Imagine International Academy of North Texas

I had great expectations for this school but...I liked it better at my public school. Imagine is tiny and here are small children always running up and down the halls and disturbing class even during the final tests. A bunch of my favorite teachers have moved away and everything is so chaotic all the time. There are no electives except for after school and even then you have to pay a fee! Homework and projects are now taking over my life. I even had to quit several of my extra-curricular activities because of it and still I stay up often until midnight or even later doing homework. The school looked great but they didn't nearly do everything they promised they would at he beginning.

My kids really love the school! It has been a year of ups and downs but it is all finally coming together. There have been some teachers that are extremely rude to parents and to their peers, however we just ignore those teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We were skeptical of a brand new school and of the IB program. After seeing the teachers/staff in action, we have nothing but good things to say! I was just volunteering yesterday and saw kids from the 5th grade math class doing a scavenger hunt around the school (math problems). It's fun to see the kids thinking outside the box. I love that there are only 100 kids in each class. I personally LOVE the volunteer setup at Imagine. I can volunteer at lunch, recess, 2nd recess and for a small reading group....what school can you spend time like this with your children and their peers (most schools you just go in to make copies etc? They recently had a Family Night and it was so much fun. This school has rallied around a little girl with Cancer and to see this has been astounding (being a brand new school). The way they are taking care of this family, you would have thought we have been together for years! It's a great school for us so far.
—Submitted by a parent

I keep reading about the school loosing teachers and being un-organized. All I can say is my kid loves it there and it is the FIRST year this school has been open, I am sure if we had gone to any other school with it being the first year there would have been hiccups too! The school is growing and next year will be so much better!!
—Submitted by a parent

We had great hopes for the school but it has been a big disappointment! The school looks great on paper, but the plans have been poorly executed. Disorganization reigns, and the leadership team is not qualified to run such a complex operation. The director was moved to another position, and there is no principal now. The students are overloaded with an exaggerated amount of homework and projects that consume their lives, and there is lack of resources and support to help them. The school depends too much on parent volunteers for its basic operation and funding. The carpool is chaotic. The building is very small for the amount of students, feels overcrowded and lacks important amenities (dining room, auditorium and real gym.) The library still has very few books. The students have to eat in their classrooms. The playground is very small and confining. There has been big turnover of the staff (teachers quitting in the middle of the school year). To participate in orchestra, sports, cheer, etc. you have to pay a fee. PE class is only once a week! We won't return next year! Public schools in our district offer a much more organized, dynamic and well balanced education for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, they are going through some groeing pains, but my kids have developed that love for learning. we are coming from a private school, but I feel the level at Imagine is superior. The teachers need to be supported. The Spanish program needs more attention in the upper class.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids came from a great school but the IB curriculum & teachers my 2 kids have this year are amazing. Yes there is more homework/projects than before but I've also seen a large leap in their interest in doing their homework. I can see the IB traits being instilled in them & very pleased. I hope this continues to work for us through high school because the overall class size of 100 per grade level is awesome! The school did hit the ground running...and likely made quick decisions. The little teacher turnover we've seen(mostly at the school's choice) has been for the better as the new teachers have stronger qualifications by far. I love their policy on discipline and safety(the school has asked some kids to leave(troubled behavior). Amazing to me what they've accomplished in less than 1 year(great teachers, Perot Museum; Reading Night, Family event at a McKinney Farm, Family Fun Night, Talent Show, Grade Level Dances;etc). I am confident in the school administration & PTO that next year and the years ahead will be even better including athletics and more school programs. My understanding is that they will double the school size this summer(always been the plan)
—Submitted by a parent

The school has been a blessing to our family. My kids are so happy(they were also happy at their old school) but they seem to really enjoy and be excited about learning like they never have before. The former principal is still there her position has changed. She is a specialist on the IB program and she is concentrating on that rather than on the day to day things of running a schoo. A wise move if you asked me. This is defenetly not your typical school and is not for everyone but for us is the answer to our prayers.
—Submitted by a parent

Having a full IB program is extremely appealing. The school hit the ground running to become an IB candidate school and this was very encouraging to see so early on. Class size is 25 (even for the lower grades) which is higher than the state average. This school has been only open for 1/2 a school year, but there has already been high turnover of the staff including the director of the school leaving. This is a concern considering the director was really focused on IB accreditation. Staff retention needs to be an urgent priority. Imagine does not have acreage to expand to a comfortable size and is already overcrowded with the school scheduled to add 300 students in the next 3 years. They will either have to relocate or lower the school population. The board talks about making Imagine a college prep school modeled after schools such as Westlake Academy, but the school unfortunately does not have the funding to see that vision through. Fundraising not been nearly what it needs to even provide some modest extras. No school library yet. They offer enrichment programs which for a fee and meet after school, but there are no athletic teams or clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

Very impressed. Yes as they have had so hiccups with the opening but the staff is amazing and my child LOVES it"
—Submitted by a parent

I do agree,the curriculum is excellent.My daughter was in the Allen ISd,there is no comparison when it comes to academics.The only thing I would like to see is better communication with parents. So far,I am very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Imagine International Academy is a college preparatory school. With an International Baccaleureate curriculum, this schools offers the private school experience at the charter school price. We like to think of it as a hybrid :) My children are thrilled to be here with other like minded students. They are really enjoying this inquiry-based, very hands-on curriculum!
—Submitted by a parent