Do you love your child's school? Think it needs help? Are you involved in the school? Children's education is such an important part of their lives and we all have opinions on it. Let's hear about your experiences and what you think about the education your children are receiving. Public, private, homeschooling - let's talk about it!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Elizabeth Guth(Ocalamom Host),

Marion Charter School, anyone with experiences from this school? It was suggested to me as an option for my child. After asking a lot of friends/public school employees, many have not heard of it. (It's located toward the Shores behind the Publix.) Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

My son is in Scouts with two boys that attend Marion Charter. Both families are happy with the school.

My youngest attends South Ocala. We've had good experiences with the school, especially the teachers.

I volunteer there and feel a real part of his educational experience. The school really promotes a family atmosphere.

quote:

Originally posted by Mom2girls:
Marion Charter School, anyone with experiences from this school? It was suggested to me as an option for my child. After asking a lot of friends/public school employees, many have not heard of it. (It's located toward the Shores behind the Publix.) Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Hi...I actually had two children attend Marion Charter School. My oldest attended Kindergarten through 4rth grade and my youngest for Kindergarten only. I transferred them to our zoned school this past fall. When my oldest son began school MCS (Marion Charter School) was a blessing. However, his last two years, 3rd and 4rth grade were a nightmare. Bullying, stolen lunches daily, inappropriate reprimands (punishment did not fit the crime), and false records. My oldest son needed additional help in writing and they put in his records that he was receiving one on one tutoring which he never did. Amazingly this past year he made the Presidents Writing Club for the FCAT. When I had issues and brought them up I felt as though I was being given lip service by administration. My son would not seek help from anyone there because he did not feel he could. The overall air of the school changed drastically and I am unsure as to why. I do know that MCS was no longer the proper environment for my children. Once I removed them this past year they both excelled unbelievably. Both got academic awards and improved grades. Most importantly they were happier children. I am fortunate that we are zoned for an excellent elementary school so it made our decision that much easier. My advice...go for a tour and really keep your eyes peeled before making any decision. The school you are zoned for will also influence the decision. I wish you the best. I know of several families that pulled their children out of MCS last school year for very similar reasons and experiences. Just research your options and check out all the possibilities before making your final choice. Schools are much like shoes in regards to our children...they are not one size fits all. Although we had a poor experience things may be different now and it be the perfect place for your little ones. I usually go by myself to check out a school and then take me children a second time. Just an idea.


Best of Luck!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rdzjh1,

Thank you all for the feedback!

The hardest part about this choice is that it's summer so- no school, no kids, no teachers. (we just had the tests completed this summer)

I do agree and think we will explore our zoned public school today as well. Did your children have Mrs Rice or Mrs Dube at MCS?
Thanks again!

quote:

Originally posted by Mom2girls:
Thank you all for the feedback!

The hardest part about this choice is that it's summer so- no school, no kids, no teachers. (we just had the tests completed this summer)

I do agree and think we will explore our zoned public school today as well. Did your children have Mrs Rice or Mrs Dube at MCS?
Thanks again!

You are welcome and I hope it didn't come across as totally negative. Neither of mine had Ms. Rice or Ms. Dube but having spent SO much time there volunteering and such I know both and they are wonderful. The kindergarten through second grade teachers are fantastic! I love them all dearly. It is the upper grades that there is a complete 180 turn. It was disheartening as our family had put so much into MCS. Even though it is summer there should still be staff on hand to give tours. Give them a call and find out about a tour. There won't be kids, no, but just getting a feel for it all will help. Also, check out their website. Another tool could be greatschools.com. Be sure to read their school grades assigned by the state. If you explore the MCS website they have to list all of the stats. To my knowledge they were required to enter restructuring because they were not meeting the state requirements. Like I suggested just do your best to make an educated decision so that you know in your heart that you made the wisest choice with the information you had.


Again, best of luck! I don't think there is any easy decision when it comes to your child's well-being and education.