Big Sur Charter School

Posted: March 9, 2023

This school is absolutely amazing! All the teachers, the school director, and the assistant director are all so wonderful to work with. I have had my daughter here since kindergarten and we haven't had any issues. She loves the Coastal Stewardship class that lets her learn about our environment and how to treat it but also allows her to explore new places! She has made lifelong friends here as well. I love that I get to be hands-on with her learning but that she also gets to attend a class where she can learn from others! This is the best charter school in Monterey County, in my opinion, having researched the majority of charter schools out here.
I highly recommend you enroll your child(ren) if you want to be more involved in their learning but also want them to be able to learn in a classroom setting!

Posted: March 9, 2023

Posted: March 9, 2023

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Posted: November 27, 2022

Posted: November 27, 2022

Bullying was so bad we had to leave school because the administration doesnt care they just wanted the money from the student, also suuuper libreral

Posted: November 27, 2022

Posted: November 27, 2022

Posted: November 27, 2022

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Posted: November 27, 2022

Posted: October 24, 2019

BSCS is the perfect home for our children. As a parent, do you: (1) Want to be engaged with the school and know what your child is learning? (2) Want your science class to be outside, IN science (in and around Monterey Bay)? (3) Have the opportunity to spend more time with your child and contribute to the richness of their experiences and learning? (4) Want a school calendar that can support family trips and learning vacations? (5) Want your child's time at school to be proportional to what they learn, leaving time for additional sports or interests? We want all of that, and find it at BSCS.

Posted: October 24, 2019

Homework is appropriate in terms of amount, plus the teachers are very proactive about adapting assignments for kids that want additional challenges. Also, the school's model requires parents to be engaged in homework because they deliver some of the lessons. This ensures I'm always aware of what my kids are learning, and can then contribute supplemental material or complementary topics.

Posted: October 24, 2019

First, it helps that the class sizes are 15 or less! The school's teachers are highly effective; I've had a 7th grader present wave theory to me at an Open House (I'm have a PhD in Electrical Engineering). Parental engagement with learning ensures we get a sense of how well each topic is taught. The teachers are always willing to assign additional material to challenge our kids (as discussed above).

Posted: October 24, 2019

A friend transferred her child to this school because its environment is so warm, helpful, and considerate; a huge improvement over the local public school. This school emphasizes community and interrelationships. I watched the kids play together at a recent all-grade fundraiser; the 7th and 8th graders ran one of the activities, engaging and supervising the K-2s in the sweetest ways.

Posted: October 24, 2019

The School Director is present for drop-off most mornings and is highly engaged with teacher development.

Posted: October 24, 2019

Posted: October 24, 2019

See comments above for item number five.

Posted: August 27, 2019

Five out of five stars for sure. Our experience over the last 4 years has been outstanding and we wish they had a high school!

Posted: August 27, 2019

The amount of homework given is appropriate and doable. My child has learned valuable organizational and planning skills from the school to help her stay on track and not feel overwhelmed.

Posted: August 27, 2019

We have been at this school for 4 years now and all of the teachers have been thoroughly dedicated and enthusiastic. My child has loved all of them.

Posted: August 27, 2019

Building character is one of this school’s strong suits. Kindness and respect are leading themes. Care for our environment and natural resources is also big theme.

Posted: August 27, 2019

The team of leaders at this school are hard working and put an amazing amount of care and thought into making things work better.

Posted: August 27, 2019

My daughter has some moderate learning differences and has found the support at this school that she has needed to thrive. She now loves subjects that she used to struggle with.

Posted: August 27, 2019

The beauty of a small school is that everyone becomes “family”. That is certainly the feel of this school and it is very welcoming. The kids all respect each other’s differences and find joy in each other’s company.

Posted: August 7, 2019

Posted: August 7, 2019

Posted: August 7, 2019

Posted: August 7, 2019

Posted: August 7, 2019

Posted: August 7, 2019

We love this school! It's the perfect fit for our family.

Posted: August 7, 2019

Posted: June 8, 2019

Posted: June 8, 2019

Best school environment my son has ever experienced. Outdoor classroom time and exercise facilitated and a wonderful teaching staff. Art classes were superior to what is offered elsewhere, great classroom spaces and a planet-conscious curriculum.

Posted: June 8, 2019

Parents are integral to the process and the assignments are clearly assigned and scheduled.

Posted: June 8, 2019

My son declared his math teacher at this school is the best he’s ever had. I noticed the clear perspective of teachers that they focus on the strengths of each student and do not over focus on their challenges. They encouraged the areas needing growth but balanced their view of the student with a positive perspective.

Posted: June 8, 2019

Community and accountability are emphasized, including social, schoolwork and environmental aspects of students’ experience.

Posted: June 8, 2019

Clear delineation of goals and systems to achieve them for the organization and parent involvement encouraged.

Posted: June 8, 2019

There is a respect for students of every ability level and a determined effort in including and facilitating every student.

Posted: August 22, 2018

Posted: August 22, 2018

YOU are the teacher so you need to be intune with that. Big Sur does have vendors they use to advise you to seeing. They are helpful in that. I have never seen a 1:1 aide in the learning center (classroom), but have seen what appeared to be helpers in classes (in other words not a parent but in addition to a teacher). I have talked with many parents who have an IEP and 504 so I know that this is not an issue so much.

Posted: August 22, 2018

see comments on leadership. There are a few children that have completely unacceptable behavior that not only disrespect children, but instructors as well. They are less than a handful, but it is extremely distracting, disheartening, and disappointing that they have remained at the school for so long. It is an overdue (years) situation that has cost them enrollment numbers. One at the expense of several

Posted: August 22, 2018

I would rate this school a strong 7. The PE sounds great, but some of the vendors who they use could be better. The music is very fun based and not stress based, so your child will be exposed, but not as good as the Waldorf program or lessons you get on your own- despite it being a small class size. The nature program (coastal) is wonderful. The teachers I very much like for my child and my child likes them also.
As a family that has moved often, I would not say this is the best of the best, but it definitely could be there easily, in the future, as families donate more and the funds are used for more variety in enrichment programs. They also need to hold students behavior accountable to make the programs that they do offer enjoyable to all the students, and so that they retain the excellent families.

Posted: August 22, 2018

Posted: August 22, 2018

Posted: August 22, 2018

Most students are kind and compassionate. Big Sur shoots for strong character building. There are a small handful of students that are out of control that would absolutely not be tolerated at a public school and absolutely not in a private school. It is possible that is why they are in an homeschooling type program. Which would be acceptable, if your child did not have to be exposed to them, because they wouldn't come to said locations of meet ups and classes. However, part of their said curriculum is set up like a normal school where the children deal with them for multiple days for multiple hours. If you are in the unlucky grade with those in your class, be prepared that all they will get is a talking to by administration and the excessive disruption, cursing, and disrespectfulness will continue because there will be no more than a slap on the wrist. There needs to be a firmer approach to removing these students, as many parents, instead of rocking the boat, just disenroll their child to a different schools or programs. Unfortunately Big Sur has lost multiple great families because of this reason and told other parents but not the school. It is possible more will leave until the standard for behavior is set and then actual appropriate actions and firm repercussions follow. Otherwise this problem literally becomes the entire class's problem.
Big Sur has a great philosophy in general but it's hard to implement its fulfillment with students who refuse to reflect that message to peers and teachers, and then administrators that allow it . Teachers are kind and creative and seem to be up to date on inventive styles of teaching. I personally enjoy all staff at the school, but am disappointed with what is considered acceptable behavior.

Posted: July 1, 2018

We really enjoy this school, overall. It is a good fit for our family, and 99% of the other students and families are wonderful. We would have loved to do more personalized learning, but understand the constraints under which the teachers operate.

Posted: July 1, 2018

Most of the learning is done at home. The work, at least for the lower elementary grades, is heavily worksheet-based. While this may work for some families, we homeschooled so we could give our kids a more personalized education. My children get frustrated doing a stack of worksheets every week. I'd prefer more hands-on curriculum, even if that means more of a parent investment. Or at least an option to go down a different path if worksheets are more frustrating than helpful.

Posted: July 1, 2018

Since this is a part time program, parents are very much involved with all aspects of the student's growth. Our teacher was very kind and nurtured those positive qualities in her students.

Posted: January 14, 2018

Posted: January 14, 2018

My son attends BSCS, and has learning differences. The faculty has impressed me with the amount of effort, personalized planning they have put forth to help my son be successful.

Posted: January 14, 2018

Posted: January 14, 2018

I can't thank the faculty at BSCS enough. The curriculum is interesting, and my student loves going to school. The faculty and students have a much closer connection than a large classroom setting. I feel its much better for many reasons. One reason is the students build stronger, more accountable relationships with each other, and their Instructors. The faculty genuinely cares about each student, and they help each child succeed. My student has learning challenges, and the staff at BSCS have gone out of their way, above and beyond to help my student. They have built a personalized plan, and a formula that helped my son be successful in school. It is also great to see my son motivated to learn and excited to go to school. I never thought that would happen. :)

Posted: January 14, 2018

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Posted: January 14, 2018

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: November 19, 2015

Our family has a long history in Monterey Bay and our daughter is the sixth generation from our area.

We are very grateful to BSCS and are thrilled with the Monterey campus.

The school is well run, safe and balances a stellar academic curriculum with important programs such as art and music. We are very happy with the staff and teachers. From the school Director, to the teachers and secretary all are professional, kind and focused on children.

Students are held accountable for leaning with monthly parent teacher conferences. The school has an AMAZING coastal stewardship program. So much to offer, including tennis lessons and music. I feel that the parents and staff are all focused on giving the best education possible to each and every child. Ms. Aimee the fourth/fifth grade teacher and school resource teacher is a gifted educator.

As a public charter school it is tuition free and offers what only the very best private schools could only dream of offering. A true gem of a school on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Over time, I believe this school will have a very long waiting list as their philosophy and structure is based on the core principles that parents want for their child's education.

Thank you BSCS for offering a strong and balanced program in such a safe and nurturing atmosphere.

Posted: November 2, 2015

I always liked the idea of homeschooling, but since my daughter is an ESL student, I thought it isn’t an option for us. When I heard about BSCS I decided to give it a try. So far I am happy with my decision.
BSCS gives my daughter an opportunity to socialize and learn English in a very warm and supportive environment. We both enjoy weekly music lessons (parents and siblings are welcome to join in) and nature walks with Coastal Stewardship. BSCS provides curriculum and materials and are ready to answer any questions we might have.
Some people complain about organization. Yes, there was a little chaos in the beginning of the academic year, but I think it was due to the fact that the school is small and has a small staff. But because of its small size, it also feels like home here. There are only 13 kids in my daughter's class (she is in Kindergarten). Another thing I like is that with BSCS i am able to easily combine common core curriculum with the curriculum used in my home country. My daughter gets to learn them both and we still have time left for fun and extracurriculars. I recommend BSCS to families looking for an alternative to full-time homeschooling.

Posted: November 2, 2015

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Posted: November 2, 2015

Posted: October 29, 2015

Posted: October 29, 2015

Posted: October 29, 2015

Being fair doesn't mean everyone gets their own way. Being fair means just that being fair ! I believe this school to have integrity , honesty , and a good sense of what it means to raise a child it takes a community !

Posted: October 29, 2015

We have been here for two years , it fits all of our needs. It feels like family and you really can't find this kind of parent teacher combination anywhere else. I was in the education field for over 20 years , so I hand picked it. It met our expectations and beyond. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

Posted: October 28, 2015

Wow! My child has learned so much from her classroom teacher, her ocean stewardship teacher and the enrichment educators. What a joy it has been to watch her knowledge grow!

Posted: October 28, 2015

Posted: October 28, 2015

In my experience the teachers endeavor to instill and model integrity and to cultivate honest interactions between students.

Posted: October 28, 2015

Finding the right educational experience for your child can really be a challenge. This is my child's second year at Big Sur Charter School, Monterey campus. I am grateful to have found a program that meets my family's needs. While my daughter is attending classes at Big Sur, I am confident that her teacher is looking out for her, and her peer's, academic and emotional well being. I am grateful for the monthly one-on-one meetings with my daughter's classroom educator. It is a time to review my daughter's academic progress, to strategize for her success and delight in her achievements. I have found that the school encourages parent involvement and welcomes parent's input. Numerous monthly meetings are aimed at creating open communication among the parent community and with school administration. I find it reassuring that the school board, teachers and administration reevaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and the community partners, making adjustments as necessary to better meet the needs of the student body and the goals of the school.

Posted: October 27, 2015

Posted: October 27, 2015

This school is wonderful! My child loves going to school and really loves coastal stewardship and music! We are so happy we found this school!

Posted: October 27, 2015

The teachers act as a bridge from school to home learning and are always available to meet with parents

Posted: October 27, 2015

Since a lot of academics are done at home, enrichment classes focus a lot on building relationships and developing strong citizens

Posted: October 27, 2015

This is our second year and we love it! This school is a family commitment and there were several families last year that did not realize the amount of parent involvement (your primarily homeschool while your child does classes a couple of days a week). This year the vibe of the school is a lot happier and the kids always seem happy!

Posted: October 27, 2015

Posted: October 27, 2015

Posted: October 16, 2015

Posted: October 16, 2015

Posted: October 16, 2015

Big Sur Charter School teachers and staff treat my daughter with the utmost in caring and love. The environment is nurturing with an emphasis on meeting the learner where the learner is. Honesty, hard work, fairness, and passion for learning are very much our experience at this wonderful school.

Posted: October 16, 2015

Big Sur Charter School has been a godsend for my family. My daughter is in her second year there and we are so pleased and excited to see her progressing so well. Small class sizes, dedicated and passionate teachers, and a personalized curriculum are what distinguish our school from others. The administration is there to support and help with all aspects of your child's education. Parent involvement is welcomed and your voice is heard. The community is our teacher and nature our classroom is a lovely mantra. Thank you Shawna, Amy, Rosanna, Christen, and everyone else that makes Big Sur Charter School, the best educational center in Monterey County.

Jim Butler, father of a third grader.

Posted: October 15, 2015

What I love about BSCS is the balance of home school and in-class work. The teachers really work with and support the home school teacher so that our daughter grows and learns at her pace, keeping learning engaging and fun. Also, BSCS offers amazing programs that take learning outside of the traditional classroom. Real hands on learning stuff. The stuff most kids day dream about while sitting in a classroom with 30 other students competing for the teachers attention. Believe me, I was that kid.

Like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it. BSCS is set up for the parents, the students, the teachers and the community to come together and create an amazing platform for educational and community growth.

Posted: September 15, 2015

Big Sur Charter School is a safe place with small class sizes. The children can avoid some of the chaos at the local public schools and focus on their work load. My kids focus more on education with much less participation in crowd control. The small classes creates a much friendlier environment.

Posted: September 15, 2015

Posted: September 15, 2015

Posted: September 15, 2015

Posted: May 2, 2015

My previous review was deleted. I suspect the truth hurts. This used to be a good school. This school currently is failing students and their families alike. There is no community, parents have poor curriculum choices, and the principal is all talk and little action. I highly recommend anyone interested in this school to speak with parents, both current and former. Your eyes will be opened.

Posted: February 18, 2015

They have replaced the expertly taught enrichment courses with online math and language arts. They are off track from their mission statement.

Posted: February 5, 2015

The school has gone through some swift changes the last 2 years. What was once strictly an enrichment program with parent led teaching is now trying to re-brand itself as a part-time school focused on academics with teachers leading the way. The execution of those changes has been the challenge.

Posted: February 4, 2015

I've been where you are...looking for the "right" educational environment for your child(ren). I have two children attending Big Sur (Monterey). We have lived in several states over the years and I have never been a homeschooling parent. Big Sur is a gift to our family. The school's mission and design empowers the parent(s) to be effective educators, while allowing the freedom to explore various curricula. Educational materials are provided (free of charge). Access to computer based math and language arts programs to supplement the existing text material are provided. Staff are approachable & supportive. There are plenty of opportunities to have your voice heard at monthly meetings. I consider Big Sur a hybrid program...balancing traditional homeschooling with traditional education. Parents' views on education varies...and that's okay! What might be good for one kid, may not be good for yours...and that's okay! Call the school, speak with the administration, and make an educated decision about what works for you and your family. At the end of the day my kids LOVE Big Sur and they are learning so much.

Posted: February 4, 2015

BSCS has the POTENTIAL for greatness, but, sadly, falls short. We had high hopes when we left a traditional school env t & joined BSCS. We thought the "hybrid homeschooling" structure they advertise was a perfect way to begin our new journey..."the best of both worlds." Unfortunately, the learning opportunities offered through community partners (which were a huge draw for us) come & go with little to no notice & are often scheduled at times & on days more convenient to the school staff than our families. Also, after many meetings & surveys over multiple school years asking us which community partners & programs would best benefit our students, that input has been ignored. The teachers are very nice, but seriously lack the lesson planning & classroom mgmt skills to make the small amount of class time they have with our students at the Learning Center worth attending -- my kids learn little, get bored & are discouraged by the chaotic env t. Parents have learned through experience to not ask questions or express concerns, though, in fear of scorn or retaliation from the Director. In conclusion, they talk a good game, but currently do not fulfill their mission & turnover is high.

Posted: January 28, 2015

When my child began BSCS it had only been in the Monterey location for a year. I had looked at many options. Every school could be improved, but the unique thing about BSCS is that the involvement and opportunities parents/students have in shaping education is unlike any other school. It matters how much parents get involved, but the opportunity is there. We have the unique ability to create an individual, full, fun, and quality education for our children. We all have different techniques for teaching/learning, and it is welcomed. There is a lot of support. I believe that this kind of education, where it is about each individual student, the community, giving a well rounded education experience, and parent involvement is where education should be going. It is a flexible program that highly focuses on learning in a unique, individual, and successful way. That is so valuable to me. Children learn more and enjoy it and care and become a part of their communities in a positive way. It is someplace at least as a parent I have an opportunity to have a voice and even more important my child has a voice.

Posted: January 27, 2015

We have been with the Big Sur Charter School for 3 years. We have a child with special needs and two typical who attend. The local public schools were not meeting my their needs, so we searched for a place that gave us support while still giving choices. My kids still have a classroom to make friends but then we can focus on home learning our way, sometimes with a learning day at the beach). We found what we needed here. We can volunteer time and talents in classroom, field trips and clubs. Enrichment classes (Aikido, music, tennis, nature programs and others) are offered based on attendance with community resources. We receive curriculum and academic support. (SUPPORT because I am the homeschool teacher) We have had ups and downs as the school struggled to define its mission. But balancing demanding parents and strict California regulations (for funding) is not an easy task. Each year (and sometimes semester) had been unique because of changing needs of families but the teachers and administration work hard to accommodate individual needs if they can. They do care about your family. Update: Thanks to Big Sur for giving me a chance to review a school I love.

Posted: January 12, 2015

My daughter has been enrolled almost 2 years and we both love this school. In every aspect where traditional public schools are failing, the Big Sur Charter is succeeding. I knew I wanted to homeschool my children but didn't know if I could do it on my own. The director and the teachers I've had the pleasure of working with have been so helpful, ensuring our success. On top of all that, my daughter absolutely loves going. We've attended both the Big Sur and Monterey chapters and I love them both. While the two have many differences, the quality of learning stays the same. Since this education model requires parents and teachers to work closely together and both parties are responsible for teaching the child, it may not be right for everyone. For our family, however, I can't imagine doing it any other way. I have every intention of enrolling my younger daughter next year for kindergarten and she's just as eager to begin as my other child is to continue.

Posted: October 11, 2014

As a vendor we have worked with this school to provide a quality art program for the past three years. They are always kind and respectful and a pleasure to work with. The students who work out of our San Luis Obispo facility are happy and productive in their education. It is a wonderful charter to homeschool and work with. Monart San Luis Obispo

Posted: September 12, 2014

The principal and other school officials belittle parents, talk about other students, and are not above lying in order to achieve their self-serving goals. It's uncomfortable for any parent to hear from an enrichment provider that she's not being paid - for months and months at a time - or that their class space has not been renewed even after classes had resumed at the site.

Reviewed: January 29, 2018

Big Sur is a homeschooling charter, allowing students to attend classes in Monterey right on the ocean several days a week and supplement teaching at home. Class sizes are extremely small, staff very supportive and welcoming. Enrichment classes include voice, rockband, Paddle boarding, rock climbing and a 2 hour nature/science/coastal stewardship class weekly. We were hesitant enrolling our 7th grader due to having ever home schooled before, the teachers and administration were able to walk us through the process and our daughter is thriving in a supportive, caring environment.