Times for its policy of inclusion. School has never promoted itself as sports-strong, one visit to campus would make that obvious. All students are entitled to use sports facilities of sending school district & Av Grove has excellent facilities a stones throw away. The Guidance Dept is excellent; always responds promptly to emails & a room of specialists meet with me regularly with sole intent of helping my son thrive. Lunches have been greatly praised; entree includes as many healthy sides as wanted but if your child wants double helping of burger then yes...pay! School has never asked parents to pay for text books. The buy-to-own instrument program is standard in local schools & run by o/s company. New parts of school DOES have air con; main building is OLD! Long bus rides are fault of sending District who won't honor their financial or safety obligation to AGCS students .
—Submitted by a parent

. Poor communication with teachers compared to original district, Kids will say "F/U" behind teacher's backs (they didn't do this at their regular school). Kids have to both order 2 lunches. I spent $400 on books and supplies versus 1/4 that at their original school. "Gifted" program is absent (my kids were in it but communication to continue at AGCS resulted in nothing). Emails to guidance counselor never answered. I've had enough, so I moved them back out. Waste of time and money (they used more little notebooks, binders and dividers than my university and they dictate the colors preventing you from reusing them)!. They do more with less money because the parents foot a hefty bill for ridiculous schools upplies, charging you for their agenda (as high as my taxes are, kids should show up in a limo)! I'm disappointed and frustrated for wasting my time at AGCS purported to be "charter" but substandard, incapable of continuing gifted program, no continuity and they wanted $1000 for a band instrument (free at their old school). I do not recommend this school. TO date, guidance counselor has not responded to emails and calls so they're done as of today.
—Submitted by a parent

Overcrowded school with inadequate playground (a hundred kids, 2 swings, 1 slide)? No wonder they're under budget! 10 trailers for classes and no room for sports anywhere! My son had 2 study halls and a 1hr 40 minute commute (20 minutes if we drove him). My daughter has made 3 friends. Both kids say the swearing and language is a real problem not tolerated at Octorara. Guidance counselors never respond, school nurse sends my son (with a temperature) to the therapist when he had the FLU! I'm underwhelmed! POOR< POOR< POOR communication. Octorara emails answered same day, Avon grove 3 weeks, 4 resent emails and calls and NOT A SINGLE RESPONSE! Make your kids lunch-both our kids are small but were starving. I'm not happy, they will not be returning next year. So many kids they can't teach classes daily like real schools, the trailers are packed and NO AIR CONDITIONING AT ALL!
—Submitted by a parent

Avon grove is performing lower than the state and far lower than surrounding school districts. Check for yourself and look at the statistics and meeting minutes of AGCS to see what's really going on. It appears the raises the teachers keep getting are not passing student monies on to the students. This is 2012 and they don't even have air conditioning! This isn't 1944 Biloxi, this is PA! Check for yourself! This is an under performing charter school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my ninth year going to this school. In Elementary school I really liked my experience here, but in the middle school I feel that I am missing out. There are no sports teams at the school besides ultimate frisbee club. We have one soccer feild that is only used in gym class and some extra feild space, yet none of it is used. There are lots of activities besides sports, but the school is lacking physical education. The gym teachers are great, but they don't challenge the students at all.

My son has been in this school since first grade and I like how it is family oriented. They have various activities that parents can participate. I also like how the school is not just concentrating on academics but also on application of the theories. My only concern is the yearly shuffling of students. My son loses friends every year when he is moved to a different group of students.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of 2 early elementary students, I would double the star count to 10. The AGCS is child-centered and driven to the core, and the teachers and support staff have been tireless advocates for providing the BEST opportunties for success for both of my kids. I am beyond pleased with their open home-school communication, thematic and multi-sensory educational content, and overall enthusiasm for educating the whole child. God Bless the AGCS!
—Submitted by a parent

Both my 4th & 5th graders started at AGCS as kindergardeners. I was overly impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of Dr. Brady, their principal and how passionate the teachers have been in wanting these children to succeed. We chose the charter school for their celebration of the arts and their hands on approach to learning. My eldest had difficulty in reading and they actually had him read his first year to a little dog to help him relax and boost his confidence. He is now reading a grade level ahead of his peers. Any peer issue that our children have had were immediately handled in the most appropriate way with interventions that benefited everyone in the long run. The only reason I didn't give this school 5 stars is that I think they are lacking in homework. Initially, they both had long term projects but neither of them have had anything significant in the past year. I also feel that if they're struggling in math or reading they should be given additional work to do at home. Both my children are average students.
—Submitted by a parent

I work at this school and love it! I have worked in many different schools but have never been at a school that provides unique acceptance of students (no matter what their differences), and also provides wonderfully individualized instruction (I don't know any other charter school that has always met AYP!!). The Head of School is a strong force of change, and his leadership is so refreshing. This school is young (10 years), and funds are always short, but it is fantastic and a model for other schools. I am proud to work here!
—Submitted by a teacher

my son is doing well in this school. current teacher is great. activities in school are good too.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a great school to send our children to. They will be running the country when we are retired and I want them to be well educated.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at Charter since its inception in 2002, and we've never looked back. My kids' academic abilities are all over the map, but I feel every one of them is getting their needs met. My oldest child started at AGCS in 2nd grade and will now be entering HS in the fall. Money can't buy an education and environment like Charter. We feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful institution.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here and i LOVE IT there is so much offered that most children take advantage of but i love it so much it's the best school i have ever been to and the teachers really care about each and every student for who they are whether they recive bad grades or good grades they care and the way they teach everything hands on is just so much fun!!!
—Submitted by a student

We opted for this school after a horrible experience in the Oxford School District. It was the smartest decision we made regarding education! We have a child in 3rd grade who is now happy to go to school and receiving great grades! Another child is attending the Early Learning Center for AGCS and is also doing great. It is really nice to be associated with a school so dedicated to the children and families is services. We look forward to a long relationship with this school and hope is continues to surpass our expectations. Thank you Dr. Brady, what you are doing is working...at least for us!!
—Submitted by a parent

AGCS changed my daughter's life. She is a very smart and creative, but did not fit in within the public school. She was always teased and made to feel like an outsider. From our first tour of the school, the CEO Dr. Brady made us feel welcome. He is one of the most brilliant men I have ever met and he has a great understanding of kids. He has a background in college teaching in english (i think) but the school website says he did his principal's certification at Drexel. Parents at AGCS love this man.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son started AGCS this past year as a first grader, and we could not have been happier with his education. He was always excited to go to school and really liked the 'caught being good program'. Even though he was in a class with 25 kids, his teacher recognized his academic strengths and challenged him accordingly. We are excited about the new learning center that will open up this Fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Nothing but good things to say about this school. My daughter had a wonderful first year there. It's not just the teachers or principal that make this school great. It's this intangible spirit that runs through everyone associated with the school. I couldn't ask for a better educational atmosphere for my children.7
—Submitted by a parent

We have only had one year at AGCS but could not have been happier with our child's education. Surpassed our goals ten-fold. We are looking forward to another great year there.
—Submitted by a parent