James Irwin Elementary School - Howard

Posted: March 18, 2024

James Irwin staff have supported our student both academically and emotionally. They teach character from the top down.
We have a new student in 5th grade that has been able to make friends and connect with teachers.
There is a high level of structure that allows for more learning and more fun.

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: September 8, 2019

Posted: September 8, 2019

My children did not have a disability therefore, I am not able to comment. However, I do know that children were given special treatment when they constantly acted out in class. I personally do not think they have a disability only selfish parents that used the label to allow their children to act inappropriately.

Posted: September 8, 2019

Whenever I brought up any concerns about other students they were addressed immediately. I never felt like my students were not safe.

Posted: September 8, 2019

I believe many of the teachers are trying, but the problem is that classroom management is difficult and without a teaching degree it can be overwhelming. My students 1 grade teacher was very proficient. However my other child's 3 grade teacher had the zeal but was not able to control the classroom. She would try to get the bad students to be better, but instead her whole focus was on them, which made for a lousy school experience for my son who was behaving correctly.

Posted: September 8, 2019

Disappointing! The concept sounds good, but parents allowing their students to act inappropriately caused a strain for the students that followed the rules. Teachers try but really do not know how to teach students when they are acting inappropriately. The principle is highly involved which is wonderful, but it does not matter if the classrooms are not run correctly. I told the principle, but what could she really do? The first grade classroom is exactly what you expect from an excellent school, however, it is still disappointing. I understand the schools limitations, but that still does not mean I would like my children dealing with such ineffectiveness. For example the good kids lose recess because bad kids. Good students practice what they already know, while bad students still do not care and hold the whole classroom hostage. Very disappointing!

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Once they discovered the extent of my sons ADHD symptoms I have always worried about the potential for the school to find reasons to kick him out.

Posted: February 10, 2017

The school allows its PTO to censor the types of books allowed to be visible at the book fair. The principal also censors books.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

My sons teacher is amazing. She is patient with him and works to make sure he is participating and learning despite his ADHD.

Posted: February 10, 2017

The homework load is what I experienced in high school. For a 4th grader it is absolutely ridiculous.

Posted: February 10, 2017

I am extremely disappointed with this school. My son has been learning so much while attending this school but we just found out that the principal and the PTO censor the types of books allowed to be displayed at the book fair and censorship in any form is not something I can support. Especially when the books being censored are books about magic like Harry Potter, and random stuff like WWE. Reading Harry Potter has been shown in studies to increase a childs' ability to be empathetic. The reasons I was given for this censorship are flimsy and ridiculous. Scholastic provides childrens' books for book fairs. They're not showing up with cases full of 50 Shades of Gray. I am absolutely disgusted by the actions of JICA's principal and its PTO.

Posted: May 21, 2016

Posted: May 21, 2016

Great teachers and staff. The school focuses on character development and respect, which we love! Both of my children have excelled at JICA!

Posted: May 13, 2016

Posted: May 13, 2016

Posted: January 26, 2015

James Irwin Charter Academy is a fantastic school. They have high expectations from their students. The coursework is challenging, but taught well. I'm consistently impressed with my daughter's progress.

Posted: May 7, 2014

I'm a former homeschooling mother who is in love with this school! I searched long and hard to find the right school for my children, and James Irwin Charter Academy has exceeded all of my expectations. JICA truly puts character first, partnering with parents to raise mature, responsible individuals. The curriculum is quite rigorous, but the staff ensures every child rises to the occasion. Kindergartners recite the preamble to the constitution and the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, while also being able to name all 50 state capitals. These high standards continue as children rise through the grades. My nine year old wakes up every morning excited to go to school. I recommend JICA to every parent I know.

Posted: May 6, 2014

I feel strongly about the quality of education and compasssion that is exhibited at James Irwin. I have never felt that the staff and administration have ever been anything but 100% invested in making sure my child is given the best education possible. As said previously, they have an open door policy and are there to answer any questions or concerns that arise. My child hasn't always been the perfect student, but rather than make him (or me for that matter) feel bad about that, they have come up with positive strategies to ensure that he still gets the education he deserves. Also, the total lack of tolerance for any kind of bullying makes me feel a sense of peace knowing that my son is going somewhere that it isn't tolerated and will be safe...especially in this day and age when it has become such a huge problem. In summary, I would 110% endorse this school and recommend it to anyone that cares about the education they wish there child to receive.

Posted: May 5, 2014

There are to many good things to say about this school! The school believes in their students, allowing kids to be kids; at the same time keeping high standards as they teach the kids both by encouragement and example respectable character traits. My special needs child excels under the influence of on-purpose involved teachers. There is open communication between teachers and parents, and the administration are warm and welcoming and very approachable. Very professional staff. They treat the student as an individual and encourage good healthy relationships between the students. They have a zero tolerance policy for bullying and they use everything as an opportunity to teach instead of demean. The school has an open door open chair policy and always welcome parents and friends to attend a class. Nothing the teachers do with the students is hidden or closed to parents. You could not ask for better partnership in advocating for the individual students. The staff work for what's best for the students, and truly care about the well being of each child. This school does not see the student as a test score or a label, but as a remarkable individual with unlimited potential.

Posted: May 4, 2014

James Irwin Charter Academy staff work hard to be excellent partners and to demonstrate respect to all of its students and families. Sadly, a situation presented itself, and there was a disagreement between the school and family, as to how it should be handled: this complaint is a result of that. Unfortunately, this report is filled with a number of inaccuracies; we deeply regret the unfortunate misunderstanding with the family. CWill, JICA Principal

Posted: April 20, 2014

I too have had negative experiences from this school, they called the "Authorites" because my son wasn't picked up when I said he would be, also within the last month instead of talking to us about the situation they called DHS on us saying our form of discipline was to extreme. Spanking doesnt work on my ADHD child so he does pushups, wall sits and stands on the wall. The principal was arguing with me over the phone and the staff has become VERY rude and unprofessional. My children have even come home saying the school doesnt like me and my boyfriend so obviously they talk about other peoples issues to EVERYONE. I too have had issues with tattoos and the staff, they now act like they are better then me and look down their nose at me especially the principal. Really seems like they are not worried about the children and want to be the "BEST" school around. Character traits are supposed to be being taught, and they are going back on what they've done/said saying they never did or said any of it. My children will NOT be going back next year.