America's Finest Charter

San Diego, CA 92102

Phone: (619) 694-4809
District: San Diego Unified School District

2

GreatSchools Rating

charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 • 396 students

America's Finest Charter, a charter school located in San Diego, CA, serves grades K-12 in the San Diego Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

America's Finest Charter is a charter school located in San Diego, CA. 396 students attend America's Finest Charter.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 1/10 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 3/10 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 2/10 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: September 22, 2023

I’m a recent alumni at this school and I graduated three years ago. From my experience the teachers were all really great, it’s currently difficult to get the students to engage and care about their futures but that’s more of a societal problem. The counselor at this school, the director, the principal, the teachers, even the staff are all really kind and caring people. They want to see their students shine. It’s very easy to take their guidance, their advice, and their teachings for granted. I personally would have wished to have listened to the school’s counselor more she gave really good advice that wish I would’ve taken sooner. I’m grateful to the counselor, the staff and the school who were always kind, and gave me the help I needed to succeed.

Posted: September 22, 2023

Posted: September 22, 2023

Posted: September 22, 2023

Posted: September 22, 2023

Posted: September 22, 2023

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Posted: September 22, 2023

americas finest charter school was a place where i was freely able to express how i felt to staff, love the caring environment.

Posted: September 22, 2023

Posted: September 22, 2023

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Posted: September 22, 2023

Posted: July 11, 2023

I am going into my 3rd year as a teacher at Americas Finest Charter school and I'm very happy to call this school my new home. There are several reasons why this school stands above most in the area. (1) The school's charter is put together accordingly. (2) Our school has free morning and after school programs. (3) There is a teacher's aide in each class, where the students can get small group instruction and support. (4) Students go on educational field trips once a month.
Also, all staff members go above and beyond to ensure the academic success of each student. Lastly, the Principal is fabulous!

Posted: July 11, 2023

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Posted: January 15, 2023

America's Finest is working hard to try and live up to its name as "The Finest" with new data strategies, SEL supports, and increasing levels of family and student engagement as charter schools should! We offer a wide range of supports to our diverse community and populations and will work hard to continue the growth of your child and our school overall. I have taught here in the Middle School for 4 years now, and I am so thankful to see so many amazing students growing into college and career paths of their choosing with the supports we have provided them. We have our transportation program which allows us the rare opportunity to not only have to and from school transportation; but also monthly field trips at each grade level which really makes learning come to life! As we continue the path of growing our school, I invite any prospective parents to reach out to our team of teachers and administrators! Choosing the right school for your child is so essential and in this day and age: there are so many options. We are here to consult and work to serve YOU and YOUR child!

Posted: January 15, 2023

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Posted: November 11, 2021

I currently attend this school, and everything said is fabricated. Out of all the schools I have been to, this is the worst.

Posted: November 11, 2021

Posted: November 11, 2021

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Posted: July 26, 2018

Nothing but the best!!! My two kids, Pretty and Captain have been at Afcs since kindergarten. They are now 4th and 2nd and love going to school

Posted: July 26, 2018

Posted: July 26, 2018

No enough words for the teachers.... friendly, professional, very kind to students and parents.

Posted: July 26, 2018

Indeed, leadership shapes it’s community. I owe the school leadership for my kids integrity and good behavior

Posted: July 26, 2018

We cannot ask for better leadership. The director and the principal are exceptional.

Posted: July 26, 2018

The school offers free tutoring to kids who needs extra help to catch up with the curriculum

Posted: July 26, 2018

Since kinder the kids are taught the school motto that reminds them success follows helping others. The school therefore becomes a big family to all

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

AFCS has a great and free afterschool which has helped a lot of hard-working parents. Currently I a have a daughter that is in 6th grade, she has been at AFCS since she was in Kindergarten. She loves going to AFCS and has grown to be a nice hard working young lady. My older daughter went to AFCS aswell she started 7th Grade and promoted to High School and is currently enrolled in her 2nd year in college. We are very thankful for the teachers and staff and last but not least we are grateful to have an Awesome Principal and Director.

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

My son has been at AFCS since the 1st grade, this is a great option for families that like small schools. It has opportunity for working families they offer after school program. Great staff, great teacher and the Director always willing to help.

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

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Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: March 23, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2017

Awesome school, small classes. thoughtful teachers and strong academics. Mrs. Perry the director goes above and beyond for students and their families.

Posted: January 27, 2017

Posted: January 27, 2017

Posted: January 27, 2017

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Posted: January 27, 2017

Posted: September 28, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2016

AFCS i s a great option for families looking for a small school with experienced teachers. There is a great after school program until 6PM, which is an awesome offering for working parents. The curriculum is well-rounded, yet teachers are still given the flexibility to create project-based lessons for Social Studies and Science.

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

I am parent of three students of America's finest charter school for the last two school years. My kids and l like educational system of this school. Our director mrs. Perry ,teachers and staffs are doing great jobs to get full potential of every students .safe environment and caring staffs . Please keep doing great jobs,thanks

Posted: September 26, 2016

My children attended America’s Finest Charter School for two years. I can not say enough kind words about this school and the teaching staff. Every teacher my children had has been engaging and wonderful and has given my children love for learning. This school have great Director Ms. Perry. Thank you to the teachers, Perry,and staff members!

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

Posted: September 26, 2016

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Posted: February 9, 2016

America's Finest Charter School has been growing a lot since 2011. Our director tried so hard to motivate staff and students since the school opened till present. We moved to new location with more secured and safe for our students. Our test scores are improving. We are proud as a top honor school have great performance on California's new Common Core-aligned standardized test. You could find us on KPBS news. It is a great school for all students who would like to achieve American Dream. Parents, students, community members are always welcomed to visit.

Posted: February 8, 2016

Posted: February 8, 2016

Posted: February 8, 2016

Posted: September 14, 2015

They moved to their new location and there is no security for children. First day of school I didn't know where my child was and neither the staff. I guess kids just go into random classes for the so called after school program. I don't even think the after school teachers have a roster. I picked up my child and no one asked me who I was or ID. I have never seen a school were they don't know what class your child is in. I'm transferring my child to another school. I don't think it's safe. A news team should go and check out the school. Interview more parents. I overheard a parent saying that they had found their kids outside the school when he went to pick up.

Posted: June 2, 2015

America's Finest Charter School has earned my FIVE STAR Rating!!! I am extremely impressed by my daughters academic progress since I enrolled her in K-Grade. Through the support of her K-grade teachers, my daughter have greatly improved her reading and mathematical skills to that of an advanced 1st grade student. The staffs are professional, always willing to help and they teach with a passion. The director has excellent leadership that has gradually melted students, parents and staffs from diverse cultural background into one huge family. I highly recommend America's Finest Charter School.

Posted: May 31, 2015

I put my son in this school after the program to get him to his previous school was cut. I should have sucked it up and paid for the private school. This has been his worst school year ever. His teacher loves to assign them homework, but sends them home with no instructions on how to do the math problems. Which of course is this common core nonsense. He was expected to stay an hour after school all because he was 5 minutes short of getting 60 minutes in on this online math tutoring. His teacher had the nerve to tell me she is "flexible" but then admits that when I child was out of town. She did not excuse her for not meeting the 60 minute requirement. All that woman worries about is the students completing 60 mintues a week in mathwhizz. I have no respect for her or that administration. She actually told her class if they don't do good on the test, it makes her look bad. They have a so-called Lego club that my son goes to on Thursdays, which are there half days. No adult oversees this club, it is just the kids sitting around talking while putting together their own sets. That is not a club. When it comes to using the computer lab after school, there is no waitlist. They choose who they will allow to use the computers, and I only saw the first graders using them. They are going into a new facility next year, and if the kids are to be bused back home. They are going to make them stay and participate int he afterschool programs because they are not dropping them off until 5:45pm. If you go to their website, they have a picture of their accredidation certificate on it. It says they were only renewed till next year. If you want another example about how they worry more about testing then student well being. Last Friday my son was at home sick with a fever. I called in and informed the school he wouldn't be in. The first thing out of the woman's mouth who answered the phone was, "Make sure he is better because he has testing on June 2." My child's health is more important than their testing.

Posted: May 27, 2015

America's Finest Charter Schools.It's the greatest Charter School in San Diego.
Is the best decision I have made on regard of my kids education.My two children have made a amazing progress on reading, math and science. They have wonderful teachers the really care about students education.The teachers are always welling to help on any way to any student an need.The school principal is always there to help, and support students and parents as well.
The greatest after school progras like, Karate, Guitar,Piano,Baile Folkloric and hip-hop as well. All that and more really makes a amezing ,and great difference on a child education and achievement. I'm really happy and proud for my kids to attend to best charter school in San Diego. As a parent I highly recommend the school.

Posted: March 6, 2015

We are so pleased that Americas Finest Charter School received a 5 year renewal with the school district. We are WASC accredited, have a rigorous curriculum and top notch staff. All students can participate in our free after school program. Go to Americas Finest Charter Schools Face Book page to see many of our fun events.

Posted: October 16, 2014

a pleasant environment, with friendly, welcoming staff, enthusiastic teachers & a diverse family of students. arts, music & lots of positive interaction, kids are exposed to different aspects of culture, as well and art :)

Posted: February 24, 2014

AFCS- How do the 8th graders get taught?? Without a 8th grade teacher? Should we just say we made the correct decision by pulling our child out of your nightmare. Can't understand how or why the State of California continues to support a school who has NEVER met you goal on testing. There's never been a working relationship between parents and the director of this school. She is unwilling to play nice with others. She is the perfect example of adults bulling children. If you have any doubts about this call any of the sounding schools, you will be met with laughter.

Posted: February 23, 2014

My daughter is in Kindergarten. I am always kept informed of my daughters academic growth. The school feels like a big family. Friendly Staff!!! Why haven't you updated the test scores since they have improved so much during the schools second year?

Posted: February 23, 2014

America's Finest Charter School is an amazing environment for children to learn how to work together, accomplish their goals, and gain the knowledge they need in order to be successful. The reason I love this school is because the staff, students, and parents have a family styled bond. I like to make sure each student knows that they are special, not only to me but in this world and I remind them every day to fix conflicts they have and help out others. I have watched many troubled students improve drastically over the years. I've seen students with behavior problems completely turn their attitudes around and become role models for the other students. I have even seen students who were far below their grade level catch up because of our commitment to their education. I also think its important that this school offers so many extra curricular activities for the students in our free after school program from 4-6 pm. Children NEED to be exposed to arts and music and developing passion for hobbies and creating things and so many schools have removed these types of programs due to budget cuts!! This school is always evolving and can only go up and I cant wait to see these kids go far!

Posted: September 24, 2013

America's Finest Charter School is advanced in the methods of teaching we employ! I know, because I am one of the teachers who works there. This is my 9th year of teaching and never before have I had a mentor (Jan Perry, the director) who has shown me methods to take my students from a first grade level of teaching to a fourth grade level. Or, from second to fifth! The Balanced Literacy program we use at the school is like magic. If students and parents embrace it, the results are phenomenal. In addition, students are embraced in the loving arms of the staff. We are small enough, that many teachers know all the students, so we work as a team to support the students. You have to come and visit to experience our unique environment. AFCS also provides a free morning tutoring program and a free Arts in the Afternoon program that lasts until 6:00pm. These are just a few reasons why our school is the best!

Posted: August 28, 2013

We have been here since the school started! We love the after school program and love the lunch! We like the smaller classes.The teachers are so friendly and patient It allows for a better learning environment! We recommend AFCS to everyone.

Posted: August 28, 2013

We chose America'"s Finest Charter School because it met all of our needs! Our son loves karate and we love the friendly staff.

Posted: August 9, 2013

I am a parent of tow kids, both of them are studying in AFCS . The school principal is a very caring, helpful person, she always avilable when needed.The teachers are amazing and working with passion and love.

Posted: May 15, 2013

My two children attend AFCS and they love it. I feel that is safe and small school. The director is always available and I can see the she really loves children. She has an open door policy and treats every child as her as if they were her on. Any time I need to talk to her she stops what she is doing and listens to me. She always goes out of her way to help students and parent.

Posted: May 15, 2013

Recently I have heard some upsetting comments from parents about this school and I am very disappointed in them. These teachers work so hard and spend so much time and energy to make sure that the things the students are learning are engaging and things they actually care about. The skills my children have learned at AFCS have not only made them successful in school academically but also they are well rounded human beings in society. I constantly hear teachers reminding students to "have good manners" and "make the right choice". I am proud to have my children go to this school and if the parents talking spent more time in their children's classrooms then they would see the wonderful work that is being done. We try to teach our children not to judge a book by it's cover but when you always keep yourself outside of the box and not working with the teacher and students in the class then you are in no place to judge.

Posted: May 15, 2013

I am a parent of a 6th grader. I love AFCS because the school staff is very professional and at the same time caring and kind. The Director of this school has helped my child in so many ways, she takes the time to talk to the children in a positive way as well as to the parents (with an open door policy). I feel fortunate to have found AFCS as it has made a wonderful difference in my child's life as well as in mine. I highly recommend you check this school out. AFCS also offers a free after school program dealing with the art, music, karate etc. I am a happy happy parent! A special Thank you to the Director for all your help!

Posted: February 2, 2013

I was a founding member of the school. I have watched it grow and develop since the beginning and I continue to be involved with the school. I know Jan, the director, to be a direct and effective leader. She makes every attempt to get all of the best for the students. Sandra, the curriculum consultant, was paramount in developing curriculum framework for the school and her over 35 years of experience in education is obvious when you talk to her about education. I am an educator myself and I believe that students need lots of support both at home and at school to be successful. I would send my child to this school and I would also read to them daily, check all of their homework and monitor their activities closely. The last part is the teacher in me ;)

Posted: October 30, 2012

Love their family oriented environment, also their lunch program is so appropriate for the times we currently live in with obesity being on the rise. They take discipline very serious witch helps with bulling.

Posted: October 30, 2012

America's Finest Charter School is a place where children can acheive the American Dream! Our school is going on it's second year. We have organic lunches and an afternoon arts program that is free. Working artists teaching students with passion and expertise. It takes a lot to be a teacher at AFCS. They love kids, are smart and hard working. The director had a dream to put the best school in City Heights and attract students from all over the city. Time will tell if this dream comes true!

Posted: October 28, 2012

Had a chance to vist Americas Finest this September and was very impressed with the new facilitys and the way the faculty was engaged with the expantion.

Posted: October 20, 2012

My three daughters attend this school and I would recomend it for everyone to join this amazing school. AFCS has been a great place for education for my children. I have three reasons that I like this school they are: 1) In the mornings, teachers or school staff help children with their homework, or if one of the kids doesn't understand something, the adults are aviable to help them. This way helps kids to speak up and learn more easily 2)The classrooms have that many studnts, in which helps to control bullying and can have more communication with their teachers. 3)SInce the economy has been affecting many other schools, those schools can't afford for arts and crafts which helps to develop the talents that each child has. But in America's Finest. my three girls attend karate, piano, and drama for FREE. I am proud not only of what my kids have been able to do now, but also all the hard work that America's Finest Charter School staff does to give the best education for my children. Cecilia Ramirez

Posted: October 19, 2012

I volunteer regularly in both my children's classrooms at AFCS as well as with school events, and see first-hand how wonderful their teachers and staff are. My children's 2nd and 4th grade teachers last year were fantastic; they offered creative and fun learning experiences, challenged them to do their best, and always made themselves available to assist and encourage them. Their teachers this year have proved just as dedicated, capable and caring. They put their hearts and souls into their teaching, they work very hard (even weekends) and have incredible patience and understanding. I've been so impressed with the entire AFCS staff; they are always friendly, helpful and kind. I have nothing but respect and admiration for its directors too; with budget cuts and many other challenges, its not easy to start & run a new and innovative charter school. The principal seems to be proactive, fair and dedicated, and disciplinary issues appear to be handled quickly and judiciously. You can tell that their primary concern is their student's educational welfare and safety and I feel appropriate measures are taken to ensure both. This parent gives America's Finest Charter School a solid 5 stars!

Posted: October 19, 2012

I would highly recommend this school to parents looking for an exceptional and quality educational experience for their children. Even though its far from our home and not located in a typical school campus environment, we chose America's Finest Charter School last year because we liked its teaching philosophy and program and the fact that there was no homework. We've experienced other public and charter schools in the SDUSD and AFCS has proved to be the best school for our children and that's why we're back again this year. In addition to the excellent teachers and staff, they offer lots of enriching field trips throughout the year as well as many fantastic after-school arts programs. I also appreciate how the teachers and directors have always been available and responsive when I stop by or email them. We are very pleased with our experience at AFCS.

Posted: October 18, 2012

You can write all the positive reviews you want about this school but the truth will come out eventually. I'm sure the teachers are dedicated to the children but you can't run a school with an iron fist. My child has been getting A's and B's since leaving this school, is happy and hasn't complained once about the school they are currently in. At this school, everyday was unhappiness horrible stories about what happened there. Parents, don't be fooled and leave your blinders on. Stay involved. My child dropped a full grade level there. The teaching was inconsistent and disorganized. I let my child down by keeping them at that school. It's my responsibility to make sure they have a quality education and I made a bad choice by putting them at this school last year.

Posted: October 17, 2012

I'm glad to hear they cleaned up the school so much after the fiasco last year. Maybe they did listen to the parents. Best of luck to all.

Posted: October 17, 2012

After teaching in SDCS I have found America's Finest Charter School to be an outstanding charter school. The Director, teachers and staff are committed to student learning and success. The Arts in the Afternoon program provides students with the opportunities which include: piano, guitar, arts and crafts as well karate. In our second year of operation positive changes have been implemented. Our school motto sums up our beliefs "Work hard, learn everything you can, always do your best, and success will follow"

Posted: October 17, 2012

I have been at this school for 2 1/2 months now and I have nothing but good things to say. I find the negative comments below to be quite abrasive and false. The teachers, are all dedicated, committed and qualified individuals who strive for nothing but the best for our students. I truly enjoy being a part of this community and look forward to a great year!

Posted: October 17, 2012

Very happy with community involvement in the school. It takes a village, after all. And most of all happy with the (first grade) teacher of my student taking such a concerned effort with his reading ability.

Posted: October 17, 2012

my children have been going to the school since it began last year. my two kids are reading and speaking english when he didnt before. the principal helped me pay for uniforms and takes them to lunch with classmates. i want to say thank you!!

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

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