Research Twin Cities Academy Charter Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota

“I am a student at TCA. All the teachers are very young and some are way too inexperienced. The principal is really scary but if you behave you will get by. I work hard and get good grades, but there's a ridiculous amount of homework. I have about 3 hours a night and it's way too much. I have no time to have a life and wish there were fewer hours of homework each night. Overall this school is just OK.”

“The teachers and administration at this school are harsh and disrespectful in their interactions with students. The kids frequently complain of incidents that have them feeling put-down and hurt.”

“I am a 7th grader at TCA. Overall, it's a pretty good school. However, i would not recommend this school if your student isn't prepared to learn, work, and get a good education. TCA is a no messing-around school for kids who are serious about learning. Although the teachers are young, most of them are excellent, and really connect with us. Plus the uniforms aren't so bad, and if you behave well, you have not reason to be afraid of the principal, although she can be a little bit in-your-face at times, but she does her job, and does it well. As for parent involvement, this isn't a school where kids OR parents can slack off. Overall, you can be guaranteed that your child will get a good education. P.S. it helps to sign up for volunteer opportunities over the summer or right before school starts :)”

“Don't send your child here! Teachers are inexperienced, the principal is unapproachable & rigid.”

“1 star the teachers are not verry helpful of putting things into lamens terms for students and are not very under standing twords the students family and socil life.”

“TCA is a great choice for the St. Paul area. The school is very focused academically and has proven successful with its high test scores over the years. Unlike a previous reviewer I would give the principal high marks for her efforts in providing a challenging, safe and happy enviroment where the children can strive to be their best. The teachers do a great job of connecting with the kids while still keeping them on task. I would agree that it is a bit difficult to get in on the volunteer opportunities that are available evenings, but I suppose that this is positive demonstration of parent involvement. It is difficult to expect any school to be all things to all people, but TCA is a solid choice for parrents/children who desire an organized, acedemically challenging, and positive enviroment.”

“This is a great school but needs to have music be a more important part of teh curriculum.”

“This school has a lot to commend it: high expectations, good teachers, a healthy and happy learning environment, excellent test results. The principal, however, is micro-controlling, rigid and favors parents who have demonstrated loyalty and don't question her authority or threaten her. The school has been very unsuccessful at accomodating my special education child; it is more important to them to adhere to their curriculum and standards than understand, accomodate, and teach my child. I think they would prefer to have only 'regular education' students in the school. Although they stress parent-involvement, signing up for and being selected for volunteer work requires constant vigilance. I have made several ad hoc offers of volunteer assistance and all have been rejected, apparently because I have not demonstrated adequate loyalty to the principal. :(”

“Twin Cities Academy does an excellent job of maintaining a rigorous learning environment with young, enthusiastic teachers that truly challenge their students. Progressive and traditional educational themes are presented in an intimate, small school setting where the needs of each student can be addressed appropriately. With the exception of the Principal (a brisk, unresponsive non-people person) the staff and school is a great ally for parents seeking a great education for thier kids.”