Oquirrh Mountain Charter School

My 2nd grader, who as struggled in reading since Kindergarten started at Oquirrh Mountain (now Jefferson Academy) in the Fall of 2011. Since then his progress has been phenomenal! He has progressed several reading levels to the point of now approaching grade level. I feel that Jefferson Academy is a really great place where teaching and learning is loved and practiced. In my experience the students receive personal attention and extra help when needed. The curriculum is integrated throughout grade levels and is engaging and challenging.
--Submitted by a parent

The board is out of control. Something needs to be done about it, or else where will be no consistency in educators.

My kids have been going there since the school opened. I am very pleased with it. I was sad to see Mr. Bell go, however the whole thing seemed to have been blown up! The new principal has been great! I am pleased. He brings a whole new way of things as well. Also the new teachers have been great as well. They all seem to work a lot better with each other then last year. It is well worth looking into! A lot of things that weren't going last year are this year-the library for example. We now have a real librarian and it's in order. Very pleased with this year!
--Submitted by a parent

My son (6th grade) loves this school. He is treated well by the teachers and the students. I don't see the student harrassment that he endured at his other school. He wants to continue at this school until the end of junior high. We are so glad we switched. This is our first year and I don't see any problems with the teachers or administration.
--Submitted by a parent

My son was being bullied at a local public school,he was the constant blame for the problem, when I addressed the teacher if she actually ever saw what happened, she stated "no, usually its going on when I am not around, and then I notice it when it gets too escalated." My response to this was: "oh, so when my son is REACTING to being kicked, you only notice HIS behavior" what a joke. So we decided to make the switch. I've seen a light turn on in my child. He is a different child now that he is no longer bored with the curriculum and constantly being harassed. He's been there less than a month but, wow!
--Submitted by a parent

I feel the drama at the school has been blown way out of proportion. Most opinions of what has been happening are based on hearsay rather than actual knowledge. I support the former principal and did not agree with the boards decision but I sincerely believe this is the best place for my children. I have loved the teachers, leveled math and reading, and I believe the new principal ought to be given the opportunity to support and encourage a positive learning environment the same as our former principal was. I believe this school is well on it's way to a 5 star rating!
--Submitted by a parent

We will not be sending our four children back to this school next year for the soul reason that the principal Mr. Bell has been let go. He is truly the best principal we've ever had. He is the reason that this school has been successful for its first two years. Without him and with the runnaway board that has taken all power from the parents, the school will go down hill fast. Many of the good teachers have quit or are on their way out.
--Submitted by a parent

School is good, we like it. The only concern we have is-only specialists can teach particular subjects. One teacher, whos major is English, cannot teach Math and English and Something-else! Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

Love this school! My kids have been there since it started and while it got off to a slow start, it has been roaring ever since! We have seen our concerns from last year addressed and improved upon and our kids have made more progress than we could have expected. Teachers and staff are professional, enthusiastic, and kind. The only thing I would change is an option for full day kindergarten, but you can't get that anywhere around here, so it's not really a complaint, just a wish!
--Submitted by a parent

The curiculum at this school is so much better. Our kids are now being challenged and are so much happier to go to school each day. The Saxon Math is great! They are also learning both American and World History. Drop off and pick up is very well organized. The kids get to walk right into the building instead of waiting outside. Pick up goes really quick. The school continues to be making improvements. We are pleased with the school year, and how much more progress our kids have made. We will be returning for the next school year!
--Submitted by a parent