Galapagos Rockford Charter School

As a parent and grandparent of 5 children attending Galapagos Charter School, I can confidently say that this school has exceeded my expectations. Here’s why:1. The teachers at Galapagos go above and beyond to create a positive and engaging learning environment. They genuinely care about each student’s progress and well-being. From personalized attention to creative teaching methods, our kids feel supported and motivated.2. Galapagos offers an array of extracurricular activities, including art, music, and STEM clubs and let's not forget the summer camps. These programs enhance our children’s education and allow them to explore their interests beyond the standard curriculum.3. The school keeps parents informed through emails, texts, calls and parent-teacher conferences. We always know what’s happening in the classroom, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. The open-door policy encourages collaboration between parents and staff.4. Galapagos celebrates diversity. As a multicultural family, I appreciate the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Our children have friends from various backgrounds, and they learn valuable life lessons about acceptance and empathy.5. Galapagos is more than just a place of learning—it’s a community that nurtures young minds. If you’re seeking a supportive environment where your child can thrive academically and socially, look no further.

Lower academyLower academy is great. always has been. Some behavioral issue but nothing that can't be corrected at a young age. Curriculum is definitely challenging but very much possible. teachers are very involved with the student and their relationship seem adequate. no ADEQUATE sporting actives offered.Upper AcademyOwner/lawyer/CEO is a piece of work he could care less what goes on at that school as long as he's getting his piece, doesn't really matter to him. Communication between the teachers and parents I give a 3 of 10. Once again the curriculum is superb, and could be as successful private schools but the loss of control in behavior plays a significant part. Student Behavior -5 of 10. The teachers, buses, aids and Deans have lost complete control of the kids and their behavior there's a new dean every few months. Kids are constantly disrespectful, cursing, Fighting, Talking back, kids getting suspended and being able to come back with just a slap on the wrist and they're completely are there are no consequences. Admin staff/teachers literally has not backing from the owner or the board. the school offers no sporting activities for the kids to be active and learn teamwork and how to work with other people

I would home school my son if Galapagos was not here. I just wish that they had a high school.

I thought RPs 205 schools were bad, this is ten times worse my kids feared for their safety at this school.

My son just started Galapagos and I really like the school. My son has adhd and I strongly believes that they will meet his needs. The teachers have shown me that they really care about my son education's needs. Miss. Starret, has gone the extra mile for my son in explaining how to do his work. I've never heard such a thing as sentence starters and paragraph starters until he enrolled in this school a few weeks ago. Most teachers wouldn't go that extra mile because they usually say their over worked and they can't explain every single step to a child because they have other students' but that was not Miss. Starret's approach, she helped him and he finished it up. In my opinion, attitude, plays a key role on how kids and teachers perceive each other. We all have different learning styles and teachers have to adjust to each child learning style differently. My son didn't have a report card but I went in to meet with all of his teachers anyway. Especially after looking at some of the positive and negative reviews, I was ecstatic to see and meet some of the instructors. I can honestly say, they are a bunch of focused individuals. I have most of all of my son instructors phone numbers, including the Principal (how rare is that). They seem to have a very good OPEN DOOR POLICY. I must say, they are on top of things over there. I'm a very over protective parent when it comes to my child's need. Especially with his adhd and attention span I have to be over protective. This school has me excited about my son's future in high school. If he is tardy to class they have this kickboard system that I can see everything he has done so it's quite obvious my son won't be getting away with being late to another class. when he comes home I can talk to him about what his positive and negative actions were for that day. With the kickboard he has to tell me, if not, I'll see it anyway on the kickboard. ConsIt'll be nice if they could offer classes like kennedy middle school, 1st, 2nd and 3rd period. It'll make kids feel more responsible to make sure they are not getting to the next class late. Additionally, it would be great if they offered discounts for the school uniform. I purchased almost $150 of spirit wear at my son's prior school and he had almost 20 shirts. Nonetheless, so far so good but I'll post another review once I've established a better rapport.