Research Lake Eola Charter School charter Schools in Altamonte Springs, Florida

“LECS is the best school ever! I've been going here since third grade and have only 1 more year after this. I've been to public school and I can say LECS is much better. Our teachers take extra time to explain critera to us so we all understand. Our f-cat scores are some of the best. Just because our building isn't the best people judge us I mean public schools have better buildings and we over exceed them. Our director is the best. She knows all of us personally, so do all of our teachers. At my school we learn academics, charcter, and lifelong skills. I'd never ever want to go anywhere else. All of the kids are friendly and welcome you in as part of the family. I think everyone deserves a school like LECS.”

“I agree there is too much homework. Especially in the summer. Requiring reading is fine and one oral project is o'kay too, but the present summer requirements are way too much for families that actually plan on not being home during summer vacation (imagine). Summer is time for travel and travel is educational!! It also should be an opportunity for a child to have lots of unscheduled time to daydream, imagine, and create. Really hard to do if they are stressed about all the projects due and how to fit them in to the limited time they are at home.”

“Our children have been at lecs for more than three years. As my children have moved into the middle school years, we find the teachers increasingly lack compassion and respect when communicating with students (and wonder why the students are becoming increasingly disrespectful in response). The curriculum is wonderful, but the homework is just too much. The workload required for summer gets increased every year, this year requiring more than three books to be read and presentations due, as well as a thick math packet. The students feel like there is never an end to homework, never any true break....There is always, always, always a project due.”

“I agree this is a school of choice. Ive been absolutely thrilled with mine... 3 children here for 5 years and the education for ALL the children is more than comparable to a public school AP, or Ip or gifted program (actually better than public school gifted- My experience) and children dont have to be staffed or tested in everybody gets a good education Imagine that!!!”

“I regretfully allowed my children to attend LECS because it was the cheapest alternative to an undesirable school assignment for our family. Would I do it again? No, I realize now my children deserved so much more than they received, socially and academically.”

“I am a former student at LECS and I know what a dictatorship is like. Students and parents didn t have any say, only what Ms. Denoia allowed (read other comments). It was all academics and no social time at all. I was told they didn t have any sports because they were afraid of being sued and could not afford the insurance. Since the school is in downtown Orlando, LECS has big iron gates for a reason. I had a few friends, but they lived far from us and I couldn t relate to the kids in my neighborhood. My parents finally realized what was going on and I escaped. Parents, for your kid s sake, don t be fooled by the FCAT; it hides a lot of flaws. When I left, it was like a life changing experience. Conway Middle School ROCKS!”

“Two of my children have graduated from Lake Eola, one is still there and will be until she graduates. This is a school of choice. If a parent is unhappy they should go elsewhere. Is this school perfect? No, but I wouldn't have my kids anywhere else. My two who are now in high school could not have been better prepared especially in Langauge Arts and Science. I thank Ms. DeNoia for her leadership and vision for this school!”

“Actually, I think some of these people have some sour grapes to deal with. In my opinion, the principal is probably responsible for the school's success. The teachers are terrific, and if they're not, she's not afraid to send them on to a 'better fit.' She runs a tight ship but both teachers and s tudents seem happy there. The curriculum is good--hasn't yet caved to the FCAT mind-numbing paperwork. And the teachers let the kids be kids and seem to actually like it. There's good energy at LECS. And my kids have been in both public and private schools. This is my favorite to date. Cheers. Yay for DeNoia and Stucker and Urtz and Freedman and Demyan and the other excellent LECS teachers!”

“LECS is the best! The teachers and staff are wonderful. To the person that complained about communication, the teachers are very accessible through email, answering any questions or referring you to the right person that can answer your question.”

“Sounds like some LECS parents have their heads buried in the sand unfortunately. The common denominator you will hear from most parents at Lake Eola is that there is a major communication problem, particularly with the director (just look at the past annual surveys). There is no doubt some of the teachers at Lake Eola are second to none but unfortunately the negatives outweigh those positives. It's a shame because it is a great concept but your children deserve better than just a great concept.”

“i am currently going to LECS and i love it. The teachers are great and so is the atmosphere. our bulding is not the best but that is our only flaw, if you have the chance...come here!”

“As a parent of three children who attended Lake Eola Charter School, don't be lured by the academics and the high test scores. Take time to really read the comments. According to the June 29th review, the Director, there is no Principal, 'who keeps the teachers,students and parents in line'. Also, find out about the how to be a board member. When I left, the only way to be on the board is to be nominated and voted by the same board. If you have a problem with the Director, your only recourse was to address the Board, where the Director is a member. If I had to do it all over again, I would never send my kids to this mess.”

“Do not send your children here if you care about their education predominantly because of the director. She is very negative and condescending and has a complete inability to distinguish between fact and fiction. The academics are not what is represented. It is average, at best, and does not stand up to the rigorous academics of a lot of other schools in Orange County. There is no communication between the office/teachers and the parents. You do not get any papers or tests back so you have no idea how your child is doing. Your child, likewise, does not get feedback; they are not told what they did wrong so they can improve the next time. Parents send their children there because it is a cheaper alternative than their unacceptable school assignment.”

“this school owes its success to the dynamic leadership of its principal who keeps the teachers,students and parents in line.her discipline and hard work and her ability to involve parents in its success is just amazing.”

“My children have attended other schools before LECS, both public and private. Overall, LECS is the best. The academic bar is set high, but achievement is possible for all students. The only negative I can think of is that new teachers get carried away with homework and project assignments causing homework stress overload. Also, many a family visit & vacation travel has been ruined by too much required summer homework! Overall, it is a wonderful community and I wouldn't want my children anywhere else. They are receiving an excellent education and life experience here...something they will never forget.”

“We have been here only a short time, and already notice remarkable changes in our kids. I am very happy with the academic program, parents are very involved, really just a big family.”

“I found the level of academic instruction to be the bind that held more than anything else LECS. The class rooms were messy, cluttered, poorly lit and varied in tempture. Staff memebers really loved the children but clearly struggled with lack of funds to make the atmosepher engaging. As far as 'music, sports, art & other extracurricular activities'... I hope one day they have that to offer because what little they did was incondusive to working parents and expensive. There is simply no space to have such ammenities just like any after school programs/transperation, parking, committee meetings and class room space. In a diferent setting and better management, this school would be the best in Orlando.”

“Pros - Parent involvement is required, and has a great effect on the school. Academics are very valued. Cons - The facility is horrible. Needs to be moved to a new building.”

“My child went to Kindergarten for the 05-06 school year.There were some major issues that need to be addressed.There was a total lack of instruction in regards to homework. Inconstant daily behavior notes. Student favoritism. Just to name a few. Not being able to be at the school everyday, it was very hard to get information of what was going on with the classroom, events and programs. This was the first year for the teacher. Hopefully next year will have better communication between the teacher and parents.The school as a whole, seems to be very dedicated. With lots of parent involvment. Love that they go to the main public library every week. Wish they could have more recess/recreation time. Oh and a lunch room!! I would recommend this school with hopes of more work on communication. Academically the school rates very well.In the top 10 in the county.”

“My son went to Kindergarten in 2005-2006 school year. The teacher is new to the school. From talking to her, she loved teaching there. Having volunteered in her class numerous time, I think she has tremendous energy and love for the children. My son always surprise me with what he learned at school. For example, he was telling me about spider anatomy (cephalothorax and spinneret). The building is not pretty. I hope they can find a new building for this excellent school.”

“This school is amazing. If you want to send your child to an educational facility that truly provides experiential learning activities for the student then this is place for your son or daughter. Parent support is huge and they play a big role in the schoool. Including being on the hiring committee for new teachers. Administrators and facility alike are committed to excellence and believe that since childern are individual there should be different ways of teaching them as well. There is no one size fits all at this school. Therefore their A is well earned and well deserved. A gem of a school.”

“Our daughter has attended LECS since 2nd grade and is now an eighth grader moving on to high school. She has had a very positive experience and a strong basic education to build from. LECS strong points are there teachers and there strong adhereance to guideline set out up front. Homework, uniforms and behavior are stressed but so are fun, hands on education and a development of a community spirit. This sense of community is built through the fact that parents are required to volunteer a minimum of 25 hours yearly so there are always parents around doing something and we are always doing something to better our community, be it a coats for kids drive or visiting the elderly in a nursing home. Week points. No cafateria, the school building leaves a lot to be desired and the princple can be a bit gruff but overall it's terrific.”

“This school is a great school, small community, so the kids get a ton of one on one attention. The standards at this school are higher than a regular public school in Orange County so if you have a child coming in to, say, grades 3 or higher, it might take them a little while to adjust as the kids here are taught to take the initiative and be organized,etc, on their own, whereas in my past experiences in public schools in Orange County, the teachers make sure the kids are on top of things - at Lake Eola Charter the kids really need to learn to be independant and take the initiative on their own.”

“My son has had the most amazing educational and social experience at Lake Eola Charter School. He's been there for eight years, since the school first received its charter. He previously attended a private school and I rate his education at LECS in step with what you receive at a private school. I feel priviledged to be a part of this school. I only wish there was a LECS high school! Director and staff are all A+.”

“The teacher's show concern and have great communication with parents. The office is not as great in giving information/updates/etc.”

“I went to this school 2 years ago and its small but good.”

“Great School. Super teachers. Not enough funding to provide a full scale school. No transportation of after school care. Building not the best but the faculty make up for what is lacking in the building.”

“Great school! My son has been there for 5yrs since Kindergarten. Classes are challenging. There are lots of projects. Expectations are high so it may not be appropriate for below grade level students. Great students! No major behavior problems because teachers/principal follows through with consequences. Great parents/parent participation. Parents are required to volunteer 25/30 hrs a year. Many parents do much more!”

“Absolutely a phenomenal school. Terrific Teachers, great parental participation, awesome extracurricular activities. If I didnt know better I would think my kids were in a private school!”

“Excellent school for energetic boys! We have found innovation and autonomy drive the teachers. Principal and teachers show concern for the individual child and for the student body as a whole. This school is willing and able to foster your child. The teachers are dedicated and able to do what it takes to make your child feel successful.”

“We chose this school for the small class size and emphasis on academics. In addition to Spanish and exposure to art & science, the children get plenty of fresh air and exercise daily. We are extremely pleased with my son's teacher and feel there is a high level of parent involvement at this school.”

“Too much turn over in middle school math teachers.”

“My child went to the best reputed private school in Orlando before we moved him to LECS. LECS has been a far better experience. Instead of moaning about hating school like he used to, he can't wait to get to LECS every morning. The school is small, which means he's not lost in a sea of children and has had the opportunity to be recognized for his talents. The amount of flexibility and hands-on creative work at the school is impressive. The teachers are second to none. The children (and parents) nurture each other, instead of competing and excluding one another like they did at his former school. My son is a young teenager and moved to LECS at a crucial fork in the road of his life. It is because of LECS that he chose the right fork.”

“My child has just completed his first year at Lake Eola. He had previously attended private his entire school career. I am thrilled with the education he has received this year and would put this school up against any school, public or private, in terms of quaility of education. Every teacher has been excellent, highly effective and tuned in to areas in need of improvement. The director has been accessible and diligent in addressing all of our concerns. This school operates on a shoestring budget. With that in mind, the priorities are clear. While there is not an emphasis on extra ciricular activities, I am comfortable in the knowledge that my child's academic ability is constantly being challenged and improved. And though no one likes to talk about standardized testing, standardized testing is a fact that makes a difference and opens doors for children later (SAT/ACT for college).”

“I cant tell you how above average and above standards in this state this school is. I have two different children attending with two different styles of learning and abilities and both are absolutely thriving. The teachers are top rate and comitted to the education of every student in this school.”

“LECS teaches each child at the level they are at no matter what grade the child is in. No child has to wait while others catch up, but if extra help is needed by a child in a subject it is always available. I also am happy that not much emphasis is placed on the FCAT Tests. The school worries more about providing an excellent education, then the test scores take care of themselves.”

“Extremely happy with Lake Eola Charter School. But the important thing is that my son, Matthew, is happy. The only thing my son does not like is the fact that they do not have a lunch room or cafeteria. Planning lunch everyday is difficult at times but manageable most of the time. This is one bad thing but Lake Eola has so many other good things.”