James Madison Charter Academy School

Posted: February 4, 2026

Posted: February 4, 2026

Toured the school two years ago. Our student is a high grade A/B student with no history of any disciplinary issues etc. We were told that we were #3 on the list for new students. Two years later and we are still waiting. Fingers crossed that we get that phone call any day now!

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 15, 2018

I could not be more pleased with the education my child is receiving at this school.

Posted: February 15, 2018

The school realizes that traditional homework is not best for young students. Active play and reading at home are assigned instead.

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

We have been attending JMCA for 5 years and we love it for the most part. Only thing I would really change is making the uniforms not so strict. They move children around to meet their educational needs (up a grade of they need it for reading) The teachers have always been willing to help. I don't spend a ton of time in the school as I work full time, but I have never had am issue emailing teachers when I had questions. I love the small class sizes, but as a charter they do a lot of fundraising. They pay fire their own building so any new things or repairs come from fundraisers!

Posted: August 4, 2017

This is something one of our kiddos struggle with but improvement is being made because of the school.

Posted: August 4, 2017

Honestly, I don't know where I'd be without the support that the school has offered. I have one kiddo who is more trying than the typical and they've provided support, encouragement, and direction when we've needed it. My kid has been in several different schools and this is the only one that they've thrived in....because of the staff and their willingness to work as a team with us (the parents).

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

They work with the kiddos during the day so the kids can still be kids in the evening. The school values family time and family involvement. On occasion there is homework sent home and often times it is a family activity. Personally, we enjoy getting a peek into what our kids are doing during the school day.

Posted: August 4, 2017

Each of my kids teachers have been in constant communication. Sometimes daily, sometimes less often. My kids have adored their teachers and always come home excited to share what happened that day.

Posted: August 4, 2017

We love the school. The school is small. Very small in comparison to local schools but they do their best and they do amazing. Sure, the teachers ask for supplies here and there but at the end of the day it's about helping our children. It's a charter school...not a public school so things are very different, esp in the financial department. They fund raise to maintain the building, maintain the grounds, and make improvements when it can be afforded. This year they installed a play yard for the students and that took several years of fund raising to make happen. The school thinks about the long haul, not just the now. My biggest complaint is that the school makes it known that they require parental involvement and yet most parents avoid it like the plague and then complain. If you can't participate then there are other ways but the expectations are laid out clearly every year. So, I guess it's safe to say that you get out of it what you put into it. Also, look into the details of how a charter school differs from private or public before making a choice...if it's something you can commit to then you'll love it.

Posted: May 25, 2017

Please avoid this school at all costs! I have been in the education field for years as a paraprofessional. I wanted to try this school because of the project- based learning. Projects are a joke. There is more emphasis on art in 4th grade than academics. The teacher dressed unprofessionally daily and made fun of my student on multiple occasions. A friend's child suffered dramatically when Ms. Curl was removed from her classroom (a fantastic educator) with 0 explanation a month before school got out. I have figures out that many teachers aren't returning. That should tell you something about the lack of leadership here. Just my two sense after a rough year.

Posted: May 22, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2017

Staff is VERY robotic, not helpful in anyway, I am a licensed childcare provider who has a child in care there, the staff is very "STIFF" and they will not provide basic information ( early releases, late starts.. etc..), they prefer not even acknowledging you if they can help it, at least public schools have an online calender with basic information, it is very helpful to care givers who need to provide transportation and parents forget to give it. A cheery attitude is free....

Posted: May 13, 2017

The school was trash. No good food. Kids treated unfairly and even more so the teachers never cared

Posted: May 3, 2017

The school has no solid curriculum for teaching character development. Ongoing problems are not addressed and the teacher is rarely left in the loop.

Posted: May 3, 2017

If your student has an IEP they will not receive the support they deserve.

Posted: May 3, 2017

I have had my character verbally attacked because I asked for changes to better serve my students. Most of the year I was struggling to find adequate resources to serve my students in the manner they deserved.

Posted: May 3, 2017

It is hard to develop character with your students when you are not respected as a person as a teacher! Half the staff are leaving the school because of a severe lack of integrity all around.

Posted: May 3, 2017

Professional development is not up to par with other schools and districts. There is very little intervention instruction or technology enhancement.

Posted: May 3, 2017

Family projects are sent home. Most teachers do not design them to effectively practice state standards.

Posted: April 21, 2017

NO they do not want to spend money where it should be spent. They give you the around and give you made up excuses. Like the state doesn't give us this or that just so they don't have to work or spend money.

Posted: April 21, 2017

The teachers at JMCA are mean girls. They have very poor attitudes towards students and parents.

Posted: April 21, 2017

We have been at JMCA for 3 years and I'm embarrassed to even admit that. But this our last year thank the Lord. They have a LOT of rules & high expectations from students and parents but NONE for the staff. The students have to wear uniforms but the teachers can dress in what looks like pajamas or what looks nightclub attire. Very inappropriate clothing for a school that has a uniform. You pay $25-$35 for school supplies to only have all the teachers a month into school asking for different types of supplies that they should have. LOTS of fundraising and NOTHING to show for all the students/parents hard work and efforts. Kids get to have NO holiday parties but PTO does the 12 days of Christmas for the staff(for what???????). The Principal DOES NOT have compassion for the students when bullied by the teacher NEVER mind another student. The Principal Dr.S ALWAYS sides with the teacher.

To submit it all up children in 3rd world countries get a better education than those here at JMCA.

Posted: April 21, 2017

The Principal doesn't have a back bone to stand up to her teachers. She let's them run the school the way THEY want (poor).

Posted: April 21, 2017

No!!! The teachers ARE bullies!!! The Principal is too!!!

Posted: April 21, 2017

The teachers do not let kids show emotions of any kind.

Posted: April 21, 2017

They give homework as if the students are in college.

Posted: April 8, 2016

This school is amazing every teacher knows every student. Mrs. Reed and Miss Curl have been some of the best teachers for my children. I absolutely love Mr. Zack. He has a lot of patience with the kids and has fun with them. Miss Kay is amazing with all of her responsibilities. I've never seen a teacher without a smile or kind word to say. This is our first year here and we will stay till 7th grade.

Posted: September 18, 2014

Last year my son attended a public school in District 3, he cried every morning and night that he hated it and didn't want to go the next day. This year I decided to send him to JMCA and my child and I love it. He has grown so much in such a short time. Every night he tells me about the great day he had and all of the things he learned about, and every morning he has a smile. The teachers and staff at this school are wonderful. Each staff member knows the children by name and the communication is great. His teacher emails me on a regular basis to let me know how he is advancing. My son was out sick and his teacher emailed me the next day on a SATURDAY to see how he was feeling. They do require volunteer time from each parent, but I think that is great because it encourages each parent to be involved in their child's education. The class sizes are small which provides each child with more one on one time with their teacher. They have programs like PE, Music, Band, Library, and Art. Yes the building is small but the love and education in those walls is amazing. I don't desire my child to go to any other school, we are JMCA Mountain Lions and proud of it!

Posted: December 7, 2013

While JMCA has benefitted our kindergartener educationally, we're pushed to wits end in many other aspects of the school. Our son has an excellent teacher who keeps us informed about class functions/progress on a routine basis. The school has had to cut a few budgetary corners. The building is a modular structure in a low-lying flood zone, susceptible to damage in case of random Colorado Springs tornados or excessive precipitation. The children eat lunch and have recess/gym in the same multi-purpose room. The school has a HORRIBLE notification system. Their webpage is basic and out-of-date, and their Facebook page (to which the webpage directs parents) is also out of date. Recently, we (and much of the region) experienced a day or two of closures due to extreme weather. However, we received a notification at approx. 10pm (from the pre/post-school caregiver) that they'd be closed the following day due to 'temperatures below 0' because some children walk to school. That was unacceptable, since temperatures were predicted a week or so in advance. There is also a parenting responsibility in play there. Lastly, parents are forced to volunteer time or funds to the school annually.

Posted: October 24, 2013

This school is a small school with big city attitude. As long as you kiss butt to them they will like you and involve your child. I'm not one to sit back and kiss... They obviously have favorites to parents/students. They try to handle bullying after SEVERAL complaints, but it still happens. but for the most part, i honestly think they don't care. Some of the teachers are great. But you're lucky if you get them. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: January 15, 2013

We are in our second year at JMCA and love it more all the time. I drive over 50 miles a day so that my child can attend here and I Have never regretted it. The faculty is involved with EVERY student in the building and parents are very involved. No school is without it's issues but I can tell you this; when I have had a concern or question , the solution has always been simple thru communication. My child was bullied during her first grade year and it was addressed immediately and monitored afterward. The child that bullied mine became her friend only because of the intervention of the faculty and close follow up. The academics are enriching and stimulating for the children. I also love how the older kids in the school are involved with the younger ones. Overall, no school is perfect but, afer raising an older child and starting my younger one out at a different school I can tell you this, JMCA is pretty darn close.

Posted: January 15, 2013

My child has attended this school from K-3rd grade, she has had excellent teacher that are caring, supportive, and creative when it comes to learning. The school administrators are excellent, and have address any concerns or issues we have had so far. I have only had one concern in 3 1/2 years. I also drive a great number of miles to get my child to this school. The only negative thing would be that they need more advance programming for advance students. But, again this is a small school and they overall meets the needs of the majority of it children. This might be the last year of attendance for my child, but I would recommend it to other parents for K-3 only because these are the only grades my child has attended. The parents of the children are also wonderful, and the children that attend this school are very respectable and caring. A great school with small classes!

Posted: October 2, 2011

After spending 2 years at the on-post schools here at Fort Carson we chose James Madison and have not be disappointed! I have two girls in 5th grade who have attended since 2nd grade and my son now is in kindergarten. James Madison teachers, administration, and leadership are involved in every aspect of our children s growth while they attend. I have not been disappointed at any point during the last 4 years. James Madison strives to support our students on every level, academic, social and emotional (military deployments). If you have concerns they readily address them with discernment and care. Many times I have had conversations with the principal, administration, and teacher s addressing how valuable they school is to me and my children, how we are a team raising our children, and how we are better off having them be a part of our life. The response is always, "That is what we are here for, and this is what we do." We are such a close school family it hurts me to see someone have a differing opinion and hope that everyone who reads the ratings knowing they need to look into this school before making judgments. I know you will not be disappointed.

Posted: September 30, 2011

We've had many years experience with this school and agree that it just keeps getting better and better! We completely agree with previous parental reviews that the school is great, love the teachers, and feel extremely welcome at JMCA. We recommend it all the time. Our main reason for this review is to touch on the 27 September comment on the second grade teacher. Our kids love this teacher and we have never had a bullying issue. We find the review to be extremely premature in that this parent has only had two months of experience to base their review on. We also find it extremely ironic that the parent complains about bullying but then blasts the teacher with harsh cruel words and even goes so far as to call the teacher a "jerk." Who's the bully now? Has this parent ever sat in on a class during these two months, or volunteered for this teacher? We have had years of experience at this school; we, and our kids, love this teacher and love this school!

Posted: September 29, 2011

We love this school! This is our daughter's 3rd year attending and she has really made progress. I love the core knowledge they offer and feel it really helps to peak our daughter's interests. She is currently in the second grade and loves it! Her teacher is amazing with her and really makes it a point to get to know the children's interests. Every day she comes home and tell's me how much she loves school and especially the second grade. There are great opportunities for volunteering and being a part of your child's learning experience and being involved in your community. I have never had a problem with bullying at this school. The teacher's and staff do a great job with the kids and they have become like family to us. Thanks JMCA for all that you do!

Posted: September 26, 2011

The bullying is out of control here,they do NOTHING about it. It was a huge mistake sending my child here. The teachers is a a bully to. I like the academics but everything else lacks severaly. My child is in 2nd grade there are the teacher is a nightmare. He is rude,disrespectful,dishonest,bully,and all around a mean man. His mistakes are backed up by the staff and they excuse his bullying behaviors. He doesn't communicate well at all. I can NOT wait until this year is over,so my child does not have to be exposed to this jerk any further.

Posted: May 9, 2011

The school is small, but everything they do they do for the students. Parents are VERY involved with the teachers and the kids' education. I also love how all the teachers and staff know each and every child by their name. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and be very active in the school's PTO. The kids in turn are so comfortable with their surroundings that it is not unusual for the kids to run up to a teacher and give them a great big hug. The teaching styles are different from most of the schools around the area and I feel my kid benefits from this style and gains better knowledge of each subject. So glad my child is in this school and I highly recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: May 9, 2011

I was very disappointed in moving my kids to this school. I had high hopes that moving my kids would help them. I give the school three star due to the fact I do like the core learning, but they're no tolerance in bullying is a crock. One of my kids was bulled to a point I was in the school pretty much every week. When I stuck to my "guns" the kids bullying my child was finally suspended repeatedly. The other problem with this school is with the teachers. Many times I have felt that the teachers failed to separate clicks and reinforce the rules. My kids are A and A-B students. Basically my child was told she will not amount to anything in life due to the fact of a missing assignment. Im sorry I dont feel kids should be compared nor do I feel teachers should treat them like they are less then there worth.

Posted: November 10, 2010

The schools is very small, but this small environment makes for a wonderful teaching atmosphere for the kids. The teachers know all the kids by name, and the kids in turn all know the teachers. The kids see the teachers and staff and eagerly run up to them for hugs and quick chatter. The school focuses all their time and funds to education, and parents are involved in what goes on and have a say in what decisions are made in the school. By far the best choice we have made in our child's education.