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June 2024 by Joe Green
A New VCS Parent's Review: Pros & Cons
Kindergarten Experience
We were filled with optimism when we enrolled our children at VCS in 2023. Despite the online rating of 3.9, friends assured us this did not reflect the actual quality of the school. Initially, our kindergartener's experience was positive, and we got off to a great start. I even volunteered a few times with my son's class to be involved and observe how he followed instructions. Everything was going well.
However, our excitement was tested by outdated disciplinary practices, such as frequent timeouts and "Stop signs." My son, a usually joyful and open-hearted child, started dreading school. He would receive frequent "Stop signs," be sent home with "sad notes," and his teacher had him convinced he was a bad kid. He even expressed that he sometimes thought he wasn't good like the other kids. My concerns were initially brushed off as a transition issue by his teacher, Mrs. Grounds.
This decline was disheartening because my son has always been a great child. He follows the rules at home, is respectful to adults, and loves to help. He's a social child who enjoys being around people, and I understand that his free-spirited personality might not be favored in a traditional learning environment. However, he's also a smart kid who can quickly adapt when corrected by an adult. I'm not against good discipline, but when it starts to affect my child's mental wellness to the point where he doubts himself and cries daily, it makes me question the institution and the leadership in his classroom. No child should ever feel they aren't good enough—it shows poor execution of leadership in my eyes.
After the Christmas break, things did not improve. I raised the issue with the principal, and we agreed on a more creative approach to discipline. For a while, my son loved school again. However, Mrs. Grounds retaliatory actions soon surfaced, enforcing non-existent "policies" to assert control. She didn't expect me to verify with the school's front office, but I did. The front office and principal got involved, confirmed my belief of the improper "policy" being quoted to me, and the teacher's decision was overturned.
Of course, the very next day, my son had a terrible day at school and came home crying. I mean come on, THE VERY NEXT DAY. He claimed his teacher was "too hard on him" and wanted him to have a bad day. I truly believe the teacher took out her frustrations with me on my son through excessive timeouts and harsh treatment. This was the final straw for me.
Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue with the administration, it became clear that the teacher's attitude was the root problem. Her actions were unprofessional and harmful to my son's school experience.
Overall School Experience
Aside from our kindergarten ordeal, VCS has many strengths. The staff are generally helpful and professional, creating a positive environment. My high school daughter thrived, seamlessly fitting in and benefiting from the balanced religious context without feeling pressured.
The high school program is exceptional, deserving a 5-star rating. I love the dual college credits my daughter can earn. She went from struggling at Vanden, where she was influenced by negative crowds and developed a poor attitude, to a complete turnaround at VCS. She is now in honors classes and loves school. The overall staff also merit 5 stars for their genuine support and professionalism. However, the kindergarten experience significantly lowers the rating to a 1-star for that specific grade, with elementary leadership earning 4 stars.
Final Thoughts
If it weren’t for our kindergarten experience, VCS would easily earn a higher rating from me. This review aims t
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May 2024 by Pookie
I am deeply disappointed by the complete lack of care and responsibility demonstrated by Vacaville Christian.
My child went to Vacaville Christian for two years. The first year no problems. The second year in Pre k she started having issues in the classroom. One day she was running from staff, I picked her up and got a call from Ms.Ramirez later in the evening saying that Ms. Yamato said to drop my child off after 930am the next day because they was taking a school picture and didn’t know how my child’s morning was going to go and they don’t have enough staff to watch her. I was shocked because you don’t know how any child’s morning is going to go but you single my child out and not welcome her in the school picture. Then I got an email later stating the Head of school says my child shouldn’t return until the following week.
The following week we had a meeting with a consultant who Ms. Yamato said would give me insight and tips about my child’s behavior at school. At the time of meeting is when I found out that Arielle Parrish was a Family Therapist who observed my child for 2 days for only 3hrs and she said my child has ADHD and she needs to be put on medication right away. I thought that was strange to want to force a 4year old on medication. When I took her to a Psychologist who specializes in ADHD he said it’s weird that a Family Therapist Is diagnosing my child with ADHD and recommended medication because Family Therapist specializes in certain areas and Arielle Parrish, doesn’t specialize in ADHD her method of training for kids is Implementing the Pyramid Model which she didn’t not state or recommend any helpful tips but to get my child on medication right away.
After our meeting I said I’m not sure if my child will be returning. The school had three weeks left after our meeting and the school year has ended and the Administration staff didn’t follow up with me and no efforts was made to check on my child’s well- being or whereabouts to see why my child didn’t return to school. The teacher didn’t even reach out as well. This just showed they didn’t care about my child, especially her teacher.
This is a Christian School and the disregard shown by the administration is not only unprofessional but also alarming. It’s important for staff to demonstrate faith in students and offer encouragement to help them reintegrate smoothly into the school community but administration shows they don’t care and are not welcoming.
All people are made in the image of God Genesis 1:26-27 and god loves each person unconditionally.
Vacaville Christian school didn’t care about my child and didn’t care if my child returned or not. The academics were excellent, but the teachers and administrators are not good. I don’t recommend Pre-K teacher Mrs. Cuchetti she doesn’t have patience with kids and not welcoming. Beware of the Early Education staff, they said they cared about my child but not one of them has reached out or shown concern.
I am still shocked by the neglectful oversight by Vacaville Christian School and strongly advise other parents to reconsider entrusting their children's safety to an institution that fails to prioritize student well-being. You can’t call yourself the best private school when you don’t care, don’t know how to communicate, Lie, and not even welcoming. This school is not equipped with trained teachers or facility members.
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May 2024 by Sarah Bacom
My son goes to this school is amazing
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August 2023 by Misheka T.
I am reposting this review, for I was bribed with an acceptance letter from VCS administrators, only to have the acceptance taken back at orientation, and after I had already removed the review. I will update with new information, including emails, soon. We had an interview at VCS, on Friday 3/24/2023, for possibly enrolling our soon to be 5 year old, into VCS kindergarten class. Our daughter had a test on 3/20. I would like to share, as a 1st impression, the visit was inhospitable. I am very dismayed, in the 1st interviewers, dismissive behavior towards my husband and I. I/we had so many questions and she was totally done with us as if she was in hurry and bothered. No patience at all, very contemptuous, Especially with us having concerns or our daughters testing. The way we were treated was not totally astonishing. We couldn't believe this was a "Christian" school. My husband whom is new, to having a child in school said, his 1st impression in the first 5 minutes with the VCS staff gave disinterested, rushed, your child isn't good enough, "RACIST", deficient, our little black girl can't come to this school, she did horrible on the 1st test for a child who has been completely sheltered for the last 4 years. Thank you, and goodbye. He said, it felt like his 4 year old was given an SAT test. Very Harsh, for "early learning". The Kindergarten person we met with didn't ask, or show interest to once ask, is this the 1st time for my child, had she ever been left alone? First test? Why was she so reserved, shy, and even looked an edgy and tense. Is this even consideration and observation? In the meeting, the person representing the kindergartners class. She was very opinionated. The meeting showed no interest in our child, just focused on how not well she did on the 1st test Of her life. It's just here take this test, answer these questions, do well or you'll be denied into our kindergarten program. The lady told us, she will do horrible and will not learn like the other kids. Wow, and we believe in FAITH and manifesting, as well as the power of the tongue. But again, this is a Christian, school. My daughter knew everything on the test and beyond, however, we went home and she did it all with no problem. Being left with a complete stranger, for the first time, with no preparation, or warning just here go with her, and thrive. Did you ever think how this child must've felt while taking the test? No formal introduction? Just here, go. My daughter had to have been so uncomfortable, I'm sure you can imagine. We weren't aware at the time, and thought nothing of it. The best part is, she did not cry. Very brave, that my daughter, did not cry for mom or day. Something we did not prepare her for at all, we didn't better prepare our child. She was very uncomfortable. We had no idea, she would completely shut down and not complete any of the task. This was something we wanted to discuss with the Kindergarten Interviewer. Our child's shyness and being fearful. Is this expected or normal? Is this an expectation for children who are usually outgoing, sheltered, and never been left or exposed. But instead, we were passed off to KR. and I even expressed, I had questions and this lady totally dismissed me. We were left the kindergarten orientation meeting very speechless. We wanted to walk out of VCS, but still wanted to give your school the chance. I have heard from 4 different families (non POC), not to send my child to VCS. They all said, the school is racist, and not many blacks are here. But, with VCS, being advertised as number one, we wanted to not judge VCS by others opinion and form an opinion, of our own experiences. I wish as parents, we would have better prepared, However, this is pretty new for us as well. As we continue to look at Christian schools, we have faith, we will find the best school, we now know, the importance of a formal introduction, being prepared maybe even bringing fruit a week prior, allowing her to meet the person whom she'
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May 2023 by Damon E
Enrolled my child at this school. Withdrew him right after Christmas break. Too many issues with PTF program, leadership unwilling to actually deal with issues and a teacher who was unqualified and unable to hand a small class of 1st graders who relied on movies to control her classroom.
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May 2023 by Matthias Dumbeck
great school, great management!
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March 2023 by Chaos Scarecrow
My child has been here for 2 years, hoping it can be all of their school years (Lord willing). As a parent who grew up in poverty and having not liked my experience with public schools this private school was a dream come true, smaller classrooms so the Teacher has more personal time with students, a huge variety of after-school programs, and personally the safety of unwanted influence which is important to me as a believer in Christ. I thank this school for even offering financial aid which without it I would work even more shifts to keep my child in this school and still would be worth it. In regards to bullying, I've read many reviews that people aren't satisfied with the speed at which issues are resolved. Some people might disagree with what I'm going to say, but I believe it's not a school issue but a parenting one. To pretend as if a school will magically fix a child's nature of tribalism is foolish at best. Kids are mean, they get it from their parents. Teaching your kids how to conduct themselves around bullies is a parent's responsibility, not the school's. My child was bullied just because of peach fuzz on her lips and I always teach her that these kids are mean because they have nothing better going for them. Now in regards to adults being irresponsible, ignorant or "bullies" themselves take legal action if it goes that far. The school cant do much there, especially with CA laws with video & recording laws most people's hands are tide but again if its sever enough take it to court idk why your just sitting and letting people mistreat you. And i guess my last thing is "individuality", there is a reason Uniform is good for schools, kids cant make fun of your clothes if you all wear the same clothes. I used to have cheap shoes and made fun of due to my mother not being able to afford me Jordan's or other name-brand items and jewelry im glad the school tries to minimize kids' ability to have ways of being mean and personally i think it works. All in all when it comes to education this school provides a more than excellent service and i like that they require Parents signature every day for homework so i know what my student is learning and that they are getting their work done.Thank you VCS
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March 2023 by RF
Better than government (public) school. Not as many Christian teachers as you might expect. Too much teacher turnover mid year at the middle and high school levels.
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March 2023 by Amanda Platz
We love being apart of the VCS community. Our kids feel loved, encouraged, seen and valued. As a parent knowing that my children are well cared for and getting the best education, is more than I can ever hope for in a school!
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January 2023 by preeti nare
VCS is the only school which provides education from preschool to high school . And they maintain the high standards of education in every grade. It has a great sports opportunity for our children. Before and after daycare is huge plus for working parents.
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January 2023 by Taryn T.
Our children have attended VCS for the last six years. What started as merely a convenient daycare solution for us (as both my husband and I work full time) has turned into a second home for my children.VCS is truly a second family who partners with parents to provide the absolute best education in a nurturing environment where children thrive. Not only does every person on campus know them by name, they seek them out to say hello and make them feel loved, welcomed and safe. As someone who works in public education, I have seen many changes over the years in our educational system, which are often to the detriment of the student. While many elementary schools only focus on leveled reading groups, VCS scaffolds their math curriculum as well. They provide a learning environment that both challenges and supports all learners. Students learn how to both think independently and work together in small groups, which gives them incredible problem-solving skills to use throughout their lifetime.The extracurriculars offered at the elementary level are above and beyond any you would see in a public setting or many other private schools in the area for that matter. From after school enrichment classes like Culinary Arts and Spanish to year-round sports, VCS is truly devoted to cultivating well-rounded children who excel academically, socially, athletically and spiritually. We could not be happier with our choice of schools.
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December 2022 by Jake Gritten
I graduated from VCS in 2016 and began attending in 1st grade. And I am so grateful of my parents' sacrifice to put me there for my education.VCS is an incredible place for academics, but don’t think that it stops there. As well as they do academics; they do discipleship even better. The faculty care for you, and I mean really care for you; not just in your growth academically, but spiritually too. That is what is most important, and they understand that. They are disciplers first and teachers second.I now work at the church I grew up going to and I get to use the skills I learned while at VCS, every single day, to help make Jesus known.
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December 2022 by Bamababe 3
After 4 years of being at VCS I sadly had to part ways with the school. The school has became less than adequate on academics over the years, especially the last two and now we are experiencing bullying. I’m not talking bullying by kids in the class but even from parents on the campus. We had 2 teachers none with teaching experience or a teaching background in a elementary classroom. We had many kids misbehaving in these classrooms that it took more time to control the class than to teach. We had a kid punch another child in the stomach only for him to miss recess only. Kids bullying in the classroom. Parents bullying other parents on the grounds after school and have video as proof. So obviously parents teach their kids that this is ok. Reaching out to the VP got no where. The principal Mrs. Kempton said she was aware but took no action. Why are all the parents aware but nothing is being done til that child is too scared to go to school ? It took taking a kid out of the school before the principal has a conversation with you. VCS you need to better!!!! You can’t call yourself the best private school with things like this are happening. You just lost a straight A kid of 4 years.
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December 2022 by Melissa Rendon
This is our 2nd year at VCS, with all four of my kids, two in high school and two in elementary. Best decision for our kids education, future, and most importantly their spiritual growth with God. I wouldn't have my kids anywhere else.
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October 2022 by Liz W.
After 4 years of being at VCS I sadly had to part ways with the school. The school has became less than adequate on academics over the years, especially the last two and now we are experiencing bullying. I'm not talking bullying by kids in the class but even from parents on the campus. We had 2 teachers none with teaching experience or a teaching background in a elementary classroom. We had many kids misbehaving in these classrooms that it took more time to control the class than to teach. We had a kid punch another child in the stomach only for him to miss recess only. Kids bullying in the classroom. Parents bullying other parents on the grounds after school and have video as proof. So obviously parents teach their kids that this is ok. Reaching out to the VP got no where. The principal Mrs. Kempton said she was aware but took no action. Why are all the parents aware but nothing is being done til that child is too scared to go to school ? It took taking a kid out of the school before the principal has a conversation with you. VCS you need to better!!!! You can't call yourself the best private school with things like this are happening. You just lost a straight A kid of 4 years.
