Challenger - Strawberry Park

730 Camina Escuela

San Jose, CA 95129

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on November 01, 2024

This is an excellent school. It teaches a multitude of subjects at a more advanced and complex level. For example, we learn diagramming, which is not usually found in other schools. It also uses textbooks found in middle and high school. I am a fifth grader at the school, and I enjoy the classes I take here. The teachers here also focus on helping those who are struggling, as can be seen in my class. My teachers in fourth and fifth grade also have great educational experiences. They also answer the classes questions with good answers. The only problem I find is that the math curriculum is very easy compared to other subjects. I would recommend this school to anyone who enjoys learning.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2019

Don't get mislead by your friends and don't fall for the referral bonus .They will some how make it up and try to extract dollars out of you .Often their policies are vague and their curriculum don't encourage thinking . Its feels as if its kind of a factory .
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2018

The worst experience we have is with the director in the elementary school. She is very rude. The only thing in her mind is "punishment". She does not try to understand and encourage students but only knows how to threaten the parents and kids. Overall very horrible experience at this school. Boring and rigid curriculum do not allow kids to differentiate. Do not waste money and send your kids to this school.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2018

The teachers are good, but school lacks diversity and lacks a balanced curriculum. Does not teach children to think for themselves. Sports, music and arts are non existant. Although our child was an excellent student there, we are glad we removed him from this lifeless experience.
Submitted by other on March 28, 2017

Teachers ignore children's question and then answer so so so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And i mean it!
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2016

Multiple issues at Challenger.1. Majority of teachers have thick accent; not something new in Bay Area but really at pre-school and elementary school level?2. Administration and Directors are rude, uncompromising and bone headed.3. Neither the teachers nor the directors are good role models.4. THERE IS NO TEACHING at school. You might be better of teaching kids at home and save your money.5. Challenger is a mass corporate education system -- curriculum, policies and teachers must follow the corporate diktat.6. If you want your children to learn and grow, look somewhere else.7. If you want your kids to have mass, for-profit driven corporate education, you probably won't go wrong with Challenger.8. The campus is run down, old trailers and no safe play ground. Forget physical education or sports, you kidding me?
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2015

I'm simply stating our family experience. Almost the first day my child came from Challenger, he was a different child - no fighting about homework, more appreciative of our (parents) effort. In about 1.5-mo's I noticed that my son has learned something in school vs. previously everything he knew I taught him (I work and I'm not a teacher, so that was not a long-term solution, especially after 7 hours in school). Language Arts program is excellent. Math is so-so. It is still MUCH better than in most public schools, but I feel that there are better programs that have more methodical approach and achieve better results. I do however have high expectations for math - everyone (no need to be gifted) can learn calculus in 9th grade successfully. I've seen programs that teach millions to do just that. Science, History and other subjects require to listen in school. There is very little homework given. If child can listen in school, there is one hour of homework Mon - Thur plus 30 min reading every day. On the weekend, there might be another hour needed. I feel that Challenger program can work for "super-stars" as well as poor students. Both will greatly benefit. Contrary to many opinions, I don't think that Challenger strictly "selects" good students only. My child doesn't belong to "A-student" category and he greatly benefits from the program anyway.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2014

Good School who are focussed on academics. Some of the teachers are good and not all of them but good for beginners. The school emphasis on discipline, cleanliness and good manners which is fine but less time for extra curricular activities.
Submitted by other on June 07, 2014

You may think that this school is tough, but think of all the great things your child will be able to learn and do after all the experience of reports and tests. Also, your child will have better concentration. I know, for I am a student there. The school also has great teacher, and the headmaster, Mr. Schiffner, is excellent. I am positive that your child would be able to be as happy as I am at this very safe and fun school!
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2013

A very demanding school with unrealistic expectations. I liked their pre-K and K programs. However, I've been very disappointed with their 1st grade. They have about 6 - 7 tests every week. With a teacher to student ratio of 1:26 or 1:28 (corporate policy), they can hardly expect the kids to get much attention from the teacher. So, a parent has to spend 1.5 - 2 hours per day after school to prepare the kids. Science and Geography requirements for a first grader are ridiculous. Sample questions from tests conducted in the first month of school: Geography- What is a popular industry in California? Answer - Computer Services. Your first grader needs to write this out and explain why this is a popular industry. Science: What is weathering? What is erosion ? How can you prevent erosion ? These are not multiple choice questions; Your 6-yr old to write out 3-4 line answers. Unless you are a parent who wants to dedicate 10 hours a week of after school tutoring, I wouldn't recommend this school. The fun part of education is lost... testing is rigorous and a parent has to sign off on academic progress reports if the child scores below 75%. I don't think any 6-year old deserves this.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2013

Excellent school! The curriculum is demanding and well balanced. The Kindergarden program builds a strong base for reading, math and science skills. The teachers are passionate about teaching so that kids actually learn and understanding the concepts they are studying. The higher grades are great as well. This school requires plenty of homework and additional special assignment. The program is accelerated, so this is a great school for children, who are highly motivated and looking for getting challenged learn. The School also puts effort on arts and music teaching as well as promotes creative writing. We have new principles and they are highly professional as well as friendly.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2013

My daughter has now been attending challenger since Pre-School. She has been at this campus for one year and we are going back next year, I love the staff, the teachers and the school we have seen nothing but great results, Yes there is homework and lots of test but she is in First Grade and loving it, She actually wants to go back next year. I think you should talk to parents at the school to see what they say!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2012

Very rigid management techniques with the belief that the school is always right. The teachers and management do not follow the very principles of honesty and integrity they are trying to teach the students. Baring the few dedicated teachers most are dictators and use intimidation techniques to control the classroom and the management backs them up. The school seems to have the policy of overloading the students with homework, tests(average of 6 per week) and book reports(2 per month) with no emphasis on the all round development of the child. Highest rate of students leaving mid way because they did not make the 75% for their so called academic standard. Definitely not a school if you want you child to be a well rounded and successful adult!
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2011

Horrible Headmaster - Julie Blackwell In the very same handout that bears her name, it asks parents "Please be patient the first week of school as parents new to Challenger learn the routine". Yet, on the third day of a new school year, she is heard outside at the drop-off area, yelling at and demanding pre-K parents that only drive-through is allowed. She is simply being unreasonable about parents' unknowing mistake of wanting to walk their kids to class and maybe have a quick chat with the teachers to make sure everything is OK. Did I indicate that these are pre-K parents who are sending their kids off the very first time? She may be successful, but so is DSK (Dominique Strauss-Kahn) - head of IMF. Challenger may be strong academically, however, it fails to teach kids moral value and common decency. As an educator and example to the kids, her behavior is shameful.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2011

Please don't send your kid here. This is a terrible school for preschoolers. They have strict schedule for teachers to follow. It is more like an army-camp than a school. Creativity is not appreciated here.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2010

Terrible preschool teachers. They don't care about the childs needs. Can't understand how preschoolers think. They've got a f**ng schedule to follow and thats all that matters. Dealing with preschoolers requires a level of maturity which they don't even recognize.