Research Ann Arbor Learning Community charter Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“While the above reviews are too true by half, there is a new Dean now. She seems committed to the child first, which is very important in a place where too many on staff have had too much freedom for too long. Stay tuned, for improvements are being made, and with many new students, this school could still emerge as one of the best around”

“This school is overrated at 7. There are major accountability issues with the school staff and the School Board. Board membership consists largely of parents from the school as does the PTO. One parent I spoke with described the staff, board and PTO relationship as 'incestous' and with that you can imagine how little growth happens. They are not open to change unless you count that they are on their 3rd Dean in less than a year's time. The interim dean was a self decsribed 'lame duck.' Mathematics is a very weak area in all grade levels. In middle school 07-08 homework was rarely graded or returned home...students would laugh about how the math teacher's homework basket grew through the year. Amazing how this could be allowed to happen. Many parents met with the MS tstaff and the Dean to no avail. AALC fails miserable to prepare students for High School.”

“After 5th grade, this school is probably the worst school to go to in the entire ann arbor area. The middle school teaching staff is incompetent and the school is doing everything but preparing these students for high school.”

“We have 3 children with different needs and were excited about the school's advertisement of individualized learning plans for each child. This promise never came to fruition, making it like other schools--geared towards those who are average. In addition, the school lacks leadership, cohesiveness and accountability. One of our children's teachers did not even check his homework, leading us to believe the grading (the school says it doesn't give out grades and it doesn't in the traditional sense; however, your child is given a report card that indicates whether they fell below grade level, met grade level or exceeded it.) is purely arbitrary. In addition, our children's standardized test scores in math took a huge plunge this year, indicating a weak math curriculum. On the plus side, the art and music programs are fantastic and there are a few dedicated, wonderful teachers there.”

“We are new to the (AALC) school this year. We come from the Ann Arbor Public School System in which we were not so happy with and which is touted to be one of the 'Best' districts . 3 months into AALC and we love it as a family. Our 2 children 3rd and K both love it there and I find the teacher quality to be wonderful. I'll add on more info. as the year progresses.”

“Our child attended this school for part of the 2006/07 school year. We were so disappointed, we removed her. Although the school advertizes mixed grade classes with individual learning levels, all of the children in our child's class were given exactly the same work to do. We were concerned about the lack of individual support and the interactions between the teacher and children. Our participation in the class was very actively discouraged, even though we were told it was something the school encouraged. Our concerns went unaddressed by the Dean (Principal) and a letter to the school board was entirely ignored. The resources and academic program this school advertized themselves as having was not in evidence while we were there. We were horribly disappointed.”

“My child has completed his first year of Kindergarten and has had a wonderful experience. AALC truly fosters the meaning of community. The teachers are amazing, and truly work with the children to help them reach their potential. I would highly recommend this school to families who value qualities like safety, respect, and community. The multi-level classrooms enable children of different levels to work together. The art and music programs are phenominal! My kindergartener came home within the first few weeks of school talking about Van Gogh and Henri Rousseau! The sports programs needs work, but there are plenty of opportunities through the Friday afternoon enrichment programs. There is a heavy parental involvment, and parents are always in the classrooms. I would highly recommend this school, we have seen our child blossom since starting at AALC.”

“My child visited this school after attending another school for the first 3 months of 1st grade. We were visiting other schools looking for options because he HATED school and was bored. The day we visited aalc, he refused to leave. He stayed the entire day and begged to come back. He's 6th grade now and still enjoys school. There is no playground or gym yet, but the kids go to the park frequently and go swimming, ice skating, camping, biking... The curriculum is what you make of it. We enjoy supplimenting if he gets interested in a subject, and we expect to monitor his work and help him learn to learn. The atmosphere at aalc is safe in every way-very little of the 'normal' bullying. Kids learn to accept each others' differences. The teachers are excellant-bright, committed, caring, creative. They enjoy kids and learning. I wish they had high school.”

“My child has attended AALC since Kindergarten. She is now in 2nd grade. She has had a great experience. Her teachers have her working at a level appropriate for her, challenging her to work up to her potential. I get feedback whenever it's needed. She loves her music and art classes, and the music programs and art shows are excellent. The children go to the park every day, providing good exercise and a play area to make up for the lack of a playground at the current school. I'm excited about the new building, which will have all the things we don't have now.”

“My child went to the middle school for two years. When asked how I liked the school, I often responded 'ask me when my child gets in high school' Well, the answer now is not good. My childs math preparation for high school was completely inadequate. I am also suspicious of the standardized test that the school uses. It's a proprietary test from McGraw-Hill called Terra Nova. They never took a MEAP. Obviously for good reason.”

“This school screams great! Great teachers and teacher/student ratio. They don't allow more than 17 students per classroom. Teachers are excellent. Also, parent involvement is a must -- at the very least you have to take/pick up your child from school. They have a great safety system set in place. They do tons of educational field trips, good music program. Only draw back of the entire school, is they don't have a good playground...which, honestly, isn't that big a deal. I think this school is great for my child.”