Lode Outside #M
Fort Irwin, CA 92310

The definition of a dysfunctional district administration. Parents are not informed about major events. The district management, which seems to be way too bloated for such a small school district, makes decisions without transparency, and without contacting the parents. Sports programs are woefully underfunded… The kids can’t have a volleyball team but they have a massive e-sports program? Make that make sense. Still if you live on base, your choices are pretty limited, and the charter schools are even worse than this one. My advice, though if you can avoid it, do avoid it.

While the school building itself is new and the technology is state of the art, I am disappointed in the quality of academic education before, during and after COVID-19. The lack of care, moral and compassion from the teachers to actually do their job or go above and beyond for a child is probably the saddest thing to watch other than the mind of my kid wilt like a forgotten flower.

Consistency in rule implementation is a hallmark to an effective learning and behavioral environment However, there is a lot of talk, talk, talk at this school on following the rules, even taking the first few DAYS in every class to go over rules, but the follow through is selective at best. This creates an environment in which the kids who are prone to disprect and misbehavior flourish in their leanings and in which the well behaved, polite children are not able to be challeneged in their academic pursuits and do not know what is allowed and what is not. After a year here, it is our belief that everything begins at the top. While we were pleased with most (but not every) teacher our child had, all classes are academically intergrated. Therefore, if you are coming from a GATE program, your child will likely not be challeneged. While there is a verbalized assurance that lesson plans can be individualized, the reality is that if a child has already mastered material, what amounts to an independent study will be a liekly course of action. An incoming family's perception of athletic opportunities and development will depend on what you are used to. There are more sports for girls than boys. There is no football here. Currently for boys and girls there is: cross country, soccer, basketball, and track and field. Additionally, girls can try out for volleyball and cheerleading. There are other extra curricular activities for the non-sporting types to include drama, academic pentathlon, and an additional after school band. The school is centrally located on post so most children walk to and from school. There is a fence surrounding all but the front of the school and one must enter through the front office after the school day has begun. THere is no SRO. Students must cart around their books as there are no lockers except in gym class. The library is the smallest we've ever seen for a school of any size. Many parents we know have had issues on some level, whether it be from teachers or the principal. This school, in our opinion, is dead-on average. There is potential here but it would require professional leadership and vision. Communication is an area for improvement, Again, this is a factor which begins at the top and is leader lead. The office staff has always been helpful and friendly to our family.

This is our first few months here at Fort Irwin so we are new to this whole area. My daughter just started 3rd grade here and it's amazing. It's such a breath of fresh air in comparison to the schools in Killeen TX!The staff is awesome and friendly. Her teacher is wonderful so far. Her name is Mrs. Schaff. She is very easy to deal with and down to earth, yet has a great set of academic requirements for the students that isn't too much or too little. I feel like my daughter is more more motivated in her class than she has ever been in any class! Just perfect. I just love it! I don't know how else to put it.