Summerfield Charter Academy

5303 U.S. 220

School District

Summerfield Charter Academy
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

charter

School Map for Summerfield Charter Academy School District

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 March 04, 2024

Started when this school opened and it was fabulous. Sadly the school has changed. While there are some amazing teachers the middle school is lacking. And administration is a joke. They expect teachers to handle discipline in large class sizes 29-31 students which takes away from teaching. Deans and principals are not taking care of behavior at all. Way too heavy on computer use. Using it more as a babysitter.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2022

Our kids have been at SCA since Kindergarten; one is now in eighth grade, the other in sixth. The test results speak for themselves: This is a very high-performing school. Expectations are high but I'm fine with that. I've found nearly every teacher to be competent and personable and we've had good experiences with the administration. The school has evolved over the years, particularly in extracurricular activities. I've been pleased to see good cultural and economic diversity. I don't know whether it's the same at all schools, but there does seem to be significant turn-over at SCA - though the school always finds good teachers and continues to excel. Plans to build a high school have been delayed, but if it happens we'll stay.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2021

We moved here from out of state, had a horrible experience our first year in the GCS public elementary school for our area, so applied to this NHA school, as it was the first year it was to open. Academically it was a bad decision but at the time, our kids were admitted, we didn't have another "good" choice as a sister NHA school was full (i.e. we were too far down on the wait list). Thank goodness we got out when we did and never looked back. My kids were less stressed and happier when we said goodbye to SCA.Let's start with administration: the principal and deans were a joke. Principal avoided confrontation at all costs and was more concerned about being funny in front of the student body, than actually being an administrator. The MS dean was creepy and not effective as a leader. Quick to call or email home about your student. They actually "disciplined" students in school, for things which happened b/w them OUTSIDE of the school setting/hours. Not sure how that is legal but ok. Needed improvement in this area. Teachers: turnover was HIGH - especially in the MS. Middle school math dept was extremely lacking in consistency -my HSers were very ill-equipped coming out of SCA. Some teachers (few and far between) were AMAZING but overall: they were bullies, ineffective at dealing with bullying classmates, harshly punished middle school boys for doing stupid boy stuff. Hopefully this still isn't an issue. Dress Code: VERY strict - even down to the type of socks students could wear. I mean, come on, really? Other NHA schools have a dress code, but are much less strict.Bullying: teachers were bullies to students, bullying between students in the MS was not addressed and was allowed to continue.Parent Volunteers: a lot of them were snobby wealthy and there was a definite "clique" among the MS moms. Athletics: a joke at the time. PE teacher was a yeller. If you are considering this school, look at all your options before making a decision. That said, any charter school in Guilford County is a better option than GCS public elementary/Middle school.
Submitted by other on August 29, 2020

Terrible absolutely the dress code was very strict and picked on my child blue jacket but said it was purple when a kid next to her had a super purple jacket on and didn’t say anything about that
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2020

We've had an EXCELLENT experience at Summerfield Charter Academy. My children are happy and excited to go to school every day. I'm happy and excited that they are in an excellent, safe school with such a dedicated staff.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2019

Absolute nightmare. How terrible not to support an exceptionally intelligent ADHD student that could soar with just basic accomodations, including some behavior guidelines. How terrible not initiate 504/Accomodations plan testing/evaluation and use the student's disability to rid themselves of any non-neurotypical student. They withheld student's records when we were forced to leave. The management is the problem. They do not follow the IDEA laws and do not follow accommodations required for students under the law. The Principal considers himself to be the supreme reviewer of any of these requirements even when the law states it can't be him. Board supports the Principal. Principal hides behind his door, never explains punishment to a child, nothing! Board Chairlady has not affection whatsoever for special learners. Principal and Board are not competent with learning challenges, even ADHD.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2019

Terrible. The teachers are all brand new, and while you have a few good moments here and there, you can’t create experience through telling your teachers to tell their kids that they’re all friends. The school makes puts other students at a detriment while they try to help students with disabilities. Students with anger issues and histories of violence are involved in class, despite the violence occurring. The school doesn’t believe in expulsion, which means that this behavior continues to occur. Because of the schools viewpoints, SCA has become a haven for students with disabilities, a place to send a kid when no one else wants them. The school cannot handle it, however, and resorts to relying on other students to help control the students with disabilities. Overall, you’ll find a few diamonds in the rough, but it isn’t enough to pay for all the dirt you got along the way. Don’t go there.
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2018

Excellent. Our children are out performing from their previous school. They came home this year with mostly A's and a couple of B's
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2018

My son left a year ago after being bullied by students, had teachers who didn't care (some that were bullies) and administration who cared less than the teachers. I was told when we started SCA that they taught morals and ethics and would support my son in his education. The school was over run with bullies. Teachers didn't respond to emails. Administration didn't care about bullying. And my son wasn't the only one with issues, other parents had issues with kids and teachers . Now a year later I'm trying to get my son's transcript for a class that was a high school class to find out they don't award high school credit and my son will have to retake this class. I should have gone with my gut feeling when I could get him in within a week to a school that normally would require a lottery.. there must be a reason.
Submitted by other on May 22, 2018

I would say 6 because of academia that it offers, however there are serious social issues that are ignored or denied, and the wrong ones are rewarded. There are also conflicts internally with teachers, counselors and principals There needs to be found consistency. Horrible environment in the unstructured areas.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2017

Very Very good. Organized, structure, good morality, great teachers,great principal
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2017

A+ I love this school ! My only regret was having to relocate twice and taking my daughter out of their school system. Also, the lack of transportation for the students and hot meals. Other than that they are A ok in my book.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2017

My daughter is getting ready to graduate 8th grade from SCA, she's been there for 3 years. I also have a 1st grader in attendance along with plenty of my friend's children. I have been very impressed with this school in regards to academics and professionalism. My children have grown in their education and social lives. This school is an A+ in my books, they push the kids and encourage them. Teachers are not glorified babysitters, they are entrusted to teach our kids the 'things' we are not able to. Teachers are also there to help nurture the children. It's sad to see some parents give this school a bad rating, when they deserve the best. Great school. Great staff. My kids love this school. My friend's and their children loves this school. Anyone I meet, I will encourage them to send their kids here. Thank you SCA for what you've done for my girls. ~Impressed Mama
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2017

My daughter was bullied not by the students but by the teachers and administration just because she wasn't a robot child. Get new administration and this school could be better. All the. Children seemed constantly stressed and over worked and micromanage. Not a good learning environment.
Submitted by other on January 07, 2017

Great teachers, and administration! We've been at SCA for 3 years now and love it!
Submitted by other on December 04, 2016

We are so happy at SCA. Love the environment and the wonderful teachers! We have been so impressed with how much our son has learned.
Submitted by other on November 18, 2016

We love Summerfield Charter. This school challenges its students academically, but will meet the students where they are if they need extra help. Whenever my child has had any issues with other students, the teachers or Dean have taken care of it immediately. For middle schoolers especially, the moral focus is very beneficial.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2016

The academics are rigorous. The school focuses on more than the requirements required by common core and the state. For example, writing and grammar are a central focus and are not treated as something to get to if you have time. Class periods are longer which allows for increased focus on these areas. The school also offers a move up Math program beginning in 3rd grade. If a student qualifies, he or she will work one grade level above. One of the negatives is school lunch, which is not great. Another is the lack of student choice in uniforms. However, overall, this school works tremendously hard to incorporate moral values with academic rigor in a cheerful environment.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2015

Excellent teachers and caring staff...really appreciate the moral focus aspect as it continues to enforce the values that we try to instill at home.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2015

Can't put a finger on what's going on at this school, but it's going downhill. There are hardworking and caring teachers, but many have already been driven away, too. If parent involvement and a shiny new building are what tickles your fancy, then this school gets an A+. Unfortunately, those things don't mean much when it comes to a child's future and educational success. Social Studies books are scant. Students are often left to teach each other in group work which, as appealing as they make it out, is not particularly effective with young children. It's difficult to find a wall map, set of dictionaries, lab tools, etc. in any classroom. With 28 students per room, teachers don't have time to address each child's individual needs. As someone mentioned, the testing seems crazy. They call it rigorous to sound superior, but what the excessiveness does is take away from real teaching time, and wears down students that have an interest in learning. The principal doesn't respond to emails/calls. We were under the impression that SCA would strive to provide a better education than the average public school, but what we've seen academically leaves much to be desired.