Semper Elementary School

This is our final year here at Weber. Kinda of sad to leave this little gem behind. This will be my 12th years there between two kids. Great teachers - really great- little turnover. Small class sizes, well run by admin, a walkable and mall community of neighborhood kids- not bussed on kids. They are a performance school that offers a great musical instrument program. Overall very happy experience at Weber.

Jefferson Academy has its reputation based on the past. Jefferson Academy Elementary is a horrible school. The principal - Mr.Feddema is a very incompetent leader. The administration does nothing about bullying. They bully the parents if you raise your voice. The Executive Director doesn't want to be involved in anything. There are turnovers and changes in staff every year. They hire incompetent teachers just to have a warm body in the classroom. JA was not like this when I went to school. Great teachers don't stay in this school for a long time. EAs treat children like they are in concentration camp. My kids were not happy at JA. Violence among the students is high. The administration does nothing about it. It's a very toxic place. Take your kids to Woodrow Wilson if you are looking for a charter school.

The heart of Woodrow Wilson Academy is undoubtedly its wonderful community. From the dedicated staff to the involved families, there is a genuine sense of belonging and mutual support that makes it feel like a true partnership in raising our children. It is rare to find a school where the social fabric is this strong and welcoming.However, there are a few areas where the experience becomes more challenging:• Homework Volume: There is an abundance of homework that often feels disproportionate depending upon the grade level. While academic rigor is appreciated, the sheer volume can be overwhelming for families trying to maintain a healthy after-school balance.• Math Program Hurdles: Navigating the Eureka math curriculum continues to be particularly difficult for all involved. The program is quite demanding with ‘new age’ techniques and the program often requires a significant amount of parental involvement to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and the complex assignments sent home. It can feel like a steep climb for students who aren't naturally intuitive with the specific methodology used.• Discipline Support: There appears to be a lack of consistent discipline support. Without a more structured or transparent system for managing behavioral issues, it can feel like parents and students are left to navigate difficult situations without enough administrative backing.Overall, it is a school with a fantastic soul and great people, but it would benefit greatly from more streamlined academic expectations and a more robust approach to behavioral support.