Renaissance Academy Charter School

Posted: October 15, 2025

Posted: October 15, 2025

Posted: October 15, 2025

Posted: October 15, 2025

Posted: October 15, 2025

Posted: October 15, 2025

Posted: October 15, 2025

I was A student at this school the teachers would yell at you and the school lied about being A special needs school for kids who had autism they punished me for accidentally bumping into a poll and the principal would keep me in her room for hours in the school day and would also yell at me and tell me how bad of a mistake I made and it wasn’t even that big of a deal i’m glad I left the school and went to a better school that helped kids with special needs

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2025

I attended renaissance and i felt like they were stero typing me thats why I was punished harshly because they thought I was a stero typical black girl always getting in trouble your getting on my me for having a snack when that teacher allows it but there's kids charging there freakin vape in the bathroom there constantly focused on the wrong students and struggle to do there job to be on the right students there on the small stuff like trying to figure out whats in my iep like i haven't been doing this for years you have bigger fish to fry because everyone eats in class but your focusing on me like what and than theres certain employees who feel that they can do what ever they freakin want like if i get a snack from someone else's locker god forbid a girl gets hungry and thats a family members locker and you come over there feeling all big and bad snatching snacks that came from my house that my parent purchased for me who? who told you you ever had the right whole time you had bigger fish to fry and i got multiple refferals for stupid stuff like having chips talking to friends or siblings in the hall on the way to class oh wait as they call talking to my sibling eloping minor stuff like that meanwhile theres kids charging there vapes with school chargers and getting high durning school meanwhile there worried about me? if that doesn't say don't go to this school because they don't celebrate black history moth at all they complain about how students act and say they don't want to deal with it so they just ignore it and treat it like a normal month.

Posted: March 2, 2025

Posted: March 2, 2025

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Posted: March 2, 2025

Teachers are underpaid and disenfranchised in this country, and it would be disingenuous if I didn't acknowledge that there's systemic issues that contribute to burnout. I've worked miserable jobs that tied my hands since graduating, and I understand why an underpaid, overworked teacher might grow to resent a disrespectful student while wrestling with a class of 30. We need to do better as a nation to ensure our educators have the support they need.

That doesn't excuse ignoring young people in crisis.

The staff here gives up very quickly on unmotivated students who fail to thrive but fail themselves to acknowledge the underlying causes that might be holding that student back. They ignore red flags. They ignore cries for help. Their counseling was a joke when I was enrolled here; conversations about familial grief and thoughts of suicide are steered into conversations about what the student is thinking about, career-wise, what colleges they're considering. It's a college prep school, after all. Well, it didn't prep me for college. It very efficiently gutted my love of learning, though.

Posted: April 27, 2024

Posted: April 27, 2024

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Posted: April 27, 2024

In reflecting on my education experience with an inadequate Individualized Education Program (IEP), I would rate it as 2 out of 5. The IEP's intention to cater to my specific learning needs fell short due to a lack of personalized teaching methods that aligned with my learning style. The support system outlined in the IEP was often inaccessible, leading to feelings of isolation and a lack of support. Additionally, the rigid curriculum and lack of flexibility hindered my engagement and motivation. While there were occasional successes when accommodations were implemented effectively, overall, the experience highlighted the need for more tailored support and flexible teaching strategies to ensure meaningful learning outcomes.

Posted: June 16, 2019

Some of my favorite teachers have taught at this school. I feel a true connection with many of them. They never fail to cheer me up. I have spoken about many serious issues with these teachers and they have always been sympathetic. They obviously care for their students.

Posted: June 16, 2019

Posted: June 16, 2019

Posted: June 16, 2019

I believe the school tries its best in this area, but there is a lack of resources.

Posted: June 16, 2019

Posted: June 16, 2019

I have attended RA for a while. Not nearly as long as others, but a significant time. I can say that without a doubt the school has changed me for the better. I was very different when I attended my town’s public school. I feel that the small community at RA has truly benefitted me. That being said, it may not be for everyone. Regardless, I feel the school has been trying its best to improve things across the board. Many staff members have opened their arms for me and given me a lot advice. I feel a part of the school community here, and it is truly wonderful. I view my peers as my second family.

Posted: June 16, 2019

Posted: June 5, 2017

Posted: June 5, 2017

Posted: June 5, 2017

Posted: June 5, 2017

Posted: June 5, 2017

This school is run to benefit the children of staff members. Favoritism is rampant and demoralizing to the rest of the student body. Academically, there is little rigor and many students struggle in college. The only good thing to say about this school is it is better than one low performing, poor local district.

Posted: June 5, 2017

Posted: June 5, 2017

Posted: May 16, 2017

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Posted: May 16, 2017

Our 4th grader has attended RA since kindergarten, and we're extremely pleased, A new Lower School Principal took over this year, and she is phenomenal. Great school.

Posted: May 12, 2016

Lower school principal is incompetent and her teachers take full advantage. She cares nothing for students.

Posted: December 12, 2015

Walking threw the school you see how the teachers interact with the kids. The teachers and kids work well togeather. My child just loves all of her teachers.

Posted: December 12, 2015

We love that the homework for the week is posted on the teachers Web page on Monday.

Posted: December 12, 2015

Posted: December 12, 2015

It was a little crazy our first few weeks but the stuff and other family's stepped up and helped our family. Best decision we ever made for our kids.

Posted: December 11, 2015

Not every child learns the same.... Our individual attention is undeniable! I am grateful that RA exists and that I have it as a choice for public education!

Posted: December 10, 2015

Posted: December 10, 2015

Posted: December 10, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

This school cares about each individual student. They want them to succeed and will do what's necessary to help them learn.

Posted: December 9, 2015

My daughter has had some fantastic teachers since she started at RA. Her grades and interest in school have improved by 10 fold.

Posted: December 9, 2015

We have never felt that our daughter has had too much homework. We have also noticed that the teachers do a great job with making themselves aware of the student's schedules and workloads for other classes -- especially at the honors and AP level- and adjust their assignments so that the students are not overwhelmed

Posted: December 9, 2015

The teachers and staff encourage the students to do their best and be their best. The small class sizes seem to foster a greater sense of community among the students and a sense of looking out for each other

Posted: December 9, 2015

Our daughter has grown considerably -- both academically and socially at RA. Her experience so far (she started in 9th grade and is now in 10th) has been excellent

Posted: February 2, 2015

I currently have 2 children at Renaissance. We have had a very positive experience there and we are certainly not a "favored family". My children are very different yet both have done extremely well socially and academically. All of the teachers we have had and interacted with offer help continuously when they feel it is needed or are asked by a student. Teachers will meet with the children during lunches, before and/or after school but obviously the student has to WANT the help! There will always be issues at any school. The couple of times I have had concerns I contacted the teacher, CEO and/or the administration, each time my problems were addressed and solved in a fair, timely manner. We are looking forward to the new building and years to come!

Posted: December 17, 2014

I removed my child from this school over racial bullying. For two years I requested that the anti-bullying curriculum incorporate racial bullying as a subset, but my request fell on deaf ears. The school has a highly diverse student body (nearly 40% are students of color) but the opposite is true for the administration and faculty. It is essential for children to see and be taught by role models of diverse backgrounds. When faculty and administrators are not specifically taught to recognize and support the diversity in their classrooms, when the do not share the background and experience of the student body, they will be unprepared when incidents do occur. And, incidents will occur, it is the nature of our imperfect society. My child was told by the Dean of Students that what she experienced "did not constitute a racial incident." His lack of formal training and knowledge of the Asian American experience meant that he could not support a vulnerable child in her time of need. Fortunately for my child, we had a plethora of friends, among them civil rights leaders in the Asian American community who supported her. I strongly do not recommend this school.

Posted: November 18, 2014

We entered my son into RA at the beginning of sixth grade as I was less than happy at how he was doing at our local school district. He has thrived there and gone on to produce some really fine work and great grades. He is very bright and was simply adrift at the local school where all the emphasis was on the kids who were struggling to perform. Here he is challenged in pretty much everything he does and he really has to try as vs. just coast. Is the school perfect? No, of course not, but even with the problems that they face they have certainly helped my son tremendously

Posted: November 1, 2014

This is my child's first year at Renaissance Academy Charter School... the school is great at keeping the parents informed. The students are given plenty of homework assignments, quizzes and exams. The school offers tons of extracurricular activities for the children and fun activities including the parents involvement. The teachers are very organized but can tend to focus more on the grading and percentages than on the individual student.

Posted: June 28, 2014

Renaissance Academy Administration and School Board need to be reviewed by an independent company. They do not follow the rules that they have provided in faculty and or student handbooks. Teachers are not reviewed fairly and are constantly being asked to perform excessive paperwork and are not provided adequate space. The school board is totally unaware of what takes place during the school day and does not attend school functions on a regular basis. Administration plays favorites and are untrained on how to evaluate staff and the capabilities of the subject areas they teach. This was a great school at one point....However I have seen the light and it is headed in a very wrong direction. As for the new building. It is a joke! It is not a bigger space, just a new more expensive space. How about we work on getting computers with all of the keys on them or connect to the internet/program without taking 20+ minutes to logon. Just embarrassing.

Posted: April 23, 2014

I am a student at R.A. and the learning environment is great, but the pointless rules and control-freak staff ruin the school for everyone. It would be a great school overall but the staff is extremely strict to pointless means like chewing gum and showing affection towards other students. The school as of 2014 is going on a suspension spree, suspending kids and ruining their high school records over small things like showing affection and disrupting class, while many worse things are noticed but are let by due to unknown reasons. It is very unprofessional and lacks the right feel of a school. It is described by many as a 'jail like building' with many uncommon rules and unnecessary abusive rules. The school would be worth attending, but students spend more time complaining about the rules, rather than learning. It would be a great school? But sadly it's not.

Posted: April 3, 2014

It's a wonderful, caring school. Every student is valued. Academics are important but also is the development of each child as a contributing member of society. And not only are the children valued but so are,the staff members which means it is a joy to attend each day.u

Posted: April 2, 2014

I am a proud Renaissance Academy Charter School parent of three lower school students. This school is amazing! RA has created a fantastic respectful learning environment where the teachers/staff are dedicated to the students and the students genuinely have a love of learning. Since it is a smaller school, individual education needs and goals are able to be met using a team approach. I am continuously impressed by the level of academic achievement the students are able to reach. I also love the commitment to a strong fine arts curriculum with excellent teachers. Parents/guardians are considered an integral part of the school and are always welcome in the classroom. RA frequently recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of student achievements in the school and in the community. In my experience, the students are happy to be at this school and the teachers/staff are supportive and caring. This is my seventh year at this fine school and I plan for my 3 children to graduate from Renaissance Academy.

Posted: April 1, 2014

I am very fortunate to be apart of such an amazing community and group of teachers, parents, staff members, and most of all students! Renaissance is a family. We are able to give individualized attention to our students in a way that helps us connect on a personal level. I would highly recommend this school.

Posted: April 1, 2014

I myself went to this school and now my brothers attend this school and just saying that I think says a lot about RA. It's a small school with a ton of potential. It's just a beautiful atmosphere and I wouldn't rate it anything less then 5 starts.

Posted: February 4, 2014

I can not possibly express how much this school has given me. There are no words capable of expressing my gratitude. I highly reccomend this school to everybody.

Posted: February 15, 2013

I have been going to this school since kindergarten and this school has not only given me the education I need, this is where all of my friends are and I absolutley love this school. Academic Standards are high for me and I am challenged each day I walk through the doors. The teachers are all so nice and respect the things you say. Since kindergarden I have learned so much and I am academically where I should be. Because this isnt a public school and it isnt a very large school the teachers can help you until they feel you have got the curriculum that you need. Behavior wise, the school is good about keeping kids out of trouble. At the school, mostly all students take learning very seriously. The core values are a big part of learning here and are taken very seriously by the teachers. Another part that kids love is that here at the end of each semester we get to go on end of quarter celebrations. This school has given me all the right materials and curriculum so I can acheive and academically and socially. I am so proud that I attended this school since kindergarden, without all the staff and faculty, I wouldn't be nearly the student I am today. This school is the best!

Posted: February 9, 2013

My daughter attended Renaissance Academy from 2nd grade until graduation in 2011. The small, community-based environment took her from a quiet, introverted child to a confident, self-assured young woman. The skills she learned at this school, both academically and socially, have served her well in college and beyond. She gained the lifelong gift of knowing she is in control of her own destiny, as well as that she is a member of the world community; where she can make a difference. Thank you, Renaissance Academy, for helping my child grow to her potential.

Posted: November 20, 2012

I cannot say enough GREAT things abut this school. They really DO get it. I have 2 children, racially "mixed" might I add. They are treated with respect and in turn, are respectful themselves. My kids do not need special learning, but I am wowed by the huge effort the school puts forth to include and educate those who do. The activities are outstanding. The kids get very excited about being able to participate in such a wide variety of extras. The school is also very big on recognizing student achievement, in school and outside. They meet once a week altogether to celebrate those achievements. I have noticed that most parent whom do not give a good review, or have bad things to say, typically have had a "bad behavior experience" with one of their children. I have also and felt the situation was handled fairly. If you are one of those parents who have the attitude that "my child does no wrong", certainly you will not be in favor of consequences that follow such behavior. If however, you are looking for a school with an advanced curriculum, teachers who care and prepare smart, responsible young people, and you have faced the reality that no child is perfect, this is your school!

Posted: October 30, 2012

I have had both my children in the school since kindergarten. Academically the majority of the teachers really care. However administration is inconsistent when administering consequences. The school is not consistent in areas of gender nor race. Once a child is stereotyped in the school regardless of a New day fresh start which the school preaches beginning in kindergarten that does not take place. the high school Dean of Students is one that needs to be removed from his position immediately due to his inability to get all the facts in every situation and issue consequences based on facts and not other factors. I was a pleased parents till I had interactions with this administer and I would warn parents of high school students to listen to your child.

Posted: June 18, 2012

This review may be subject to change but as a family first attempting to enroll a child into Renaissance, the school is becoming extremely frustrating. At the open house about 8 months ago we were verbally assured that our child would most likely be accepted. We submit our application fully and on time...and have now been waiting for six months for word. It's the end of the school year and as far as I can tell they've not even done their lottery yet! Our children currently attend a charter school so we've been through this process before, but with their current charter school, by the end of the school year I was called (my only information so far is what I've gained from calling Ren, they've never called me) and was told what position in line my kids were in. And then I received update phone calls if/when my children were moved forward in line. At this point, Ren's next school year is just over two months away and every time I call for a lottery result I'm told they're "extremely busy." Get your lottery done Ren, this is crazy.

Posted: May 20, 2012

I am a former teacher at Renaissance Academy. Never in my life have I worked with a harder working faculty and staff. These teachers care and work harder than anyone I have ever worked with. And that is sort of the problem. My experience was in the Upper School, so my commentary will be based on that. There is a culture of student apathy that is directly related to the countless official "intervention" programs and teachers that care so much that they will unofficially sacrifice ANYTHING to move a student along in a course that they don't belong in in the first place or are too lazy to do it on their own, knowing FULL WELL that they will be 'saved' by the intervention systems. It's not "why is this student failing," it's "why are you a bad teacher?" and "why aren't you helping them enough?" At some point, high school students need to be responsible for their own actions. Renaissance Academy does a very poor job of treating teenagers like future adults, and instead coddles them like they are still in the 6th grade. Student achievement at the high school level would be so much better if the onus of the responsibility for learning fell on the students.

Posted: February 28, 2012

As a parent I would like to say that this school has the potential to be great. The class sizes are great and the assignments given seem to be on target for the students age and ability. most teachers that I have come in contact with are very caring and will take the time to address all concerns. problems that I see: The admin. does not take complaints serious and bullying seems to be a huge problem. Admin also has favorites which are the students who really excel so if your child has an IEP and needs special help they will honor that however, you are not a preferred student.

Posted: November 19, 2011

Parents with special needs children are welcome at RA. If children aren't being served appropriately, it is up to the parent to say something--just like any other school. Former Secretary of Education William Bennett once compared laissez-faire parenting to thinking they're sending their child through the educational equivalent of an automatic car wash--uneducated at one end, educated and ready to take on the world at the other--with no input or action on the parent's part. Well, guess what? It doesn't work that way. Yes, we had to push hard to get our child the services he needed. Yes, it was frustrating to do so. Yes, we waited too long. Yes, the results continue to be worth it. No school is a perfect fit for every child. My advice to you is to stop riding the system and do your part to make it better, or quit complaining when things don't go your way. I'm a parent of three Knights, a former public school educator, and I couldn't be happier with our current situation.

Posted: November 18, 2011

To the Parent who typed that their daughter graduated in the first class. I find it really rude that you would point out a few typo's and it's your kind of prejudice that is the real issue with what is wrong in the world. Do you think your children benefit from it. I am a very highly educated parent and guess what? I always have typo's don't care either. If you are not intelligent enough to look past a word spelled wrong then thats on you. I also have a student who has a learning disability and I am very much involved in her school activities but if RA decides to take children with special need they need to step up and provide the services that the are required to provide. YES I am a Democrat, so what? That really has nothing to do with it. Whats your point? The discipline as far as bullying goes, flat out stinks

Posted: October 19, 2011

My daughter has been attending this school for her 4th year, and my son recently started Kindergarten. I can't tell you how much we love the school compared to the public school my daughter started in. They hold the children to high standards, and the kids step up to it. The Code of Conduct is great, reminding the kids each day what they are being held to. If they do not follow it, they know what they did wrong. I wish every school had a code of conduct in place! I also appreciate the broad, liberal arts program they have, helping our kids to become well-rounded and motivated learners.

Posted: August 18, 2011

My children have attended RA for 10 years. My oldest graduated 2 years ago. RA was absolutely a perfect school for him, he had complaints about it while he was there, but had nothing but glowing compliments for the school when I overheard him talking to his cousins about how much better his relationship with his teachers was compared to how their teachers felt about them. My younger child is currently in High School and loving it. My major complaint about the high school is the focus that the (recently departed) upper school academy director and guidance counselor placed on having students take AP and on-line college courses. The pressure placed on my son to take an on-line course that he did not meet the pre-requisites for had the potential to negatively impact his college acceptances. On the other hand, the fine arts department is fantastic. I have most experience with the drama teacher - she is an amazing woman.

Posted: August 12, 2011

I have been going this school a wile. I went to a failing public school and I had bad grades. When I came here I became advanced in all subjects. -Thank you Renaissance!

Posted: June 19, 2011

Level of teacher involvement and working with each student at their own level are key components of making this school one of the best in the area.

Posted: June 15, 2011

I agree with the spelling comment. It's not indicative of anything. Least restrictive environment does not mean all the kids need to be in 100% hetereogenous rooms. That is not the least restrictive for the special needs kids if there's no aid in the room to support them. What's better?Phoenixville has different pockets of subgroups in each hetereogenous room so the special needs teachers are in the room with them. This way it's still mixed, but concentrated so there's enough support. I don't know if they have enough aids. What do the aids do anyway? My son said she does bulletin boards. Really though?

Posted: May 4, 2011

I have two children attending here for several years. I have been really impressed with the teachers and their commitment to the kids.

Posted: April 26, 2011

To the parent who's oldest daughter graduated from Renn. congrats to you. I am happy for you that you do not have a child with a learning problem. My review was not to send your child there if they have special needs. You are right the government has taken away money from them and that is why they can not educate these types of students. I apologize for my two typos I was typing on my phone, no need to be rude. Im stating what i am allowed to state, my childs education was a 1-2 star.

Posted: April 24, 2011

My oldest daughter graduated from Renaissance with the first class to do so and my two youngest presently attend. The review from the parent who could not spell the words you, self-esteem or accommodations should give you an idea of why their child obviously did not do well. Just like society today, the parents who take part in their child's educatin will do fine, those who do not, will reflect in their grades. They have the right idea with a discipline program that does not allow children to get away with what they do at home. And it is obvious that a lot of the negative comments you read are from Democrats that are encouraged by our representatives in Harrisburg. Education budgets for Public Schools should be cut as they are open for the sole purpose of passing kids through just to receive funding. And this is fact as a friend who works in the Public school system is told to teach the children how to take their PSSA tests to continue to receive funding. The problem is people having children for kicks and government benefits and nothing more. Sad state today.

Posted: March 28, 2011

Both of my children graduated from RA and we had a wonderful experience with the school. They took college courses while going to RA and were able to enroll in college with some college credits prior to even attended their college of choice. I would recommend this school. For the discipline issues that some students had they already brought their issues coming into the school, therefore I do not believe that the school should be held accountable for this scenario. School is for academic achievement not for parenting.

Posted: January 13, 2011

I am a graduating student of this school and i tell any one who plans on sending their children to this school not to, unless they want to make their kids hate them. The school did not prepare me for anything. I learned basic skills but learned how to survive in the real world on my own. The teachers are great if they like you if not then your in trouble. The vice principle only cares about u if ur a straight a student and if u are a trouble maker your done. The school building is boring everything looks the same and is freezing during the winter and students can not where their jackets because its against the dress code. The music program and art are underfunded. the teachers of this program are fabulous and try to make up for the lack of funds. The rules are rediculous and are inconsistent. If u send ur child here make sure u actually want a bad relationship with them because they will hate u for sending them there

Posted: December 23, 2010

RA has recently distanced itself from EdisonLearning, and is now partnering with CfBT, a British education trust, that will help guide RA to greater plateaus in American education. As a teacher there, I can honestly attest to both areas of growth (student accountability and stricter disciplinary guidelines) and fertile areas of improvement (such as diversification of the high school's academic offerings). Speaking from a future standpoint, I am completely convinced that in the next few years, Renaissance Academy will be regarded as one of the finest institutions K-12 in the greater Philadelphia area. As Pennsylvania begins to shift its high school rigor downward to accommodate the new PA graduation requirements, Renaissance Academy will be pushing the bar of excellence higher for itself and for its students. It is why I have decided to continue to teach at RA instead of move to the public school districts. I and my fellow staff members are committed to demanding more from our students and creating a youth culture that is college-ready and committed to personal achievement.