| School Name | Address | Phone | Grades | County | Type | District Name |
| Sycamore Academy of Science and Cultural Arts | 32326 Clinton Keith Rd.
Wildomar, CA 92595 | (951) 678-5217 | K-6 & ungraded | Riverside | charter | Lake Elsinore Unified School District |
| Date | Who | Comments |
| 11/2/2012 | parent | A disorganized mess in a store front no play ground could use a lot of improvement I don't understand test scores when my daughter tested below her grade level after we left. Now we have to catch up. And yes some of the staff seems a bit unhappy. Putting it mildly, |
| 10/29/2012 | parent | Love the school and love the teachers! Although some of the school aids could be a little nicer . Dear miss Ata...ah ,if you don't like working here or volunteering - it SHOWS! Nobody wants to see your unpleasant attitude, thank you! |
| 9/27/2012 | parent | I love this school .We had our son in ronald regan he is very smart always ahead of his class but instead of encouring him they would hold him back with everyone eles. I was affraid he would start to get in trouble because he was bored thats when I enrolled him at sycamore.Once at sycamore his teacher helped him come out of his shell and thrive he is in 3rd grade but he gets to do math with the 4th graders . I like the fact that the school is able to do this all the teachers work together and the kids benefit from this.My sons teacher Miss Gudia has done such a wonderful job helping him flourish .They also get to do art and science projects which he was not able to do at his other school .One more plus Miss Angleia who works in the office is so sweet the kids love her she is never rude to the parents. |
| 9/13/2012 | parent | Through thick and thin, from LEUSD negative comments to awesome fundraisers and giving a little man, whom was labeled difficult his academic years from pre-school to 1st, a chance to shine Sycamore and the awesome ladies like Ms. Hale , Ms. Angela and at no less Ms. Stearns, gave my little man the education and chance he deserved. Different is not negative and in this case different showed more educational gain and future promise than anything people call "Normal". This ideal is something I have learned about sycamore and have always known about my son (: Thank you Sycamore (: |
| 6/18/2012 | parent | I absolutely love this school for my daughter!! She started kindergarten shy and reserved, but over the past two years I have seen her blossom into a confident and outgoing young lady. I am amazed at the academic progress she is making and am proud to say that because of the collective efforts of Sycamore, my child, and us (her parents), she is exceeding grade level expectations in all subjects. Every childs education is tailored to their abilities, challenging but attainable goals and a plan for success are all put into place. This type of curriculum is not for every child or parent! For children and parents who require a highly structured learning method (worksheets) I would suggest a traditional public school. Rather than a top down dictated approach, Sycamore takes on a less traditional approach of bottom up. Every child dictates how the subject matter taught in class will be applied through personal selection of projects and homework. By making the children take an active role in their education, the subject matter becomes more relevant to them and their interests; School becomes less of a chore, is more engaging, and subject matter is actually absorbed. |
| 5/16/2012 | parent | I have a son at Sycamore Academy and it has been a great learning environment for him. I don't judge a school based on a website that a few parents give their opinions; I base my opinions after thoroughly checking out a school. Before placing him at Sycamore I spoke with the office staff, I took a tour, asked lots of questions and I even sat in on a class and observed his possible teacher. My concerns were addressed as were questions I didn't even think to ask and I am happy with the decision I made to place my son at Sycamore. My son is not behind or failing, but then I am not a parent who stresses about my child being a high achiever. I want my child to become the best that he can be and Sycamore is the right fit for us. He is at a school with caring staff and students that are taught that each of them matter and can make a difference in this world. |
| 5/16/2012 | other | I have been going here since it opened.I have learend so much from when i started here.They have excellent teacher,strong leadership,and challenging academic progams.Kids make life time long friends,great learning environment.The staff helps in classrooms,principals walk through the class's and help students.I reccomend this school to every one in k through 6. |
| 5/7/2012 | parent | This is an outstanding school with an enthusiastic and dedicated staff. This school does have young teachers, but everyone of them is qualified, accessible, knows their students extremely well and always willing to go above and beyond to help their students. I love the fact that they are young, energetic and innovative. This school is focused on the whole child and not just reading and math like most schools. My children have become independent, creative problem solvers in the 3 years they've attended and despite the rough start, this school has become an amazing educational community and as far as I know, the only local elementary that is fully WASC accredited! |
| 5/1/2012 | parent | I wouldn't recommend this school! I had two students enrolled here and feel that the whole school year was a complete waste of time! I feel that my kids actually regressed while being at sycamore academy. Please parents think twice about enrolling your children here, the teachers are friendly but the curriculum is not up to par! Both my kids ending up testing below grade level when they left this school. Such a disappointment. |
| 11/19/2011 | parent | I have 2 children at Sycamore, K and 3rd. We have attended Sycamore since the first day they opened the doors, We have NEVER thought of leaving this school, and will continue to attend as long as my children are in school. My kids LOVE going to school, it has never been a fight, My son is Excelling and is above his grade level in reading and math. My daughter loves doing reaserch papers, and has no problem standing up in class reading a report. Everyone on staff knows my children and knows our family. My son Came home the other day upset that he can not stay at school as long as his older sister, and announced how much he loves Sycamore academy. If you want a great school, where You'r child is NOT just a number, and is loved by all the staff, where they want to go to school and excited about learning. Come to Sycamore!! |
| 11/18/2011 | parent | Surprised by some of the reviews I've read here but then I know you can't please everyone. I believe when it comes to our children's school - you must be involved. Read/respond to teacher emails, visit and speak with the teacher in person. Open your child s backpack every day and see if there is something in there, etc... I have two kids at Sycamore - one who has been there since they opened and I couldn't be happier - unless we had a huge grassy playground, which I'm sure we'll have someday Both of my kids are excelling at Sycamore. They have amazing teachers and they love to go to school. I'm not sure why someone said Sycamore doesn't give homework. We have homework, approx. 30min - 45min a day and that doesn't include reading which we do daily. If you are looking for a new school for your child, give any school you are considering a chance, don t just go by what you read and/or are told. I think before you can say anything about any school you must spend some time there. I ve spent 3 years here I m involved (there nearly every day) and yes, I m very happy. |
| 11/18/2011 | parent | I wish I never would have switchedmy children to this schools. Super unorganized, very little (if any) homework. Issues are not taken seriously. No assignments ever come home. I have no idea what they are learning in class. Sycamore doesn't feel like a real school. I feel as though my child are missing out and falling behind. We will be finding a new school. |
| 11/18/2011 | parent | I admit to being skeptical of this school in the beginning. They do things differently. After asking a lot of questions and observing my child, I was reassured that I had made the right decision. My daughter (1st grade) is excelling at Sycamore Academy! She is excited about learning and loves her school! She has plenty of homework! This school requires a lot of parent involvement and participation in your child's education. If you are expecting to find a thick packet of worksheets for your child's homework each week you won't find that here. My daughter is already reading chapter books, and writing book reports. She is working on a research report of her favorite activity, jumping rope. At my first parent/teacher conference I was pleased to notice how well the teacher "knew" my daughter. A plan was put in place that outlined what my daughter needed to work on but in a way that would be meaningful for her. I am very happy with Sycamore Academy. Caring, energetic teachers, and friendly, helpful staff. Principal and VP are to be commended for their outstanding school! |
| 10/25/2011 | parent | I really believe that the office secretary could have a more sensitive and warm personality. she comes off cold and disconnected from the children. Besides her, everyone else is superb. |
| 9/26/2011 | parent | This was the worst school I could have ever sent my children to. They do not see reading, math, and writing as a priority and when my daughter went back to public school in second grade, she was a year behind in her spelling and had to really work at catching up with math skills. DO NOT send your children here unless they are incredibly self motivated and capable of doing most learning independently. The homework is an absolute joke and once they were back in real school I realized how much they actually missed. It was almost like they were out of school for a whole year. They are also not strict on disciple and allow bad children to continue to disrupt the classroom with little to no consequences. My daughter had a horrible boy in her classroom during the last part of 1st and the couple of weeks of 2nd and he was the most disrespectful and horrible boy that caused so many disruptions that my daughter missed assignments and activities in class regularly. |
| 6/14/2011 | parent | We've been at Sycamore since they opened 2009-2010 school year. I've been fond of this school since we the first year it opened in 2009/2010 but after last nights Board on Board meeting with LEUSD I am more proud than I've ever been to have my kids attend such an amazing school. For starters, our Board Members are a group of intelligent, thoughtful and thought provoking individuals - we are so lucky to have them on our side. Our Principal and soon to be Vice Principal are outstanding and our teachers and staff (I think I know all but maybe 1) all care about each individual student. They all work as if they don't need the money (even though we all know they are underpaid and DO need the money). Thank you Sycamore for opening and serving our community! |
| 5/29/2011 | parent | This school has helped my child excel both on an academic level, and on a personal level. The staff is one of a kind, thank you! |
| 5/26/2011 | parent | This school is AMAZING! I have four family members that attend here - three nieces and my daughter. Two of my nieces were failing and at risk of retention in their home public schools. Now they are at or above grade-level in every subject and they have both taken ownership of their education. All four girls are happy to do homework, and are always enthusiastic to share what happens in their classrooms with me. When I asked one niece if she missed her old school she said, "I miss my friends, but I like Sycamore better because I can learn better there." Also, as a parent I feel like I matter to this school. I have never been refused or rescheduled when I have offered to volunteer. The parents are all friendly. I feel like I'm getting involved in a small-town school, which is a rarity in Southern California. Everyone helps here. I love that! |
| 2/22/2011 | parent | We love this school. My children have never been happier. I have never seen so many children work so well together. The teachers are enthusiastic,and make learing fun. I believe that when learning is made fun,children will always want to learn. My oldest son has ADHD and has done things I would have never thought he'd do. I'm very proud of him,and I owe it to this amazing school and its well organized staff. As a parent,I couldn't be happier! Thank you, Sycamore Academy! |
| 2/9/2011 | parent | Don't let the current Great Schools rating (4) fool you. This is a great school. I imagine that because it is a new charter school the numbers aren't reflecting the reality we see on a daily basis. This isn't a school where you just drop your kid and expect the teachers to handle the education. As a parent, you are encouraged and really expected to take an active role in your child's education. With that, there is a lot of parent participation and an active PTC. I can't say enough great things about the teachers, administrators and principal at this school. The only negatives are their current facility does not have a traditional school yard, so they organize activities for play time instead of free play (which is good in a way as well). Overall, this is a great choice for you if you have the dedication to be involved in your child's education and you understand the value of teaching your kids how to learn and think independently instead of just having them just memorize what the state test will be. |
| 2/2/2011 | parent | So glad we found Sycamore Academy.We first entered the Murrieta school district with my 5yr. old and 8 yr.old to find it very disappointing. Sycamore Academy was everything this other school wasn't.. Heart warming, community feel, child centered, learning self directive, self actualizing, becoming a leader rather than a follower and giving child several learning styles to best suit child's needs. Best of all is seeing teacher's enjoying what they do,being around each other, helping each other and our children. A place where everyone knows your name, a community, a Family! |
| 1/26/2011 | parent | I absolutely recommend this school to anyone looking for a higher quality level of teaching. I haven't seen so much enthusiasm from teachers in years, I only wish that my older children would have had the opportunity to experience this learning environment. The staff is amazing, the students are excited to learn and the teachers are excited to teach them. Everyday is a new experience. |
| 1/26/2011 | parent | My kids have attended Syncamore Academy since the school opened last year. I am very happy with the school as well as the teaching staff. The teachers are excellent. |
| 1/24/2011 | parent | I love the involvement of parents and teachers.There is open communication and a great sense of community. My son finally loves school! |
| 1/19/2011 | parent | My son started Kindergarten this year and he absolutely loves going to school each day. The K team is wonderful and very dedicated to the sucess of their students. Sycamore Academy has provided a wonderful opportunity for students learn and grow. |
| 1/17/2011 | parent | My son started Kindergarten this year and has done wonderful. The Kindergarten team is awesome! |
| 10/26/2010 | parent | We love this school!!! I feel like I am leaving my daughter with family! My daughter is currently in Kindergarten with Mrs. Pike. We LOVE her!! the kids rotate classrooms working with different teachers for different subjects, my daughter loves all the teachers there. They use an active learning approach which engages the kids. I am amazed by how much she has already learned! If you want a school that keeps education high with a staff you would consider family, attend Sycamore Academy!!! |
| 10/20/2010 | parent | My children love this school! Although the playground is extremely small, there are so many other opportunities available at this school that you cannot find at other schools. We love the Integrated Studies program and the Friday morning ceremonies that help to build confidence in the children. |
| 10/18/2010 | parent | Sycamore Academy has a wonderful community feel. The teachers are dedicated to the children and offer a respect based relationship in the class room. The structure of the school builds each child's self confidence and leadership skills. |
| 10/18/2010 | parent | Sycamore Academy has brought their mission to life since the day they first opened their doors last fall! I have a fourth grader in his second year and a 1st grader who just started this year. Both boys are LOVING LEARNING! I don't even need to ask them what they did at school, they talk about it all the time! Aside from being a parent, I am also a teacher and I know that what Sycamore Academy has created is unique and valuable. Since my children graduated from Anne Sullivan Kindergarten in Wildomar, we have searched for a school that provided an experiential learning model that focuses on the whole child. The Murrieta/Temecula/Lake Elsinore/Wildomar area needed a school that offered a different approach, and Sycamore is filling that gap. The constructivist approach lets students become an active part of their learning community and take ownership for their learning and choices. |
