City Academy

this school is "making a difference" in the lives of many students and educators. Many people ask me what this school specializes in. This school specializes in the INDIVIDUAL student. Each student is valued for who they by both the staff and the students. This is my daughters 3rd year at City and she was excited for summer to end and a chance to return to school as a senior. I anticipated the academics to be inferior to our "home" sr high school but have been pleasantly surprised. I also anticipated many "problem" students and instead found many individuals who do not want problems. Kids that want to learn and be respected for who they are and what they can become. The educators show great respect for the students and the students in turn show great respect for the educators. City believes in service learning and hands on learning. They show that we can all make a difference in our world. There is a joy in learning and being successful. I am grateful to City Academy and its founders daily for a place for my daughter to successfuly learn, grow, be challenged and valued. My only regret is not being brave enough to move to City Academy earlier.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very impressed with City Academy. The acedemic climate is challenging, far beyond what I have seen at other schools. Our daughter is in her second year there and we will absolutely not consider changing schools before graduation. Her learning is deep and her freinds are wonderful. I could not ask for a better place to prepare her for college and her life beyond!
—Submitted by a parent

Learning for each and every student is the highest priority, What my sons have learned academically, socially, and personally is truly wonderful. They are quite engaged and really enjoy being there. My happiness grows as many beautiful changes continue to unfold in my sons. In a nutshell, the precious balance of funding is optimized toward smaller class sizes, and more importantly to maintain a great faculty and staff that is dedicated to engaging each and every student in learning. The internationally recognized Cambridge Curriculum & Testing provides an excellent platform for content and critical thinking. Sometimes I wish that CA had more resources for physical infrastructure and school programs, but only if it would not compromise the deep levels of learning that are happening there for the students. In my mind, CA is using our tax dollars magnificently. After all the schools we looked at over the years, each of us in the family is very thankful to have City Academy shining in our lives.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked for City Academy in a non-teaching, support capacity for 6 full years and now over half of the 10/11 School Year. I am consistently impressed with the quality of the teaching, the genuine concern that the teachers and staff have for every student's success, and the culture of community and civic responsibility that this school has. I would recommend that people visit City Academy and find out for themselves how great an opportunity this school offers for their children's education.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a student and soon to be former. I have been at this school for not even a whole year given it tons of chances and simply can't stand it. The kids here are so scared from their past they can't except new people. There is a HUGE drug use problem. Some of the classes are ahead, but others well.. they are overly behind. I would NEVER recommend this school to anyone because of it's lack of respect for others, drug use, gang problem, and grading system. This school flat out lied on what it was said to be.

Amazing academic program! My daughter is doing more critical thinking this year than ever before. She is also FINALLY interested in the world around her and is more conscious about how she impacts it. Supprttive does not even begin to describe the teachers there. Never in her school career have I seen such dedication and committment.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! Its only our first year and our daughter is expanding her mind so much. She is more conscentious about in-depth study into a topic, she is learning the lost art of critical thinking, and she is shining every time school is mentioned. The teachers are dedicated, approachable, and actually show interest in my daughter's success. It is a wonderful place!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been fortunate to have two of my children attend City Academy, one having already graduated, and the other about to. The education they received has not only included academic excellence at its core, now using the international Cambridge system, but has also provided my students an education in personal responsibility, a sense of what it means to belong to a larger community, as well as targeted help whenever needed.
—Submitted by a parent

The respectful and open interactions between teachers/administrators and students prepare students for futher education and the world of work. The learning environment encourages exploration and real-life application of skills and concepts. The progress reporting system allows the student, parent and teacher to evaluate progress on many levels. Did the student perform at their best? Did they turn work in on time? Do they participate in class? Are they able to collaborate and work well with peers and adults? Is there noticeable personal and academic growth?
—Submitted by a parent

Small classes and commited faculty.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been going to the school for three years and I really enjoy it. I think some of the teachers are the best I've had. Sure it's a small school that doesn't have a lot of money but it's still a great school.
—Submitted by a student

The commitment of the teachers and administration to the students and creating an open learning environment is outstanding. Small class sizes allow for individual attention and 'hands-on project based' learning. The learning is also 'inquiry-based' where the students are working to answer questions - instead of 'today we are studying Roman civilization' they ask, 'was Rome civilized?'
—Submitted by a parent

Some great teachers and great learning but at least half the teachers are poor. Leadership and communication is poor from the administration. Great idea but not enough money to carry out. Still, a good alternative for some students.
—Submitted by a parent