| Date | Who | Comments |
| 6/16/2012 | other | As a parent and a staff member I am pleased with the school culture as well as with the comradely between the staff and administration. Two of my children have attend the AAE (one graduated in 2007 and the other will graduate in 2015). The AAE is a small school, only 400+ students at the HS level makes for fewer course choice but smaller class sizes. Some subject teams are stronger than others but if a student is motivated, they can more than "fill their cup" academically as well as athletically. The "love and logic" approach used in many of the classrooms helps the instructors encourage students to realize and face the consequences of their action on a daily basis. The campus "character development officers" (CDO's) also firmly but gently enforce campus discipline and school policy. Since the AAE is a "school of choice" for many families, students may not like the choices their parents make at first, but I have discovered after teaching at the AAE for 11 years, students quickly learn to appreciate the school safe and friendly atmosphere, finding it easier after a year or two to improve their personal levels of academic performance. |
| 6/15/2012 | parent | Very safe. Great families. 5th-8th grades have been fine, but HS is a problem, especially in Math & Science. Difficult to get needed help. Many students leave because of the HS teachers. AFJROTC is a strong program. All staff members are very courteous. We have children in MS & HS and we are hoping to stay with AAE to the end with both, but will change High Schools if necessary. This could be a wonderful school with better leadership and a few changes in teachers. |
| 3/26/2012 | other | I went to AAE for grades 9-12. I really liked the fact that the classrooms weren't too big. The Literature teachers were all amazing, but the math and science teachers fell short. There were a few teachers that were some of the worst teachers I've ever had in my life (all math and science teachers). Whenever there were some rowdy people in class the teachers wouldn't really do anything about it, therefore making it harder for others to learn. Overall I had a good experience, especially my senior year. Those teachers were the best! |
| 3/22/2012 | other | the school is very tough and will help your child. Some activities during school however are very challenging and difficult but with time your child will understand what is being is given to him/her to learn and understand. |
| 2/1/2012 | teacher | You left out the award winning Air Force Junior ROTC program. Since AAE AFJROTC started up in January 2007, the program has earned the following awards: 2008-2009 AFJROTC Distinguished Unit 2009-2010 AFJROTC Distinguished Unit with Merit 2010-2011 AFJROTC Distinguished Unit with Merit 2011 AFJROTC Outstanding Instructor with Merit 2011 AFJROTC Officer Instructor of the Year |
| 4/28/2010 | parent | I have two boys. They are in 5th and 8th grade. They are happy to go to school each day. They are being challenged to work at a higher level than at previous school. They both feel safe and seem to have a sense of pride about their school. What a blessing. |
| 4/28/2010 | parent | I have three children who attend AAE, one senior, one freshman and one in Kindergarten. After fleeing the public schools in the area several years ago, we have tried several options, finally sending my older kids to private school - paying more than my house payment. We have been at AAE for several years and we could not be happier. The older kids have been able to build some great relationships in this smaller setting, with their peers and their teachers. One of the teachers even called me when she was concerned about my son adjusting and being comfortable after he first started here. At the high school level, most teachers cannot even name all of their students and certainly do not make the time to call a parent with a concern. The principal and staff are great - we feel like part of the family. |
| 4/18/2010 | parent | Both of my sons went to this school, one was in RSP and the other is very gifted, the school is the best thing that ever happened to our family. They both graduated 1 year earler than they were scheduled to, the one in RSP was mainstreemed within 1.5 years. The teachers are excellent, Rick Percy the founder of the school is one of a kind, he is fully envolved and makes sure that the school is the very best it can be. Any child that is lucky enough to go to this school will have an advantage for the rest of their life. My younger son is a Jr. at CSUSB at 19. It dose not get better than that! |
| 4/16/2010 | other | This school takes education literally and responsibly.Students learn. Teachers and administrators are there for one reason: the students to excel. |
| 4/9/2010 | parent | 6 out of 10 My child has attended this school for many years. He had excellent experiences in the elementary years, but somehow it falls apart in Middle & High School. I think there has been a change in administration as it seems there is no leadership in the administration and teachers are allowed to behave in a non-professional manner. Communication is very poor at all levels, but especially from the Principal's office and the Sports Dept. |
| 1/26/2010 | parent | My child recently went through a tough period academically and after sharing my concerns with the teacher, I was able to, with very little effort, have a parent teacher conference with the principle, dean of students and school psychologist. We were all able to talk together and try to understand where the problem was. This was very reassuring to me that this school will make sure my child will have the support that they need. |
| 12/9/2009 | parent | This school has been a godsend!! After waiting several years to get accepted into this school our son is finally being challenged and our daughter is taught at her level. Our kids also received alot of awards at their other schools...but awards are not the important thing. They are getting the education that they deserve. All of the employees that we have dealt with have been very kind and helpful. The security of the campus is tops! Every parent volunteer must be fingerprinted. Every car that comes onto the campus is questioned with drivers license and vehicle license recorded. Safety is of utmost importance to us as parents. Thank-you AAE for being all that you claimed to be! |
| 10/29/2009 | parent | I have an 8th grader and a 5th grader. This is our 2nd year at the school. I really appreciate all the effort the teachers put into their jobs everyday at this school. I like the way all the teachers try to instill personal responsibility. This will serve them well into the future. The principal is a great, hands-on person. He really cares about all of the kids on campus. He is regularly out and about - not hiding behind a desk. This school is open to working together with parents to address issues that come up during the year. We are blessed to have this school as an alternative to what else is available in our area. |
| 10/29/2009 | parent | We have a daughter in the third grade. This is her first year in a public school. She was a bit scared at first but her teacher and all of the kids made her transition a mild one. I was very pleasantly surprised how organized and prepared the teachers, office staff and prinicipal are. The PTC and number of volunteers is incredible. This school really promotes an environment for our children to grow. I look forward to volunteering myself and enjoying my daughter's development for a bright future. |
| 8/22/2009 | parent | AAE's campus offers many hands on experinces for their students. The curriculum is challenging and the teachers are eager for academic growth. The classrooms are ran with the Love and Logic theory which enhances a students ability to be independent and think things through. AAE's API score mets the state's target thanks to the teachers, staff, parent involvement and students who come to school to learn. AAE believes in learning for all therefore, there are no GPA requirements for children to enroll in this school. AAE offers their elementry, jr. high and high school students opputunities to become well rounded. This year they have expanded and they've also implemented leveled curriculum for their elementry students. Leveled curriculum allows students to stay challenged without becoming frustated. I beleive my children will leave this school with he ability to be a positive contributor to our society. |
| 8/7/2009 | parent | This is a small close-knit school that offers a great setting for students who are serious about getting a great education. The only drawback is that the school offers limited choices in AP classes and sports. |
| 6/12/2009 | parent | I love this school. My son is thriving and I believe that he is getting the best education possible. Mr. Piercy's vision is what has made this school what it is and what it will be many years from now. The new Corwin Campus and the increased school size will take some time to get used to but these changes are exciting and necessary. It may not be the intimate school we have enjoyed but it's hard to expect too many 'extras' with such a small student population. As for our family, we welcome the new students and parents. We look forward to them joining all of the current students, parents, administrators, support staff, teachers & principal to make the AAE one terrific school. They will become part of the AAE tradition of working together to give our kids the best education possible. |
| 6/10/2009 | student | this school is safe and is rated the best (grade wise) in san Bernardino County. it is hard but at least I know i'm not going to get jumped or have to wprry about getting into college because this school really prepares you for everything. |
| 4/29/2009 | student | i love this school im in 6th grade and all the 6th grade teachers are my favorite |
| 12/4/2008 | parent | This is my child's first year and so far I love what I see. I volunteer weekly and the teachers really seem to appreciate parent involvement. Some of the other nearby schools don't seem to encourage parent volunteers as much. My child's teacher does a great job. My child is thriving and really happy going to school everyday. So far so good! |
| 7/2/2008 | parent | While it may be slightly better than the alternative public schools...keep in mind boys will be boys. Boys need the sports. A lot of the students and parents that attend this school have a I'm-better-than-you-attitude. Don't be fooled by test scores. They are like the other schools, they spend a lot of time training for these tests. I had both male and female children attend this school. I experienced having the child that excelled in school work and the child that struggled. The one that struggled wasn't far enough behind to get help and the ones that excelled were bored out of their minds. Children that have IEP or other behaivoral issues get by with a lot. This is not so much a problem till 4th/5th grade when the other kids notice it. This school is great for non-social, scientific oriented students. |
| 3/8/2008 | parent | Not enough extra curricular activities. Quality of teachers and quality of students is going down hill each year. |
| 2/3/2008 | parent | We LOVE this school! We currently have a 5th grader and a 7th grader at the school and they are both doing wonderfully well and really like this school! Thanks AAE |
| 12/4/2007 | parent | I've had two very different children at this school. Mostly the teachers and support staff have been excellent for both kids. I've seen a few teachers 'not work out' but no school is immune to this, but I also feel the remainder range from good to truly excellent. This school gives kids a wonderful opportunity. It is really ultimately up to the kid how they use it. |
| 9/7/2007 | parent | This is a great partnership school with parents, teachers and students. A key to better scholastics. |
| 8/18/2007 | parent | This school is the best there is...I also don't worry about where my child will be going to high school! |
| 8/16/2007 | parent | Excellent school, very innovative and high level of teaching. The dress code is great for the parents and eliminates all debates of what is appropriate. As a love and logic school, kids learn responsibility and accountability. Great school, great teachers. I have never had a problem getting in touch with the administration. They have always returned my calls and emails. |
| 8/15/2007 | parent | The AAE, will support and guide the good kids as well as the troubled ones. It provides programs for both the academically gifted and the academy challenged. The teachers and administration cares about all kids! As I read the negative feedback I could only wonder what their intention was. Good, Bad, Smart, Challenged, Rich, Poor, it doesn't matter each has a place at the AAE, not just a seat to learn academics in but a place for their heart to grow! |
| 5/11/2007 | parent | Great school! The best in the county. It recently was honored as a California Distinguished School. I'm glad my kids got in, the waiting list is over 2000! A caring staff and a premium on excellence. |
| 5/8/2007 | parent | A really excellent school! Small class sizes and caring teachers and administration make it unique. The highest test scores in the region without an overemphasis on teaching to the test. Even though it is a small school many extra-curricular activities are offered. It isn't your typical school and has higher graduation requirements than local schools. Just was named a California Distinguished School and a Certified Charter School. A great alternative for parents! Thanks! |
| 3/5/2007 | parent | We are extremely happy with the AAE. The teachers are exceptional and the staff is always helpful. Courage, generosity and honor are what is found in all who attend and work there. With more than 2000 children on the waiting list, it is also very sought after. |
| 2/12/2007 | parent | The kindergarten was and still is the best I have ever seen in most of southern California, but the other grades really need a lot of work. At first the school showed you that the children come first. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled as the smart or dumb kids, but once out of kindergarten, it was truly different. Some of the teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child, but they still have too many that should really look at a different career. The principal is hard to locate most of the time. This school has been a big disappointment. I can only state that is still far better then most of the other public schools in the district (but steadily losing ground), but I would recommend that you stay on top of the staff and teachers. |
| 9/21/2006 | parent | Disregard the previously submitted negative reviews of the AAE. My son has attended since 2002 and I have numerous friends & acquaintances with children at this school. Never once have I heard or witnessed anything negative about the AAE. The teachers are simply the best. Administrative and support staff are attentive and truly supportive & helpful. My son has had a fantastic experience here and he looks forward to staying for 7 more years and graduating from HS at the AAE. They recently added an Air Force Jr. ROTC program, and their sports programs are growing as well. With over 2000 kids on the waiting list, some of them as yet to even be born, the AAE is a successful, sought after alternative to the failing public school system and expensive private schools. We Love It! |
| 6/6/2006 | parent | This school is more focused on money then students. They send mixed messages. This year has been very frustrating. |
| 3/14/2006 | parent | Two of my children have attended AAE for three years. My older child, who is now in high school, is very bright and is doing well. I am pleased with the high school teachers and the program he is receiving. My youngest child is in the 8th grade and is really struggling. For good students the school works. For struggling students there are not many options (retention seems to be the only intervention available). |
| 10/17/2005 | parent | Excellent school. My niece and nephew love it. |
| 6/20/2005 | student | The AAE is a great school with more one on one time between the students and teachers. their grading is fair and easy to understand. |
| 5/6/2005 | parent | This school boasts the finest technology in the state. Because it is a charter school, students and parents respect the length of time and effort it took to get them in. The AAE does not mess around with kids who don't want to be there. There has been ONE fight this whole year. There is zero graffiti. Students are generally respectful as seen by anyone visiting the school. Uniforms are broadly selected, with 5 colors to choose from, making it easier to swallow as a kid. Teachers are awesome. It is such a coveted school to work for, openings are rare and teachers are sharp, creative and interactive. Smaller class size makes it easy for them to teach. An after-school childcare program is available. It is reasonable and creative. Great school. |
| 3/31/2005 | parent | What AAE was two and three years ago, is not what AAE is now. There is no true focus on Academic Excellence anymore. The true focus is on trying to tame the bad kids and forgetting the good kids. The motto 'One Child At A Time' is no longer upheld. There are no longer accomodations made for the child who desires advanced work in a subject, but the kids who cause grief get all the attention in the world. The principal is mostly absent from the scene. Overall teacher quality is poor, except for the few who truely care about their students and make the efforts to hold their attention and see that they are learning and retaining. I could go on.... |
| 1/29/2005 | parent | Great school! My son is showing a lot of improvement. |
| 11/11/2004 | parent | This school is all about money. They have ceased caring about education and what is best for the individual student. There is currently a 'hybrid' program which at any given time can house up to 17% of the student populace. This program is about enrolling students who will not cost the school any money, but will allow the school to enjoy approximately $7000/year, per hybrid - with very little overhead. The hybrid are not given assignments, lessons, or help from the teachers. The hybrid are discriminated against and educationally and emotionally abused. These trusting, niave young students are being set up for failure by the school they trust. The principal has stated that 'our school is a last chance school and we are proud of it.' AAE welcomes the students that the other schools expell - for drugs, violence and other offenses. Be afraid. Be very afraid. |
| 7/25/2004 | parent | This is an exceptional charter school with visionary leadership, highly committed teachers, a focus on experiential learning and a king, nurturing teachers. |
| 1/24/2004 | parent | This school has excellent non-traditional programs in the arts, such as Dance-Jazz & Ballet (accepted as PE credit), sculpture, audio/video, drama, latin, etc... The science non-traditional program has potential classes, such as astronomy, aviation, space exploration, weather ballon, Mojave Desert Exploration, etc... However, nearby resources; such as the Lewis Center Observatory and GAVRT; are under-utilized and enrichment programs end up being 98% textbook. The school does not have the same behavioral problems as most schools. A negative is that the school administration is not responsive nor seem to accept parental/student feedback unless it is part of their research surveys. Makes you wonder if the they developed this school for the kids or for the research data. Overall, for advanced children who already have a strong foundation in the basics this school is a positive. If your child does not have a strong foundation then I would recommend a diffent school. |
| 11/11/2003 | other | I went to this school and I really enjoyed it. The teachers were great and I loved that they really listen to their students and help them out. Mr. hodges was the greatest teacher ever. |
| 10/7/2003 | parent | This school gets the parents too involved and doesn't give their students room to breathe if you catch my drift. There are very few extracurricular activities and the ones they do have are not the best. |
