El Rancho Charter School

Our experience with St. Francis of Assisi has been deeply disappointing and distressing. What should have been a nurturing, faith-based environment turned out to be a toxic and unsafe atmosphere; one where fear, favoritism, and manipulation thrive under the guise of religious values.Academically, the school falls far below expectations. There is little focus on genuine educational growth or academic excellence. Instead, energy and resources are spent maintaining a public image that does not reflect the reality students and families face behind closed doors.

I am disheartened by my experience with Vineyard Academy as a parent. The school's militant atmosphere, characterized by strict expectations and unrealistic standards, is not conducive to effective learning for many students, including my own. The teaching style, reminiscent of a taskmaster, has resulted in frustration. I believe that the lack of credentialed teachers may contribute to this approach, as they may not possess the necessary experience to engage students. When I brought my concerns to the school's attention, I was disappointed by their response, which shifted the blame to my student rather than addressing my concerns. We have since found a better fit for my student, who is now exceling in a more supportive school environment.

As a parent, I consider myself fortunate to have had my child attend Hillsborough Private School for the past three years. I can honestly say that the overall experience has been quite gratifying. Hillsborough Private School is distinguished as a reputable educational institution, known for providing a strong academic foundation in a supportive community. While there are areas that could be improved, particularly in terms of extracurricular options, diversity, and affordability, it still stands as a commendable choice for my child's education. I wholeheartedly recommend this institution to parents seeking a challenging academic curriculum and a nurturing community for their children.

This review is not about the teachers, who are professional and dedicated, but about the administration’s poor communication, lack of respect, and overall negative environment. The teachers do their best with the kids, but even they seem to struggle under the management’s harsh policies. It’s an unhappy place for both parents and staff. A mistake occurred with my tuition payment, and despite multiple emails requesting a resolution, their responses were unhelpful. They ignored my calls when they saw my number, even though they provide phone contact details, and refused to let me speak with the school owners. It feels like the owners are completely disconnected, hidden in the shadows, unaware of what’s really happening. When I asked to escalate my concerns to them directly, I was flat-out denied. Why is it not okay to talk to the superiors? Parents should have a voice. I also constantly worry that if a teacher is absent, one of the harsh administrators will step in to supervise the class, which is not reassuring. Their approach lacks warmth, and everything is handled in an overly rigid, impersonal manner. After many failed attempts to resolve my concerns, I had no choice but to share my experience here. I truly hope the owners read this and take the time to call me so I can explain all the mistakes and issues firsthand.