ACE Academy

Electives:Span,Art,Music,& Latin could use overhaul. Children r not challenged here(seen it 1st hand). Admin. needs 2 do better job of hiring qualified instructors & not rely 2 much on parent-teach with minimal/no teaching exper in electives. *No director -'Administration' is trying 2 run a school on less than PT directing. A FULL-TIME director would solve diciplinary issues, lack of communication, class scheduling, placement, & financial issues. No director running the office for 90% of the day (recently a sec answers phone) * lack of communication when it comes 2 subj matter taught, overall news with the school & it's goings on, field-trips tend 2 spring up suddenly, some changes r made & parents rarely know. -- Parents willing 2 help w/time & $, can't rely on that 4ever. Admin is well intended but we need more than good intentions & it isn't going 2 happen w/out qualified director. Tuit 10K+
—Submitted by a parent

The sales talk is great but the reality is that the school has a very stressed environment. The administration doesn't know what they are doing, and it is obvious from their dealings with parents. There is a tendency to blame the children for incompetence that really lies with the school. The parents accept substandard education for a high price -- mostly because they are convinced that no other environment will work for their gifted child. The ramification is a lot of gossiping, complaining, and frustration. Not a nurturing environment at all.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid has been at this school for the past two years and overall, we love it. There is individualization of curricula, but there is still some grouping present. Spanish has been a disappointment, but Math and Language Arts have been great! The directors are receptive to feedback and have recently introduced Latin, which has been well received. Science was off to a slow start, but has picked up speed lately. Negatives: Number of kids is still low, so choice of company is limited. Similarly, the discipline can improve a little bit as well, though I am not a believer in over-discipline.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student I have found this school excellent in terms of academics, but the choice of company has been a disappointment. Some of my classmates are disruptive not only during break but during class hrs too, although there is rarely inappropriate conversation. All of my teachers are understanding of me and have good teaching methods. As I love challenges, I get them in almost every class except Spanish. The Friday Latin class is challenging, fun, and informative. In my opinion, my algebra, science, and LA teacher are super! Overall, Ace has been a huge improvement over my previous school, and has played a significant role in my education
—Submitted by a student

My gifted preschooler is thriving at ACE Academy. These children are innately driven and intensely curious - qualities that can lead to great success, but also to profound isolation and stress. ACE works hard to nurture the whole child - academically, as well as social and emotionally - so that the students can feel secure to explore, risk, and thrive. As in any start-up environment, flexibility and patience are required of all involved - parents, teachers, and students alike - as ACE continues to establish itself as a vigorous and positive community for the gifted learner.
—Submitted by a parent

My pre-schooler has been very happy at ACE. The co-founders have a great idea and are striving to meet the needs of gifted kids. It is a daunting challenge to start a new school, and gifted kids are a demanding group.
—Submitted by a parent

I too have 2 children attending this school (pre-K and kindergarten) and have been a very active volunteer in the class rooms. The children are amazing, the teachers are phenomenal and inspiring, and the environment for learning is wonderful. There may not be homework given in pre-K aside from nightly reading, but I find that to be age-appropriate. They will get homework for the next 12 years, I don't believe it is needed at age 4. These children are bright and absorb like sponges, they don't need to be drilled at such young ages. We are very happy with the sense of community and the dedication by staff, administration and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Please do not let the negative reviews posted here influence your perception of ACE. (You can easily judge for yourself by attending an information session held on the second Wednesday of each month.) We have children at the school and could not be more pleased with the staff and curriculum. Obviously this will not be a perfect fit for all, especially those wanting a rigid structure with a heavy workload. ACE offers a traditional teaching approach in a nurturing environment. It is dedicated to a broad-based curriculum that appeals to a child's natural curiosity and fascination.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not just for gifted children. As it said on its web site, it's for high-achiving students. So, don't think it's for gifted only. I have 2 kids in this school. My older child is tested gifted, but the younger one is not quite, school accepted both of them. As a parent, I appreciate School gives me the convenience to drive to one school instead of having to drive to 2 separate schools for 2 kids. Over all, this school is ok. The pre-k is very much like a regular pre-k you would think, not much work to no work. But the kinder class does give some work at school. Tuition is a bit high, that's the bad side of it. Another negitive is the gender: the entire school is mostly boys.
—Submitted by a parent

Kids are out of control most of the time during the day. No classroom rules what so ever. Lack of experience is a main problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has been attending ACE for two years now and it has been a fantastic experience for him and for us. The faculty is really committed to these students growing both academically and emotionally.
—Submitted by a parent