Any parents out there who have a child attending SCVi Charter School in Valencia, CA?

Hi, I just happened across your reference to scvi when I was doing a search. I'm a parent of a current 7th grader at the school so I joined the site to respond to you. The 1st year has really seen it's ups and downs. There is so much that I could say, I'm not really sure where to start.

Ultimately, you want to know whether I can recommend the school. My problem is that I am still making up my mind whether or not my son will continue there next year. His 1st teacher quit with no notice this spring because they weren't retaining him next year. His current Engligh/History teacher is great and she will teach both 7th and 8th next year. I also keep hearing that they have hired 2 great new teachers for math and science and will have a lab next year.

I am trying to meet with the principal next week to learn more about the new hires. I also need to address the discipline problems the school has.

I like the small size of the school. I like the creativity, the minimal homework, and the laid back attitude of the school, except many of us parents feel they go to far in letting kids run wild. My son gets frustrated with many of the kids there. I think there are 25 kids in the current class. Most are serious smart students whose parents were looking for a challenging environment outside of the box. The other third don't really do the projects and joke around in class all day. A few can be very disruptive. I think many parents chose the school because they were afraid of what would happen at the regular jr highs to their kids.

I think the lower grade parents are happier. And, of course, some 7th grade parents are really happy with the program. Others are like me and not sure and some have already pulled their kids out during the school year or are not returning next year.

I don't want to be totally negative either. Don't make your decision yet. Can you go to the school picnic on 6/20?

Good luck. I'll try to check back to see if you have more questions and let you know what I decide for next year.

This is the school's 2nd year and the overall feedback among parents is positive. I have friends with children in the school and they're very happy.

All of that said, I think you'll need to ask them more about their middle school program and how many students they will have this year in 7th and 8th grades. At the same time, I think you need to check with SCVi as to their ability to offer high school level math if this of concern to you.

Middle school is particularly problematic in our part of Los Angeles County -- there don't seem to be as many options as there are for elementary school and high school students. I would not recommend the local public schools for 7th & 8th grade for gifted, highly creative children who need flexiblity in their educational environments.

All in all, if SCVi looks like a good fit for your daughter, I would heartily recommend it. Moreoever, may I suggest that you take a look at Academy of the Canyons for 9th through 12th grades.
:)

I checked the SCV i Charter page on GreatSchools located here: www.greatschools.net/modperl/browse_school/ca/24719

The trouble is, the school is so new and fairly small, that it's nearly impossible to find any parents here on GreatSchools that are involved at any one school, let alone a school in its first year.

Did you ask to speak to any parents at the school when you toured? You might want to plant yourself at the gates one day right before the bell rings for dismissal and ask parents what they like and dislike. Or attend one of their PTA meetings and just listen?

It definitely sounds like an interesting school. As for friends, the most social kids will always make new friends, and then she'll have friends from her current school and her new one.

Good luck!

yes, i've visited the school and took a tour. the current location is temporary. yes, they are working out the 'bugs' still, but that is to be expected. i like very much their philosophy--hands on learning, less emphasis on homework, integrated learning. i believe the school is a good match for our daughter. just wanted to get some parental feedback. my daughter is entering 7th grade and she's leaving 'behind' all her elementary school friends. she's a very social child so this is a big change for her.