Pacific Crest Academy

324 NE Oak Street

Camas, WA 98607

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 07, 2017

Be VERY Wary.......We chose this school for our daughter because of the strong academics, the small class sizes, and the individual attention that she could receive. In hindsight, we realize that we didn't pay enough attention to the social dynamics. To be fair, not every grade has issues in this regard, but the social dynamics in our daughter's classroom (and the two grades ahead of hers) were terrible, with countless mean and hurtful things said and done by the children daily. Multiple complaints by several parents to the principal and the board brought zero changes in this regard. Our daughter, who was targeted because she was "contaminated" because she was not Catholic, and 2 other children in a second grade class of only 8 children were severely bullied by the children of employees and a board member, which is why we believe the principal and the board took no action in this regard. Consequently, both we and one other family had to remove our children before the school year ended. We filed complaints with the Archdiocese, but they have little jurisdiction because this is a Tier 2 school, the only one in the state of WA. In addition to these things, homework is routinely 1.5 hours per night starting in second grade, which is too much. When we inquired about this and the plan to address the social dynamics before re-enrolling our daughter in second grade, Tamar Parker assured us that there would be no more than 45 minutes of homework per night and that they had a plan to address social issues--both of which things were patently false--in order to get us to sign the contract. DO NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT, which says that you will pay the entire tuition amount, even if you remove your child from the school. Despite assurances to the contrary, they routinely legally pursue that money from anyone that leaves for any reason because they are SO financially desperate due to steadily declining enrollment for the last five years for all the reasons cited in this review. As a further consequence of this, fund raising efforts are "off the charts," and you will feel like you have a full-time, unpaid job with all the volunteer hours and other things they ask you to do. Best advice based on our experience=choose a different Catholic school. The benefits definitely do not outweigh the costs, especially if your child ends up being bullied or mistreated as well.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2016

I just can't say enough good things about our experience at PCA. Our children have made wonderful friends, had excellent teachers, and learned a traditional but rich curriculum that they've enjoyed. Mrs. Parker is a true example of a wonderful Principal who puts her whole heart into running this small but mighty school.
Submitted by other on December 09, 2016

Both my children have been at Pacific Crest Academy since PreK, now my son is in 3rd grade and my daughter in Kindergarten, and they love it. Pacific Crest Academy has gotten better and better, excellent teachers, a great heart and a school where GOD is still in the classroom. Recent years have shown great vision for the future and much growth. Overall an excellent private school that offers serious academics.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2016

PCA is the best academic school in the area. Character development is emphasized and while this is a Catholic school, as non-catholics we have never felt excluded. The benefits for us have been individualized education for every child, whether that be accelerated or not, traditional Saxon math, Spanish from Pre-K, and most of all the love and attention our children receive attending here. Yes, it's a small school without a gym or a STEM lab, but it's a fabulous education in a close knit community.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2014

This school does have some merits: it is a small school, so you will get that with blended classes and such. That does not necessarily mean individual attention to your child's needs. The staff also cares about kids. There is a high rate of attrition and turnover in the staff, though, perhaps because of its small size. The curriculum is strong in some areas but lacking in others. The school lacks facilities (such as a gym, library, science labs, etc). There is definitely a parent clique who runs the school. I would rather focus on my kid's education than seeing how many friends I will meet/events I will be able to attend. There is a very strong Catholic influence in all aspects of the school, almost to the detriment of the educational process, if you are not Catholic. The school's always asking for money; it seems like there are fundraisers every other week, which gets tiring, especially after paying tuition and fees. I would agree that there is a pushy sales staff and any kids are allowed into the school. The administration is clueless half of the time and it seems like certain parents call the shots. Families tend to come and go often.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2014

We began attending PCA 5 years ago as an alternative to Kindergarten in Washougal. Our daughters have thrived at this school continually testing well above grade level in all subjects. We have also found a family at PCA. It's much more than just a school. I highly recommend attending PCA from both a Academic perspective as well as faith.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2014

My children have attended PCA for many years. The curriculum is outstanding and the strong character building and fatih formation prepares them for the challenges of any modern high school and life in general. The teachers and staff care about each and every student and their families and want only the very best for them! The principal is a dedicated, loving and truly professional woman that cares for the students, families and all that come in contact with PCA. I can't say enough good things about the school! The small class sizes really ensures my children are learning and attended to.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2013

We started our private school journey about 5 years ago by selecting PCA for its strong academic and spiritual standards. The teaching -oriented preschool (way more than a daycare) was a terrific experience for child # 2 and then #3 as we saw them soundly prepared for the full day kindergarten. It was terrific to see my kids engaging in the three R's that early - while the public school kids around our neighborhood were learning their letters, mine were learning to read, doing math and developing great homework skills. At times it's been a financial struggle, but the staff are very helpful with financial aid, working with support from our parish and helping us over the rough spots. It's been worth every penny. Over the years we've seen our kids and the whole school performing about 2 grade levels above their peers. When you realize that elementary school is the longest period your child will be in any one school, you'll see why we are so pleased to be able to send ours to Pacific Crest Academy. I highly recommend it.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2012

We have loved our experience at PCA. All three of our kids have benefitted from the strong academics and foreign language combined with the whole child formation focus. The small class sizes are great. The faculty is terrific.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2012

We are thrilled with PCA. Strong traditional academics, small class sizes, and an emphasis on character development that seems to be missing from most schools. Our two children have thrived at Pacific Crest and we are so happy we found the perfect school for them.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2011

We are not impressed thus far with PCA. Our child is attending PreK and they seem incapable of handling the needs of a divorced family. All communications are sent to his mother and only to us when specifically requested requested or when it's too late to do anything about them. I would not recommend them to anyone who doesn't come from the traditional nuclear family.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2011

We are so blessed to have found such an amazing school within our community. We've attended several Catholic schools (one in the Vancouver area) and the academics are unmatched at Pacific Crest Academy. A great school!
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2011

Top notch academics, strong faith-filled learning and high expectations for students. PCA provides all of this through by loving and caring faculty members who want the best for each child. Teachers hold themselves to the same high expectations as they hold their students. This school is a true community and it draws you in with love and support. Parent involvement is encouraged and you'll feel connected to the school in many ways. PCA is small but mighty -- mighty in faith and mighty in student learning. Check out this school. You won't be disappointed and you will be impressed with what you see.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2011

We love PCA and have been overwhelming pleased with what our children have gained by being there. We couldn't ask for a better principal, better more dedicated teachers, outstanding academics and outstanding character and faith formation. It is truly a wonderful school with a wonderful community of staff, teachers and parents. We are truly blessed to have access to such an fantastic school!