Mount Juliet Christian Academy

We had children in MJCA for 7 years. I assumed MJCA had improved, however, last week a parent told me about things which led me to believe nothing much has changed. They fired their Bible teacher and replaced her with coaches teaching the Bible. So much for the Bible being important. The school has more sports per capita than other schools. The profanity of the football staff is inexcusable, but tolerated by the administration and parents. Just for fun, google TSSAA for score history. There was always mindless gossip and drama among the moms who loitered after the day started. Moms, please go home! It's all economics. With such a thin profit margin, if people threaten to withdraw their kids, they win, and the teacher that may be doing a good job has to go. At contract time no reason is given, the contract is just not renewed. Goal: appease parents to stay employed. The Christian element was strong in the elementary school, but lacking in secondary, or at least not enough to justify the cost. We didn't leave in anger, we just didn't see benefits of staying. We disliked the messy classrooms and unstable atmosphere. "Modest tuition" means "We don't pay our teachers well."

My son is in the 12th grade at MJCA and have read all the posts. This is his first year. My son has been in a few private schools in Nashville and Colorado. In his 7th and 8th grade he was in a private school Evergreen, CO. with a teacher-student ration of 4-1 and significantly more expensive than MJCA. 9th through 11th we attended a school in Brentwood which was a lot less expensive than 7th and 8th grade. But still 4x times the cost of MJCA. We are very happy at MJCA. We are getting the same education that I received when I was in public school in Nashville graduating in 1975. It is a hidden tax in allowing our children to have educators that care, to be semi-crime free, and not to have the overhead of the public school system. It was not by price, but be choice, that we enter MJCA in his senior year. For the nay-sayers with the lower scores in rating the school. If you are a parent then be a parent. It is not up to MJCA to install values in our children or be responsible for poor performance. This is our responsibility. If you are the students then get real. MJCA provides you a great opportunity. Take advantage of this and study your butts off.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will begin 2nd grade at MJCA in a few weeks. She has attended MJCA since pre K. Her grades are perfect. I should be happy right? Well, ask her to do some 1st grade math and she nearly falls apart. She has no idea how to read a clock. Oh, and she has a severe speech impediment that not a single teacher brought to our attention. So you may ask, why do I continue to send her here? Her mom and I are not together, and her mom makes the decision.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at this school for almost 9 years.The education is pretty good but at some times I feel there could be more spiritual/relegion things involvded. And to be honest,yes I agree,parents are involved WAY to much and sometimes it gives others advantages. But they are involved MORE in elementary then any other.For people who are saying many kids are overlooked. Trust me with the new principle,they are NOT overlooked.Most are excellent teachers. For the review about her child getting be-wittled in 2nd grade, Im aware of what teacher she is talking about,I have been her student.Trust me she isnt nearly as bad as a past 4th grade teacher, who picked a kid up and thrust him against a wall.I was there. She was fired,if they're not already fired,then they're not doing to much wrong. I learned math 3 grades above my level. That shows you how good and advanced this education is.

Mt. Juliet Christian Academy has some great teachers who are all very qualified and care about their students. Like any other place, MJCA is not perfect. However, despite the various weaknesses of a small school such as MJCA, our children have scored post high school levels on standardized achievement tests in late elementary school, have scored well above average on college entrance exams (in the 30s), have been awarded full scholarships to private colleges, have left MJCA with lifelong friends and most importantly, have received a Christian foundation. We consider it a great value for our money.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to laugh when I read these. I graduated from here a few years ago and I can tell you that while I liked it Ok, I was not prepared for college. Also, as far as "ten percent having an ACT score of 30 or better", well that is 3 kids and when I graduated our score were low. Also if we are going to be honest (and I know that you wonderful "Christians" will be) let's tell the whole story and share that 40% never go or drop out of college, get someone pregnant or get pregnant and still live at home with their parents 10 years later.

The best choice for my high school education. I enjoyed it so much and made some awesome friends! This school has its priorities right, education comes first. They do this by offering a challenging curriculum that has made college a breeze thus far. The new headmaster is awesome as well! Definitely check it out. Being a recent graduate, I can assure you, MJCA impacted my life dramatically.

Mt. Juliet Christian Academy is one of the finest schools in Middle Tennessee. The teachers truly care. This year's senior class had over 10% of its students score in the 30's on the ACT. You can graduate from high school with 36 college credits. Yes, you can go to college as a sophomore if you take advantage of the opportunities provided at MJCA. MJCA also offers competitive sports, drama, fine arts, and much more. Please listen to the facts, and ignore people that have an ax to grind. God has blessed this great school. Come and be a part of this family.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student at MJCA. I have no intention of ever leaving this great school! The education is very strong (which is proven by the better than 10% of the seniors scoring in the 30's on their ACT this year). MJCA also provides many opportunities for their students. Whether it is music, fine arts, athletics or student leadership groups, MJCA has it. I would encourage any parent to give MJCA a good look.
—Submitted by a parent

The people at this school (parents and staff) live in a fantasy world. They think that MJCA is some sort of utopia and believe me, it is severely flawed. Curriculum is dated, mediocre and bland. Teachers are unqualified and most are not state certified (look your child's teacher up on the Dept of Ed website).A friend summed it up perfectly ....This school is not "excellent" at anything. There is no quest for excellence, because of the "everyone is a winner" mentality. For example: EVERYONE makes the cheer squad, soccer, team etc...there are no real tryouts. If you can stand, you can participate. With this philosophy, why would anyone try harder or push themselves. This is why they have the worst athletic teams in the STATE. Look closely before choosing this school. ACT scores are LOWER than the public schools. Get the facts.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, my child's education and spiritual growth is the most important thing to me. We have attended Mt Juliet Christian Academy for 5 years. Every teacher that has crossed our path has been excellent! We both work in order to provide the income to pay for this school. We have not been on a vacation in 3 years so we can keep our child here. We have gotten more on the return of our tuition than we have paid! This is where you want your child to be due to teacher quality, princial leadership and parental involvement!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was damaged by the teachers at this school. She attended k-2nd grade and each year got worse. Her second grade teacher belittled kids, screamed, threw books and my daughtewr even saw her hit a child with a ruler. I went to the Principal over and over and I know that other parents did too. As far as I know this teacher is still there. My daughter is in middle school now (at another school) and she STILL tells me things that happened in that classroom that are hard to believe. Please ask othersthe community about this school before plputting your child here. It is one of my greatest regrets.
—Submitted by a parent

I did not listen to the negative things I had heard about this school. I went with it for covenience and a christian atmosphere. I now know why I got that "strange look" when I told people where I was sending my child. It has a reputation in the educational community as a second rate school with poor leadership and pathetic athletics and I understand why. We were there for one year of high school and I saw the light....quickly.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! Teachers are top notch, the curriculum is challenging, and the administration is always available and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

second rate...at best. I taught here for one year and could not believe the unethical things I witnessed. Parents run the school, certain kids get priveleges while others don't. I saw grades changed and behaviors overlooked. It was unbelievable...and as far as being ahead of the public schools? what a joke.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children loved this school! What a warm and welcoming environment, where the love of Christ is exhibited by administration, faculty, parents, and other students. My sons received an outstanding education while there. In addition, the athletic programs are second to none for a school this size. If we had it to do over, we'd pick MJCA again!
—Submitted by a parent

WONDERFUL SCHOOL!!! Our three children have been at MJCA since kindergarten and are now middle and high school age. We feel that we have received great value for our tuition dollars over the years. We love the warm, family atmosphere and the fact that our children are excelling academically and athletically at MJCA. Our twelve year old daughter, under the Duke Tip Program, scored 15 on the ACT test as a seventh grader, without having any high school courses, which speaks for the education she is receiving. She also begin taking high school courses in eighth grade. Spiritually, our children are being taught by dedicated, caring teachers who are leading and teaching by example. We are so happy at MJCA and would do it all over again!
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough about this school! It has been a complete and total blessing to my family! I feel that my children are receiving an excellent education along with great opportunities to participate in the arts and athletics. The individualized attention they receive from their teachers is invaluable. I love the fact that MJCA focuses on academics, but also seeks to grow its students spiritually and develop their characters with community service. My kids love MJCA and feel safe there and that is worth it all to us.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at MJCA for 10 years. We feel they have received an excellent education, as well as character development. The school goes above and beyond to make sure each child is given individualized attention. We feel blessed to have our children here.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school who teaches every child as a whole. My children's tests scores are very high, but I feel as though the teachers are teaching my children not to the test. I couldn't think of a more nurturing environment. They will all be well prepared for college and have a great friend base with Christian friends and families. The leadership is seeking to build a top notch school for the community.
—Submitted by a parent