Research Veritas Academy Charter Schools in Mishawaka, Indiana

“We have had a great experience here. The teachers are wonderful. True a few leave but it s because they are new mothers! Several come back but the need to stay home is a strog one. The administration is VERY accessible. Every concern I have had has been promptly addressed. Theytolleate no 'thug' behavior and promptly exspelled several students last year! Thank you Veritas. It is a privilage o be there not a right. Pay is low. That is typical of any public school. The kids who suffered with test scores were new to Veritas. Give them a chance to get up to speed. Testing 3 weeks after school starts s hardley a fair gage of what Veritas can do for your child. Especially if they have come from a previous school where standards were far lower than Veritas standads.”

“I have noticed that children coming from SB public schools flourish, but those coming from private schools do not. At least the ones that had a good fit in the private schools. We looooved our childrens' teachers, but often had to send in school supplies because the teachers did not have enough paper aloted per month. Also, bullying has been a severe issue that continually goes unaddressed unless they are exteremely severe. We recently removed our children as they repeatedly stated that they were threatned and we could not get any help. It is just way to loose in discipline for our taste. Also, we could not get any administratives to communicate with us regarding our concerns. The school has the potential to be excellent, but the lack of structure is an impediment to those who want to learn.”

“Veritas has its + points. The curriculum is decent. My daughter is quite bright and she's being challenged at her level. I appreciate that. The (-) side is that the school lacks a controlled environment and doesn't feel like it's quite structured. Occasionally I find kids and adults 'roaming' and it appears to be a little 'lax'. Lastly, although the cost is great (free except fees), I find myself paying over $200 a month for after school care. I know that's not the school's fault that I have to work, but those prices seem a little steep. I paid just a little more than that for private school the year before $285 which included after care!) So, economically, it hasn't benefited me. I like Veritas, but I don't love it. My daughter's K teacher is/was great and pushes my daughter to her full potential! I'm very grateful for her.”

“We are so pleased with how this year went at Veritas! What a great school. We have a really enthusiastic principal who is hands on and a dynamic teaching staff. I was pleased to see that the school recently got special recognition as a school of 'excellence' for most improved this past year from the Indiana State Department of Education!! We are so glad that we are a part of this school. Children are challenged because Veritas sets the bar higher for the kids. They have to earn their grades and they learn!”

“I was very excited about this school at the beginning of the year until my daughter started coming home with lower than expected grades. The school offers almost no books which is very challenging when it comes to helping your student at home with their homework. I never see the principal around the school, every time I go to the school she is always in her office and makes herself unapproachable. Their grading system lacks consistency and is very confusing to me as a parent let alone to my child and their turnover rate is very high. I have nothing good to say about this school except I can't wait for the end of the school year and start my daughter somewhere else next school year.”

“Veritas Academy is a special place. The Director of Education is innovative, dynamic and right on track. The curriculum is expansive and wholistic. Children and families are viewed as individual, important and capable. Teachers are creative and dedicated. My children are thriving with small class size and individualized instruction. My 5th grader is reading, writing and spelling better than ever and his self-esteem is higher than ever. The core virtue program instills positive values and is incorporated at many levels--interaction with peers and adults, writing, social studies and history and sportmanship. Family participation is encouraged and welcomed at many levels. The art and music program are expansive -- students have music or creative arts class 3-5 days each week depending on grade. Sport teams are offered each season as well as a PE program 2 times per week. Families choose to send their children to Veritas for its outstanding educational opportunities.”

“While the teachers at Veritas are wonderful, the high turnover each year is troubling. Financial troubles still plague the school and there is still limited use of technology; a skill children need in order to compete in today's academic world. Teachers have very limited resources (unless they want to use their own money) in order to reach all learners, and there is very little professional development. Small class size is great, but consider ALL factors before sending your child here; there are better alternatives.”

“This is our first year with Veritas, but I have monitored the school as a possibility for our children for two years. We had several friends who's children went to the academy and were aware of all the hardship from the previous administration as it happened. The school is outstanding. I am room mother for two classes and am in the school constantly. My children are learning more that many of their close friends in the more expensive private schools,and believe me I have been comparing notes to make sure the children are on track. My 1st and 2nd graders can identify the continents and were learning Chinese and Spanish! The teachers are kind and compassionate and always open and encouraging parent participate. Our family is fortunate to be a part of the veritas community.”

“The comment about this school as 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' is unwarrented. I've yet to come across the 'perfect' school. My family has been with Veritas for two years and we have seen a lot of changes. We chose the school based upon its curriculum not it's playground. As a public charter, Veritas has a curriculum that exceeds So. Bend Comm. Sch. Corp. and provides so much more. This school even encouraged parental and teacher involvement to help writes its charter, something which you usually won't find in a traditional school. The class sizes are small which also provides more one one time with each student. Veritas has overcome a lot and made temendous strides to better itself. Their best interest is in its students! We really believe there are great things to come from this school.”

“The earlier comment is not the norm. Veritas is an exciting school. The teachers are enthusiastic, the school is up and coming! Being a charter school requires them to be innovatative, and they are! Veritas believes that Families play a huge part of the education of a child, and help to incoporate families and the community in learning. The children are caring, educated, wise, chidren when they leave Veritas.”