Submitted by parent on April 13, 2022
My child has BLOOMED since being a student in Center Academy Julington Creek
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2022
We transferred our daughter to this excellent school from public middle school. She struggled to keep up with the demanding course load in Saint Johns county due to her ADHD and multiple learning disabilities. We spent hours each night with homework and course material and it was a nightmare. Our daughter's psychiatrist recommended Center Academy and within two weeks of switching her, we noticed a HUGE difference both academically and behaviorally. This school has taught my daughter how to be confident in her school work. The teachers are patient and kind and take their time to cater to each child's unique capabilities. She is able to learn in a safe, nurturing environment with personalized attention, smaller class sizes, and a course load catered to her. We highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2022
Best school my child has ever been great teachers and staff
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2022
The Center Academy was a blessing for our family. The teachers truly care about each and every one of their students. Our son went from barely making D’s in public school to having his needs met academically and emotionally and finishing out his senior year doing dual enrollment! This is pretty remarkable, considering the fact that when he entered TCA in 8th grade he was 3 years behind across-the-board. He was age-appropriate for 8th grade because he passed each year with mostly C’s and D’s, but his educational foundation was not there. Our sin’s 8th and 9th grade teacher (retired last year) was amazing! She slowly built up his stamina and skills for reading and writing and she never tolerated any kind of ill treatment by or towards students in her class. My son entered TCA academically and emotionally broken and he grew amazingly in both these areas. One day his 8th grade teacher heard from another student that our son was picked on. Our son did not like telling on other people and would simply push down his hurt feelings, rather than getting someone else in trouble. His teacher verified from him what had happened, told him this would never ever happen again, spoke to the perpetrator in her firm and direct manner, and my son never had a problem with that child again. Our son likes and respects his teachers and know they feel the same way about him! He never had that in public school. Of course, as a parent I still advocated for him and put him in programs outside of school (Karate, art lessons, Vocational Rehabilitation camps). Between his teachers at TCA and the outside programs he is involved in, he has reached the potential that I knew he had but would never have reached in the public school system. I am so proud of our son for putting in the hard work and effort that he has and I am grateful for the teachers at The Center Academy for the part they played as well. I still remember the words I told my husband when I picked our son up after he shadowed/visited TCA for the first day prior to us enrolling him. I told my husband “The Center Academy was god’s gift to education and no matter what, our son would be attending the school through his senior year of high school”. Even though money was extremely tight, I told my husband I didn’t care if we took another family vacation until our son graduated from high school, he needed to attend The Center Academy for his academic and emotional well-being. I stand by that decision 100%.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2021
Ellen Mattheus is the epitome of professionalism and and she has a great staff and teachers... My son is doing so good in school in his behavior and grades and I would like to think its due to me and his mom and we might be a part of that but the structure of the school is amazing.... No doubt I highly recommend any child going to this school....
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2021
This was the worst private school I have ever encountered. I enrolled my son at Center Academy - Julington Creek because he has Autism, ADHD, and behavioral problems. Their website said they helped kids with (disabilities and with behavioral problems). Worst decision ever. First of all, his age group was crammed in two rooms, with tiny desks, and no space at all between students to do work or move. Next, they had the same teacher for all the classes, and an ESE teacher who did nothing. When my son asked for help on anything, he was told to read the book, and never given any assistance. The ESE teacher, which they bragged about, only graded papers, and was not available for help at all any time. They said they didnt tolerate bullying, but when he was taunted and bullied, and told them, they did absolutely nothing to stop it. The kids were forced to sit outside for lunch in the hot sun every lunch period too. So basically, after a few weeks of being there, and him asking for help and never receiving any, he was kicked out of school for saying "Well if your not going to help me, I'm not going to complete the assignment." To me it seems criminal they accept all that money, and are absolutely horrible. I would not recommend this school to anyone you care about. I would also recommend that parent s do tons of research before selecting a school, and ask to sit in and see how they operate before choosing a private school.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2020
I was nervous to make the initial decision to enroll my ADHD/ASD learner in private school. His self confidence, control and esteem have been boosted from going to this school. I’m so happy I found it and they worked with our family to fit the school into our budget. The scholarships offered by the State of Florida were easier to obtain than I thought provided your child does have learning differences.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2020
It has been the best , my Son dont learn in a traditional method but this school my kid is happier.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2019
We really have enjoyed our transition to Center Academy. My daughter failed 9th grade in the public school system. The class sizes and classroom discipline issues were overwhelming. Teachers in public school don't often have the luxury to provide individualized learning opportunities because so much time is spent on classroom management.Center Academy's strategies have been WONDERFUL for my daughter. She is now on the A/B honor roll and looking towards dual enrollment as early as Junior year. This has been an amazing turnaround for her!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2019
Absolutely AWSOME I would never have my son go anywhere else. If it wasn’t for the great teachers at Center Academy my son would not be where he is today a all A student and graduating this year.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2019
Absolutely love this school and recommend to anyone who has a child with ADHD.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2019
I'll just say this. When my oldest graduated last year, as excited as he was to graduate, he was sad to leave Center Academy. My youngest finishes this year and I know he will feel the same. As a Parent, I am THRILLED with Center Academy. They have worked hard to work with Parents with updates on grades and any happenings with the school. With just a little proactive work from my side, it has been an AWESOME ride. I was 10 feet tall when my oldest graduated last year and even taller as I watch my youngest, who struggled so much years ago, CRUISE towards graduation with As and Bs. Whenever I have any questions, Jenny is quick to answer the phone. Whether grades have needed improving or on cruise control, the school has TWO meetings (1st and 2nd half) with Parents to keep everyone fully updated with the current situation and what looming goals are. And they will answer any questions about anything going on. With just a little proactive input from Parents, Center Academy is a place I HIGHLY recommend! They have been AWESOME for my two boys!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2019
Great school and wonderful teachers and staff. I am happy to say that my children are thriving here.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2019
Our experience with Center Academy has been extremely positive. Our student required a smaller more structured environment to continue her academic goals. The per student approach has allowed her to continue taking on target high school curriculum that will allow her the opportunity to continue on to college. Her teacher and teachers assistant have been nothing but supportive and encouraging in allowing her to achieve her dreams. Administration from the top down have ensured she will get the courses she needs to move forward in her education AND provide her with the safe environment she requires. Can't thank them all enough!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2019
I want to thank the school for what it has done for my son he used to be always upset about going to school everyday and now he looks forward to going the teachers are so kind and understanding I wish I could give this school a million stars and if you have a child that has a Learning problem or always is upset call center academy at 904-448-1956 you will be glad you did
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2019
My son will be a senior next fall. He's attended Center Academy for 4 years. When he entered he had zero confidence academically. He was below grade level in math and reading. He struggled with course work and disliked school because he believed he wasn't smart. Center Academy took my son from an extremely reluctant learner to an A/B honor roll student. They helped him understand that not understanding a concept or subject doesn't make you unintelligent, it just means that learning needs to go back to where understanding stopped and start from there. His teachers took a kid with such low academic self confidence and helped to turn him into a young man confident in his academic achievements and eager to take on any goal, academic and in life, that he sets his sights on. Great teachers in a wonderful academic environment helped my son to discover what he was always capable of. Five stars isn't enough to convey how much I appreciate all that Center Academy has done for my son.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2019
Amazing! Best school experience for my academically challenged daughter.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019
Amazing school with great staff and teachers. Highly recommended for students who dont meet their full potential in public school.
Submitted by student on February 04, 2019
it is a great school, though every school (especially at the later teenage years) has its struggles, and though it is small, it has a great way of handling the almost overcrowded surplus of students. any quarrels with the school are minor among students.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2015
Our son entered Center Academy after attending the same school for over 9 years. His learning difficulties were becoming more of a challenge for his previous school. He was also being bullied and it was seriously impacting his learning abilities. Center Academy took on the task of helping him finish the year. They were kind, professional, and encouraging. Our son went from discouraged, to an enthusiastic learner. We were so pleased, that he is now in his second year there. His teacher and principal both have assessed his learning needs, and developed a plan. He is flourishing and never complains about going to school. I love the communication daily and being able to track his progress. I have never had trouble reaching any of the teachers or even the principal. They welcome feedback and I am considered part of the "team" helping my son. The entire staff at Center Academy has my son's welfare and best interest at heart. I would highly recommend this school for a positive and thorough learning environment.