Winfree Academy Charter School (Richardson)

Winfree Academy has been one of the biggest blessings of my school life. The ability to do what you need at the pace you can handle, has been amazing. In my two years here I have been able to not only finish school, but also grow as a person. The teachers here are a God-send , honestly. They have been a critical part of my success. I will always think back on my time here with a smile on my face. I couldnt have finished without Winfree Academy.
--Submitted by a student

Being a former student I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone homeschooling would of been more efficient. The classes are over sized with a teacher to student ratio of 50:1. Most of the classes are online but there are about 16 computers in a classroom of 35-50. It is a self-paced program so most students sleep or do nothing. The classroom is so loud its hard to think because they allow you to talk about whatever you want and even some teachers will join the gossip or vent about there personal life to students. Another major problem is the teachers for the most part are a joke. When I attended there were two respectable intelligent teachers that were a good role model(science and history). I often found myself completing all the quarters (half semesters) and waiting a week to get a grade back meanwhile doing nothing but attending. There is no honors or AP classes so don't expect to be challenged as a matter of fact the curriculum has to be dumbed down when I repeated some courses from public school. The counselors stress to do the recommended plan but with the current system in place most students switch to minimum plan just hurting themself when they attend college.
--Submitted by a student

This school is what your child makes of it, they are not there to make friends they are there to learn! So if your child can not work at his/hers own pace with little help, they will not get far here!!! I had 1 daughter and 3 sons that went here! & its a ok place! not great BUT OK!!! They have kids who do drugs there, so what.... they have them at all schools!!!! its up to your child & what they choose to do!! I think its a good place if your child works hard, and gets the packets done, the faster they do it, they faster they are out of there!!!! GOOD LUCK!!! parent involvement ....only if they get in trouble(lol) other than that you need to just pop up at school...like I did and spy!!! (lol)
--Submitted by a parent

This school has saved the education of my son and my friends sons. My son has health problems and he was losing a lot of time and PISD was threatening to prosecute him and this school has allowed him to move at his own pace, and when he is sick they do not bother us. My friends sons has drug problems and they are working with both, one doing exceptionally well and the other well we will see.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has gone though many changes and all for the better,the dedicated teachers are always there to help and support.
--Submitted by JC, a staff

Winfree is different, students work a self-paced 4 hour day in the same classroom all day. The school day is very focused on academic learning and gives students the opportunity to accelerate their performance to suit themselves. Staff are truly motivated to help each student on a one on one basis. Students can learn in privacy, without being under the scrutiny of their peers. So many parents have congratulated and thanked the school for not only saving their childs education but in many cases their lives and futures. The school enrollment is kept deliberately small so that staff can know each student and their needs.The mission statement of the school really says it all 'To create a supportive, safe environment that motivates, educates and trains students so that they can graduate from high school prepared with the abilities needed for higher education, employment,and life.
--Submitted by John, a administrator

My son attended Winfree in 2006 to make up 1/2 credit. Coming from Plano ISD this was far less of an educational curriculum than expected. My son did graduate and immediately upon completion from Winfree he left and went to the military. The issue I have is we never received his diploma which I feel, if he couldn't pick it up or was not part of the little graduation ceremony, then his diploma should have been sent to our home which it never was. The school is a joke, you really get no assistance and thats quite sad. My family relocated here from another state for the purpose of attending Texas schools because of the academic level in which is taught but Winfree is a true disappointment. Take pride in any student that comes to your school and represent for all schools in spite of the size. Do better Please.
--Submitted by a parent

Caring environment. This school provides lots of support services for studuents and families.
--Submitted by a parent

Winfree is a life saver. Without this school my student would not have graduated. She is now in college and very successful because of the help we received at Winfree!
--Submitted by a parent

Winfree Richardson is awful.Parent involvement is limited.Trying to visit w/some of the teachers is impossible. Do not send your child to this school as I've learned it's clearly about money. The longer they keep the students there working on subjects they've already passed but can't go on until they've completed the box the more funding they receive.
--Submitted by a parent