Firestone Charter Academy

Posted: January 21, 2025

We have been at FCA for 13 years. Our oldest is now in high school, and still have 2 in school at FCA. The high schooler had absolutely zero issues transitioning to high school. He was more than academically ready, and went into his freshman year ahead of the majority. Our school feels more like a family than anything. We have an incredible SRO, and it feels great to know our kids have such protection. Now, in regards to the lunches, I will say that my kids are absolutely not a fan. The high schooler absolutely loves the lunch at high school, and says it's so much better. We have had some teachers that were not our cup of tea, but like life, we adapted and helped our kids navigate that difficulty. I do think the homework is a bit much.........but, they go into high school ready. The sports program is really up and coming, and will be incredible when we get the funds to build a full size gym. I would absolutely recommend our school to anyone considering schools in the area.

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Posted: January 19, 2025

FCA is a wonderful charter school that offers rigorous curriculum, character education, and a very supportive staff and administration! It is so nice that kids can attend preschool through 8th grade in such a supportive and enriching environment!

Posted: January 19, 2025

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Posted: January 16, 2025

We love FCA. Our daughter has really grown so much over the past school year! The staff is amazing and always goes above and beyond!

Posted: January 16, 2025

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Posted: October 16, 2024

this school has a bad education and they don't help you when you need help with anything.I have no trusted adults at that school

Posted: October 16, 2024

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Posted: October 9, 2023

We've been so excited to be a part of the FCA family!

Posted: October 9, 2023

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Posted: April 14, 2020

It's been a good school year so far except for the Covid-19 crisis.

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Posted: October 4, 2019

Our daughter is in kindergarten at Imagine and we love it so far. We are floored with how much she's already learned in just a few short months. Their communication is amazing! They reinforce what they're doing and what they believe through many different methods. I'm loving the way that they teach our daughter. I haven't had any bad experiences there yet.

Posted: October 4, 2019

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Posted: October 4, 2019

I have no direct experience with this at Imagine.

Posted: October 4, 2019

I haven't been involved in a situation where bullying was taking place yet.

Posted: August 28, 2019

They turn repeat bullying situations into a partnership with the administration in which the students take a proactive role in changing their behaviors.

Posted: August 28, 2019

There are pillars of excellence and core values, which are integrated into the curriculum.

Posted: August 28, 2019

The format has changed a little this year, which may make it even more effective.

Posted: August 28, 2019

Posted: August 28, 2019

There is a homework cap of one hour per night, which is helpful with kids’ after-school schedules.

Posted: August 28, 2019

The teachers seem to want to be there, which makes a huge difference.

Posted: August 28, 2019

Very good - a school where children and education are valued

Posted: February 11, 2019

We love Imagine! It has been a great fit for three very different children.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Homework is incremental...it gets more involved as students get older.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Teachers get to know your child as an individual. We have had three children at this school and each is handled differently. We love that the middle school teachers are willing to push our kid...in both academics and character.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Character is a big part of this school. My children are able to make mistakes and learn from them. They are pushed to be leaders and to develop perseverance when the going gets tough. We love the middle school Habitudes program as well as Core Virtues for the younger students.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Leaders work to involve parents and know their students.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Justice is a major tenet at this school. Teachers strive to get to know their students as individuals.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Bullying is a hot topic in schools. We love that this school deals with it from multiple perspectives. It's not about punishing...it's about learning. Bullies don't change from punishment. They change from learning empathy and new strategies. Victims aren't protected by punishing bullies. Victims are protected by learning empowerment strategies. This school looks at the problem from all angles.

Posted: November 14, 2018

The leadership seems to be more concerned with keeping students that dealing with issues. Myself as well as other families who had been here are leaving, or have left. Their leadership has set the expectation for students (through their inaction) that the students can be verbally abusive to staff and other adults in the school, and that the most that will happen is a brief "talk" before you are sent back to continue to abuse your teachers.

Posted: November 14, 2018

Posted: November 14, 2018

Many students in the school do not feel safe coming to the administration when they are being bullied. The administration does not make the students feel safe from the people who are bulling the kids.

Posted: November 14, 2018

No school is prefect but this school has declined so much over the last few years, we decided our children were safer in public school. They may not teach as "advanced" of a curriculum as Imagine, but my kid is not "sick" as often trying to avoid being picked on.

Posted: November 14, 2018

There are times where it seems like a lot, however on average it is only about 1 hour a day of homework.

Posted: November 14, 2018

A lot of the teachers are "checked out" ignoring discipline issues with many kids. Not properly addressing issues that their students come to them with. My kids and others I have spoken to say they don't go to teachers when there is a problem, because the teachers just don't care.

Posted: November 14, 2018

They have a character trait program, but outside of the awards ceremony it does not seem to be something that has any real focus beyond something they can say, look we teach character. This was once not the case, years ago teaching kids positive character traits used to seem important.

Posted: July 23, 2018

The first year it was good, the second year was terrible. We are moving school because we lost faith in the administration to help provide a safe and happy learning experience.

Posted: July 23, 2018

Posted: July 23, 2018

Most of my son's teachers were effective, but his teacher last year was not. Nor was the administration. We attempted to work with them several times to help challenge our son as he was growing bored in class. Nothing ever got better.

Posted: July 23, 2018

Only some teachers and kids embrace the strong character traits they try to teach. It was plainly obvious that kids who have been at the school a long time get preferential treatment. We saw plenty of occasions where the older kids were talking and behaving very, very inappropriately around the younger ones. Teachers within ear shot and said nothing. On two occasions we had 2 other kids from other grades come over and console my son who was in tears trying to explain to us why his day was so bad with the bullying. The older kids said they have been dealing with the same thing and the school doesn't fix it.

Posted: July 23, 2018

We went to the teachers and administration on multiple occasions to get help with our son being bullied with no results. The bullying went so far that my son was threatened to be shot by another student. Administration pretended to listen and care, and they even assured us they would handle the situation with the other kid and their parents. We found out later from the parent of the bully that the school never addressed the issue with them.

Posted: July 23, 2018

My son needed more challenging work to do. He was testing higher in some subjects and was being disruptive in class because he was bored. Imagine does not have a GT program of any sort. Either your child can stay an extra hour after school to do more work or they can be given extra work in class on top of their normal work once their normal work gets done.

Posted: July 23, 2018

Not even close. At the time of this post I have had several conversations now with parents complaining about this.

Posted: February 1, 2018

Positive: Overall we are happy with the curriculum at Imagine - they have a core knowledge curriculum rather than the new, lesser favored common core. The teachers are highly qualified and genuinely care about their students.
Negatives: The teacher to student ratio is a joke (27 students in 1st grade classrooms). There is no possible way students who are struggling or excelling can be recognized appropriately or with enough time to do anything about it. Lack of response from leadership is beyond frustrating.

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

The teachers are caring and do their best. Seems like a lack of support from administration causes some issues.

Posted: February 1, 2018

This school prides themselves on building character in their students, however their middle school students are rude, speak with foul language in front of little ones and tease younger elementary students.

Posted: February 1, 2018

Lack of response from principal is beyond frustrating.

Posted: February 1, 2018

Found out our student has been over performing on tests for half the school year, qualifying for a gifted and talented program by district standards. However, we weren't notified until conferences then told they have no such program at their school for students who are over-performing.

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: November 4, 2017

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Posted: November 4, 2017

Student misbehavior has no meaningful or immediate consequences. Most students are rude and disrespectful to teachers and staff as well as low parent support from home. Students cuss at teachers and each other and the administration tells them not to do it again and sends them back to class. Students fight and are back in class 10 minutes later with a note from administration to let them know if anything else happens. Administration is so busy with the business side of things, trying to stay complicit, that they rarely support teachers when students need removed from the class room or school....they need the money from students being enrolled.

Posted: October 22, 2017

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Posted: October 22, 2017

This has been a wonderful experience for especially my children and our family. They have developed a strong educational base for my children to succeed. Teachers and staff are great.

Posted: October 7, 2017

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Posted: October 7, 2017

Parent volunteer. Observed teacher and staff interaction with students and very impressed with how they treat students with respect and kindness.

Posted: July 11, 2017

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Posted: July 11, 2017

I LOVE this school! I had been a student at 6 different schools by the time I was in 7th grade. By far, 7th grade was my best year! Most all the teachers are amazing (especially Mrs. Grubbs and Mr. Hollingshead) and people actually care about you here! There is a dress-code which kills the whole 'popular kids' idea. The classes start out small (18:1) and then gets bigger as the year goes on (27:1) so everyone knows each other and everybody is friendly. On my first day a very nice group of kids invited me to hang out with them. I would totally recommend this school to any kid who wants to have a good education or any parent who cares about there child!

Posted: April 20, 2016

This school is very disappointing. Decided to move to this school with a not so great experience at another school and I thought this school would be better but it failed at my expectation for this school.First the bullying policy is a big joke and when/if you report an incident you usually get blamed for it and the person at fault is being considered a "victim".The dress code is inconsistent through students.Teachers favorite students and treat the kids they don't like bad. If you have a child that needs a bit extra work to get a concept then they usually get ignored until it is too late for help. Ultimately if you want a school that only cares about the length of your child's skirt and not if your child is not understanding the work than this is the school for you.

Posted: April 20, 2016

I feel that the teachers are somewhat effective because the children that understand the curriculum or the teacher likes get taught with care and kids that don't understand get pushed behind and neglected .

Posted: April 20, 2016

I feel this school gives too much homework because kids usually have some kind if writing ,reading,math,and other things like "character traits" to dissuss(also they push too much stuff off to the end of a year/quarter so kids come home overfilling with homework)

Posted: April 19, 2016

These teachers work hard to reach every kid in any way they can. There is an entire intervention team to help the teachers with ideas for kids that don't seem to be responding to teaching. Some are better than others, the 5th grade team are wizards, and are able to get more out of my son than any other teacher ever has. I think they are all great.

Posted: April 19, 2016

The homework has seemed like a lot sometimes, but as he's gotten older the amount of work he gets done in class has gone up. I'm not sure if he's focusing more, or if something else is happening, but he's had less homework in the higher grades than he had in the upper elementary.

Posted: April 19, 2016

Imagine Firestone uses the Imagine Shared Values (from their management company, Imagine Schools) of Integrity, Justice, and Fun. Integrity teaches just that - honor your word, be true to who you are all the time, not just for show, etc. Justice teaches the kids that fair is not always equal - someone might need more help than someone else, and that's ok. Fun is the decision-making they teach the kids - how to get advice from experts, consider that advice, and make a decision on something meaningful. The school also has a great character education program - they won an award from one of them recently (not sure which one, sorry!).

Posted: April 19, 2016

My son has been at Imagine since it opened in 2008, and has had a mostly excellent experience there. I say mostly because no school is perfect, and he has had some teachers he didn't connect with, some kids he didn't care for, etc. To me, this is preparation for real life, in which he's going to have to know how to deal with imperfect situations. The staff has been very supportive of him, and pushed him academically when they knew he needed to be pushed, but also let him slow down if that was what he needed. Do I agree with everything they do? No, but I'm sure I would do things that other people don't like if I was in the school's position - education over 600 kids from different backgrounds, expectations, etc. I think they do a pretty good job handling all of that and keeping most of the people happy most of the time. That's all I can ask.

Posted: February 23, 2016

we have been at Imagine from PreK to 1st grade. The teachers are hit or miss (and I honestly think we lucked out with some of the best for our 3 years), but there is no consistency in enforcement of the rules (i.e. one child has to take a hoodie off while 10 others are wearing them). I have seen my daughter go from above the curve to failing every test. The curriculum is scattered, confusing, classrooms are unruly, there is no discipline. My daughter was being bullied and cried everyday for a week during school and I didn't find out about until 2 months later when I talked to the teacher about why she was no longer wanting to go to school. There is an air of superiority that surrounds this school, but without any show of proof. This is not the school for you if your child needs a positive, focused, quiet learning environment or a little one on one help.

Posted: February 23, 2016

Posted: February 23, 2016

they say 20 minutes per night which is what her math was, then add start adding on reading homework, unfinished work, spelling words etc, we were up to 1.5 hours per night without reading on top of that. it would take me 20 minutes...but not a first grader!!!

Posted: February 23, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2014

Imagine Charter School at Firestone is an Amazing school! Everyone at this school cares about the students from the Teachers to the Administrators. The principals can call every student by name. There are no problem children at this school, they have ways to work with every student regardless of what problems they had at previous schools. There is a huge amount of parent involvement from volunteering to committees. I know my children's friends and I know exactly what is going on in the classroom. My children are challenged according to their appropriate levels. I urge any parent with a child repeating a grade to choose this school. My eldest is repeating 1st grade for various reasons and the overwhelming support shown to him has been amazing. The transition has been seamless. There have been zero instances of bullying from the kids who moved on, in fact, now he just has friends in two grades. There is no stigma here for kids needing to repeat. My children also receive personal one on one instruction, as well as small groups and classroom instruction. This is a school that prepares children for real life, developing morals and character as well as a superior education.

Posted: November 21, 2014

If you are looking for a school that actually helps and cares about your child, this is not the school for you. Yes, they have "higher test scores" than some of the other area schools. This is because they will not help the children that need extra help and force them to leave. My children were great students with high test scores, but I have seen so many that are frustrated and leave because their child needs a little extra help and the school will NOT provide. You are pushed off for months. Also, the bullying policy is a joke. It took 4 times of talking to a leadership member and still nothing happened (although they tell you it is being taken care of, they just cant tell you what is happening for confidentiality reasons) If you like military style teaching where kids are not allowed to talk during lunch, how many rivets are on your childs pants matter, or what color your childs socks are sign up now. I understand there is a dress code but I don't understand how the color of socks can be a distraction. The expectations are a little extreme and there is no consistency with ANYTHING (from dress code, to rules, to teachers--the turnover is unbelievable) Communication lacks.

Posted: September 20, 2014

There is zero leadership at the school, the turnover is atrocious, and the Dean of Students has told parents there are no school wide policies that will be enforced because of the lack of leadership. Her words regarding bullying were 'each teacher has their own policies for their own classroom because of the leadership, they will remain autonomous, so there will be no school wide anti-bullying policy.' Many families have left over the years because they do nothing for student to student relations or bullying. If your student is average, they will probably do fine but if they are behind or advanced, they will be lost in the incompetent mix of average leaders. Many of the teachers are wonderful, but the school has yet to find its place and probably won't until leadership changed - again.

Posted: November 14, 2013

We stumbled upon Imagine Firestone purely by chance. We toured the school and it had a welcoming environment from the moment you walk through the doors. Lots of smiles from various people and the front office staff is actually friendly (unlike most schools we have been in). My son had a heartbreaking start at another school within the district which prompted us to check out this school. After touring and visiting with staff, we transitioned him into this school. He is now thriving! He loves his classmates, his teacher is kind and the school still feels welcoming. We drive 30+ minutes everyday for my son to attend this school. There are struggles for the school such as not having any athletics for the middle school and the traffic around the school is terrible! I feel sorry for the new neighborhood that has to share the area with the school! It is manageable if you are willing to be patient dropping off and picking up your kid or if you park a few blocks away.

Posted: August 4, 2013

Imagine is a good school following core knowledge and fostering a culture of respect and dedication in their students. The teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic in their roles in guiding their students to succeed. Imagine needs a new principal for Imagine to excel. A principal who shows a dedication and interest in Imagine and its teachers/students/parents.

Posted: May 28, 2013

Middle School is poorly run, preschool is glorified daycare. The school lacks adequate facilities to support what "real" schools can. There has not been a consistent teacher retention since it has opened (possibly 1 has continuously taught). Administration urges teachers to lie to parents about enrollment. When you read how Imagine teachers are giving the best resources to teach, it is a lie. Here is an idea, keep good teachers by getting some administrators who respect the staff, got there by their credentials and not being a "yes" person, and maybe the teachers will stay. I cannot comprehend why a small school needs 3 administrators. Only 32 percent of Imagine at Firestone s revenue is spent on instruction. The school s 2010 audit showed $1.3 million of its $4.3 million revenue going to instruction. The audit shows that Imagine at Firestone is paying its educational management provider Imagine, Inc. about 23.6 percent of its revenue, or $1 million, for the lease on its building and other equipment, and another 14.6 percent, or $625,000, for services.They need to spend more money in the classrooms

Posted: March 21, 2013

Love this school, love the values, the teachers, the teaching style, they know how to bring out the best in our kids. Very happy.

Posted: March 8, 2013

I absolutely LOVE this school! My son is in third grade and this is his first year at Imagine. I love the curriculum and feel like my son is challenged and grouped for instruction appropriately based on his ability. The other think I love about Imagine is the sense of community/family. Teachers, Administrators, Students, Parents all seem to really come together and support the students at this school whether it be volunteering, fundraising, task forces for educational improvement, etc. My son loves his school and his teacher and is really thriving here! Great job Imagine!!! Keep up the good work!

Posted: March 8, 2013

Both of my boys have been going to Imagine since it started up and my oldest daughter transferred from Adams County schools this year. I have been so impressed by the school and the staff. My middle son has had excellent teachers every year, and that makes a huge difference in getting them excited to go to school. I tell everyone I know how much I love our school!

Posted: February 25, 2013

We have two elementary students at Imagine and are very happy with the school, administration and staff. We have not encountered a teacher that was not courteous and very proficient in their knowledge of and experience teaching. The staff is young and energetic and shows great care for each student. The administration is approachable if needed and listens to the concerns of parents when issues arise. This school has no bussing so the students that attend are all picked up and dropped off every day by parents or caretakers, which indicates to us that the parents are involved and make their child's education a priority. I am pleased with the curriculum and feel our kids are getting an excellent education at Imagine. The middle school is quite small and though preferred by some for the close-knit feel, our middle schooler wanted more choices for electives and extracurricular activities so chose to go elsewhere (which is why I gave 4 stars) The middle school teachers are outstanding, however, and have a genuine caring attitude toward their students. We highly recommend Imagine!

Posted: February 24, 2013

The teachers and staff take the time to get to know you personally. I am on a first name basis withe nearly every staff and faculty member. Others have mentioned the core knowledge but forget to mention the discipline that is integrated into the curriculum. I agree the first year was a rocky one, but the staff has made changes to better the school ever year. My only complaint is that the teachers' pay is low and this may cause some good teachers to look elsewhere. I think communication is excellent in my kids' grades; I can't speak for Pre-K and K.

Posted: February 5, 2013

We have been at Imagine for 5 years and we have had a wonderful experience. The teachers are wonderful, my kids are receiving a wonderful education. I am always amazed at what they are learning, the Core Knowldege curriculum is excellent. I know they will be prepared and ahead of where they should be when the time comes to go to High School. The principal is wonderful, along with the other administrators. They are very responsive to any questions or concerns that may arise. I would highly recommend Imagine to anyone! I hope everyone keeps in mind that there are no prefect schools, every school has their of unique set of challenges!

Posted: December 22, 2012

This year is our first experience with Imagine and I am not all that impressed. There is a definite lack of communication and I'm not sure my daughter is receiving the best education. She is in the preschool program and, although the teachers are nice, I'm not sure they are preparing her for kindergarten. She does enjoy going though and I am grateful for that.

Posted: September 25, 2012

I am very disappointed in the pre-K program at this school. The teacher seems to pick favorite students and is flat out not nice or warm/caring to other students. My son was top of his class last year in preschool and we never had a complaint, this year at Imagine the children are rewarded with stickers and he has only received 2 all year. The teacher has never confronted me on my child's behavior, and the 1 time I asked why he did not get a sticker I was told "his voice was too loud today"... he's 4 years old. Yesterday, I spoke with another mother of a little girl in his class and she told me the same experiences, we both felt that our children's spirits were being crushed at this school and we were going to start the process to move them to another program.

Posted: May 30, 2011

This is our school of choice for one simple reason - they sincerely care about the whole child. It's a great place for my kids and I look forward to keeping them all here through the eighth grade. My kids have definitely been challenged, but most importantly the teachers take time to get to know my kids and work with their individual learning styles. I'm always welcome as are grandparents and other families to come on site and see first hand what is happening in the classroom. I'm informed well of how my children are doing and communication is a top priority here. I can't IMAGINE taking my kids anywhere else for their schooling.

Posted: April 17, 2011

This is my child's 3rd year at Imagine and we are very happy with the education that she is receiving. We like Core Knowledge, as well as the ability grouping that we feel that it really helps the kids to make significant gains, whatever their ability. We have found the teachers to be helpful, caring and truly vested in thier students. We are always greeted warmly and love that the staff knows us personally. We would recommend Imagine to anyone who is looking to play an active role in their child's education.

Posted: January 24, 2011

We have been at this school for 2 years so far and I have been very happy with the school. I like the classical core knowledge, the character education, and that they do ability grouping for reading and math.

Posted: December 5, 2010

We are into our second year at Imagine. We have experience here in both elem. and middle school. Most all of our teacher experiences have been wonderful. Communication is awesome. We always know where our kids stand in their academic progress and we always feel encouraged to approach any of our teachers with a concern or issue. I find the front office staff to be informative, friendly and engaging. Both my children are athletic and I feel we have plenty of opportunity in our community to address those needs. We have not missed the "lack of electives". The quality education my 8th grader has received is more than worth it. My 8th grader will be very advanced upon transitioning into a main stream HS and ready for any honors/AP program. Those study habits and high expectations have already been established with the help of core knowledge and a great group of teachers. The students are held to a high standard of behavior and some of the nonsense you hear about at larger public schools is simply not tolerated. I have even felt it too strict at times, but the students adapt. Bottom line is, the bar is set high and the overwhelming majority of students will strive to meet it.