Chaparral Star Academy

Good school. Students are only limited by their own initiative and motivation. ISDs do not compare.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is doing so well at Star. I've watched Star grow for the past 10 years and have to say, it is better now than it has ever been. It seems the only people unhappy with Star are the ones who fail to realize that Star is simply not for everyone. It's a demanding school suited for serious students. Any struggling student is better off at a school that does not have such a rigorous model. For students and families looking for a college prep academy, look no further than Chaparral Star Academy. I'm so glad Star has an administration interested in consistent improvement and professionalism.
--Submitted by a parent

I am happy to see that I am not the only parent who is disappointed in Star. My 3 children have been there for many years and it was once a great place to be. Still, there are some fantastic teachers that have really made a great impact on their lives. However, many of the other teachers and staff, including the principal, are lacking in compassion as well as education. It is evident that not all business majors make great teachers! Also I noticed comments regarding teacher's temperments. It's very true. Some of them should not be teaching children. Since it is publicly funded, they are required to fulfill certain obligations legally, such as Section 504, which they do not. This will be our last year, thankfully only a week away.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter came from another Charter School. We LOVE Star. The teachers are amazing, loving and committed. Both Mrs. Hagin (the Principal) and Mr. Barnett (the Asst. Principal) are dedicated to the school the represent and the students. They are both outside during drop-off and pick-up supervising the students they care so much about. You can actually tell by the way they "protect" the children crossing the parking lot that the children are their priority. The teachers are just as wonderful as the administrative staff. I honestly can't say one bad thing about the school, the principals or the staff. Highly recommend. Students are encouraged to go above and beyond. WONDERFUL!!
--Submitted by a parent

There are some great advantages being at Star - small class sizes, K-12th grade curriculum, very involved parents, and a few amazing teachers. It's a great school for parents who can put forth the amount of time needed to help their student(s) with homework, etc because that is the only way for a child to be successful at this school. However, the atmosphere is less than desirable. The many involved parents are entitled and demanding and, among the teachers, there are very few who go above and beyond what they consider their "duties" to students (in other words not many "invested" teachers), especially among the much younger grade levels. It's a disconnected feeling you notice when you are there but a place great for that homeschooling family looking for a little more. Just don't expect to be "wow"ed - other than with the new school building.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughters have been attending Star Charter School for 4 years. We love Mr. Simon and Mrs. Richardson. They have been very instrumental in my girls learning. I hope to see my kids graduate from SCS in the future. I hope they NEVER open up the class sizes, because that is where things will change.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent that just enrolled my child in star (he was previously homeschooled). I found that I really enjoyed the feel and friendliness of the campus when we visited. You don't feel the need to dress your child in expensive clothes in order to fit in. The school is exemplary, but my son has been far ahead academically so we do supplement at home. So far it has been an enjoyable experience and we love the afternoon session.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been highly disappointed in this school so far this year. We will not be sending our son here next year. I am not even sure if we will continue until the end of this year.
--Submitted by a parent

Star is great for challenging yourself. If you know you need harder classes, or just want to try to better your education then Star is the place for you.
--Submitted by a student

Star is an educational gem, which allows teachers to teach the students instead of just drilling them with TAKS test items. The faculty is happy, which is a great sign of 'strong bones'. The administration, captained by a wonderful Texas dynamo, has injected integrity and professionalism into a wonderful learning community that lacked strong leadership in the past. The campus, which will soon be moving to a new building, promotes a small, close-knit community of learners. The students are respectful and hard-working. Teachers are kind, supportive, and determined to see their students succeed. The only downside is that the current campus is 'less than desirable'. However, the principal demands a secure setting for the students, leaving me confident that my children are in good hands. A brand-new school building is in the works and should open by next fall. Star's TEA 'Exemplary' rating speaks for itself.
--Submitted by a parent