Lakeside Charter Academy

17609 Old Statesville Road

School District

Lakeside Charter Academy
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
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 January 11, 2023

My son has been attending LCS since kindergarten and he’s now in 5th grade. He brings home straight A’s every year. I love the character education and other specials classes offered at this school (music, art, technology). The classrooms are more personal with a smaller student to teacher ratio. They offer a multitude of after school programs such in science, engineering, dance, art, and theater (for additional costs). The only thing I wish they had more of is sports for the kids. The playground is small and they have a few basketball goals in the back parking lot. They expand when they can, last year the school got new swings. I keep him in this school because the focus is on the kids, not test scores and fancy facilities. At the end of the day, the kids should always matter most!
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2022

After raised 2 step sons through the CMS system in Huntersville from grades 5-12 in 2005-2013. It was mostly a nightmare. Then I had a daughter of my own and she was to start Kindergarten in 2020. I had heard mixed reviews about the former “Thunderbird Academy” but after meeting with the new staff and administrators that had taken on the school and rebranded, I was willing to give it a shot. We enrolled her and I was very comfortable with the decision. The Core Knowledge Curriculum is a timeless model proven over time regardless of trends in education that come and go. Enter pandemic. The staff worked very well to adapt and ensure both parents and students had everything they needed to ensure the least disruption in the educational momentum of the students. They were also back in full session sooner than public schools. They are extremely cautious with who is allowed to come into the school doors past the front office. I feel my child is safe and cared for at LCA. Now in her 3rd year, her classes have all been been 14-17 kids per class. Her teachers have all been amazing and have been great role models for her. She gets to express her individuality and creativity but still with boundaries that (unfortunately) must be placed on her due to state required metrics. She has rarely had homework, does not experience the pressures of meeting a standard set of scores, her beliefs and virtues have a place to be heard and to be practiced and for a 2nd grader she is pretty confident and self aware emotionally. I attribute a lot of this to my own efforts to build her character in such a way but LCA has served as a wonderful companion to my own interests in her development. I believe it is always still the home where the learning starts, and the school is just a helper in that journey to adulthood. It’s been my experience that many like minded parents of LCA share that sentiment. They are a Charter and therefore rely more on parental support, involvement, and partnership toward the same goal. As a parent who has now experienced both the Public and the Charter, I’ve come to appreciate the differences and feel that when given the chance to be a member of charter community over ANY CMS SCHOOL, I’ll take Charter every time. Note…LCA is technically in Cornelius so not sure if they would be considered IN the CMS district by lat/long terms or not. Regardless, LCA is generally an option for families closest to Huntersville/Cornelius area. Highly recommended!!!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2022

We love this school! The staff goes above and beyond to make sure the kids are engaged, challenged, and having fun.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2022

So far so good. I love this school so far. It's small so it's more personable. The principal is just as involved with the students and truly cares. He is out there getting parents and helps with the car line. My little one had made SO much progress this year, I can't wait to see what's in store for next.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2022

Both of my kids have enjoyed attending Lakeside Charter for the last 2 years. We were able to progress their learning throughout the pandemic, when CMS was shuttered. Teachers communicate regularly and truly care about the kids. The principal is always present and available. Academically both of my kids continue to excel in this environment. I only wish we could continue through High School!
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2017

We have had a great experience at Thunderbird, this is our second year. I am so glad we stayed through the uncertainty and unwarranted bad press the school got at the end of last year. My son has an amazing teacher this year who makes learning exciting for the kids. The class sizes are smaller which is a big plus in my eyes, and there are teacher aides in class also. The new principal, Dr. Vincent is very involved and has worked to hard to keep the school on top after coming in at a turbulent time. My daughter will start Kindergarten there in the fall and we are excited about our future at TPA.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2017

The curriculum is challenging and the EC Team goes above and beyond to ensure that students with IEP's are provided with the necessary resources to be successful. My child has been at Thunderbird since it's first year and has an IEP. The growth he has made we would never had seen in a traditional public school Thank you Mrs. Sanderline and your EC Team for all you do for our children
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2016

We have 2 children at THUNDERBIRD, the school is helping them to be Great Citizens in every way. The whole school has a positive attitude and working together we will achieve wonderful things
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2016

My son is thriving at Thunderbird Prep! He wakes up excited to go to school everyday. The Leader in Me program is AMAZING! My son is learning real world life skills....setting goals, understanding what it takes to achieve these goals, and the true importance of teamwork. He has excelled on all tests and assignments. But most of all he believes giving back and service to his community is just as important as knowing his multiplication tables. I knew going to a new charter school was not going to be a perfectly smooth. But based on what we have been blessed with at this school I am willing to take a few bumps as they work though the newness. We LOVE the new principal Dr. Vincent and we LOVE TPA!
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2016

We gave it two years and the school has not grown at all. In all aspects it is struggling. Read the Charlotte Observer, it posted two stories last week. After reading the bad news we decided to not return.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2016

Great experience! 10 plus! This school had some bad press a couple of years ago but they have improved and this school has come a LONG WAY from the first year it opened. In fact, we are taking our child out of another area Charter to attend Thunderbird. We love the small, private school feel with out the tuition of a private school! Way to go Thunderbird!!
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

This is the second year my daughter has been at the school. It's in its second year and there are definitely growing pains, but my daughter is thriving. Of course there is a lot of drama too with the first director leaving after year one and the interium not getting the job, but I have met the new director and I must say am impressed. His intention to focus on academics, our children, and the charter- which is why we chose to send our daugher to a leadership school. I have faith in him and am staying for year three. This school can succeed - we just need to stay focused on what's important- teaching our children....and I couldn't be happier with the progress my child has made at this school.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2016

I really think that this could be a great school, the politics of the school are the problem, the board is a wreck and they do not seem to be concerned with the fact that they make the school look bad. The teachers we have had are great though and my daughter's learning experience has not been tainted in any way but it is frustrating that a group of adults that should be a role model for the school cannot get their act together. I love the smaller class sizes and again our teachers are great, I don't think we'll change schools or anything because it doesn't impact my daughter's learning experience yet but I know for some of the upper grades it has been a difficulty but I think those problems will be resolved once we are at the permanent location and that should be resolved by the time she gets to the upper grade level.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2016

We are a first year, 2nd grade family. We have been very happy at Thunderbird, my child is happy and thriving. Last year, at CMS he didn't want to go to school and was miserable. I think the managing Director has done a phenomenal job and the children love and respect her. However, I feel that there are some board members that need to be replaced. The meetings seem to be a constant bickering and nothing gets accomplished. Half of the board does not seem to have the best interest of the school and the children as their priority.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2015

Last year I gave the school 5 stars. This year has been such a disappointment thus far. We are really trying to hang in there in hopes of a positive change. Parents have addressed issues/concerns with the board and administration with no new information on how things will be handle in regards to the school original mission and charter status using the "leader in me". Additional leadership program has been put in place "The Essential 55". The new teachers this year have no idea what the "leader in me program" is or how to even use it in their classrooms. So the Essential 55 has taking the lead as a leadership program which has many parents concerned. The school now has a military feel with children required to call their friends by first and last name at all times along with uniform inspections. My 6 year old's teacher issues group punishment for the actions of a few within the class having the students walk laps at recess the only time they are allowed to actually be children. Board members are resigning, teachers are leaving. I really hope the best for this school but fear it is in serious jeopardy of succeeding.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2015

Our kids love TPA, and they are interested in science and social studies because of the creative learning that is happening in school. The school survived because of the wonderful interim director, as she has provided an excellent foundation for learning, hired teachers who are compassionate and great leaders, and she enforces policies to protect the safety of our students while enriching the school spirit and leadership philosophy. Our teachers provide consistent communication to parents and get to know each of our children very well. We are happy at the school and look forward to the middle and high schools for TPA.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2015

Last year my daughter had a blast at TPA however so far this year has been a disaster. Her teacher was off for about 2 weeks and then resigned. She has not have a consistent teacher since first day of school. All the qualified teachers left the school in 2015 and TPA was not able to keep up with the same quality standards from last year due to financial problems and bad administration. We are currently looking for other options and hope to leave the school in the next few weeks.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2015

My son was in Charlotte Mecklenburg School system and struggled with his academics "K-3". From experience "not by rumor", I know the CMS System teaches/focus on the EOG, and does not focus on students who are behind academically "especially with the lack of teacher assistants, to no teacher assistants in the classrooms, so the teacher can help the student who is/has fallen behind. My child excelled to grade level last year at Thunderbird Prep, and is doing exceptionally well this current school year, if not better. Thunderbird Prep has proven to focus on the individual child, which is what schools should do. Just like any start up business, there are, and will be kinks to smooth out. Just like growing a rose bush, you must cut off the dead pieces to make a beautiful rose bush. Well, once the disgruntle parents leave this school, it will be a model school that produces leaders who are academically prepared to be valuable assets in society. I think it is shameful for the parents who aren't happy with this wonderful school, which has made my child love learning and being a more responsible young leader. There is a tremendous difference in my son's academics and behavior, compared to his peers in our neighborhood and at our church. I am not one to brag. However, my child shows he's more responsible and is ahead of his peers who attend the traditional large schools that are EOG Test Focused, and not having the fortitude to deal with bad behavior children. I assure you, one will not see kids at Thunderbird Prep Academy wearing uniforms with their pants sagging. So with that all said, as one read the negative comments, check yourself and wonder why don't the disgruntle parents just leave; care for all children; and respect the families who choose to keep their child/children at the school. They all must remember, you reap what you sow, and Thunderbird Prep is sowing fertile seeds in my child's life. I applaud the current staff. I think they are superior. It is so easy for one to complain, yet so difficult for one to compliment. It is educators and administrators like the current staff that makes my family want to stay a part of the Thunderbird Prep Academy Family. Keep on keeping on, and climb up the Rough Side of the Mountain. There is a Great Reward there.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2015

School is a sinking ship. The one guy on the Board that had any financial wherewithal quit and took his kids with him. The Leader in Me is NOT being taught because the school did not want to pay to keep using it. So, they adopted a "leadership" style that was tailored for a Title 1 school. TPA is NOT even remotely close to being a Title 1 school. Kids having class in the break room?! How is this not a fire hazard in and of itself. Only thing that's changed with this school is the date on the calendar. You have been warned.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2015

Love Mrs. McKinney and our wonderful teachers. New bumps with any charter, but handling has been sure and swift!