Harriet Tubman Village Charter School

Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

The best school my son has attended! Wished he started since kindergarten!

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: July 14, 2025

Advice for Management:
Step down. Start over. The system is broken from the top down. Until this school restructures its leadership and installs people with trauma-informed training, safety policies, and actual accountability, nothing will change. Stop punishing the teachers trying to hold this place together.

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: July 14, 2025

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Last year was excellent. This year my daughters teacher was ok, but with the help of Admin we were able to address some of my concerns. Other than that school overall is great!

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

You read the other reviews?

The majority are accurate even if they come from parent/guardians. Our student's mom and myself are trained educators with years-and-years of classroom experience, and we see our student NOT thriving in this corporate school.

I've been active as a volunteer for school governance (twice elected) with the Unified School District, and can see this non-Distrct school-corperation doesn't serve our student partial because of the administration's apathy. The don't followup on parent concerns.

In addition, note the administration turnover? As far as I can see, the principal, Mr. Woodard is on the corporation's board of directors, and works there because they can't keep a principal for very long.

There have been occasions where he's not on campus because he's in another part of the country recruiting students.

Our student will fight with us to skip because the school environment is so poor. The bullying and classroom chaos are major barriers to our student's progress.

Our experience is the teachers use handout-and-test methods, which puts extra pressure on us at home because we have to do a lot of out-of-the-classroom handholding for this student to succeed.

San Diego Unified School District ain't the best (especially on the south side of the freeway) but faculty/staff/administration mostly has very professional methods.

The Tubman Village School lacks oversight, and suffers from poor accountability.

We can't run fast enough, our student is going to a different school next year!

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2022

This school has helped my child learn in a way that I did not think was possible. The principal Mr. Woodard is outstanding. All of the parents agree, he is the best.

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2022

Posted: December 22, 2018

Students are observed regularly and provided with differentiated instruction and supports in each classroom.

Posted: December 22, 2018

The entire school has adopted anti-bullying campaigns and instruction.

Posted: December 22, 2018

10/10. My children have grown tremendously since enrolling. The smaller class sizes, differentiated curriculum, innovative activities, school-community events after hours, and dedication of all staff and administration have made a difference in their love of learning.

Posted: December 22, 2018

Homework is directly relevant to what students are working on in class and utilized as an extension of their education.

Posted: December 22, 2018

The teachers are well educated, diverse, and teach effectively to a wide variety of learning styles.

Posted: December 22, 2018

In addition to academic rigor, educators role model and teach the “whole child” providing lessons, activities, and social clubs on the development of a moral compass and “bucket filling” character traits.

Posted: December 22, 2018

New administration is dedicated and continues to develop this school and community into a inclusive, well rounded, and comprehensive educational facility.

Posted: December 22, 2018

Homework is connected with the lessons and my kids do work.

Posted: December 22, 2018

They care about my kids and they talk to me when things go wrong. They care

Posted: December 22, 2018

Things have improved. My kids are making better choices

Posted: December 22, 2018

The principal is the best thing about the school.

Posted: December 22, 2018

Posted: December 22, 2018

There is a bully free pledge in the gym where everyone signed. They help you when situations arise.

Posted: December 22, 2018

9 out of 10. I love this school.

Posted: October 29, 2018

The students learn to bully from the staff

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Below average with the understanding of the demographics

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

The students are becoming better citizens and the character matters.

Posted: August 10, 2018

The new principal is amazing! He has turned this school around. Great job Mr. Woodard.

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

I feel my child is safe at this school.

Posted: August 10, 2018

10/10 HTVCS has turned around and I feel that my child is on its way to becoming a better child that is prepared for the real world. Thank you everyone.

Posted: February 24, 2017

This school has really come a long way!! The leadership from the Principal is helpful in making sure that the students are gaining the knowledge that they deserve from their teachers. The support staff is always amazingly helpful with any thing I have ever needed!

Posted: February 24, 2017

Teachers are really caring at this school.

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

The Principal and her office staff are effective in their leadership.

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: December 7, 2015

With a big turnover of teachers every year, it is difficult to have successful teachers. Only those that return, care enough about their classrooms but nothing else. Very selfish teachers at the elm. level.

Posted: December 7, 2015

No curriculum supported by board members, means no textbooks. Hello, violation of Williams Act. Some students don't even have access to their grades.

Posted: December 7, 2015

Not even close. Not when you have inside people, that sit on the board and only get what they want for their classroom and don't care about other teachers on site. This place has failed in integrity....to the max.

Posted: December 7, 2015

Obviously the last statement was written by an "Inside" person. Three years ago, three different administrators, all removed by a chair-board person who placed herself in this position, along with calling many others onto the board without a structural vote. Parents should ask the following questions before bringing their children here:
1. Why the high turnover of teachers? A: board member running teachers out.
2. What curriculum is used? A: None. Board has not approved any, but expect teachers to be successful.
3. Where is the LCAP monies being spent? A: Summer programs or just ask certain staff members to see their credit card used for personal use.

Deeply, a sad place to bring my children. It is why I enrolled them back in a public school.

PS. This school has been in the news before and should be audited....like tomorrow.

Posted: July 12, 2015

Posted: July 12, 2015

Posted: July 12, 2015

Posted: July 12, 2015

If you're looking for a strong top down dictatorial administration this school is for you! Don't worry about any teachers getting out of line, rocking the boat or speaking truth to power. They'll make sure that voice is silenced with an immediate pink slip, this being an "at will" school and all. Doesn't matter how good the teachers are. If they step one toe out of line they will be dealt with. Imagine the wonderful learning environment your students will enjoy under teachers who are constantly looking over their shoulders, stifling their thoughts and anxious whether this day will be their last. How ironic this charter chose the name Harriet Tubman, as their namesake would be appalled by the way this school is run. But hey, if you like that sort of thing, this may be the perfect place for your child.

Posted: June 16, 2015

My children thrive at Tubman. The teachers at this school are beyond extraordinary - they are the glue that has been keeping this school together for the past 3 years through turmoil, change, and decreasing morale. The school is in a super neighborhood, one in which I have lived for many, many years, and the community around the school is wonderful. Even the other schools in the community are super supportive of the teaching staff and parents of Tubman. The school has always been focused on the student & academics, which have always thrived...until the 2014-2015 year. Something has happened this year under the new board's leadership that is rather alarming. The communication to parents has ceased - hardly existent. The involvement in parents, the community, and staff is no longer available, and the board has become a unilateral effort to do whatever they want without any input from staff nor parents - which is exactly what a charter school is designed for. The board is under fire from the district & has been committing illegal and unethical actions, which is causing the alarm & negative comments. The bullying that went on with the previous leader has quadrupled, funneling down to the students, & this year has been disastrous, at least. Curriculum changes that no one knows about, lawsuits that are going to cost tens of thousands that aren't being communicated to parents. The board needs a major overhaul because this school is really truly a great little school with a LOT of opportunities for students and parents and a LOT of potential. The teachers are doing an EXCELLENT job keeping this kids sailing in academics, and it's disgusting that instead of being recognized for their efforts or being coached effectively, they are being told to either resign or not being re-elected for the following year. A charter school cannot run with someone who has NO education experience on the board - & especially by one who is even worse a bully than the previous school leader. Parents, it's a really good school, but be ware of the current board and the future.

Posted: May 29, 2015

Posted: May 29, 2015

Posted: May 28, 2015

After giving this school a fair chance, it is clear that it is not going to get better. One can give only so much and the failure of the governance board to see that, or even understand that is seen day in and day out. When your child no longer wants to go to school, that should tell you something! Yes we did talk with teachers, Dr. Bailey and Mr. Moore when he was there. We were actually getting somewhere with Mr. Moore, since his release things have only gotten worse for my child. Yes we ALL know it was a transitional year, but the board has to be willing to give as much as they expect the parents to. If we are to make it about the kids, then so should the board! I can not, nor will I support a board that can not support its parents. I would rather there be no board and no charter so that the kids could get the support they need. And yes - NOW the site is being update regularly, but note this happened after complaints here and to SDUSD and their charter committee. If that is what it takes to get action, then I urge ALL parents to do that, for the sake of making sure your kids are getting EVERYTHING they deserve!

Posted: May 13, 2015

We ALL knew this was going to be a transitional year and that things might continue to change. If the principal was not a good fit, good that he was removed before the year ended. The website is updated all the time and a letter was sent saying there would be NO new principal this year - very clearly communicated. There will probably be more changes coming for next year as things continue to be worked through. The students are happy and the academic standard remains a priority at Tubman. A new educational consultant was hired to help the school continue to move towards change and the right course. It does not happen overnight. Rather than criticize, we should be supporting the governance board (all volunteers!) and school - we all want the same thing - the best school for our kids.

Posted: May 4, 2015

Here we are again in the same boat that seems to be plaguing this school with a serious lack of communication. The previous Board had one great of issue of no communication - something that has perpetuated with the new Board. A few months back we lost our principal and it took a month and complaints to the right people before a letter was sent home to parents. During all of that time the school and the kids were aware of his release, but not the parents. Some asked if there would be communication, yet nothing transpired. It took calls to the Charter Office before this would happen. Here we are in May and yet again, no communication to the parents about a new principal! How do parents find out? By their kids coming home and saying something. Who are the adults here? It is said many times that the parents need to be responsible and show up to meetings and that we need to ask. All well and good, but there needs to be accountability by the Board and the school as well! I sure hope this happens for the next school year as those kids deserve it. We are doing the best thing possible and taking our child to a different school and I would suggest others do the same!

Posted: March 12, 2015

Not the school we first decided to send our child to! Over the time we have been members of this school we have seen changes, and not for the good. The moment we thought things would be better, they upped and fired Principal Moore. There is a HUGE lack of communication from the school and governance board, and even if questions are asked the answers are vague and hold no value or information for parents or students. It has now been over 3 weeks since our principal was let go and no correspondence has been sent home to parents. Many of us found out from our student while others found out via the "rumor" mill. If you want a good school for your kids, do your homework! I can guarantee that once you look into how things are being handled here you will definitely want to choose a better school. We ourselves took the leap and have made this the last year our student will attend this place.

Posted: March 6, 2015

What can I say about this school? Absolutely nothing!!! This school has changed drastically since Mrs. Scinski have been gone. The school has deteriorated in teaching style. If I can give this school a zero star I would. So I learned from my child that the new principal, Mr. Moore, was fired. What for? Nobody knows!! Now one may wonder what did this man do to get himself fired from his somewhat new job. I was in shock that I had to get this information from my child, not from the school. Parents should be notified on changes that happen at the school as it may effect our children. Is the Tubman governance board qualified and educated enough to select a principal for our school? Selecting a principal is not a trial and error. If this principal doesn't work out, let's find another one. Now let's talk about the website, school website hasn't been updated. The last governance board minutes was from December 2014. There were posting of upcoming governance board meetings but no posting of outcome. Why? And where did all those new board members go? Did they finally learn the truth and fed up with these incompetent governance board and quit? Parents please beware.

Posted: January 4, 2015

I give the school 1 star since they removed my children from the 6 to 6 program the first day of school .They were there until 2 weeks before the school started when they claimed we didn't turn in our forms we try speaking and basically begging to put them in the program and they didn't care giving the fact that I am a mother of 5 with a low income budget. We had a meeting were miss amy and the principal told me they were not going to help me and I told them I will bring the news press they miss amy stood up and yelled in my face in front of my children telling me to get out her school while the principal yelled the same. I got out the school to receive a email telling me my kids could never go back to school. Imagine the feeling I'm not a violent person miss amy has no experience and is very unprofessional. No I'm left with using the last dollar for my kids clothes to pay for child care. For no reason. Way to go tubman because they care.

Posted: September 30, 2014

This is my kids second year here and they are continuing to thrive academically.The school has moved towards a positive light. My kids are happy here and that's all that matters. The negative comments posted unfortunately come from former bitter parents that are friends with the former principal. I wouldn't pay much attention.Vindictive remarks or actions have no place in our children's learning sanctuary (or page that reflects negativity and could harm their sanctuary ).

Posted: September 4, 2014

As a member of the Rolando Community and a Tubman Parent for 6 yrs I do NOT recommend Harriet Tubman for this Year. The new administration is making drastically changes in which they are hurtful to our children's education. The school is being run by someone with any credentials and the person who is suppose to be the principal is not taking charge as his job is still on Ed join posted. Their interests is not the children or their education. However, I do have to say that there is only two teachers who are worth mentioning; those are the 2nd grade teachers only who have shown dedication and passion for teaching. How do I know this? Because after their was a change in leadership they continued to work as hard for their students. As I mention previously we've been here for years and have children in different grade levels, we know the school well. Parents your nurturing your children now their success, education, future is in your hands!

Posted: August 20, 2014

I am extremely pleased with the new principal. He was very approachable and addressed my conserns very quickly after our conversation. Overall, very happy with the school and the administration.

Posted: August 8, 2014

As a member of the Rolando Community and a Parent at Tubman with several children for 7yrs I wouldn't recommend this school for this new school year it has took a drastically change to worse with a whole different mentality. How ever I do have to say that this school has an amazing (child) psychologist/counselor to of the best 2nd grade teachers and a great 6th grade teacher. Unfortunately not all are like that and if your a Parent that values the Education of your Children this is not the school to enroll, Your Child's success is in your hands.

Posted: August 5, 2014

I think it's funny to keep reading these posts from "parents". It's easy to be judgmental when your anonymous! If you don't like the school or the board TAKE YOUR KIDS AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. You will not be a good fit for the school. We just got done dealing with negative people and actions that hurt many. Are you a VOLUNTEER? Have you done anything to better the school this Summer or are you just complaining? Step up rather than speak out. Sounds like this group of people are working tirelessly for the betterment of the school. Negative posts just further hurt the school, which hurts the students. Be informed before you post stuff that hurts over 380 students and staff members - these posts are rumor and gossip based and nothing more. Be the solution and not another problem.

Posted: August 5, 2014

This is going to be a wonderful school year! I understand that people have concerns and anxiety with the change in administration, but I think we all need to consider how much the benefits outweigh these concerns. After teaching at this school for many years, I am thrilled to see that almost every single teacher has returned for the 2014-2015 school year. This alone means that the students will benefit from consistency, that teachers are more experienced with their grade level and curriculum, that the school with save time and money not having to train so many new teachers, and that the students will get to see the teachers they have grown to love when they return in mid-August. I know change is difficult, and the unknown comes with a lot of stress, but with patience and perseverance, I am confident that this will be our best year yet!

Posted: August 4, 2014

Over the past year+ we have seen a lot of changes with staffing and the Governance Board which has been all for the better. The new board members have been sure to include parents as best as possible in finding a new principal and in changes in and around the school. I see a new year starting off strongly for the kids, which is the most important thing we need right now. I hope that this new year brings more parent involvement, which I have seen lacking greatly over the past year. Between stronger parent involvement, an informed board and new principal we will be a school like no other! Looking forward to what the 2014-15 school year has to bring and the continuance of learning excellence that my child has definitely received.

Posted: August 3, 2014

This school was better off with our principal Scinski. I have the need to remove my children from this school. I highly recommend that you informed yourself about a lot of stuff going on. Questions to ask: Why is it that the principal or intern principal have to notify the board to make a approval for children's safety and education? What will happen of there's an emergency at school? , would they have to wait for a yes or a no to proceed. What happen to PTC Money? Where's all the documents of minutes and money raised? Why was the librarian fired ? What proofs did they have to get rid of this new lady? What proof do they have for firing the principal? Are they trying their best to make this school look good to impress you or the students. Lots of changes have been made over the summer, LOOK OUT for your Child/ren's safety and education. I highly recommend that you also ask for board meeting minutes. Why are these two ladies board members president and Vice President taking over without any credentials or experience in taking over a school that had lots money when the school ended 2013-2014.

Posted: August 3, 2014

This school was once a great environment for students. However, these last couple of months have definitely changed the whole atmosphere and that is 100% due to the two board members who "handle" everything. Students are now exposed to nonstop gossip from these board members and now the few teachers who follow the "leaders" example. The two that are now in charge of the school make decisions that they are not qualified to make! Which completely brought the school's budget, atmosphere, and staff down. The board has become power hungry and now even treat (certain) staff with disrespect. Being a parent and having your child come home crying because she believes her favorite staff may quite because of board members taking advantage of them and being filled with power is upsetting. Honestly keep your child safe from all the hurt and go a different direction. Or wait until certain board members are removed because this school is likely to go under investigation AGAIN. I know I am going straight to the district for help.

Posted: July 13, 2014

Our school is going through a positive improvement. You can definitely see it and feel it. Our kids are excited, everyone walks with a real smile now, staff and community are closer than ever! Anxious to see the transformation being made, academically improvement and school site improvement! The School's Board have been working hard and it shows.

Posted: June 10, 2014

The school is better off with the new admin. Today, a beautiful award ceremony was held for students and teachers and staff were happy and positive. Students were no longer rushed onto the stage and the care of the teachers for their students was apparent. Hopefully, if the parents below truly care about their children, they will begin to notice how happy students really are ..... With few exceptions, this change has only been positive.

Posted: June 8, 2014

Ditto with the last review from "This was once a top notch school..." We too had personal experience with this new take over. The principal was let go for no apparent reason other than a high expectation from the teachers. I know some of you may think that it's the teachers that are doing all the work, but think about it, if it wasn't the principal who insisted and expected on nothing but the best do you think these teachers will perform? I am not saying that all teachers at Tubman are bad, but not enough that care about children are there now! So, why fire the principal? Maybe, just maybe because she was about to release the bad ones and so this new hideous board voted to oust the principal first so that she can't perform her duty. We are taking our kids out because we too are afraid of what will happen next school year and the year after next. Whomever the new principal is, he or she will be afraid of doing his/her job as he/she may get fired So ask yourself this question, "Is this what you want for your children?" "Do you want to look back 5 years from now wishing you would have done something differently for your children?"

Posted: October 19, 2013

I was told that this school was great in their academics. What I wasn't told is that there wasn't a school nurse, conditiins in classrooms were difficult for children and teachers while they still have a long way to go in repairs and construction. I hadn't seen bungalos since I was in elementary, my daughter who is an perfectionist and straight A student pkays violin and reads shakespere on her spare time found it stressful at times, she takes school seriously, my son was deemed below in everything so he wasn't asked to try as hard as other students he basically got away with doing less work by acting dumb, and lastly my other daughter was being bullied so bad she wanted to kill herself. I talked to teachers the principal and the school therapist....I removed my children asap.

Posted: May 4, 2013

have spent my life evualuating businesses and other functional entities, and have observed that in nearly all cases the organization reflects the attitudes and values of the owner/boss/ or in this case, principal. This individual is the epitomy of what I would wish to run the academic side of my (2) children's lives. She is ACCESSABLE beyond belief, and controls the curriculum and the teachers for the best CHILD ORIENTED results, which you will never find in a city bureacracy that fears the backlash of unions, etc. Everyone says, "What about the children?"... Well, here is someone doing something about it!!! It is intellect and imagination... She has only been there 3 years & what she has done to lift the academics and the atmosphere is nothing short of miraculous... A new add..All of this crying about the principal is pap by new age parents! Do you want your child in an efficient academic institution, or a crib that pampers to bureaucratic unions and whining parents?? If the latter, go to a public school. If the former, get your child in here, ready to learn.. That's what you'll get here, due SOLEY to that fearsome principal & the carefully selected teachers & policies.

Posted: May 2, 2013

i love the school the staff is great as well as the primetime people are great, but i dont like the professionalism of the principle of this school she is very rude and offensive. I have tried to give complaints in the past but there is no one to go to. other wise this school has one of the greatest teachers they go over an beyond for their students

Posted: December 1, 2012

This is not the best school. It has poor leadership and therefore poor teachers. I removed my child from here as soon as I found out the situation.

Posted: September 2, 2012

This is my second year at Tubman and my fourth year teaching and this school is by far the best school that I've taught at. I have taught in school district schools as well as several charter schools in the San Diego area. No school that I've taught at cares about all of their students the way Tubman does. We strive to make each and every student college and career ready and prepare them with the skills in order to be successful in the real world. The idea of college and career readiness begins in kindergarten. The kindergarten program has been completely revamped from the classrooms to the garden. Kindergarten has small class sizes between (15-18) students, giving the teacher the opportunity to work with small groups of students and focus on each individual child. Tubman focuses on the whole child, providing students with the opportunity to engage in art, explore the garden and school orchard, go to the library and computer lab, and engage in Physical Education two times a week. Each kindergarten classroom also comes equipped with 3-4 computers in order for students to complete activities and assessments in a comfortable and safe environment. Stop by to check out this program!