Skyview School

125 South Rush Street

School District

Skyview School Inc.
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 08, 2024

Both of our kids started with Skyview in Kindergarten. We have been overjoyed to be a part of this wonderful school and community! I remember going to every school in the area, and when I walked into Skyview, the kids were HAPPY AND SMILING! I knew this was where we wanted to go. My kids both LOVE going to school. All of the teachers, in every grade they have had, were the most thoughtful, loving, and encouraging leaders for our boys. Their program is diverse and incorporates the arts which is so rare now. They also have excellent field trips, performance and art projects, that tie directly into what they are learning. If my kids had any special needs, the school went out of their way to support them. The way they teach with love and work with the kids to improve inclusivity, mindfulness, and conflict resolution, these kids leave to high school with a strong sense of self-worth and many tools to handle difficult situations. What they do goes way beyond just a standard education. Their focus is on the WHOLE child and learning curriculum addresses the WHOLE brain. The Director Ms. Dena is brilliant, caring, and attentive. She addresses problems immediately, whether it is a behavior challenge, or how to manage the pick-up and drop off traffic. Any child would be so lucky to attend this school.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2016

My son started at Skyview in Kindergarten and I feel confident that we will be here through 8th grade. The teachers and administration are amazing, compassionate people with the children's needs and interests at heart. Strong, supportive learning environment, balanced structure, lots of outdoor time and they teach to the whole child. There is a very inclusive approach and never seen any discrimination, bullying or taunting from anyone. My son is a person of color and is as accepted and loved at his school as he is at home. That is a great feeling.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2015

As I toured, I saw kindergarteners dancing to the alphabet, primary students doing fine art and when I got to the 5th - 8th grade classes, Scott had a student from each classroom come and explain to me what the class was working on. The articulate confidence I heard from kids in explaining MI theory and their thematic project based curriculum blew me away! The work displayed in the classrooms was excellent quality. I enrolled my children and was lucky: all three got in. Their teachers were loving and understanding of all the upheaval they were going through - divorce, transition from home to public school, moving - and nurtured them in ways I will always be grateful for. Plus when my two older children were behind their reading level, they were given exceptional help through the Title 1 Reading program, until they reached the level they needed to be (both of them within the first semester). 4 years in: I ve watched my children grow into responsible, independent workers and thinkers. They re driven and excited about learning and community. Their teachers provide so much scaffolding to allow them to succeed. The extra involvement required of me is worth all the growth in my kids!
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2015

I have a lot to say but I am forced to be concise. There are many good things about this school, but enough fell short that my son only attended for Kindergarten. Mr. Scott, the principal is very comfortable, always listening to opinion and helping the school to grow. The communication and community involvement is great. The teachers put out a lot of effort for the arts and performances and although showing much love, they lack skill. Leaving the students performances and art work much lacking in comparison to other occasions I have witnessed my son's skill. Similarly organization in all things falls short, it has the feeling of a young school, trying hard to reach the sun but not quite strong enough. Last year reported a "B" level school, it is very much so. It seems their multiple intelligence theory serves as a convenient excuse for lack of standard. Programs for reading and math are painfully slow. Although supposedly individualized my son spent much of his time learning and relearning things he had mastered in Pre-K, at an A level school. They never pick up momentum, or importance, falling short of a kindergartners' potential. Leaving me always saying, "And?"
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2015

In a counter argument to the previous reviewer, I have to say that not every school is right for every child. My child went from Kindergarten through 8th grade at Skyview. I have nothing to express but deep gratitude that my child received the education they did, through the diligence, respect, and skill of the staff of Skyview School. Yes, as in all schools, regimes change and with those changes, adjustments occur. But I can honestly say, this school has NEVER been stronger. The teachers are happy, the students are happy, and consequently, it's hard to find an unhappy parent. Making grand statements stemming from one family's experience can be taken for what it is: one experience. My child's "one" experience formed the basis of education they needed to become the powerful High School student that they are now. On that note, my child went to PHS after being at Skyview their whole elementary career and they are now a straight-A student! Skyview rocks!
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2014

Skyview has been excellent for our daughter, who will begin 5th grade in the fall. She started Skyview in kindergarten. Our son just completed kindergarten. He turned 5 in May and initially we were concerned he might be too young, socially, for starting school. I believe a lot of boys do better by being closer to age 6 when starting kindergarten. But our son had learned so much in preschool that his preschool teachers said he'd be bored spending one more year there. The very small class size with one teacher and an aide are a huge plus. Our son did have some adjustment issues and his teacher kept us informed and offered ways to help him succeed. I have always found his teacher to be easy to reach and available to speak to at any time. Same with my daughters teachers. Yes, I know of a couple of boys who started kindergarten and then left after a short time. I was having lunch with my son one day when one boy choked another in front of me. This same child had punched my son just days earlier. This child did end up leaving. Perhaps he was not ready for kindergarten. My husband and I are very happy with the education our children are getting at Skyview.
Submitted by other on March 03, 2014

The "Skyview School" the reputation is built on, is no longer here. The great, great person noted as Janet below established this school with a group of other great people (parents). After 17 years they were extricated from this school so that someone who does not have the skills (qualifications) could benefit from their legacy. There are some good teachers here, although the rampant nepotism used in hiring practices has made as much as 50% of the staff related in some form, either by marriage, siblings or friendship (same names optional). When the thought of family school is mentioned it means them, not your kid, or you, the parent. The original great entity and idea of an "gifted program" no longer exists. Everything goes through cycles, this one has reached its end.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2013

Skyview is an excellent small school! This school cares for the students and families alike. The principle, Scott is amazing and runs the school calmly and in an organized fashion. The things I would change would be the outdoor eating area. It needs to have an option of closing it in during cold winter months.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

The best thing about Skyview school is that they truly seem to care about the kids (to the best of their ability) and do no allow bullying. It is a good school for the ones who are adept at getting attention. If a child is quiet and non-aggressive they are likely to fall through the cracks in terms of getting the attention needed to learn what is taught on a daily basis. There is a big focus on art (which is great and necessary) however the staff (including some of the teachers) are role models for disrespectful behavior and ingratitude towards those who are not staff. Skyview is not a friendly place. It is a great school for "entitled" people with little or no sensitivity for those outside their group. Though the curriculum tries to be "inclusive" the energy of the school is not. It is difficult to be sensitive to the needs of others if they do not see others. Nevetheless, I do believe everyone there is doing the best they can. Not a terrible school and not a great one. An average school for average people who want to feel comfortable.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2013

My background: Both of my parents were teachers. We picked Skyview school because we thought it had the best kindergarten teachers based on our visits to the area schools. Ms. Janet was our daughter's kindergarten teacher. She was wonderful: experienced and loving. I volunteered occasionally and saw her interactions with the kids. As a charter school, it attracts teachers who want more ability to have a classroom that has creativity that is not restricted by the rules and regulations at public schools. We found the other kids to come from families where the parents care about their kids' education. Reading programs are excellent, math programs could be more challenging. The homework is less than what typical public schools give out. This is a Monday through Thursday school.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2012

Don't pick Ms Janet for your Kindergarten child unless child can sit still with his/her hands in lap for 15 mins intervals. Teacher is strict, organized, and unwavering. She wants only robot children in her class and will ask student to find new school if child doesn't fit her mold.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2012

waste of time and money..unless your child is a genius they will fall behind from attending when they leave to go to another better more structured setting...a joke school well past its prime
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2011

It's an excellent school! The school thrives because they have an incredible group of teachers and administrators devoted to their profession (2010-2011). I have traveled the country and visited many schools and I am truly amazed how Skyview School uses the multiple intelligences, project based curriculum, fieldtrips, and the arts to create a school environment where kids thrive academically and are becoming informed and productive citizens of the world. Their arts program is outstanding, the math program is top notch, and the celebrations are jaw dropping. They also focus so much on respect. I love how children from different grades are partnered together to build community. Not only that, parents are expected to be involved, which is unique in the area. It is truly a gem and I recommend it to all parents seeking a school where their child will love to learn and where you will feel welcomed to be involved. It's rare and I love it.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2011

Skyview school lacks a very important component for partnering with parents - communication. Administration and teacher communication lacked openness and follow-through. We were very disappointed in our experience there.