| Date | Who | Comments |
| 10/28/2012 | parent | I love how engaged my children are in their own personal learning experience, how committed they feel to working hard and doing their part to ensure their own success. This comes in part from the the positive learning environment at Oxford Preparatory Academy, where they are celebrated for their own personal gifts and where the rigor is high to help them continue to grow and progress. We are very pleased with the education our children are receiving and know that they will be well prepared for the rigor of high school honors work as well as university studies. |
| 10/26/2012 | parent | My son and my doughter's 1st year at OPA Chino has been impresive. They are part of the IS (home schooling) group and the school's support is amaizing. |
| 10/18/2012 | parent | What an awesome school - administration the teachers and parents. The energy and enthusiasm that you feel when you step on our campus is amazing. This school has done wonders for my kids - they never want to miss school. Must have a K-12.... |
| 10/15/2012 | parent | This school has done wonders for my kids. The principal is engaging, energetic, and loves what he does...you can tell this every Monday morning during the school's pep rallies. Fight songs play for school bells, student goals and expectations are visible throughout the school, and it is the top performing school in the county for two years running...enough said! |
| 10/9/2012 | teacher | Best school around! Must be opened in every city of the country. This is for the kids! |
| 9/30/2012 | parent | In the last 4 weeks of school starting, I have seen a reading explosion in my daughter! It is just amazing how much stronger of a reader she is. I love the organization of each class and the way the homework is addressed during the week. My Son is also excelling in class. He was an average student at his previous school. He now is getting A's. Thank you OPA. |
| 9/26/2012 | parent | My son, who use to score below basic in a district school now scores advanced and proficient. He is still in Special Education and school is not a piece a cake, but he now thinks of being a doctor. What a blessing seeing his academic success. |
| 9/26/2012 | parent | My experience at Oxford Preparatory Academy has been even more than I had hoped for! I feel blessed to have been a part of this school for the last two years and as look forward to about twelve more. There is such a great sense of pride here because of all of the parent involvement. People are eager to help and each person's talents are utilized so that every person is able to help according to their individual passions. We function as a body. What good would a body be without a head, or feet without legs? It would not work. Just the same way OPA would not be this huge success if we were not all a part of it! |
| 9/18/2012 | parent | We are so blessed to be a part of OPA! Our children are just starting their second year and during the summer, they couldn't wait for school to begin! They are so lucky to have amazing teachers who truly care about them. Each week, they look forward to computer lab, PE, music, science and foreign language! We love how they use the antecedents of excellence in the classroom. We love what they are learning and the different ways they are learning. OPA is unique and very special and we are so thankful to be a part of something so amazing! A huge THANK YOU to all administrators, professors and staff for all their hard work! GO CHAMPIONS!! |
| 9/4/2012 | parent | When my husband (who was unemployed for nearly 3 years) got a job, he moved to Kansas by himself; we stayed here. We believe in OPA so much that we are willing to sacrifice our family being together to allow our child to get an education that we absolutely believe is not possible any where in the world. I love the small size of the junior high. They are not stuck on using solely books as a resource, giving busy work, or drill & kill worksheets. As a parent, I love that I can look around at recess and see kids playing sports or simply reading or playing chess. Not everyone is a jock; not everyone is a bookworm, but there is room for both at OPA. I see diversity in nationalities; I see parents who do not speak American communicating with other parents for a common goal: an amazing education for our kids. Not everyone "gets it". Some people who come to OPA are accostomed to the "normal" mediocre, one size fits all education model that is sucking the life out of our kids and their future. They don't understand OPA's way nor can they see a brighter future by doing education differently. There IS a better way to teach and reach - and it's found only at OPA. |
| 9/1/2012 | parent | WOW! OPA has absolutely proven to have a one-of-a-kind educational program that ignites student motivation, creativity, and academic confidence and success! I tip my hat to all of the administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students. OPA has created an environment that is truly dedicated to kids and strives to create leaders of tomorrow! |
| 9/1/2012 | parent | OPA is hands down the best program around! If you live in the surrounding community, you MUST enroll and get your kids on the waiting list. We enrolled in the independent study program and enjoyed a wonderful year. My kids are so lucky to have been placed in a full time position. WE LOVE OPA! This school has changed my kids' lives! |
| 9/1/2012 | parent | WE LOVE OPA! The teachers are AMAZING! My two boys have thrived over the past two years and now have the confidence that they can achieve anything. The campus is CLEAN, the extra programs are phenomenal, the entire staff is friendly and positive.....OPA is a PERFECT example of what a school should look like. OPA GETS IT! The students and families are so lucky to have found such a great school! THANK YOU Mrs. Roche for making your dream a reality for my boys! |
| 9/1/2012 | other | I live in the neighborhood surrounding OPA and I am so grateful for what the school has brought to our community. The school looks beautiful. I see happy parents, happy children, and friendly employees. The school is constantly beautifying the campus and I am always excited when I see upgrades being made to a school that was once so drab and lonely. The campus is the shining star of our neighborhood and I am proud to say that I support OPA! |
| 9/1/2012 | parent | Really? This school is unbelievable! I have never been a part of a school that clearly understands how to motivate kids, inspire parents, and truly educate children! My son and my daughter beg to go to school on the weekends. They don't understand why they have to take two days off of school on the weekend. I actually had to drive them to OPA on a Saturday to show them that no one would be at school. Guess what? I was wrong. The parking lot was full and I saw teachers working around the campus. I was so impressed! My kids laughed and said "See Mom, school is open!" OPA employees work around the clock because they love KIDS! Hands down, OPA is the best school around! Thank you for what you do for my children. |
| 8/29/2012 | parent | OPA!!!!I cannot say enough positive things about our experience here at OPA. We currently have two children attending and we feel blessed. Our oldest started in 1st grade OPA's first year, and we are thankful. She attended amazing pre schools that tested her advance when entering K. When her K year was over that had changed. She was bored and did not want to do the work. They used her as a tutor for other students. OPA changed that. She was and is challeneged everyday and she loves going to school. What 3rd grader that you know of cries if she may have to miss school? Mrs. Roche loves our kids and our kids love her. It shows in everything that she does and wants to offer our kids everyday. It may seem that she asks for so much of the parents and staff, but in the end it's completely worth it. We love OPA and our happy that OPA is in our lives. |
| 8/17/2012 | other | My grandson has increased in his vocabulary by leaps and bounds. The teaching staff teach each child as an individual student. He is so excited for school each day and absolutely loves his uniforms! I am so blessed to have OPA available for my grandson to learn the multiple intelligences and how each and every child is gifted and smart! |
| 8/13/2012 | parent | Oxford Preparatory Academy has an outstanding educational program, an amazing, dedicated staff, and stellar instructional leadership. I have three children who benefit tremendously from this school. The opportunities to be involved in a wide range of extra-curricular, as well as in-classroom exposures, provide a well-rounded education. From STEM Robotics programs, debate team, and foreign language study to the hands-on science lab and high level of school spirit, OPA has something very special. Thank you OPA for creating such a wonderful place for my kids to learn and grow! |
| 7/14/2012 | parent | Our family loves being part of OPA. Every year gets better. Were there problems? of course as there would be with anything new, however every staff member is working to be better. Everyone at OPA are friendly and willing to help. The school has alot of activities and events, making the keep up for our family to stay in know sometimes a challenge. Communication seems to be getting better. We enjoy that have been part of the school from the beginning so we can see it grow and improve. We are so impressed to see what the staff has done in just two short years. We are excited to see what happens year three! |
| 7/8/2012 | parent | With another year at Oxford under our caps... I continue to be very pleased that my son's attending this school. He had an excellent year and the Oxford promises of teaching by multiple intelligences,offering students outstanding professors ,and fun opportunities in the classroom and beyond has been upheld for the second year. Growing pains (startup pains) were reduced this year, but the enthusiasm and dedication of teachers and staff seems undiminished. Thank you Oxford for making my son's life a better one! |
| 7/2/2012 | parent | OPA is the best school around. I am so thankful to have my boys attend the school. They love it and have become well-rounded students. The school not only offers a great educational program but many pull out programs for the students to try. |
| 6/25/2012 | parent | We are pulling our child out of this school and she won't be attending next year. I admit, I was one of those parents who was totally in support of the charter school idea, however, after one year at this school several things have become very clear to me. First, the director makes well north of $160k per year--which is far greater than that of principals at other schools in the area. With around 1,000 students, I can't justify my tax dollars paying for this type of salary. Charter schools are supposed to get rid of wasteful spending--not increase it. Second, my daughter constantly complained that her teacher did nothing but hype up test scores prior to the STAR Test. This is the reason why I pulled her out of her public school...too much emphasis on testing and not enough on learning. Finally, I had to speak to administration about a bullying incident with my daughter. They were slow to respond and their response was less than stellar. I really wish this could have worked out, but I am afraid to say that the hype surrounding this school is just that...hype. |
| 5/28/2012 | parent | I can't say enough great things about what I have experienced at Oxford Preparatory Academy! For two years now, I have been amazed by the quality and commitment of the staff members, the strong administrative leadership, the rigorous academic program, and the continuous involvement and support from the parent community. My children LOVE going to school and I LOVE hearing about what they experience on a daily basis. I could never imagine sending my kids to another school. OPA is top-notch and we are so lucky to have found the best school around! |
| 5/27/2012 | parent | OPA is an amazing educational experience! Both schools have credentialed teachers that are willing to continually learn new methods for teaching their students. Regardless of the challenges facing each student (English Learner, Special Education, GATE, economically disadvantaged, etc.) they are performing and progressing. This is due to the careful planning of curriculum by the staff. Teachers work together to create a program that carries through each grade at the school. The whole child is educated, and that is the difference. Students learn language arts, math, social studies, science, PE, foreign language, music, computers, and science lab on a regular basis. The main focus is not on STAR Testing, as some reviewers have mentioned. However, students are proud to show everyone what they have learned throughout the year, and they know that state testing is the way to do it! I would not have my children go to any other school after seeing first hand what an OPA education can do for a child. This is a school of choice, and for my family, OPA is the BEST CHOICE! |
| 5/27/2012 | teacher | Dear "Unimpressed." I had much to do with the interview process of many of the OPA Professors. Unfortunately, you are misinformed regarding "Emergency Credentials." ALL OPA PROFESSORS are credentialed teachers. Our professors are not only innovative & creative with their lessons & instructional techniques in the classroom, but are also dedicated & hard-working for ALL students outside of the classroom. While it is unfortunately true regarding the lay-off of many teachers in many districts, OPA has & continues to interview many teachers with various years of experience. After all, I am an older veteran teacher who was laid-off in my own district. OPA hired me! Further, it cannot be denied "new" teachers offer an enthusiasm & an energy that is frankly hard to match. OPA is also non-union & there is something to be said for those that choose to dedicate themselves to children & education without restriction. Again, I am personally thankful to have left my union for the opportunities that have been extended to me by OPA. Just as our program is not for every student, our employment opportunities are not for every teacher searching employment. I for one, am quite proud of the OPA staff! |
| 5/26/2012 | parent | I have two kids attending Oxford in Mission Viejo and all I can say is that my kids are so happy! Their teachers (all of whom are credentialed) are excellent and they have high expectations of their students. The curriculum is rigorous and my kids have risen to the challenge. My kids love to go to school and I can see that they have grown socially as well as academically this year. My son loves the band and my daughter just came back from surf club today and loved it. The staff goes above and beyond. This is the schools first year, and already we are so impressed. |
| 1/16/2012 | parent | With two children at this school we couldn't be more pleased! We are so blessed to be surrounded by other children and families that value education like we do. Our children are thriving at this school and we look forward to having them there through 8th grade. Love their teachers! |
| 10/27/2011 | parent | I am consistently amazed with OPA and rant and rave to others when the topic comes up. Though my child was too young to attend at the time, my wife and I went to an orientation prior to the opening of the school and we were blown-away at the opportunity this school would be offering. We decided to volunteer during the first year to be sure we were making the right choice and were impressed at every turn. We were fortunate enough to get our child in this year and have not regretted it even once. They have a science lab, music class, sports, cheerleading, karate, foreign language, etc... all in the first year! I have found the faculty and staff extremely dedicated and hard working. My child's teacher is available every morning during drop off, we get grade progress reports often via e-mail, and we recently had our first Parent/Teacher conference. They even offer an excellent after school child-care which includes homework help, which as a 2 working parents household, this is HUGE! |
| 10/27/2011 | parent | Let's start by saying that there is no perfect school like there's no perfect person. There will always be people raving & ranting. So this review is based on our personal experience and feedback from friends. We are extremely happy with OPA based on our child's experience last year (2010-2011). OPA set an ambitious API score goal of 901 for its inaugural year, only to blow it away an additional 56 points beating consistent leaders in the district such as Rhodes & Country Springs. That's an amazing feat for a school that barely has the support of the school district, limited funding in a time when everyone's pinching pennies, and just starting out. There were/are tons of enrichment activities - academics, social, etc. Students, faculty, administration & staff all work hard but they also have fun. I was pleasantly surprised to come to school during recess to hear music coming out of the speakers - kids were playing, singing, dancing, even some of the teachers were smiling and dancing. What a fun and enriching environment OPA is fostering. Sure it's not perfect, but it exceeds our high expectations/standards. |
| 10/26/2011 | parent | As an OPA parent of two children, I cannot express how grateful I am to have the opportunity to experience education - OPA style. The freedom and validity that I feel as a parent and my crucial role in my child's education is empowering. As a parent, I realize that I am an important part of this amazing puzzle. As I unite my dedication and support with amazing teachers and administrators, who adhere to proven theories of education and not only the traditional protocol that is micro regulated by unions, the sky is the limit of possibilities. The philosophy that all children are gifted and have various and unique learning styles is the foundation of the school's success. Using the theory of Multiple Intelligences, students are given opportunities to learn in many different ways that stimulate the mind and increase enthusiasm for learning. Implementing such a plan is not only possible it is successful! The proof is not only in the incredible test scores (after one year of existence), but in the smiles and enthusiasm you see on campus...the side by side effort of parents...the trireless dedication of OPA teachers..this is education...this is real. |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | As a parent I was a little skeptical that this first year charter school would be able to pull off all that it was promising. There is so much work that goes into opening any new school. I was counting on a bumpy road for the first year. BOY WAS I WRONG! Through the tireless efforts of the administration and staff and through the remarkable ability of parents to come together to create something important for their children, OPA's first year was a huge success. During this first year, after school sports and cheer were offered. Science lab , band, PE. foreign language and computer labs were part of every week's curriculum, ASB elections and activities were held. My two children attended a school where everyone worked together to create an environment where children can thrive. If this is what was created in the first year, it can only get better from here! |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | Blessed to be an OPA family! This school is amazing! The teachers are amazing! I have never seen so much parental involvement at a school before. Not every student learns the same, so teaching to the multiple intelligences just makes sense. I wish every school would teach this way. Love the college themes. Every student feels a sense of pride for their university. It gets the children excited about college before high school. Way to go OPA!!!!!! |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | Founding the Oxford Preparatory Academy was a major achievement by the administrators, teachers, parents and students. Teachers developed multiple intelligences course curriculums on the fly. Parents painted classrooms. Students adapted to uniforms, left friends behind and had to learn. Teh goal of 901 API was ambitious, the kids smashed it earning a 957! OPA has established a new paradigm for education. - Not accepting limitations - garnering the support of parents, motivated teachers, and eager students - Multiple Intelligences They achieved the highest API in the County while offering students many of the programs taken away from public schools: - science, with labs for all grade levels - music - intermural sports - computers - foreign languages - after school programs - summer camp - I-Pads classrooms - trips to France and Costa Rica OPA is leader in more than API scores. Oxford treats each child as gifted , helping them achieve their full potential. It is amazing that OPA is a non-profit, public charter school. My daughter has flourished there. If they can accomplish this on a closed campus in Chino, California, the same methods could be used anywhere. |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | As a proud parent of 3 Oxford Champions, I know that OPA has severly impacted my family in the best way possible. My kids love going to school and can not wait to see their teachers! I thank the parents who realized that OPA was not for them and have made alternate choices for their families. (without bashing a school that many people have but in blood, sweet, & tears...that shows class) It has been made very clear to all families that this is a parent's choice to attend OPA. We are so blessed to be able to have this wonderful choice. And by the way, the excersize equipment was donated to the school! |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | When I first heard about OPA, I was very excited because of the great group of experienced people that were starting it. I was very excited to be accepted at the school. Obviously I expected some growing pains, but was very surprised, delighted and amazed at the level and quality of education and activities that were offered in the first year. From the first day that my daughter started at OPA, she told me that she wanted to stay at OPA forever. In addition to the great quality of education that our children receive, they also offer educational opportunities for the parents, which in turn benefits our children. The parent involvement at OPA is also awesome. I am saddened to read some of the comments about the school administration doing things at the last minute and the teachers and curriculum being unorganized. Please don't forget that it is the first year!!! For the time that they had, they have done an EXCELLENT job and it will only get better. It is easy to look at the downsides, which every school has, but if you look at the positives that OPA offers, I think it will beat any school in the district and the surrounding counties!! |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | I cannot say enough great things about OPA. As an educator myself, I tend to scrutinize everything when it comes to education. I can't really say anything about this school that is negative. Where else can an elementary student learn a foreign language in the same place where games are available at recess? I work in a school where it is hard to get a ball purchased for the kids...yes, one ball! I love knowing that my son not only gets the highest in academic education but is also learning how to be a great citizen. That is a lost art in education today, in my opinion. Have there been bumps along the road? Absolutely! Will you read other parents' reviews that are not as enthusiastic as mine? Of course! But, for a first year school to perform as well as they did, well that is something to celebrate! Amazing staff, amazing programs and amazing kids make it the best school in Chino, hands down! |
| 10/24/2011 | parent | I echo much of what the last two posters have to say. We were very disappointed with our experience at OPA. My child is much happier at our new school, not to mention more challenged. The one thing that others have not commented on has to do with where the money is being spent here. Do teachers really need treadmills and workout equipment in the staff lounge? I would much rather have seen that money go towards field trips, or paying their teachers better. Also, I am noticing a trend of nepotism at this school. There are quite a few family ties between administration, teachers, and staff. I just have to question whether or not that is the best practice considering nepotism is frowned upon in every other school district as well as in the business world. Also, in regards to test scores. One should really look at the demographics of those students tested and compare them to other schools in the area. Cortez is the closest elementary school with an English Language Learner population almost 7 times higher than OPA's, and they only go through 6th grade! Teachers there work hard, so I don't want to take away from their hard work, but look at demographics before raving about test scores. |
| 9/21/2011 | parent | Like many others, we too had high expectations for OPA but, they were not met. First, the positives: Teachers at OPA seem to be committed to their jobs. There are many wonderful, experienced teachers there. Families are also very involved. A lot of people worked VERY hard to get this school up and going. Negatives: Administration seems to favor hiring brand new teachers, which isn't a bad thing, as everyone starts somewhere, but new teachers were not being supported. Classroom management was lacking, worksheets became the norm, Multiple Intelligences were not being addressed, and parents were taking advantage of teachers. Teachers are severely overworked and underpaid. They have already had a high turnover rate even without taking into consideration the teachers that left to teach in South OC. Fundraising was handled tastelessly. The largest donors get their names on larger balls than other donors. Where did all that money go? No field trips for us last year. Test scores can be deceiving. Few learning disabled children attend OPA as only basic special services are provided. Same goes for English Language Learners. Everything is done last-minute by administration. |
| 9/5/2011 | parent | Yes this school scored high, but how much credit can you give them? Afterall, they only had the students for one year. These kids came to them as proficient and advanced. I had such high hopes for this school and I was so excited that we had gotten in. For what? No curriculum, very low expectations, and lack of experience by many of the teachers. I went to administration and asked for help but I was only asked to wait. I couldn't wait any longer. I saw what my friends' kids were learning at the same grade level in other schools and I had no choice but to pull my kids out. These kids scored high on the test because of what they had learned before going to OPA and because their parents did a lot of the work at home. I would not recommend this school to a friend. |
| 8/31/2011 | parent | No need to said more.....first year......API.......957.................... I know a lot of parent are happy with the school but of cause there are always an exception, but Whoever is not happy with OPA maybe should give other people a chance to get in. Since they are a lot of other family want to get in, our school is very different than other school. As far as I know, all school ask for help on money due to the budget cut, I think we should support the school whichever way they need. |
| 8/31/2011 | parent | Just as not every school is perfect, neither is every parent. Knowing some of the parents who are leaving negative comments, as an Independent Study parent (IS), a few ex-IS parents gave everyone on that staff absolute heartache. It is unfortunate because their kids are great. Overall, there is no staff anywhere that works any harder. Their API score just came out at 957, but consider that they have a junior high and an IS program where we, as parents, are counted on to do the work. The admin team works tirelessly for all of the kids of the school. Name me one school that in their first year can pull off a 957...it just doesn't happen! Parents need to be held accountable too, and the majority at the school are. It is a true team effort and we wouldn't want our kids anywhere else. |
| 8/31/2011 | parent | Thank you for all hard working teachers, stuffs , parents and all students. We really LOVE, LOVE OPA. |
| 8/28/2011 | parent | I know for my family OPA has been GREAT! This school went above and beyond for my children! Mrs. Roche is great she works long hours and has gone above and beyond to make this school a success. Both my children were given extra help in subjects before and after school for no charge! One of my children worked so hard that he went up by 86 points in math on his star testing. This school is teaching and challenging my children! I think the game room rocks! These kids need a little fun with all the hard work they do. |
| 8/28/2011 | parent | This school had some great expectations for itself, but I feel like it fell short. I was initially impressed with their multiple intelligences approach, and while they tested the kids to find out their preferred learning method, I didn't see them take any further steps. Walking on to campus the first day felt very Stepford wives-ish. It's obvious this school is Big Business when they have a Paypal button on their website! I was appalled by the game rooms: a school does not need Wii Rock Band, air hockey, & skeeball, to name a few. When I had an issue, the admin only behaved in its best interest. Every email I received from the teacher was littered with so many grammatical mistakes it was like nails on a chalkboard. Mrs. Roche is only concerned with her own reputation. I think there is a good heart to this school, but the parents & students deserve all the credit. |
| 8/26/2011 | parent | My son was in the independent study program and we did not live close enough to the school to benefit from all of the extracurricular activities. But I will tell you that my children have attended some of the highest rated public and private schools in L.A. and Oxford Prep has impressed us more than any of those $30K+ a year private schools. Of course it's a business, education cost money, teachers cost money and resources cost money. Rather than complaining about an administration that is aggressive about generating operating revenue, why don't you consider donating money to the school to support their efforts? I believe they are doing a great job with the limited resources they have available to them and I intend to support them any way we can. We have since moved closer to the school and both our children are attending this year. |
| 8/26/2011 | parent | I was very unhappy with my experience with OPA. We experienced both the regular classroom setting and the indepenent study program and was unhappy with both. For parents that have had a great experience then you were lucky to have had a good teacher and not have had to take a problem to administration. When talking to administration/founders they simply talk over you and do not want to actually hear your problem. There are some good staff in independent study; however, the program is unorganized like most things on campus. I realize this was the first year for the school but things are just too unorganized now & they have chosen to open more campuses when this school still doesn't have all the kinks worked out. Someday this school may be great but I don't want my child's education or experience to suffer at the cost of their learning curve. |
| 8/26/2011 | parent | Did want to post but I found that last post reather deceptive. Says it was submitted by a parent yet that isw likely not true. Said their son was in IS but they did not live cloase enough to do the extracurricular. In order to enroll in Oxford you would have to be a resident of Chino or Chino Hills, both which are less then 10-15 miles from the school. Second they said their children attended 30K a year private schools and now we are suppose to believe that their kids got into a charter school with a supposed 1000 kids list in the first and only year of its existence? Unlikely. Also donating money is great and should be encouraged, however if you are going to contribute you expect to that the admin will be responsive when you need them. AT OPA that isn't the case. Futhermore it is a legitmate concern that they are openning 2 other schools and sharing staff and admin when like another poster said last year when problems arose (and there were many) that we needed to bare with them while they worked the problems out. But now magically all problems are solved enough to start 2 more schools. Again, unlikely. Can be a good school with a few year under belt. |
| 8/17/2011 | parent | WOW! This school is amazing! We now have one year under our belt and although there was a lot to do to get the school ready, and grow the opportunities it happened all for the kids. What a smashing success Incredible! Here is the difference So many parents willingly to come out and support OUR school. When the school asked for help hundreds helped out. WE are a part of the school, and are welcomed and encouraged to participate in our children s education - unlike many others where it is not as wanted... This school is where Teachers deserve the title Professional! The kids refer to them as 'Professors' and they have earned every bit of that title. I have witnessed many of them staying after late to make sure the classroom was prepared versus not trying to go home right after the kids leave. The opportunities that they offer the kids are amazing. The school challenges ALL of the kids and takes them to the next level with encouragement and accolades. I would never look back other than to appreciate what we have now. Great Job OPA!!! |
| 8/17/2011 | other | In opposition to a couple earlier reviews, the school's scores will be top in not only the Chino Valley, but in the County as well. 91.3% of the students scored Proficient or better in English Language Arts on the STAR Test, and close to the same percentage scored Proficient or higher in Math. Most of the students in these categories scored Advanced. Science scores in both 5th and 8th grade were 92% Proficient or higher. Their junior high scores are phenomenal. All of this data can be verified on the California Department of Education website. |
| 8/16/2011 | parent | My Family Loves OPA! The Staff is amazing and caring, the administration works endlessly for our kids, and the Parents are out of this world! I wouldn't want to be any where else! :) We had four children attend OPA last year and were amazed at how much they learned and what they were exposed to: higher level thinking, music, science, foreign language, Multiple Intelligence's, and the list could go on.... |
| 8/15/2011 | parent | I have to agree with the last review..I had great expectations for this school that supposedly had so much to offer. What a let down! The multiple intelligences never came into play. They offer Independent Study to those who hope to get in the school. The program however leaves a lot to be desired. A shortage of books, a lack of teaching materials, classes cancelled without notification to parents, and young children left unattended for hours at a time. It seems as if money has become the real motivation for this administration..What happened to "It's for the kids?" |
| 8/15/2011 | parent | Our first year at OPA was exhausting and did not live up to all the hype. I have read all of the other reviews and agree with all of the benefits of the foreign language,music etc but the multiple intelligences were not put in place and it is quickly becoming a Big Business. With the opening of 2 new campuses during the summer when all we heard last year was "please bare with us,it our first year" we will be sharing staff and administration with 2 other campuses in the up coming year. I have never heard of such a thing. It also seems as though the "wait list" goes out the window when you have some affiliation with the admin. It has become very clear that the best interest of the student is NOT OPA's priority. Our daughter is a straight A student with spectacular test scores and we are not happy. |
| 7/6/2011 | parent | We had a great first year at OPA! Our son went to school with such enthusiasm, which is key for us. We are thankful for having Mr Cordero- he really motivated our son to want to learn more. We can't wait for next year. |
| 6/20/2011 | parent | My daughter entered OPA a few weeks after the school year began. I was excited when I got the call that a spot opened up! My daughter thanks me all the time for sending her to OPA. Even though she has hours of homework each night including learning a musical instrument and foreign language, she challenges herself to complete it and maintain a B or better grade in all subjects. The staff, kids, and families are great. We all want the best education for our children now in order to give them an edge in the future. |
| 5/31/2011 | parent | OPA certainly has surmounted all of my expectations! As a parent and an educator, I have seen my daughter flourish with the confidence and enthusiasm necessary to succeed which were elements that she lacked at her previous school. The effort by all stakeholders from parents to custodial is amazing. The cultural practices being embedded here aren't perfect, but there is no denying that the mission to educate all students according to their intelligences is the vision. Great job on your first year OPA, and I can't wait to see what we do next year! Special thanks to Mrs. Lohoff who has worked beyond her call to help my daughter, her 3rd grade class, and for organizing other activities, such as, The Living Museum. You and your colleagues rock!!! |
| 5/16/2011 | parent | My son is so blessed to enter this new school. The teachers and other staffs are so devoted to their job, and the parents are care about education and willing to volunteer at school. We are proud to be OPA family! |
| 5/3/2011 | parent | I love OPA!! We are very happy here. The curriculum is supurb and the expectations are high. The teachers, staff and administration go ABOVE and BEYOND for our children. They teach more than any other school and offer so much to our children. They get the music, foreign language, tutoring, science lab, and so much more. |
| 4/30/2011 | parent | LOVE OPA!!! Love the uniforms!! Love the fact the children are being exposed to a foreign language & Music, classes that are not offered at a district school. |
| 4/30/2011 | parent | OPA is LACKING in Education? Your child regressed?? It is hard for me to believe that, truly sounds like you had "other" issues. Since OPA is a school of choice, it my hope you returned to your home school and allowed another family to come to OPA. I am proud to be part of a school that cares about my children, rather than be part of a district whose only concern is how to save money. In addition to the high academic rigor my children have foreign language, Music, Band, & Science, classes that would not have been offered to them at a district school. My family is blessed to be at OPA. |
| 4/27/2011 | parent | We had a terrible experience at OPA. Taking into consideration this was the first year we expected some challenges. We did not expect the education to be lacking. Our child quickly regressed in reading and math. The teacher was not encouraging and did not "teach". Lots of worksheets and no substance. We certainly did not see any multiple intelligence teaching. When we went to the administration with our concerns it took weeks for them to look into the problems in the class. After they finally did we were asked to stick it out for the year. We would not recommend this school to a friend. |
