Research Cedars International Academy charter Schools in Austin, Texas

“originally the division of the younger and older children appeared to be a good idea and in some instances it has been, however, the principal is no where to be found on the old campus. Many of the children are provided more relaxed rules which in the end of the year begain to get the best of many of them. The controll changed hands from teacher to student. And what most bothers me is the fact that written rule has no standing! It truely is a matter of not wanting to take the steps to deal those who can not follow rules.”

“My son is in his first year and we love the small size and caring community. Even as a kindergartener, my son has been encouraged to work hard--his reading and math are strong and the school has made that happen. I have not seen any bullying, etc.”

“My children attended the school and most of the teachers are care; but there are some whose classroom is very disruptive and not condusive to learning. The discipline is terrible and the cirriculum is mediocre at best.”

“I have to agree with the parent who stated this school lacks discipline. I have noticed and witnessed children out of control. Many of the older students often use profanity on campus and children are running around the cafeteria and parking lot. I think most of the teachers do care about their students and are doing an adequate job. The problem is the type of children who attend this school or should I say parents (the apple doesn t fall from the tree) Parents often drive too fast in the parking lot which is too small. Many parents are rude and cut other cars off when attempting to pick their children up from school. My family has had enough and will not be returning to Cedars.”

“My son is now in his second year. He really has benefited from the reading tutoring program. He has done really well in a small group. The teacher is very caring. He enjoys the Art and after school programs too. I like the diversity of the school. And it has some really caring wonderful teachers.”

“This is my childs 1st year at Cedars. I have truly enjoyed the school so far. I love the teacher to student ratio. I love that there is time for the teacher to engage with each student and ascess each childs need. The enviroment is very warming a sense of family working together to help educate and instill good morals into the students. I think that everyone wants what is best for their childs education. I think that Cedars is a great place to start.”

“I have to agree that Ceders intentions are good, but fall a bit short because there too many children there with behavioral problems. I understand that they are an open enrollment charter; however, they need to get a tougher discipline policy. My son attended kindergarten there last year and was afraid of many of the other students. I am currently looking for a more suitable charter. The school has also out grown it's current facility and should consider finding a new location to accommodate it's growth. There are some great teachers at Cedars who obviously love their jobs, but there are also some scary students their that make me feel uneasy. If I am unable to find another suitable charter in time for the fall, I would rather send my son back to public school.”

“We are highly impressed with this school. The teachers are great and the aftercare programs are exceptional.”

“Charter schools always sound great on paper, any I do believe this one has the greatest of intentions. I know the teachers work very hard and are definitely there for the love of teaching. Teachers in charter schools are generally there because they are attracted to the freedom of being able to create a difficult, hopefully better and indivualized curriculum. Unfortunately, charter schools ofter become a last resort for difficult students who cannot function in the public school environment. I don't think Cedars is an exception. The special ed dept is incredibly overworked and can only handle so many students that need extra attention.”

“We left this school in the middle of the year. My child did manage to learn some things while there, but the social environment was a wreck. Parents are apathetic & teachers' discipline plan is to simply send children to the principal's office several times a day. Curriculum not terribly inspiring - lots of worksheets and coloring books pages and tv watching. Unfortunately, not unusual for public school.”

“I have 2 children at Cedars, this is our 1st year there. My children are falling behind. They seem to teach on a slower pace than most public and other charter schools we've been familiar with. I have a straight A son who is having problems with the 5th TAKS test because Cedars hasn't taught fractions this year (a state requirement). I don't get anything other than a generic letter asking me to study with my child. I've called and ask questions, but don't feel there is enough 'teaching' here. To me and my child this school seems to teach on the slowest students level, leaving the faster-paced students behind. My children LOVE the school, but with the curriculum leaving them behind I find myself looking for something differant next year.”

“This is a great school for children who are emerging from the home school environment to a classroom. My child loves this school and feels at home with the comfortable environment. The only thing is that the waiting list can fill up fast.”

“My grandson is in kindergarten this year. I am a retired teacher and am reall impressed with the school. Keep up the good work.”

“Our child has attended this school since kindergarten. We chose the school because of its low student to teacher ratio, compassion of its teaching staff and its philosophy of helping every student achieve and excel beyond the state knowledge requirements. As a new school, Cedars has continued to develop and grow. They have a number of older students that have qualified for magnet programs as a result of the education that can only be recieved as part of a small school with small student to teacher ratios. Cedars provides an educational experience that should be seriously investigated by all parents who are actively involved in their child's education.”