Natomas Charter School in Sacramento

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
College Readiness	6/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using 2019 SAT percent college ready data from California Department of Education, using 2019 Average ACT score data from California Department of Education, using 2019 ACT percent college ready data from California Department of Education, using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from California Department of Education, using 2025 Percent of students who meet UC/CSU entrance requirements data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 demographic data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	6/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: January 6, 2026

So what can I say? They need help. My advisor seems to be overwhelmed. When I ask questions about curriculum or changing it I am met with "well that's what you chose" no that's what you brought to our meeting as the choices I had.

It's frustrating. And then the principal is very rigid. Asked her as well about changing curriculum and she said I they expect parents to spend at least two cycles of 6 to 8 weeks to determine whether or not the curriculum is effective. Hello, I'm using the curriculum day in and day out. It's not effective. She also refuses to meet with me via zoom when I am not able to meet her in person. Why do I have disclose my reasoning for you to be more flexible? it's embarrassing.

This school does the bare minimum to stay out of charter/homeschool trouble. I will more than likely go somewhere else. I've homeschooled before and this is by far the most unsupported program I've ever been privy to. And they don't care.

Posted: January 6, 2026

Posted: May 12, 2025

I'm heading into 10th grade next year at Natomas Charter in the Early College Academy and could not be more pleased with my 9th-grade experience. ECA is an amazing school with supportive teachers, engaging classes, and a diverse community. I have never faced any bullying or negative experiences. Additionally, the staff and teachers are extremely friendly and welcoming. As it is a hybrid program, I love the flexibility of working at my own pace. ECA ECA is a small community, but that's what I like about it because it makes it easier to connect with everyone and creates a warm atmosphere where we all feel like family. I highly recommend this school and cannot wait for the rest of my high school journey here at ECA.

Posted: July 30, 2024

This school promotes positivity, and
inclusiveness, but in fact, they are far from that. They do not have a good conflict resolution system. My child Was bullied by teachers and students multiple times and the staff and administrators seem to not know The proper procedures in order to create a better environment for my child. I would not recommend the school to others if my life depended on it.

Posted: July 30, 2024

Posted: July 2, 2024

My review is specifically for the hybrid program at Natomas Charter School called Early College Academy (formerly Virtual Learning Academy). My daughter is heading into her Sophomore (second) year there and we have been very pleased with our experience. This program affords her the flexibility to be on campus limitedly while still enjoying a very educationally rigorous program. Kim Woods, who runs the academy, is present, capable, and caring and it shows. She makes herself available whenever needed and is kind and compassionate to everyone. The teachers are all great and my daughter's favorite is the new math teacher, Mr. Ruhl. I have to give a shout out to the academy admin, Nicole, as she is so helpful and the glue that holds it all together. What a unique program that fits my daughter's needs perfectly. I wish something like this had been available when I was a student. The Executive Director of Natomas Charter School, Joe Wood, is amazing as well and leads all of the academies under Natomas Charter School (Star Academy, P.A.C.T Academy, Leading Edge, Performing and Fine Arts Academy, and Early College Academy with great leadership and a passion for education.

Posted: July 2, 2024

Posted: May 24, 2023

this school is very bad. they try to be welcoming but come off as weird sometimes. they try to make it a positive school but a little too much to where its just really weird and uncomfortable.

Posted: May 24, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2021

Took my child out of PFAA after some time to think. PFAA needs to only accept students that actually want to be there. There are students that dont care they go there and have got no ambition for any of the areas provided. It really affects the classroom environment. Disruptive and disrespectful students. I was extremely surprised to see students that behaved in that way. If they only chose students that actually wanted to be there, I believe the classroom experience would be better. This school also tries to emphasize safety, but if youre a single parent, good luck. My concerns were brushed aside without follow up or concern. Another con is the limited number of electives provided. Sometimes I wonder why they would call this a performing and fine arts academy but you could only take 1-2 electives each year and theres a good chance you wont be able to get into the classes you need. The worst thing though has to be the time it takes for teachers to return your work graded. Youre often in the dark about what your current grades are, so you either dont have time to make corrections because grades will finally be submitted right before the deadline or on the deadline and as a result, your chances for a scholarship are decreasing. Ive never experienced a school who took SO LONG in grading assignments before and Ive had a chance to attend, observe and work in quite a few schools. I didnt like the fact that the late grades were messing with my childs high school GPA.

Overall, I am disappointed in the high school experience. The reviews and ratings are definitely inflated. Now I see why some high school students leave or do not return. Its a shame that this is the only arts academy in the area, but the quality has drastically gone down. Im very, very disappointed.

Posted: November 29, 2021

Posted: August 12, 2021

Star Academy the Best school. My daughter love it so much.

Posted: August 12, 2021

Posted: August 8, 2021

My son went from 6th to 8th grade and it wasn't a good fit for him specifically but I do see how it would be a good fit for some. My recommendation is to not just put your child into PFAA or a charter with a specific focus unless it is something they really want. My son was passionate about music and after a few years here lost interest and has fortunately regained it and has started writing music again.

Posted: August 8, 2021

Posted: September 5, 2019

NCS had a great thing going, but I believe the boat has left the harbor they have hit rough waters, causing the school to decline significantly over the past several years.

Posted: September 5, 2019

Good policy and support of school and home life balance while still providing a high level education for students.

Posted: September 5, 2019

Lots of turnover, although many NCS educators are both passionate and effective.

Posted: September 5, 2019

This is a big benefit to Natomas Charter. Great school culture for students.

Posted: September 5, 2019

This has declined significantly in the past few years. I think it is related to high turnover and poor selections in leadership, and abnormally high turnover of staff year over year at the elementary campus. I have heard stirrings of unionization which is becoming much more common in Charter Schools recently.

Posted: September 5, 2019

Average. SPED services were average but still better than many non charter schools.

Posted: September 5, 2019

I do not have personal experience with bullying at this school, but the culture is a bit strange and very "clicky" and not particularly welcoming to new students.

Posted: October 12, 2018

This school is amazing. The community is inclusive, the academics are demanding but they provide tons of support, and the arts programs are amazing. The teachers really express genuine care for the students, which has not been our experience at some other schools. We've been at PFAA for 3 years now and couldn't be happier.

Posted: October 12, 2018

The teachers manage the coursework well to accomplish as much homework as possible during the day and to minimize homework at home.

Posted: October 12, 2018

The teachers at PFAA really care about my child's learning - not just my child's ability to test well.

Posted: October 12, 2018

Posted: June 12, 2017

The facility is beautiful and they have great technical support with ipads, computers, and a great library. Overall our experience with Star Academy was negative because of the teacher. Parents, check the teachers' credentials. An ineffective teacher can make school so much harder, and a bad school experience can have so much impact on a child.

Posted: June 12, 2017

There are definitely some great teachers in this school. However, this school, being a charter, also hires teachers that are not certified. The lack of training in early childhood education in some of the teachers has resulted in their lack of ability to work with children with challenging behaviors. Parents, if your children are not the perfect type that sit still and follow directions all the time, if your children are sensitive and won't work with an insincere and ineffective teacher, check the credentials of your children's potential teacher.

Posted: June 12, 2017

This school supports the perfect students. If your children have behavior issues or other learning difficulties, they might tell you they've exhausted all their resources and you as a parent needs to be in class or pick them up early.

Posted: June 12, 2017

Posted: February 15, 2017

So far our experience with Star Academy is very good. Pros: beautiful new campus, happy & friendly teachers, many opportunities for parent involvement, good sense of community and belonging among students. My son loves his school!

Posted: February 15, 2017

The Coordinator is very involved but could be more personable...

Posted: February 15, 2017

I have no experience with bullying at this school and have not even heard of any issues.

Posted: June 18, 2016

Natomas Charter School is truly extraordinary. Our special needs son could have never succeeded and graduated without the loving, professional, caring, consistent support of his teachers there. Other schools we tried simply could not, or would not, provide the attention and support he needed to succeed. Our family is forever in your debt.

Posted: June 6, 2016

The school provides a very positive, engaging environment for my student. They focus on new, fun ways for the students to learn while providing a challenge. My student is always motivated to do her best.

Posted: May 17, 2016

While Natomas Charter School is a great school overall, the focus of my review is the elementary program, Star Academy. The teachers are very knowledgable, kind, and always striving to try new approaches to engage and support students. The school has whole-child focus taking time to work on both academic and social/emotional needs for all kids. I've seen amazing growth in my child since coming to this school where his previous school often ignored his needs. Like other great public schools Natomas Charter is popular and has to have a lottery each year for available spots. I always feel bad for students who don't get in. All students throughout Natomas and Sacramento should have access to such a high-quality school.

Posted: January 4, 2016

Despite what other comments say about bullying, there is an awful lot of bullying that goes on here and nothing is ever done about it. The administration does not inform parents when bullying occurs, even when the bullying was serious and threatening to my child. My advice is to take a good look at the school to determine if it is the right school for your child. If it is, ie dance, vocal, or acting, it will be great. Otherwise there are better options.

Posted: October 7, 2015

Of the 40+ students I know at PFAA's middle and high schools, I have heard the following words, "I love this school!" Four simple words that all kids should feel about their school but that, sadly, most do not. I can talk about the arts, the academics, the teachers, the parent boosters and the administration. No school is perfect and this one is no exception. There are always places for improvements. However, they do a great job overall and it shows. The kids are inspired while they attend and ready for college when they leave. I can ask no more for my children and I am so grateful that this school exists.

Posted: September 4, 2015

My review is solely on Star Academy, which is one of the youngest programs here at Natomas Charter. It goes from TK - 5th grade. Our experience here has been horrible year after year. The administration is awful and unprofessional. If your student is above average, you should seek education elsewhere as teachers will not be able to (or are not allowed to) meet his/her needs. Differentiation is virtually nonexistent. Some assignments are optional (hence differentiated). The main focus they use to market the school is technology. If you want your student to consistently have access to Minecraft, look no further, this is where you want to be. It is definitely a technology-oriented school. Your child will get to play Minecraft during school hours. Several teachers here have had no previous teaching experience prior to being hired here at Star. They gained their first year teaching experience after a year of teaching at Star. Freshly graduated teachers receive minimal support from the Admins. Therefore, the school's mindset is not for the best interest of its student body, but more for the administration. They need to use due diligence in acquiring their staff including teachers and principal, especially when they are the people who create the curriculum for your child. They do not follow the "box" curriculum, but if they don't have a competent team, the rest is no-brainer. The school's turn-over rate is amazingly high. It is truly a "testing" laboratory with "trial and error". If your child is "lucky" and is assigned a teacher who can create a good curriculum and is able to educate, then you're set for the year, hopefully, otherwise just pray that this year too shall pass, and you might be in a better luck the following year. The playground is just so hazardous that students get hurt on a daily basis, from bruises and cuts to broken bones. With over 350 students, the front desk lady is your only "nurse". It is not certain whether major accidents have been reported to the main campus as little being done to alleviate the situations. Kindness is being discussed days in and days out, however, actions speak louder than words. Bully issues were brushed under the carpet.

Posted: September 4, 2015

Posted: February 22, 2015

This is a great school and my daughter loves it here. The academics are strong and she is learning a lot. My only disappointment has been with sixth grade math. It dose not seem that the teacher has been trained or is equipt to teach. The administration seams no more equipt to address the issues either. I still recommend this school but plan on spending a summer redoing sixth grade math to stay on track. If a math education is important to you, apply to the Leading Edge Program instead. My understanding is that there are some really good math teachers there.

Posted: December 21, 2014

Two of our children go to this school. The staff, administration, and faculty are very caring and go above and beyond to make everyone happy. The academics are excellent too. The parental involvement is also very high thanks to P4A.

Posted: August 17, 2014

The skills taught at this school in the performing arts are perfectly suited to prepare the students for life in the real world. I use the digital art teachings of this school to increase my income from marketing, the acting experience I learned here to boost my confidence and prepare for interviews and sales, and finally the academic skills to always present myself in the best professional way possible This has resulted in great success for myself and I'm proud that to say this school provided the tools for me to succeed in life. I feel the schools greatest strength was allowing the students to have a safe place to express themselves and push through personal boundaries. In the end by the time I graduated I have both lifelong friends, as well as many memories of both failures, which provided valuable lessons, and great success. As I understand it the school has become less accepting to freedom of expression, and the student body has changed, but as I see it the spirit is still alive and well on campus. Someone can find their voice and hone lifelong skill while attending this school. John Class of 2009.

Posted: August 14, 2014

I have worked at and had children in three programs under the NCS umbrella. NCS started over 20 years ago and since that time they have responded to community needs by producing quality programs that lead to innovation and choice throughout California. The great thing is that NCS provides a choice for students, parents, and staff. I encourage you to look at what each program offers and their staff to see if it is a good fit for your child. In fact, I encourage you to look at all options in your area. Not every school is for every child or teacher. Expect that at some point programs will change and grow. Remaining the same is usually not a part of innovation when the world and student population you serve is changing.

Posted: August 14, 2014

Natomas Charter School is all about tolerance...except for tolerance toward Christians. Homosexuality is celebrated here, in a big way- witness this school's production of the highly sexually referenced, profanity-laden "Laramie Project," which glorifies homosexuality and denigrates Americans of faith. Shame on this school's administration for it's promotion of the sexualization of children- 6th graders- who are exposed to frank sexual talk from 17 and 18 year old high school students on a daily basis. Parents- you should know what you are getting your kids into- be warned

Posted: August 8, 2014

My children have attended PACT for the past two years. I have enjoyed teaching homeschool with them. The first year I was excited about getting started unfortunately I didn't have a supportive advisor to guide me along and as a newcomer to homeschool we were overlooked. We got a better advisor and things ran smoothies. I liked the administration, teachers and office staff. Last year things chaned with a new administration and front office staff was gone. I haven't cared much for the new leadership in that they don't represent the homeschool in any personal way, appear indifferent to parents. For the whole year that we have been in school not one of them introduced themselves. The student body is cultural diverse however I didn't feel the school was welcoming. My kids felt singled out to what they were doing when they were not causing disruption. When many times other children were loud in the library it would go unnoticed. At some point the administrator finally enforced a strict policy of in supervision of kids. Needless to say I like the program but administrators need to have better PR. The school I rate 5 star, administration 1.

Posted: July 26, 2014

I am a student that currently goes to PFAA at NCS and I am sad to tell all these happy parents that I didn't like it. You see I am shy and so are my friends. The parent involvement is mainly for making them think the school is good and all because they are only involved in the arts of the occasional parties for the academic portion. The teachers mainly focus on those that are behind and sometimes those kids don't care. So we have a lot of students that are ready for the next thing but the teacher won't go foreword. The school focuses on bullies a little too much. They haven't noticed that most kids know not to do physical confrontations and just talk behind the "victim's" back. Kids are getting smarter every year. The mentor program is a joke to all the kids involved. The lunch tastes very processed. The quiet students aren't payed attention too. The slow learners are merely told the same thing over and over. The loud kids disrupt every lesson I have. The only reason this school has 2 stars is because of the teachers that really care about the students. There is only one teacher that pays attention to the quiet ones in my opinion. THANK YOU! (You know who you are.)

Posted: July 26, 2014

I found out about this school by accident when I was walking to my new house one night. When I applied, I had no clue how good this school was. I soon found out more and heard that it was a pretty decent school. I started having high hopes for it, but in the end it is a disappointment. It is a wonderful school for its arts and creativity. It's campus is also very clean and beautiful. Bullying is on the low, and kids are generally (or at least act) nice. Which brings another problem, this school is trying to fix something that isn't broken. They focus too much on bullying. I believe that bullying should be addressed, but not enough time and energy is focused on other things. The school's teachers aren't the best either. Like other reviews, some should be teachers and some shouldn't. Also, they are planning to "incorporate" mine craft into our studies. Even though I am a student and one who plays this game I find it a rather terrible idea. I wish I could speak more positively about this school, but the reality is that I can't. In a nutshell, if you are what they like this is heaven. If you aren't so much of that, good luck.

Posted: July 23, 2014

My son has attended two Academies at Natomas Charter School, and I am appreciative of the excellent and supportive teachers he has had throughout his middle and high school years. The school has high expectations for both students and staff which is why it is such a successful school that receives tons of awards. Bad teachers won't cut it here. Thank you, NCS teachers, you're the best!

Posted: July 23, 2014

I have taught at Natomas Charter School PFAA as an academic teacher for over a decade. There are many reasons why I do not wish to work anywhere else. I work with a dedicated, innovative and professional staff. Our students are curious and love learning. The integration of arts and academics in all aspects of the school learning environment and culture create an environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking. Every member of this community: the teachers, support staff, administration, students and parents work hard to provide a unique and meaningful educational experience. In addition, I believe in the mission of this school so much that my own children have attended since sixth grade. They are developing into intelligent, compassionate, creative and confident adults and I know that many of the teachers and experiences they have had at PFAA have contributed to this growth. If you are considering PFAA for your children or for a place of employment, come talk to us. You will be inspired.

Posted: July 19, 2014

I am a full-time teacher at Natomas Charter School PFAA and have been for over 15 years. I love my school! I wanted to share this story with anyone who is interested in either attending or working at a truly great school. Recently, I ran into an alumni student of PFAA. I'll call her Laurie. Laurie was and is a shining example of a PFAA kid. She was totally immersed in the Music Department as a singer/songwriter and performed as much as she could during high school. She was a completely dedicated musician. When I ran into Laurie this summer she had just graduated from UC Davis (pre-med) and will be starting medical school this Fall. Laurie recounted to me that many people are surprised that she went into the sciences because she had attended an arts high school. She said, I always correct them. I tell them it s because my high school put an equal emphasis on arts and academics. I had to work hard at both and I loved it all." Laurie is now going to be a pediatrician who uses music to work with autistic children. The students who graduate from PFAA enter the work force as engaged, critical thinkers whose deep understanding of the arts will make the world a better place.

Posted: June 22, 2014

As a former teacher in PFAA, I would not recommend this school to anyone. The administration treats teachers very poorly. Teachers are disposable and they feel like they are too, which is why so many teachers resign year after year. Also, teachers are "asked" to change grading policies and student grades, which is against Edcode as only teachers can assign grades. If you're a teacher seeking employment, please notice the high number of job postings this school offers years after year. There is a reason and you should not apply. If you're a parent, consider the constant shift of teachers as unstable for your child. Also, not all teachers at this school have a teaching credential because it is not required in a charter school. This can lead to inexperienced teachers who are teaching outside of their subject area or who have no idea how to manage a classroom. Academics are not valued nearly as much as the arts are and your child will not receive a strong academic foundation. Overall, given the opportunity, whether you are a teacher, parent, or student- choose another school! -A former PFAA teacher now working at a wonderful school where I am valued

Posted: June 21, 2014

Despite the personal attacks here, PACT is making changes for the good of all children. Yes, sometimes long time teachers have to go- but it has been our experience that this happens at any school when teachers refuse to teach ALL kids, not just the ones they like best. PACT has changed class formats to make room for more students, to open registration in a fair way and to spend more time helping parents homeschool. Why choose a homeschool program then put your kid in 10 classes? That isn't homeschool, that is avoiding traditional school. My daughter is excited for Minecraft history and also for writing, science and dance- all of which are still at PACT along with 70+ other classes. If you want to homeschool with support, with enrichment and field trips and social opportunities, this is the place. If you want more of the same, more old school sheltering, fear and 19th century strategies, this isn't the school for you.

Posted: June 16, 2014

It's unfortunate that I write this review because I have been a supporter of PACT for a few years. We have enjoyed the classes, teachers, advisors and students. With that being said, we had some changes to the school this year which seems to be spearheaded from our new administrator. With little to no insight from parents and advisors, the new administrator made drastic changes to the classes being offered. In addition, they let go of a well loved teacher who devoted her career to PACT for 17 years. The advisors are being treated poorly and you sense a "if you don't accept my rules then you are out the door" atmosphere. Unfortunately this discontent is not mine alone and I hear from many other parents that this is not what they want. The saddest part is the morale of the school has change. Once a place that felt like a community is now separated by the tension between the administrator and the advisors, teachers and parents. It's very unfortunate the new administrator has taken an "it's my way or the highway" attitude. I'm not sure if it's hers alone or coming from upper management but either way it's a shame that a once great school is being subjected to poor management.

Posted: June 16, 2014

PACT has fundamentally changed for the worse due to the unchecked, unilateral decisions of its head administrator who has continually kept parents, advisers, and teachers in the dark. Originally, PACT's desired to support and assist parents with how they sought to homeschool - offering semester and year-long classes along side shorter enrichment classes that created a unique learning environment and community. However, changes were announced in early 2014 that year-long classes (such as Kindergarten and 1st Grade) would be eliminated and replaced by 7-week "unit study" classes which could be repeated continually without any change in content. Furthermore, classes like Creative Writing would be replaced with "Minecraft History" or "Zombie Geography." These changes were implemented without input or involvement from parents and were told the new direction PACT was taking was not up for debate. Continual deceit and underhandedness by the Administration is exemplified by the most recent action: the a much-beloved teacher of 17 years "will be leaving to spend more time with her family" when, in actuality, she was terminated without notice to her on the first day of summer break.

Posted: May 31, 2014

So excite for the new changes at PACT! Students have a huge variety of enrichment classes to take on site, all while parents will get more support in homeschooling curriculum, structures and differences in styles. The new workshop format is perfect for my family because we travel during the holidays and always have to skip class for several weeks. I am looking forward to when my son is old enough to be in the new hybrid program that has two days a week on site, with three at home. It will be an easy transition back to brick and mortar traditional high school, which has always been our goal. I have found the administration to be warm, understanding and they even homeschool themselves so they know what it is like. They also have been very helpful in implementing my son's 504 plan and talking about learning disabilities. We wouldn't homeschool anywhere else!

Posted: May 28, 2014

PACT has implemented substantial changes to its educational model in 2014. Enrichment classes are now almost entirely limited to short workshops on trendy subjects and a curriculum review is underway. Students are limited in how many workshops they may use. The changes were made at the discretion of an on-site administrator who favors a media-focused, entertainment-based approach to learning. For example, she relies heavily on Minecraft and movie versions of literature. Her philosophy is set forth on her blog and self-published book, "Academic Homeschooling" on Amazon. Her priorities are not supportive of Classical Homeschooling or Charlotte Mason ideals. The administrator uses a label, "Academic Homeschooling," to contrast her view of, "Religious Homeschooling." Homeschoolers with faith-based viewpoints should be cautious of her leadership. I suggest doing, "due diligence" to evaluate the leadership direction PACT is taking by reading the administrator's published opinions. There are some outstanding teachers and advisors at PACT, but the ultimate governance comes from the on-site administrator. If you share her views, you may find a fit. If not, save yourself the headache.

Posted: May 28, 2014

We decided to pull our children from the Natomas Charter PACT Academy after the administration announced that they would be making sweeping changes to the program for next year. Unfortunately the wonderful yearlong and semester classes offered in the past are being replaced with 7 week workshops that offer no real educational benefit. Additionally, students will be very limited in how many workshops they can take. The administrators are dishonest and have low academic expectations for the program. There are numerous homeschool charter programs in Sacramento.. don't waste your time at PACT.

Posted: April 28, 2014

First and foremost, my son thoroughly likes Natomas Charter PFAA! As a new 9th grader he has particularly appreciated the high level of social ease and camaraderie with fellow students, the openness of his teachers & their accessibility, plus the relatively strong rigor of his classes. Another strong positive feature for him is the high levels of personal motivation and competitiveness he perceives held by the school's students. He considers the students very talented & enjoys the mix of visual & performing arts skills held by them. To quote him, "All are very talented & everyone gets along well with each other; in fact their relative high musical/artistic proficiencies help stimulate everyone to strive higher." As educators, both his mom & I believe that the positive factors noted by our son stem from the focused efforts of the PFAA administration, faculty & staff to create a student-centric school climate that is both supportive & encouraging & is built on a foundation of strong academic standards & educational professionalism. Such a climate promotes development of each individual student, fosters excellence and emphasizes respect of individual differences and diversity.

Posted: April 1, 2014

My school is in the Natomas Unified School District. The STAR Academy is a Great charter school founded under the Natomas Charter School system. It has a varied student body and AWESOME teachers. Lots of 'after school enrichment' activities: art music, sports, yoga and engineering to name a few. Fun after school care program open til 6 (M-F). My child loves his teachers and staff.

Posted: February 28, 2014

The PFAA program is a very good program, The school academically challenges my student and holds my student accountable. The school promotes being a self advocate and individualism. They have a lot of options that are not common at other Sacramento schools at this school including various booster clubs, culture awareness, 8th period options, lots of after school events, homework club and after school media center availability. My middle school child loves the school and is exceling. My student is socially accepted as well which was a problem coming from another school prior. We, myself and child, are very happy being a part of NCS PFAA.

Posted: September 26, 2013

I love this school, the high school program has such a strong sense of community. It's a great place to learn and teach.

Posted: September 25, 2013

We love Natomas Charter School. Best administrative and teachers. We have to move another country. We will miss NCS. Thank you.

Posted: September 9, 2013

My daughter loves her new school. Everyday I pick her up she's all smiles. Like the parent involvement with school and that it's a good balance of academics and the arts.

Posted: September 8, 2013

I am a (Grade 8) student at PACT and I absolutely love it here. Everyone is really nice and the teachers and classes are awesome. We're like a big family at PACT and just everyone is great. We get to choose which classes we take, and we do the rest at home, so I take arts classes at the school. I really like the way the system is set up. This being my last year at the school, I'm really sad to have to go. I really recommend this school, it's just fantastic.

Posted: September 2, 2013

Natomas Charter School's PACT program is fantastic! We enrolled our son last year for kindergarten with the hopes that it would provide a unique balance between homeschooling and the traditional classroom setting. The staff has far exceeded our expectations and we absolutely love the sense of community that it provides. Looking forward to a great new year!

Posted: August 22, 2013

My daughter is in the PACT program of Natomas Charter! We absolutely love it. The support is phenomenal, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the program is FUN and EDUCATIONAL! I've never felt so comfortable in a school environment before! :) Thanks PACT!!

Posted: August 22, 2013

Middle School can be such a challenge however here at Charter the leadership, admin, and staff believe in educating the whole child while providing a top notch facility and environment to foster learning. They offer more than just academic preparation for the future. Middle school has been such an amazing experience we can't wait for high school.

Posted: August 21, 2013

Natomas Charter School is a wonderful school! I feel very privileged to have my daughter attending. She is attending the Performing And Fine Arts Academy, which is one of the programs available to Natomas Charter students. They offer a vigorous academic program along with the performing and fine arts, preparing them for college and adult life. The teachers are thoughtful, kind, encouraging and inspirational on a daily basis. She is learning and allowed to express herself artistically and intellectually on a daily basis. Students are learning and encouraged to be individuals. My daughter loves it and is looking forward to all of the opportunities she has been given. The school is very supportive of both the parents and students.

Posted: June 11, 2013

I am a student at PFAA and I just hate it here sadly. When I first got accepted I was really excited to learn about the arts and other things that the school provided their students with. But going there just to learn that the homework is heavy and how you have rehearsals here and there. and sometimes staying up all night because of school work. I also found that Some of the teachers lack being respectful! 7th grade year is my last year at this school. before coming to Charter I attended Np3 but transfered in the beginning of the year thinking I will be going to a much better school! But i was wrong. I very much regret switching schools! I am going to try to go back to Np3 again , hopefully i get in! Another thing That my parents and I didnt like about charter was that there wasnt much college prep there unlike Np3. I am sorry but this is why I gave this school 1 star. Hope this helps!

Posted: May 29, 2013

I am a seventh grader in Leading Edge, and transfered here in sixth grade from NP3. I do not regret moving schools at all. The teachers here are amazing and car about you as an individual. There are so many different types of people here, so it is virtually impossible to not find a group of great people. It is a great environment, and the sports are so much fun! Leading Edge rules over PFAA!!!!!

Posted: November 13, 2012

I have a Daughter that attends PFAA. She's in the 11th grade, but she's been going here since the 6th grade. I have no complaints about this school. The Teachers are the best, and they really enjoy what they do. I know this because I talk to my Daughter, and she's always speaking highly of all her Teachers. Whenever I've had a problem or needed to discuss something, Tammy Lee is always on her job. I commend her for that. Her communication is prompt when you need to speak with her. I'm SO grateful for Natomas Charter School. I couldn't imagine my Daughter anywhere else. As a parent, I feel the school is safe. She can go to school and learn in a positive environment. I don't want to get too long winded, so I'll stop here. They are so deserving of my 5 stars!

Posted: August 29, 2012

My daughter and I are very Happy with the Performing and Fine Arts Academy at Natomas Charter School. This school and program are NOT FOR EVERYONE! This school is difficult to get into. Many students from Natomas apply because it is the highest rated school in Natomas but end up leaving because they don't enjoy the program. PFAA does not offer sports programs. The school is small and each grade has fewer than 100 students. The students have 7-9 classes a day instead of 6. Class sizes are small. Teachers and instruction are excellent. The school has a vast demographic of ethnicity, income and sexual orientation among the students and enforce a strong anti-bullying program. The students overall are very respectful. Students will be exposed to various art mediums including dance, band, vocal, drama, acting, painting, computer design, etc. High school students must either take dance for PE or do an approved off campus sport. Every student will be in some sort of recital or production every year, if not multiple. Parents are required volunteer 30hrs to the school each year. Parents can be as involved or removed as they want to be. Think "Fame" or "Victorious".

Posted: March 30, 2012

why did they do a lottery redraw on march 29? Was is because of the color coding?

Posted: March 26, 2012

Lottery was not drawn fairly I applied to this school. Lottery numbers were color coded and definitely one color was preferred over the other. None of the public complained but it is not fair in my opinion.

Posted: March 24, 2012

This school is like the school in Fame - a great performing arts school. The campus is beautiful, the parents 100% over involved to the max, and the kids are all shining starts. No gangs, no bullies, no fights. The school is super strict about that. If you do mean things you get expelled - that includes picking on people verbally. Just not allowed. So if you child is a bully keep him somewhere else. If your child is talented, creative, different, kind - send him or her here.

Posted: December 12, 2011

This would easily be 5 stars if the Administration would get it's act together. Most of the teachers are great, but unfortunately there are a few that don't care for the students. The students who go here are all around great people who care about others and will treat you with respect. The students make it a very safe place, however the administration should be more open to kids with special needs.

Base	Distance
Coast Guard Sacramento	5.5 mi.
Beale AFB	31.7 mi.
Travis AFB	35.9 mi.

Natomas Charter School

Sacramento, CA 95835

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Natomas Charter School

Sacramento, CA 95835

School Ratings

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