Cologne Academy

1221 Village Parkway

School District

Cologne Academy
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 20, 2022

I have 2 children enrolled in this school. This is our 5th year. We chose CA because we wanted a school that provided a solid foundation for our children in a nurturing environment. A place that encourages and supports students, while maintaining high academic expectations. We found those qualities at Cologne Academy. In addition, I appreciate the focus on monthly core virtues, social and emotional learning, specials provided from Kindergarten through 8th grade (art, gym, music, and Spanish), and extracurricular activities (theater, athletics, Knowledge Bowl, etc.). Is CA perfect? No. Nothing is perfect. Does CA provide a high quality education while incorporating life skills and values I know will set my children up for success as they go through life? Absolutely, yes. The uniforms are an added bonus!
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2022

We are so truly disappointed in this school. Our twins were physically harmed, bullied and also were shown private parts to them. The school said it’s just silliness. They didn’t take any action and when I did finally hear back after the third incident. It had been over 16 hours. And that was after the most concerning of the three. I understand you are going to have bad behaviors at every school. But it’s about how it is taken care of and approached.I asked the school to have the kids school supplies set aside at the office so I could pick them up. They had the bag set outside. That was the most horrible feeling. Basically saying how unwelcome we were. I asked to speak to the principal and no one would get her.I asked for a call back in regard to the fundraising event that the twins had been helping raise money for. I asked if the people who donated for the twins to be reimbursed. The superintendent said it’s a third party and she wasn’t going to do anything about it. I asked for a call back when she finds out. And she just looked at me and said no.It’s pretty sad that I had to switch my twins because they didn’t feel protected or safe. I didn’t feel like they were being protected or kept safe. At what point is it taken more serious and not silly? Is it because we are Asian? Is it because we don’t come from money? Please tell me at what point do you take things seriously and make my children feel safe?
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2022

We have one child enrolled at Cologne Academy and have nothing but positive things to say about our experience. The staff is incredible and the quality of education is top notch. I feel confident in the education that my child is receiving and plan to enrol my youngest when she is of age. I've been very impressed with how well the staff has embraced COVID. The staff communicates in a very timely manner and handles each and every situation (big or small) very delicately. Thank you, Cologne Academy for all you do!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2022

We have 2 children currently enrolled and looking forward to our 3rd child enrolling when it's time for kindergarten! The administration is terrific at accommodating the needs of different backgrounds and families. They even have an online program that is part of their school of character for those families who wish to avoid the in person difficulties of late! Such a wonderful school!! The lead administrator is truly top notch!!!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2022

Our family switched to Cologne Academy 9 years ago and we would never consider going anywhere else! All 3 of our children have had a top-notch education here. The administration and teachers are incredibly committed to the best in academics. They have navigated the Covid pandemic with carefully thought-out policies. There were many times in the 2020-2021 year that our students were still in-person when surrounding schools switched to distance learning. We have been so impressed by the dedication of Principal Gluck-Peterson and the entire staff who have worked tirelessly the past two years to bring the best in education to our kids during these very difficult times. We highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

Our family has been impressed with Cologne Academy since we first stepped foot inside the school. We have one student currently attending the school and another will begin in the fall. The teachers are dedicated to the student’s education and continued development. The curriculum addresses multiple aspects of their student experience and notably contains, emotional learning. The students are nurtured in education including the special areas of music, gym, Spanish, and art. Having these various subjects built into their daily schedule has provided valuable experiences and interests for our student. It’s hard to put into words how much we have seen our student grow. In every area we see continued growth and love for learning. This is fostered by the robust learning environment provided at this top-notch school. We are proud Cologne Academy community members and would highly recommend for anyone seeking the best for their student’s education.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

We transferred to CA two years ago from a neighboring district and have been so happy with our experience. The staff truly goes the extra mile in ensuring each student is learning, growing and developing. On top of the fantastic classroom teachers and curriculum, we’ve also been very pleased with the Special Education team at Cologne Academy. Our child loves going to school each day and that is a gift. Thank you, Cologne Academy, for your unwavering passion to support our children. We’re so glad we found you and can’t wait for our younger children to start their CA journey
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

Cologne Academy goes above and beyond for their students to make sure they are getting the best education and setting up for their future. Through Covid times the staff and administrators have made Education and safety a huge priority to ensure all children are still getting the education they deserve. The school offers choices for families to partake in to meet the needs of all the families the community serves. The staff puts in many hours to make sure their students can be successful during and after school hours. Our children have grown academically since joining Cologne Academy and always recommend the school to others.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

If you are looking for a content-rich, character-building education then Cologne Academy is the place. The teachers here are dedicated and go above and beyond for each student. Having a small school allows administration to work efficiently and in a way that is best for all. When the state went to distance learning in 2020, Cologne Academy excelled. Allowing choice for families throughout the COVID world is at the forefront of decisions. --Attend in person, or join Cologne Academy Online. --Wear a mask as recommended, or don't. --Attend a local vaccine clinic, or pass. --Partake in weekly CoVid testing for your information, or don't. Nowhere else do I see such a balance of mitigating the spread of all illness while allowing for personal choice. Through the additions of these services, which adds to the administration load, the education delivered to my child stayed consistent--everyone just works harder. In the face of challenges, Cologne Academy prevails. My child attends one of the most highly accoladed educational institutions in the area. I am so grateful.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

Cologne Academy is a great school! Both our kids have overall had great experiences attending. They have Caring teachers and responsive administrators. I feel the level of education gained by our kids exceeds many of the schools in the surrounding area. I would recommend this school to any parent looking for a supportive and caring educational environment for their children. It is unfortunate that some have taken to letting their personal opinions of how to respond to a public health crisis taint their review of this school and it’s mission. Teaching children is challenging enough, adding a public health crisis only adds many layers to that challenge. I have felt overall cologne academy has handled this challenge well. This is a rapidly changing environment for schools to operate in and cologne academy works to stay with and sometimes ahead of the situation. Again, I r3commend this school for any parent looking for a quality education for their children.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

My child transferred to this school recently this past fall in 2021. He is in the third grade and my husband and I have been so pleased with the education that he has been receiving this far. The teachers and staff at CA go above and beyond and work so hard in providing such a wonderful atmosphere for our son to grow and learn. My wish is that others would see how hard it truly is to teach in todays society with Covid and understand that the teachers and staff are doing everything they can to provide a secure and safe place to learn. Thank you Cologne Academy Teachers and Staff for being so amazing!
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

I could not ask for a better school for my girls. The teachers work SO hard and truly care about their education and well-being. The administration has done an amazing job, particularly given the tough circumstances with which they have been confronted. My kids were IN SCHOOL for the majority of 2020-2021 and I could not be more grateful for that, especially with a K and 1st grader who really need those social skills and personal interactions. I have recommended CA to literally everyone I know. My kids are thriving, they LOVE going to school everyday and are so sad when school breaks for summer because they miss their teachers so much. The culture of growth mindset and promoting core virtues has helped build their character and resilience. Just…send your kids here :)
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

This is our sixth year at Cologne Academy and we couldn't be more happy we made this choice for our fifth grader and our family. Our youngest will also start kindergarten next year at CA. We toured multiple schools six years ago and were highly impressed with CA's mission for character development in addition to academics, extracurriculars, STEM, the arts, etc. Each month CA highlights a core virtue such as respect, integrity, etc. that the students learn to exemplify. Staff and parents are also held to these standards, creating a strong community working together to ensure our kids are well-educated, well-rounded individuals. I think everyone can agree that March 2020 to the present has been an extremely stressful time in the schools...for parents, students, teachers, school boards, and administrators. CA staff and administration has worked tirelessly since our kids were first sent home for distance learning almost two years ago. CA had the best, most organized distance learning plan in the area that spring, with live video instruction and a mission to provide as much structure and familiar routine for our kids as possible. The fact that our neurodivergent learner (who despises and struggles with virtual learning) did not fall behind in any classes through distance learning speaks for itself! The school also provided (and still provides) incredible mental health resources for students and families throughout this entire pandemic. Now that we are almost two years into this pandemic, there are many differing opinions on how things should be done, and this division certainly shows up in the school communities. CA has done an amazing job of putting our kids first through everything, ensuring that they can stay in the classroom to the greatest degree possible. Parents at CA are given opportunities to make choices that serve their family best: masks are recommended but not required; regular covid testing and vaccine availability is provided but not required, Cologne Academy Online (same CA, just an online campus) is offered for those who prefer or need stricter pandemic precautions. In short, we are supremely impressed with the way CA's staff, administrators, and school board work together to support our students. The curriculum is great, the teachers are great, and we couldn't feel more confident in the decision we made to send both of our kids to Cologne Academy.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

Cologne Academy is a fantastic school. The staff and administrators actively care about both my children and have since my now 9 year old started as a kindergartener.The absolutely phenomenal job the school administration, faculty and staff have done in the face of the pandemic should not be ignored. This is an incredibly trying time and the perseverance and grace the school staff (all employees) has shown when dealing with something so overwhelming is a testament to the PRIDE tenets that are taught along with the incredible academics. I am very proud that both my girls are Cologne Academy scholars and will continue to recommend this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

Cologne Academy has a great staff and I can always count on them to let the me as the parent make the choice for my child.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2022

The school has major communication issues with parents, and staff. In addition they struggle with following through on what they say. They may say one thing and do another. Their actions have not been in the best interest of the children they are responsible for. We will not be attending next year.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2022

Staff is great for the most part unfortunately they want kids to wear a mask for a virus that barely effects them.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2022

This school use to be a number one choice for our kids, the lack of effort they are putting in to educating our kids and focusing more on controlling the narrative of Covid scares. With the focus being shifted they have let our kids not enjoy the full experience as kids in elementary school. They are instilling fear in our kids.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2022

I would’ve given five plus stars last year but the school has gone downhill since the beginning of this school year. The admin is focusing more on daily on-site covid testing and mitigation strategies than on maintaining the exceptional learning environment we once had. I feel bad for the teachers and students who are stuck in the midst of it all. Many families have left this year and many many more (including mine) are looking at other schools to transfer to. I’ve heard from multiple kinder-families who are highly disappointed, discouraged and frustrated that this is not the school they’d looked forward to being a part of. In addition, the school admin and some board members are censoring those of us who are speaking up and voicing our concerns and frustrations. It’s out of control and I hope to find a much better fit for our family this week. Additionally, there have been more major behavioral issues so far this year than in the past five years combined.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2022

This used to be a great school! However, like many public schools Cologne Academy has let MDH and MDE get the best of them and have let COVID take over in their ability to put education at the front.