Western Sierra Collegiate Academy

Posted: June 6, 2024

Run away!
This is the worst school.
Teacher turnover is extremely high since they are so underpaid.
Administration is horrible! They lie and try to manipulate..disgusting!
They keep kids retake tests so they get an A...so a lot of fake GPAs.

Posted: June 6, 2024

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Posted: March 16, 2022

Education and preparedness for college entrance is unequaled in the area to this high school. They are very aware of the UC schools entrance requirements and try to prep the kids ever since freshman year to be able to achieve getting into any of those schools that they would like to.. However the sports program could use a lot of work. They were increasing the number of sports but they do not Have money invested in buses or a good plan to help kids that are interested in doing well in sports succeed unless they go to outside club sports.

Posted: March 16, 2022

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Posted: February 9, 2022

Our student transferred in from one of the more prestigious private schools in the area. Their transition has been very smooth and the flexibility of the school program has helped ensure that they have a very rigorous academic experience - without the drama associated with the entitled students and families in the local privates. Access to AP courses and extracurriculars exceeds most public and private schools in the region. I am pleasantly surprised by how excited my child is to go to school each day. Sports have essentially moved to the club paradigm outside the school environment so the lack of competitive sports programs in the school environment actually makes for a clear distinction of purposes, focus on learning, and elimination of the sports-clique atmosphere that pervades so many high school cultures. WSCA is a jock-free zone, and we love that even though our kid is a jock!

Posted: February 9, 2022

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Posted: February 3, 2022

I go to this school and if you are thinking about going to this place, run. Run before it's to place to get out of this living hell.

Posted: February 3, 2022

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Posted: July 6, 2021

When it comes to assigning homework this school assigned way too much and caused unnecessary stress on top of my already busy schedule. I was an Alumni in 2019 and I am beyond happy to not ever have to attend here again. The teachers were awful, except for a few, such as Mr. Grames. Majority of the teachers didn't care about their students as much as they cared about their students and that is definitely not what you desire out of a college prep school. When the principal was Mr. Moses, the schools leadership and administration was amazing but as soon as he left and Ms. Bowler took his place, the entire dynamic of the school changed for the worst. I give this school a 3/5 in acceptance of learning disabilities because they have special education teachers but when it comes to people like me who have ADHD, they couldn't care less. I was always getting in trouble for not paying attention and getting blamed for making noise because I had done that when I was a younger child. This school acts like bullying doesn't exist there because its "prestigious" and "high ranking" but I think that just makes them entitled. I got bullied all throughout my six years of attendance at this school and brought it up to administration but they didn't do anything about it. Overall I'd say this is a horrible school if you want your child to actually be successful and would suggest not placing them here. Take it from me, as a previous student, not the other moms who think their child is in a safe place.

Posted: July 6, 2021

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Posted: August 20, 2019

So far it has been great. My kids both love the school, the teachers and the friends they’ve made. It’s a good fit for my family.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Homework seems appropriate for reinforcement of the skills learned in class.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Posted: August 20, 2019

Honor code is enforced. All students agree to conduct themselves accordingly.

Posted: August 20, 2019

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Posted: January 14, 2019

Posted: January 14, 2019

Whenever I have a question, concern , or comment, Western Sierra's administration consistently addresses immediately.

Posted: January 14, 2019

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Posted: January 14, 2019

Western Sierra supports students with their homework by helping students plan and providing ample opportunities to ensure completion.

Posted: January 14, 2019

Posted: January 14, 2019

My experience with this school has been delightful. They allow students to take ownership of their own education, finding other avenues for learning if a course is not offered at Western Sierra. Example: both of my high school students have been able to take foreign language online and at Sierra College. Teachers are great. Leadership/Administration is great. The curriculum is sound. A wonderful school to be a part of.

Posted: December 12, 2018

This school has a good approach to learning, but a terrible management of bullying, students with disabilities, and learning in the long-term

Posted: December 12, 2018

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Posted: May 17, 2016

One of the better things about this school is that there are two mandatory (unless you are passing all classes) study hall periods to alleviate the homework load at home.

Posted: May 17, 2016

Currently the grading policy is so bad that it inflates grades so as to inflate the average GPA of the school. Testing scores are certainly reflective of smarter students but it is a matter of the demographics rather than "higher quality education". Students are encouraged by the grading policy to fail the test the first time and retake it later.

Posted: May 17, 2016

I have attended Western Sierra for 6 years now (Middle school through high-school) and I have experienced WSCA at its best and worst. Unfortunately, it is at its worst right now. We lost our principal this year and along with him the administrative oversight over certain other administrators and teachers. Because of this and the ensuing tsunami of bad policies and unwarranted intervention by said administrators, 8 of our staff this year have been let go and or have left on their own accord. As the ASB ambassador, I have attended several board meetings and have seen that there is potential for improvement these next few years. However, currently the school is not in good shape and I would not recommend this school to anyone seeking a "better high-school experience"

Posted: October 4, 2013

As a former three-year student of Western Sierra, I have seen the school's ups and downs over the years. The school is a safe learning environment that really pushes each student beyond normal HS curriculum. The teachers (even some that have been layed-off) are excellent at what they do, and the counselor is AMAZING! I personally would not have survived this school without her. Now for the downside. Though I have seen the great teachers and have learned a lot at WSCA (including a few life lessons), I have also seen many administration "flops" and cover-ups by the staff (usually about teachers who have mysteriously disappeared). There are also those amongst the staff that almost seem to go out of their way to try to ruin your day (usually with a sour attitude no matter how nicely you try and talk to them). I have also witnessed (first-hand) unfair treatment of the students, such as the school expecting perfect attendance when classes are doing absolutely NOTHING (during the last week of school). Honestly, do you really expect that kids will show-up if you have nothing for them to do? This school (minus the counselor and teachers) has lost it's respect from me.

Posted: July 5, 2013

I have been going to Western Sierra for several years, and it has been absolutely AMAZING. The environment is really more like a big family than a school. The academics are challenging, but the teachers are so supportive and friendly and they're always happy to help. We also have so many awesome sports programs (basketball, cross country, track and field, both boys' and girls' volleyball, soccer, running club, and even more soon!), and they're getting better and better every year. I'm really excited about the new electives we'll have this year, including graphic arts, which will be really cool. I know some people have commented in the past saying bad things about this school, but it has really changed and grown a lot. We've doubled in size since last year and we have lots of awesome sports programs, clubs, academic teams, and class choices. The academics are challenging, but totally doable if you work hard and get help from your teachers when you need it. I am so excited about this coming year and to see what amazing things we'll accomplish, and I would never want to go to high school anywhere else.

Posted: June 10, 2013

My son completed 7th and 8th at WSCA and will be attending for high school as well. He actually said he was going to miss school over the summer! Great teachers, students, good size -- big enough that there's a group for everyone, but not overwhelmingly large. Strong academics ... many AP courses, all students expected to succeed with scaffolding to back it up, including the opportunity to re-take tests, advisory and enrichment periods for extra help and homework. A good variety of activities for the school of the size, great parent involvement. We love it.

Posted: April 13, 2013

As a student at WSCA I don't think it's as bad as a lot of the other students make it seem. I've been here since it first started and I've never been too interested in sports but we have teams. I'm in yearbook and we have covered pictures for HS girls soccer, HS/MS girls and boys volleyball, HS/MS girls and boys basketball, track and field plus cheer. In academics, I know the MS has been doing moot court since I also took pictures of that in yearbook. My AP English and Literature/AP U.S. History teacher is absolutely amazing. I don't doubt that I will pass the AP exams coming up. I've never been too good in math but my Pre-Cal teacher makes everything seem so much more easier. Science isn't as interesting to me but my class still continues to do well and I really enjoy my art class. The school is continuing to expand the choices of what classes students will be able to take in the upcoming years and I feel glad that my younger siblings will be able to have more choices. Students complain about WSCA being too hard at times but if a student does poorly it isn't completely the school/teachers fault. Even if the staff approaches the student, that student also has to do their part.

Posted: January 31, 2013

This school is great for a studious, non-athletic student. However, my daughter insisted on attending because of her best friend. Well, she has never been a studious kid. So, I'm letting her finish up eighth grade, then off to another Rocklin High School. Hopefully, she will be motivated and encouraged to study harder. I have tried at home, to no avail. I requested a SST from the school, and I am still waiting for it. My daughter may not best student, but she isn't stupid. She does not test well. They do have academic advisory where she gets help from a great gal, but I would like for them to assess her. She is very smart and has been a U.S.F.S. Figure Skater as well as an accomplished equestrian. I am hoping she gets more attention at a NON-CHARTER Rocklin unified school.

Posted: January 30, 2013

I am the author of an earlier 5 star post, entitled, "To begin with, I am impossible to please..." Well, I wish I could still be as glowing, but I cannot. I can't tell everything in the 991 characters remaining, so in summary: lost the great science teacher & the other physics teacher. Changes are made with no warning to or input from students. Still some amazingly great teachers, but also some very not-great ones. Worst: no attempt to compete scholastically. No Math/Science Oly., no Acad. Decat., no moot court...absolutely nothing students so desperately need for college. They'll probably sort this out, but fat lot of good that does the students there now. They haven't even held the first half award ceremony yet. These are some of the nicest kids you'll ever meet, but being in Rocklin, there is a VERY right wing bent, too much for me. I do like the office location, and I like the schedule, although I wish there was in-classroom auditing. Most teachers can use the 90 minutes effectively, but some do not. In summary, I am opting to finish the 9th grade year here, because her math, English and Chinese teachers all deserve the highest praise. Next year will be elsewhere.

Posted: October 4, 2012

This school has doubled in size within one year, so yes there are growing pains. But, it proves to me that parents are looking for an alternative to education.WSCA DOES prep you for college, and that is one major thing I love about this school. My children feel safe, happy and challenged (not bored). It feels more like a family with parental involvement and more acceptance of others. It does lack in activities (football team, sports, etc.) but it is working on improving that.Very pleased with my choice to send my students to WSCA!

Posted: September 13, 2012

its a great school but absolutely NO sports the teachers are great but most kids are FORCED to go there i do not likeit

Posted: May 10, 2012

WSCA is a great 7-12 middle/high school. My daughter has been attending for 3 years - since they opened and it has really been a wonderful choice for her! The teachers are amazing - they really care for the students and work hard to help them reach their academic goals. They have a strong administration and though most extracurricular activites are run by the parent volunteers - they have many options for the students. For a small school, they offer 2 foreign languages - Spanish and Mandarin. The academics are challenging. The best thing about this school is that the teachers and administration work very diligently to ensure every child learns. If they fall behind, they work to help them catch up.

Posted: April 24, 2012

We took a chance on WSCA when it first opened. It was the best decision we made for our daughter. We wanted a private school feel, challenging curriculum in a small class environment and got it. We wanted the teachers to be approachable and on top of how "our" child was doing and got it. We wanted a safe, inclusive environment and got it. Now does this mean there haven't been growing pains in the school or challenges, absolutely not but WSCA and the staff rise to the challenges and learn from them all. The level of parent participation is amazing! No school is perfect but as long as my child is happy, getting a wonderul and challenging education and feels safe what more could I ask for?

Posted: April 15, 2012

WSCA has shown the ability to adapt to numerous challenges facing an ever-changing environment for a relatively young school. As a natural progression from Rocklin Academy, my family believes it is the best all-around school for our student. Short on sports is a drawback and yet we believe this will be addressed next year.

Posted: April 10, 2012

I'm thrilled this school is available for my kids. Finally a school that raises the bar for my kids and challenges them while at the same time providing the support to help them succeed. I love the time at the end of the day for student to approach any teacher for help - what an idea! Teachers are great and seem to be there for the love of teaching. Not only is it more focused on my raising my kids academic environment, but it also provides a much cleaner and safer environment than my old kids that i had to send to a public HS. Public charter schools are a great model (and public - free :)), glad to have one near me.