Freedom Academy

We have had our children at Freedom for many years and have seen wonderful growth and progression, especially in reading and math. My children were all far below their grade levels when we started, and were ahead when they left. My older children missed out on the high school, but my younger children will and are reaping the benefits of the personalized attention they receive every day from their teachers in both the elementary and high school. The newly added 9th grade may not currently have many electives, but what is offered is priceless and their teachers truly care about them. Twice a week they have a Freshman Seminar class that helps them prepare for college. They have been on several service field trips and academic field trips where they make a difference in our community and learn about financial literacy. They are learning math with the same computer software used at the university level so they will be prepared for the types of math classes they will face in college. The academic benefits of Freedom's high school are a great fit for us and I feel confident my children will be well prepared for college because of their years at Freedom Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

We agree. We feel so blessed that our children were able to get into Freedom Academy several years ago. We am also greatful for a school of choice. We choose to bring our chidren to Freedom. We're glad they cut out the wasteful programs that really do not enhance their educational experience. The best part about Freedom is the governing board and administration are not closed minded. They are always looking for ways to improve the school. Because the school is bringing in upper grades my family now has a clear direction of where our children will attend high school in several years. We have been to the state website and compared test scores with all other charter schools in the valley and Freedom was #1. I'm sure there will be bumps down the road but as for me and my family we chose Freedom Academy! Are there things we feel could be better? Sure. But those things we feel lacking in no way would make us move our children to any other school in the valley. Their educational success is too important.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel so blessed that my children got in to Freedom Academy. My kids are so happy there. They have great teachers who try to teach them to the child's knowledge. They have great programs that help the child's ability to grow. They also have great after school programs for all children. The staff is always trying to improve the school anyway they can. There is a lot of expectations from the children but, that is why it's so great. It is a learning environment not a playing environment. As a parent I want my child to succeed and this school is a great school that will help your child do that.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Freedom and we have been a highly involved family for many years. While I agree with many of the positive comments submitted so far, I have seen a deterioration over the last few years. Many of the programs families love have been eliminated or reduced. Decisions have been made that take resources and programs from younger grades in order to offer more for the upper grades. Complaints from neighbors, parents, and teachers are brushed under the table by administration. Parent voices are no longer heard unless they are in line with administrative agendas. A common response heard by parents who voice an opinion or concern is, "This is a school of choice. If you don't like it, choose another school." Deliberate deceptions and half-truths are on the rise. Therefore, our family has joined several others and have pulled from this once highly-acclaimed school. We are now affiliated with another charter school that still offers the classes and integrity eliminated at Freedom. It saddens me to see the great reputation of this school deteriorate because of the personal agendas that are taking precedent over the welfare of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. While we are Hispanic and I have never seen any of this favoritism some other parents are talking about. There are issues with bullying but there is no school that wont have issues with a few bad apples, but that does not spoil the whole bunch. After all it is children we are talking about. All the teachers are very capable of instructing in their subject. My daughter was in a special ed class for math and they were able to get her back into normal math classes. She is now reading at a 10th grade level and she is in the 7th grade. I don't understand why there are parents writing subversive comments based on racism and sex. The whole point of this forum is to either support the school or not. That is best done by telling the truth. Not by making up fictitious incidents. Is the school scoring well on state / federal assessment test? Are students learning the subjects being taught? Is the school promoting a safe learning environment free of drugs and weapons? I believe so. Thank you Freedom Academy for a job well done!
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school, great teachers and principal. Loved the curriculum, extracurricular activities, the values taught. My kids are thriving at Freedom, they are several years ahead in reading and math, I couldn't be happier! I also like that my kids are getting homework everyday, they are learning the skills of studying and working on their own, they are becoming more self-motivated, I don't have to sit with them to do their homework, they just know it needs to be done and they do it on their own. The discipline and skills they are learning now will be invaluable once they get to high-school and college. Freedom Academy expects great things from their students and they give them the tools to accomplish those goals. Absolutely love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are awesome and they make you understand not only the concept, but other relating subjects. They are funny and amazing, and someone you can count on to support your education.

My children went to this school for a couple of years and we loved it! We moved and had to put them in public school and we all miss Freedom Academy! The only complaint is the lunches being cold every single day. The teachers are so wonderful and caring. I am tempted to enroll them back into this school even though I would have to drive quite a long distance. It's worth it!
—Submitted by a parent

My grandchildren attend this school and are learning things that my own children were never offered in their schooling. Charter schools are the best choice in education in Utah. One size does not fit all! If you care about your child's future, get involved and commit your family to a brighter future! Tops in admin and teachers!

My daughter HATED this school. She was bullied and the principal and her teacher did not do any thing about it. The academic programs didn't teach her anything and the students were very loud. If you are thinking about enrolling your child into this school DON'T DO IT.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been very happy at Freedom Academy.This is the fourth elementary school that my kids have attended and so far it is the best. Coming from California I was worried that the schools in Utah wouldn't be as good but I have been pleasantly surprised. I read the other comments and highly disagree. My kids love the school lunch and the parent teacher communication has been great. The one thing that I think is a little over the top is that they have to tuck in their shirts and wear a belt.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't praise FA enough. My children have improved greatly since attending this school. We love the kindnes and friendly.caring teachers and staff. The help that is given when needed,working with parents to stay involved with the childrens advancements are wonderful. The respect that is given to me as a parent and for each child is far above normal what I have had in a public school. This school is the best we have ever been to and we love it.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazingly, our kids went up between 2.1 to 3.2 reading levels! Probably the best thing about the school is the positive influence that the teachers are on their students. My 6th grader has had many hands on scientific experiments. The school has worked hard to improve their extracuricular activities such as...running, cheerleading, art, science, french club is going to Paris, spanish club is going to Peru, music teaches guitar, violin, and more. Very impressed after one year!
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! Provo Freedom Academy has excellent and dedicated teachers. My son was reading and writing in kindergarten by Thanksgiving with The Writing Road to Reading. He was well on his way in math by the same time since they skip kindergarten Saxon and start right off in Saxon Math 1. The children are not pushed to learn at this school, they are led to learn. It makes all the difference to me that I am welcome in my son's classroom any day, any time.
—Submitted by a parent

THE BEST decision we have ever made about our children's education! We love the uniform policy, making it so that all children (no matter their income) are not judged, everyone wears the same thing. Parent volunteering is out of this world! Do NOT send your child to this school if you do not care about the curriculum of your child. Most of parents are VERY involved with what is going. The technology is fabulous! I love that about everything is paperless, so I can find it online. If I have a question, all teachers respond to my emails during the day. Fortunately, my kids eat legumes at home, so having them served at school is nothing new. The kids can eat all they want of fruits & veggies. The wellness policy is a model for other schools, they allow snacks and bottled water in class during 'snack' time. SAFE pick up is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

this school is horrible dont send your child here unless you want them to die inside the lunch is horrible and the uniform is to strict
—Submitted by a parent

Freedom Academy provides a quality education. I have several children that attend this school. I am at the school frequently and from reading any of the prior posts I could name each disgruntled parent and I'm glad they and their children have left. The negative cancerous attitude they brought to the school will not be missed now that they are gone. No one is forcing their children to get a quality education that Freedom Academy is offering. They can go to your local - traditional schools. Please let those kids who want quality homework assignments, uniforms, rules, a learning of how to be respectful and studious, and generally a rigorous education attend Freedom Academy. The education my children are receiving at such an early age is preparing them for the Ivy League colleges. Thank you for such a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

The was little to no communication. My children also complained about lunches. They were militant about parking policies, walking on the grass, and wearing all black or brown shoes.
—Submitted by a parent

Freedom Academy truely Qualifies as a 'great School.' Freedom has a wonderful location and facilities. The teachers there are truely deticated to improving themselfs and the school. I am especially impresssed with the Director. She works long and hard and has a good relationship with the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed in the lack of communication between admin. and parents. Not only do they expect kids to be robots there, they are treated very disrespectfully. They only care about their image as a school and getting money from parents. I would not suggest this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent