Charter Schools - Round Rock,TX

I'm not in your area, but my kids are in a charter school and they love it. I love it. It's not super big, only a little over 100 students (they'll be expanding this fall with at least 3 new classes), but the director knows all of them, as well as parents & siblings. The teachers are friggen awesome. They work so hard and they're so caring. None of the curriculum is canned although, they do use a couple of really good programs for writing & math. This school is based upon expeditionary learning. Each "expedition", or unit, lasts several weeks and everything is based upon the main theme. The kids really delve into the subject and when they're done, they give back to the community in some way. For instance, the 5/6 crew updated wikipedia posts about local towns. Another class learned how to knit, made scarves, and sold them to raise money for Haiti. The kindergarten class last year collected almost 2K 3 liter pop bottles, built a green house with them , grew some vegge over the summer & donated it to the local food banks. The kids are always out and about town. They've gone on more field trips over the last two years then I went my whole school career. What other school could take the afternoon off to go to the ice rink because some generous soul donated enough money for every student to rent skates and to reserve completely the rink itself? Volunteers are encouraged to help and most of the staff are family and friends of the community. I myself volunteer in one class to help with one on one readind. Each week, the kids take part in a module to give teachers prep time and they have a blast with them. The current modules include zumba, bowling, and some sort of art class to name a few. They school does however have to follow state guidelines enough that the kids pass the tests and the kids have had no problems doing so. One of my children is special needs and they are so accommodating & welcoming up there. Much more so than the treatment he received the year he went to a regular public school. What I completely love about this school is that they recognize each child is an individual and they tailor that child's studies to their level. If the child is advanced, the parent doesn't need to worry about tests and placements; the child automatically receives more challenging work. It's the same for children with difficulties. The work as much as possible with the child before taking them out of the class for extra help. While I can't say this is exactly how your local charter schools will be, it will give you an idea of why a charter school is different from regular public schools as night and day.

Hi I don't live in your area, but I went to a charter school all through out high school, & now am sending my kids to a charter school through elementary & my teen for high school. I loved it, they love it & I love how well they do! I would def recommend doing a charter school for your son! I found ours by googling charter schools within the city's we were willing to travel to & I interviewed each one over the phone, & those who made the list I went in person & interviewed & took a tour of the classes.

My bro put his kids in a charter school too & there doing great. I hated public school, I learned very differently then the 25 other children in my classes in public school & always got bad grades & was the teachers nightmare. lol But as soon as I went into charter school there was less student-teacher ratio, so more time for the teacher to help those of us who needed the help. They individualized my lesson plans & courses & within 6 months I was getting Almost all B+'s only one C (In math, Ugh) My 5 year old is in public Kindergarten, but he loves it & I wasn't impressed with our charter Kindergarten class here but next year he'll be in the charter program.

My now 9 year old wanted to go back to public school last year cause she wanted to be in her best friends class & felt "different" so I allowed it last year. She did awful, the teacher was stressed & crabby & taught only black & white stay in your seats & I teach from the book. She struggled to keep OK grades. This year I put her back in Charter she doesn't care what any body thinks anymore, & she's getting all A's & one B in math, just like her mama. LoL
Anyways, sorry I couldn't suggest one for ya but just wanted to let you know my opinion of the charter schools. :) Hope you find the right fit!

We are in a slightly different school somewhat in your area that may interest you - Sterling Classical School is a private school that only meets 2 days a week for K-4th and 3 days a week for 5th and up. www.sterlingclassicalschool.com is the website - they actually have an informational meeting this Thursday morning, the 27th if you want to find out more. So it is a great private school education - hands on, etc. - without the usual private school cost, since they don't meet 5 days a week.

As for charter schools, I know of families who have gone to Starr Charter School - they do school half days, I think they target students who want more time for athletics, so they only do core classes.

Hope this helps!
A.

Charter schools can be very good . also monessari schools are another option, but there is a cost. I would do a search of schools and see the ratings for it. Also to Tour the school is a great idea. They should let you sit in on a class

There is a new charter school in near the Outlet mall off 35, behind the Terravista neighborhood. They have had 7-12 grade for 2 years and are opening an elementary school in the fall. It is currently open enrollment for next year. It is called Gateway School and is focusing on small class sizes with an emphasis on academics, and even though it is still a public school, they want to run it like a private school. They are holding info sessions on Tuesdays. There is not alot of info on the website about the elementary school, but I'm hearing good reviews from friends. It is open to anyone and receives public funding. Search "gateway school, georgetown, tx" for their website - it says "gateway high school" on the home page.

charter schools can be a wonderful thing, but because they are non-traditional they share the same pitfall of private schools, ie that you really have to look carefully because some are nightmares, or just completely unsuitable to your child's learning style.
with public schools tanking it's well worth it to look at charters, though. good luck!
khairete
S.

We are a bit further north but we have several families from the Round Rock area. From Hutto, you can just jump on 130 and be there in no time. Check out the website: zionwalburg.org. They have financial aid for the families that need it. The kindergarten teacher is awesome.