Journey is first public alternative in Orange County and offers children an arts-based, whole-child educational philosophy.
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Posted by a parent on 10/03/09
It is a blessing to have a charter school in Aliso Viejo, however this particular charter school is certainly not for everyone. Yes, there is a lot of confusion in the administration, events get cancelled and the parents get notified at the last minute. But the reason why I am taking my child out is
... Read more due to the lack of mental stimulation. I did not fully understand what the Waldorf system entails. And it does teach children the basics of reading and writing about 1 or 2 years later than a public school. I still believe it is a great school for kids that just would not fit into the public school system. And the public schools are certainly not inviting, so it's a shame that the only charter school we have is so extreme. I am still looking and hoping for a middle ground Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/07/09
Most of these reviews are by parents who are disgruntled with test scores and are fearful that their child isn't testing up to standard. Generally, the surrounding public schools do not have the child's best interest at heart. Journey's environment is a peaceful one and the tone of the teaching nurtures
... Read more the child. In light of the crazy pace of the surrounding public schools, I wouldn't want my child in any other place. To each his own. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/14/09
If only Journey School had realized its potential! But over the past 3 years there has been turmoil in almost every grade, an almost constant exodus of teachers, uneven qualifications, 3 administrators in a row resigning, and consistent unprofessionalism in everything they do. With the charter up for
... Read more renewal next year, heart surgery might be a good thing. Please do your homework. We've paid a fortune in tutors to catch our children up to state standards after leaving Journey. Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/29/09
My children have been at Journey School for 4 years. The whole time I've wondered if sending them here is the right thing to do. There are so many wonderful things about the school: Wonderful teachers, a creative environment, and a very organic, holistic approach to understanding child development.
... Read more However, the pace of learning is unbelievably slow and I've just learned of the big drop in test scores between 2007 and 2008. If I had it to do over again, I would definitely still send my kids here for the younger grades (kindergarten and maybe first grade), but we have decided to give our convential local public school a try at this point. If Journey brings their test scores up, we will return in a few years. Read less
Posted by a parent on 03/09/09
We have attended the Waldorf School in Costa Mesa as well as the Journey School. Although good intentions abound, the much touted arts program is run primarily by unqualified parents and looks like music will be deleted next year. For various reasons, about half the teachers will be replaced for next
... Read more year. As teachers move forward each grade with their class, please be sure you know your teacher! We wish Journey the best, but advise caution for any new families. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/21/08
I had high hopes for this school, but was instead very disappointed. The school lacks leadership and the hole at the top is sorely felt throughout the school. The Waldorf theory is wonderful- but how it is put into practice is everything and this school is not what is shown in the inspiring DVD production
... Read more or quick tours of the classes. The cirriculum is very slow. This cannot be emphasized enough. I understood it was slow- but I had no idea how slow 'slow' really is at Journey. Specifics: The administration is disorganized and events are calendared, moved and cancelled constantly. Playgound equipment was broken for six months with no one taking any lead on getting it fixed. For the first four months of the school year they rang the bell 10-15 minutes late every single day. Lots of problems and virually no leadership to get things solved. Can't reccomend it. Read less
Posted by a parent on 03/30/08
Journey School is a rising star in the world of charter schools. If you want to learn more about how the children are taught, call the school and ask to purchase their DVD. I think you'll quickly see why most of their classes are wait listed. Another testimony to Journey's excellence in art and music
... Read more is the high percentage of students that are accepted every year to the Orange County School of Performing Arts. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/13/07
My child has been in this school for almost 4 years, and if you are really looking for you child to get an education, make sure you know what your getting into. I am still not happy with the results, and they dont seem to be changing anytime soon. It is very hard to get into , and is a good childcare
... Read more for younger children, but is not doing great in the academics. If i started over again i would never send my child to this place. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/04/07
In 2006 Journey School's API score increased by 99 points. This was the biggest increase of any school in the district. This increase followed a concerted effort by teachers and parents to combine Waldorf teaching methods with the state-mandated curriculum. I believe this combination is ideal for my
... Read more children. They receive the 'basics' yet are taught imaginatively, are allowed to stretch their creative muscles and they learn to ask questions. In addition, they receive art, music, dance and drama, not as extracurricular activities, but as an integral part of the curriculum. This, combined with a community of committed parents and teachers, creates a unique learning environment that is hard to beat. Read less
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Aliso Viejo schools — Journey School is located at 23431 Knollwood, Aliso Viejo CA 92656. 23431 Knollwood is in the 92656 ZIP code in Aliso Viejo, CA The school district for Journey School is the Capistrano Unified School District. Journey School is a Public school that serves grade levels K - 8.
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Test Score Ratings
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