| Date | Who | Comments |
| 9/27/2012 | parent | While we are a new family to the school, we have been quite impressed with the inclusive community, level of communication to parents and school spirit. The school is well run, our child's teachers are engaging, and my child loves school. We have felt impressed by the Focused Learning Goals. Each child is assessed by teachers and parents on stregnths/weaknesses and goals are identified in not only educational subject areas but also in social and emotional development. We also have experience in the local neighborhood school and have not been impressed with the lack of differentiation for gifted kids. While I believe there is no "perfect school" for everyone, having the ability to choose a different option for my child has been invaluable. |
| 8/29/2012 | other | I was a student at Bullis Charter School until I graduated in the first 8th grade class this past June. I had been at Bullis since 1st great and have never been disappointed by what they had to offer me. I think that the Bullis Charter School experience is something you need to have to understand it fully. I love how creative I get to be there and I am sad that I've moved on (LAHS). The staff, students, and administration are all there to help you and everyone is insanely nice. |
| 8/17/2012 | parent | I've experienced both an LASD school and Bullis Charter and hands down Bullis Charter is a better school which address the whole child and does not spend the entire year teaching to the test. |
| 8/17/2012 | parent | We transferred last year from a local LASD school. We thought with all the hype of have wonderful BCS would be that we would jump on the band wagon. We do like the longer hours for our child, but the exceptional program we have received for $5000 and extra pressure hasn't been what we though. We will be going back this year for one more try as our child has made some friends, but if the pressure doesn't decrease then we won't be back the following year. Some of the teachers are wonderful, while others are not. We had better teachers at Springer School across town. The community feel was ever present there and our youngest will be enrolled there as I don't think BCS is a good fit for him. We will give it one more year and see. |
| 7/25/2012 | parent | Bullis offers electives during and after school which are fun and interesting. After a few years though, many children including our own, lost interest due to the stress there. Instead of focusing on collaboration and ingenuity, the standard graded worksheet approach is used. There is a tremendous amount of competitive pressure to be the best, which unfortunately at this age turns many children off. Not having time to deeply focus on subject areas, too many transitions, the (we are the best ) attitude from parents and administration, and lack of support for anyone who is different concerned us enough to leave after several years at the school. The teachers are great for the most part; we had several good and one horrible, but overall there is a disconnect between what children need to thrive and what the school offers. The school really needs a social/emotional element like Project Cornerstone at the local schools, Self Science at Keyes, the Kindness approach at Living Wisdom, etc. We decided to leave Bullis and are all happy and impressed with the change. |
| 7/24/2012 | other | This school has a very bad relationship with the general public in the local school district. The school associates is trying to delete every post telling this truth. You can find out this fact by yourself. |
| 5/1/2012 | parent | This School is absolutely amazing with its hands-on learning, passionate teachers, and wonderful enrichment program. I am absolutely delighted that my child could go to this school as he has developed a love for learning in a way I never thought he could. |
| 1/29/2012 | parent | BCS is an excellent K-8 school. I have never seen teachers and staff that are more passionate and willing to help your child progress. It is an alternative to the standard LASD public school system, which is good as well. The difference is in the curriculum. Mandarin enrichment and Spanish at later grade levels, drama, arts, public speaking and more. At the end of the day you want to give your child the best education possible and for us it was BCS. |
| 1/25/2012 | parent | BCS has been perfect for my child and my family for the last six years. While I am sad that anyone might leave after a less-than-perfect experience, I respect the choices *parents* make for their children. The *writer* who makes accusations, however, and who tries to scare people off rather than directing people to bullischarterschool.com that has the FACTS about our school, I do not think should be able to "review" this fantastic school they have not attended. If you are considering BCS, I invite you instead to look at the enrichment education (full time, credentialed, staff giving every student art, PE, dance, drama,music, and foreign language) and dedicated staff inspiring individual students on a daily basis. Yes, LASD has not offered BCS reasonably equivalent facilities as required by law and now must make a speedy decision and follow through on how to rectify their mistakes. We are all local families and community supporters who want what we each think is the best environment for our own kids. No controversy there. |
| 1/25/2012 | parent | We are a new family to the school. Teachers, staff, and principal have been super nice. Facilities are a bit cramped, but I think they are going to add some space next year. We love the mandarin program and music opportunities. Great public school choice for Los Altos. |
| 1/25/2012 | parent | We chose this school because we wanted our kids to have an education that developed the whole child, with music, drama, art, P.E., and foreign language. What we got was so much more. Individual learning plans. Project-based learning. No drills for standardized tests. Our kids love going to school because it is so much FUN. Their teachers are enthused about their jobs. The teachers are all working on their own professional development with things like National Board Certification and teaching co-curriculars (during the school day) like Edible Math, Lego Robotics, Origami, Watercolor, Dance, All About Sharks -- an amazing assortment of classes 2-3 times/week that keep everyone jazzed about learning. The teachers are smart, engaging, and the hardest working group I've ever seen. The parents are a terrific group of diverse folks, both ethnically and socio-economically diverse, that work in a wide range of industries but all share a passion for education that works. I look around me at school functions, drop-off and pick-up and see happy, well-adjusted kids and families who feel grateful for having had a choice in their child's education. |
| 1/25/2012 | parent | We couldn't be happier with BCS! The teachers are wonderful, the principal is amazing, and the other families and students are warm, engaged, interesting - it's a great community to be a part of! There are so many opportunities for growth at BCS - the students learn Mandarin, they learn to read music and take part in a top notch music program, there are plays and musicals, and drama is integrated into the school curriculum, PE, art, lots of interesting choices for during the day electives and after school extra-curriculars - from stage combat, greek mythological monsters, book making, culture cooks, lego robotics, four square, marble math, and many many others. The kids have fun, learn a ton, are each provided with individualized learning plans and focused learning goals. Developing character and leadership skills, risk taking and good relationships are all part of the curriculum. The school invites parents to participate in so many ways, from the regular volunteering, to lunch duty, to strategic planning opportunities. I cannot say enough good things about BCS! |
| 10/17/2011 | parent | In our fifth year and still amazed at what these guys do at this school. Programs are unique and innovative. Children have choices about their own courses starting in first grade! And this year, my fourth grader was invited to attend his parent teacher conference to discuss his plans and goals! Wow! Of course he should be making these decisions! I could not be more excited and proud of the place...location aside! |
| 9/6/2011 | parent | I agree, the parent below clearly does not attend BCS. That being said, I think it s fair to say that BCS is not perfect either, and I am a long time supporter of BCS. While my kids have thrived here, I must admit I feel they would have been just as happy at our nearby school. Kids in Los Altos will likely be successful, not because of the marginal differences between schools (public OR private) but because we live in a community that values education. I honestly think that we parents self select into the school that works best for us. I ve noticed disgruntled LASD parents that transfer their children into BCS expect the school can transform them. It feels like BCS is becoming the alternative school for kids who aren t thriving at their home school. So, I think BCS early grades are outstanding, but the upper grades are faltering because we experience an influx of kids with learning/behavioral issues. While I m certainly keeping my kids here until we head off to Egan, I ve been alarmed at this increasing trend. And, I do fear our funding model is not sustainable in the long run as many parents refuse to make the suggested $5K donation. |
| 9/3/2011 | parent | Previous reviewer is clearly NOT a parent at the school. BCS had NO teacher turnover whatsoever last year. The rest of the tirade isn't really worth responding to. If you get an opportunity to attend BCS, take it! Two kids there... FABULOUS staff, teachers, programs. My understanding is there is a waitlist for every grade in the school, and it's no wonder. The teachers at BCS go above and beyond in every way imaginable. LOTS of differentiation in the classroom which is really different from other LASD schools. |
| 7/5/2011 | other | I'm actually a student and I love their specials, homeroom, co- and extra- curriculars. I used to be at Challenger Middelfield and when I switched it was totally worth it. I'm learning more, becoming more comfterable, and making friends easily. The teachers are wonderful. They all hav different things they're good at. |
| 5/3/2011 | parent | The Pros and Cons of BCS. I think all prospective parents should have a balanced view of BCS and here is my opinion. Note I have two kids here but started off at my nearby neighborhood school. So, my comments reflect the contrast between the two. The Pros: definitely more academically rigorous, excellent range of electives (called co-curriculars), smaller class sizes in the upper grades, school well funded (lots of wealthy families give generously), very energetic, young teachers, private school feel without the price The Cons: lack of economic/social diversity (some view this as a pro), horrendous location (trying to change that!), high staff turnover year over year, polarizing reputation in the broader community Net, net, BCS offers an excellent education at a fraction of the price of Pinewood or Keyes. So, for us, it is well worth it. The trade off, IMHO, is that BCS can feel a bit like an island and the broader LASD community doesn t always embrace us. So, if feeling connected to your geographic neighborhood is important, go to your neighborhood school. If that s less of an issue for you, choose BCS! |
| 4/12/2011 | parent | I cannot be happier to move my son to Bullis. The teachers are great. I heard that they were recruited in national wide. They are teaching with passion! They care the kids from all areas. They always tell clearly my kid's good and weak parts and how to improve, then remind him positively in class. I can see his change to a confident, polite and responsible person. |
| 10/19/2010 | parent | Incredible program. Incredible teachers. Very long waitlist to get in at all grades. If the previous poster actually leaves, it will make some other family very happy. The best thing about BCS is that every family has CHOSEN to be there. |
| 10/1/2010 | parent | We made the mistake of transferring here and plan to return to our neighborhood school. The atmosphere at the charter school is tense and unpleasant. Also, for $4,500 per student each year, we can return to our neighborhood school (where we can walk or bike) and pay for after-school enrichment classes (and then some!) |
| 6/25/2010 | parent | We transferred our two kids to Bullis from our nearby elementary as we feared the budget crisis was going to destroy LASD. Some things are better while others are honestly not as good at Bullis. I love the Mandarin and the slightly longer school day. However, like any school, some teachers are great and others are not. I also feel we are now a bit ostracized by our former school community thanks to the district legal battles with Bullis. If I could go back in time, I'm not sure the switch was worth it for us. |
| 5/25/2010 | other | This is the best school I have ever attended. The teachers have one on one time with you and will work with you to accomplish your goals no matter how hard! The curriculum and activities at this school are amazing. I couldn't ask for anything more. |
| 5/14/2010 | parent | Great school, great teachers, excellent program and great community |
| 5/9/2010 | parent | This school has wonderful programs, great leadership and really nice kids and families. The teachers are highly skilled, well trained and are committed and passionate about the kids, their careers and the future of education. This school is innovative, creative and community and globally minded. As a charter school it has ambitious 'start up' positive attitudes, with passion and innovation. It has flexibility and lacks the constraints other schools are burdened by, yet it is held accountable and not only meets, but exceeds by leaps and bounds, California and National standards. What a model for what other school could be! |
| 5/5/2010 | parent | The school provides a lot of options for the students to expand and show their talents. As a mom, I found that I have much more free time after my daughter was transfered to Bullis, because my daughter can select many after-school on-site programs that last until 4:15 to 5:00 pm every day, and I do not need to drive her around to learn outside! The teachers and kids are friendly and encouraging. On top of all, Bullis' STAR test results have always been top-tier! |
| 5/2/2010 | parent | Great school community and great teachers and a principal with a great vision who knows all the children. |
| 4/29/2010 | other | Programs are challenging and tailored to individuals, staff are committed to high achievement for students and for school. |
| 4/28/2010 | parent | The teachers are amazing and the projects the children do make my kids in different grades wake up excited to go to school. They might create businesses one day to understand how money works or islands another day with their own national anthem. I wish I had gone to a school like this. |
| 4/28/2010 | parent | BCS offers a challenging, individualized, excellent curriculum. The focus is always on the students' best interests. |
| 4/25/2010 | parent | Phenomenal teaching and administrative staff, and focused learning plans. |
| 4/23/2010 | parent | Everything ! Wonderful staff and great programs. Best of all, they are able to build a great school community among the students and parents |
| 4/23/2010 | parent | The teachers at BCS are passionate about teaching our children, and have the opportunity to meet the required standards in more creative, fun and appropriate ways. The school's philosophy is to educate the whole child as an individual, with his/her own specific needs, gifts and goals. The school community is small and cohesive, and comprises involved, dedicated parents. The administration is led by an award-winning principal, a seasoned professional who inspires the teachers to be their best as educators. |
| 4/22/2010 | parent | With the 'educating the whole child' philosophy, BCS has provided opportunities for my children to recognize their talents at an early age. |
| 4/22/2010 | parent | Adaptive curriculum, honoring each and every child in the school to be at 'their' very best!! |
| 4/22/2010 | parent | They have the opportunity to learn and try so many things. The specialists teacher, which include music, science and engineering, drama, art, P.E., and math, are truly excited and leaders in what they do. |
| 4/22/2010 | parent | They treat everything as a learning opportunity. From announcements in the morning (done by the kids), to the classroom, to extra-curriculars after school. Wonderful! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | The enriched curriculum and individual learning plans are fabulous! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | Bullis has wonderful curriculum that does not compromise the education with all the state budget cuts. The school philosophy believes in the project based learning. There is also a great community. It is truly what a school should be! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | Bullis is every thing a public school used to be, and should be. It has an exciting and varied curriculum with extensive opportunities for hands on learning that keeps the kids engaged. |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | we love our school. it is a close knit community with great teachers and fun parents! my kids love going to school! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | My daughter loves to go to school everyday! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | Innovative curriculum, great teachers, individual attention, good mix of parent participation. |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | Great teachers, great programs, and great parent cooperation. |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | We love BCS for the many student opportunites. Great teachers and the best principle EVER!!! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | My son loves the co-curriculars (electives). The teachers are very energetic and love teaching. |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | Headed by a principal with great vision, BCS teachers offer an enriched and innovative curriculum that keep the students engaged. My children love the hands on projects like traveling around the world, exposure to opera , martial arts performers and mathematicians at school wide assemblies, and the fun co-curricular activities. BCS is a fantastic school ! |
| 4/21/2010 | parent | Individual learning programs, great teachers, drama, music, dance, PE. |
| 4/18/2010 | parent | Individualized and exploratory approach to teaching the joy of learning to the child. Low student to teacher ratio. The principal, Wanny Hersey, and her staff are well trained and attuned as well as open to dynamic approaches to teaching and are in constant communication with the parent as well as student community on what's working and areas for opportunity. The flexibility that is inherent in the school structure enable it to respond efficiently to the changing needs of education as well as identifying the most effective ways of teaching children in a fun and engaging manner. |
| 4/13/2010 | parent | The personalized approach to learning and the strong sense of community are what make Bullis Charter School a special place for children and their families. The principal, Wanny Hersey, and the teachers and staff are very involved with the students and connected with the parents. Our second child will be graduating from the school this year and he is well prepared for middle school (although we'll miss BCS)! |
| 4/13/2010 | parent | My kids are getting a great education and having fun at the same time. The teachers are trained to really differentiate instruction in the classroom--they challenge kids at whatever level they are at. There are great project based learning projects which keep the kids engaged, plus they have electives during school that the kids get to choose. Who wouldn't want to learn stage combat? or engineering? or Spanish? or the science of floating and flying... these are just a small taste of what's available to these truly lucky kids! |
| 10/29/2009 | parent | We've been a Bullis for several years now and it has generally been a positive experience. We like the parental support at the school and the academics are strong. The piece that perplexes me is that we lose alot of teachers every year, so the staff turnover is a bit disturbing. If you do come here, also be aware that the school can be polarizing within the broader community. For some reason, the Bullis board has a reputation of not being able to play well with others! (I've heard that from our own parents, not just from other district folks). Net, net, Bullis is fine, but don't expect it to be perfect. No school is. |
| 10/5/2009 | other | Bullis involves the whole child. It has many enrichment programs after school. Our grandson has taken violin as one of the enrichment classes. He also takes Mandarin which is taught throughout the grades. He is extremely happy with his classes. |
| 7/2/2009 | parent | Frankly, I'm torn about my child's experience at Bullis because what happens inside the classroom is just one piece of the equation for receiving a well-rounded education. Academically, the school is excellent. However, the school is losing, yet again, many teachers (9 so far for the '09-'10 year). We've launched a legal battle with the district over space (the Bullis board frankly has enough $ to force the upper hand of the cash strapped district.) These last two points give me pause and I understand more and more why LASD parents are annoyed with Bullis. Do I stay here out of pride or send my son to our neighborhood school, which has equally strong academic credentials. Help!!! |
| 6/13/2009 | parent | We just ended our first year at BCS. From day one we were welcomed by the families and felt very much at home. We were so pleased with both of our kids teachers and how excited our kids were about attending school. The children were extremely respectful of adults and peers and that is a huge testament of the environment and what is expected from them. We moved from a school in the Los Altos School District to BCS and are so glad we did. The weekly offerings of chosen electives, drama, music, art and foreign language were outstanding. I encourage all families seeking a new offering for their kids to come and check out the school. You will be glad you did. |
| 4/9/2009 | parent | We've been at BCS a long time...maybe too long. Some of the teachers need to go too, as a few have a distressingly flip attitude. The location is a not great (noise, car exhaust, portables). The ILPs (Individualized Learning Plans) consist of repeatedly highlighting both strengths and 'weaknesses' for kids year after year, which are often things they have little control over ('slow reader', 'poor handwriting'). We came for the programs--electives (called co-curriculars) such as newspaper, geocaching (new in 2009), and many creative arts. Drama has been a highlight, Miss K. is truly gifted. Other subjects are average in implementation; standard texts are used in science and social studies with work sheets in upper grades. In fairness, the kids do supplement with posters and talks but grading is subjective. Environmental Science is also unique but demanding. Keep in mind parents donate on average $3,500/year to pay for all this! |
| 4/1/2009 | teacher | The reason for the one star rating is the exclusive nature of the school. The education is fine and the teachers are OK, but the attitude is one of exclusivity and entitlement. The children don't know anything outside of their own sheltered lives including stay at home parents, never having to worry about money, going on extravagant vacations, and never wanting for anything. I feel that these students will have a rough time in the real world. They are not being taught acceptance of diversity, nor are they being taught the true meaning of giving. Their idea of reaching out to the community is to sell cupcakes. I'm sorry, but that's not reaching out to the homeless, the hungry, the poor, and the needy. |
| 4/1/2009 | other | This is two Bullis Charter alumni here who strongly believe that their past experience here has been one of the best! Our teachers supported and encouraged us to do our best and show who we really are. It's really aspiring to have such exemplary role models to look up to! Keep up the good work! |
| 3/11/2009 | parent | This is my assessement, trying to be as objective and fair given I am an 'insider' (we have two kids in lower grades at Bullis). I've compared notes extensively with friends who have kids at Almond and Santa Rita. Pro's: Has a private school feel due in large part to the 'exclusive' aspect of the overall parent population. Class structure is a bit more differentiated (e.g. Mandarin) but not too much (we still take the same standardized tests and must be prepared). Tons of parent participation and support thanks to the skimming effect of having to apply and get in. Cons: Lack of strong 'community feel' since everyone drives and lives in different neighborhoods (parents at Almond and SR rave about this and I am jealous!). Dependent on heavy fundraising every year. Wish we had a 'real' campus and not portables bordering noisy San Antonio. |
| 11/2/2008 | parent | In an area brimming with high-scoring public and private schools, parents have a choice. BCS provides a small-school environment which embraces individualized learning, best-practices, strong communication, high-quality academics and a well-rounded arts program. With three children making their way through the school I can honestly say that BCS lives up to its mission. No school will be the right fit for every child but I can't imagine any place better (public or private) . . . and I'm a tough customer! Thanks, Bullis Charter! |
| 11/2/2008 | parent | This school is a bait and switch. We chose it for it's proclamation of 'teaching to the individual child' and promoting a 'life long love of learning'. What we found was a very rigid, 'one size fits all' approach. When children or parents do not fit into their ideal, beware. You will be met with a 'what's wrong with your child and/or you' attitude. The faculty and administration are both passive-aggessive and insincere. |
| 11/1/2008 | parent | The school seemed to thrive on a start-up sort of energy for its first four years, but now that it's in its 5th year, the cracks are beginning to show. Despite claims to the contrary, the curriculum on many classes is worksheet-heavy and formulaic, with no real evidence of creative thinking and developing a life-long love of learning. Most of the kids are students who would succeed in any classroom, but if you have a child who doesn't fit that mold, the school's response his to hammer him or her into submission. Do you have a bright, curious child who loves to learn and explore? Then DO NOT send your child to this school. |
| 5/23/2008 | parent | Congratulations to Bullis Charter School on becoming a California Distinguished School. Wanny Hersey, the principal and superintendent, has be instrumental in leading the school to this exceptional level over the years. The staff continues to be outstanding and all students are receiving an excellent educational experience. My children are thriving. A private school education in a public school. |
| 10/9/2007 | teacher | As a former teacher at BCS, I have seen the school blossom as a model of educational innovation for California and beyond! From its variability in course offerings for students to its focus on the student as an individual, students and staff alike are provided a progressive environment for learning. Compassionate and dynamic staff and teachers coalesce to create an atmosphere where all are encouraged to strive for her/his personal best. Decisions affecting the life and future of the school are made with input from a variety of stakeholders, and all decisions made are done so with the best interests of the students at heart. My time at Bullis was the most rewarding professionally for me. Together, students, parents and staff have created a first-rate school in which any teacher would be proud to serve. I look forward to watching the bright future Bullis has ahead of it! |
| 10/6/2007 | parent | This is the third year my two children have been at Bullis Charter School and we are extremely pleased with their education. They are developing exceptional reading, writing and math skills. Just as important, they are learning at an early age to be comfortable speaking and performing in front of large groups, how to think for themselves and design innovative experiments, and to be caring and responsible citizens. The level of parent commitment to the school is simply incredible and is priceless for the children. I only wish the school would add a 7th and 8th grade so my children could stay in this supportive environment a little longer! |
| 8/27/2007 | parent | We love Bullis Charter School! The teachers and the principal are excellent. They care about every child and welcome parent input and participation. Our kids look forward to going to school every day. We couldn't be happier. |
| 8/27/2007 | parent | This is our fourth year at BCS, and despite the turnover the staff remains cohesive and strong. Turnover is due to the fact that teachers are typically in that 'sweet spot' of 5-10 years experience, but that also means at the age of marriage, pregnancy, grad school, etc. My kids love the experiential learning and the focus on the individual child. They feel like they have a voice and more importantly, they belong. The teachers get to know every child in the school. The opportunities for co and extra-curricular learning are phenomenal. My fifth grader has taken violin, saxophone, yoga, robotics, Spanish, environmental education and computer animation - all taught by BCS teachers. I can't imagine sending my kids anywhere else. |
| 8/27/2007 | parent | This is a school that is committed to educating the 'whole child' and delivers. Every student has an individualized plan with personal goals and there are many programs for students to immerse themselves in. My children have been in 3 musicals and 3 plays, and took classes in lego robotics, dance (ballet and tap), choir, volleyball, and been on the student council. There is a mobile computer cart for every 2 classrooms. My 1st grader was creating powerpoint presentations and my older child was composing in GarageBand. There is a strong code of conduct so all students are expected to be respectful and courteous. Our children continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally every year. We give Bullis 5 stars! |
| 7/25/2007 | parent | My kids have had a great experience at BCS. The teachers care, the leadership cares and as a result the kids care about education and the BCS community. There are a few rough edges around priorities but all communities feel these pangs. The real test of a community is the ability to work through differences through civil and informed debate. |
| 7/24/2007 | parent | Bullis Charter School is at a crisis point. There is a rapidly growing feeling of discontent and disenfranchisement among the parents of the school. This is the result of leadership problems that threaten the quality and success of the school. School leadership is unresponsive to the concerns of the majority of parents, and hence students, of the school. Battles over redistricting and self imposed re-chartering crises are championed, while serious issues with the quality of the education program and staff retention are ignored. Representation in school government is limited to a small group of favorites. Curriculum and other decisions affecting the school are made without parent input. The decision to institute a controversial Mandarin program is a case in point. Hiring staff is the responsibility of the principal and a few teachers. This year s departure of classroom teachers suggests this is a problem. |
| 7/21/2007 | former student | My two kids have attended Bullis Charter School since the school first opened. The first year was the best year and now the bloom is off the rose at Bullis Charter School. A large part of the focus at Bullis is on appearances. A good drama program is as important as basic math and science skills. TV appearances are good too. Isn't it great that Bullis kids participate in the Great Turtle race halfway around the world? Unfortunately they don't understand poverty, hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness of old age in Santa Clara County. Bulis kids think community service is about making money selling cupcakes, wristbands and necklaces. Too bad Bulllis doesn't have the same appreciation for books as looks. Did I hear the library is closing? That may be for the best since even a part time librarian could not be funded. Yes, teacher turnover is high. Bullis Founding Families are leaving too - that should be reason for concern. To say that the principal is unresponsive is too kind. It is her way or the highway. |
| 7/20/2007 | parent | BCS is a lot of fun for the students, but my kids aren't learning that much. There isn't consistency from year to year due to turn-over and the fact that curriculum is based on the teacher and is not a school wide coordinated effort. Instead of working hard for the kids, the school focuses on image, fundraising, and doing things the easy way rather than doing what is right. The principal is unresponsive to students' needs and is rarely around to support teachers. She likes to spend her time 'visiting' schools in Finland and China. She should really be looking at great Bay Area schools and doing the hard work to make improvements to BCS. Sadly, this school is all show and no go. |
| 3/27/2007 | parent | Superb schoo! My children love the activities and learn a lot! |
| 3/27/2007 | student | I have been here at this spectacular school,for almost three years. Our school have many fun learning activities and field trips that teach you a lot. For example, I've been to Gold Rush City for two days, Walker Creek Outdoor-Ed for a week, and Washington DC for another week. And, I really am excited about going to Costa Rica next year. All these fieldtrips were fun and made us more mature and responsible. In addition,the co-curriculars and extra-curriculars make BCS even more enjoyable! BCS is cool!:) |
| 8/16/2006 | parent | Great academics, music, science, PE, art. What's not to like? |
| 9/5/2005 | parent | This is an excellent school. Small and friendly. Individualized learning plans for every child. Plenty of challenge for high achievers but taylored to others as well. Lots of projects keep the kids engaged. Emphasis on character. Great extracurricular and cocurricular offering including drama, dance, PE, instrumental music down to first grade, environmental studies, PE. A happy, loving place. The children are joyful. |
| 9/1/2005 | parent | Doing a great job so far. |
| 8/22/2005 | parent | Phenominal school. Top test scores. Solid academics. Fun, high energy teachers with interesting backgrounds. Individualized so every child is challenged but not overly challenged. Hands on learning keeps them interested and motivated. Many extra curriculars during and after school - music incl. instrumental music from grades 1 - 6. Drama class weekly for all kids, plus several after school plays. Great science program. After school sports. No tuition - this is a public school. All teachers trained in 'schools attuned' methodology. It can offer all of this because it is a charter school. |
| 8/17/2005 | parent | While the school clearly offers a superior program of co-and extra-curricular activities, the first-year results are a bit of a surprise. Such results must be due to the collegial nature of the parents, teachers, and superintendent Wanny Hersey who support a child-centered approach in which each student has her own individual learning plan (akin to the individual education plans (IEPs) that children in special education have). Bullis is great after just one year and on its way to Best Public School in California. |
