Windemere Park Charter Academy

"Well, I am glad I am not the only one that hasn't had a great experience at this school. I didn't have a middle school student, but a child in a lower grade. Academically, I don't really have an issue with the school, but as the previous person mentioned security IS huge and not just from an in-building standpoint. I know this will give my identity away to some and that is fine, but I was very VERY suspicious (and nervous) on how this school handles things. My mother picked my child up from school one day IN THE OFFICE (which is another story) early. The person behind the desk (a regular secretary) didn't even question who was picking my child up. In reality, I never called to give permission and my mother was listed as "on a per-instance basis with permission" on the student card. I've been criticized by the admissions person for doing it, but you know what? If I saved ONE CHILD from being the subject of an AMBER alert, then it was worth it. In my opinion, this is a HUGE issue in today's society. When I sent Joe Thienes (Principal) email about this, the ONLY thing he said back was "I will forward this to X secretary" (at least I didn't post her name). X Secretary simply said, "I will pay more attention in the future". Seriously. And I still have the emails to prove it. Mr. Thienes lacks leadership skills and seems reluctant to stand ground and deal with confrontations. In the secretary's defense (kind of...you still just can't release kids to anyone), there are like two secretaries to EIGHT GRADES. That, IMO, is not even enough to be efficient and make sure things go the way they should. This school is in the city of Lansing and is offered at no-cost. Although things can happen at ANY school, I have learned a school is only as good as those families that attend them and the staff that is employed (NHA does contract teachers, I've read). Since other reviews on other ratings website, the admissions person has chastised me and, pretty much, ran me through the dirt for sharing my experiences (which, also gives an example of how this school deals with things). Rather than "rising above" what anyone else thinks and being professional and proud of their school, they feel the need to get defensive and ridicule the parent. Nice. (and yes, I have screen shots of it, unfortunately). I've noticed, as well, there is absolutely no staff information, board information, etc on NHA's website in regards to "above the actual school level". There is no explanation of the school district's structure, "chain of command", etc. Any other district has that information somewhere on their website, but not National Heritage Academies. And good luck trying to get that information. They don't like giving that information when you ask (at school level or on phone level out of Grand Rapids). I am curious as to what the big secret is? RED FLAG. Wish I had noticed this prior to subjecting ourselves to a year of utter ridiculousness."

"The kids wear uniforms. It's not all ghetto like Lansing public schools. Their MEAP tests always beat state averages. It's a very good school."

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"Call (517) 327-0700, Ask for a tour of the school. You will be impressed. Proudly, I have 3 children attending grades 6, 4 and K."

"The teaching staff is excellent. The communications between school and home are far better than any other school I've experienced. There is a real staff presence in the halls be for and after school, as well as having adult staff in the parking and drop off areas to direct both vehicles and pedestrians. The curriculum is better than public schools both years my child has attended. I am so thankful for this school!"

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"As an ex middle school parent at this school I can tell you that this school has some serious security issues in the middle school section. There is no security. They do not budjet money for a security officer. Almost every school in the United States has a Security Officer on duty nowadays. This school does not even have a designated "Saftey Officer". They barely have the teachers monitor the hallways. There seems to be little to no parent volounters placed in this area. Frankly the long hallway in which the middle school section is housed in is troubling to even walk through. Many parents will tell you this. The students show zero respect for adults, staff, or one another. The new Administration lacks respect from all of the students due to the unjust & prejudicial punishment they dole out. This school looks good on the surface but take the time to ask around the community. The word is out that this is not a safe school and the current Administration is running the school into the ground. Familes are leaving. Disturbing incidents are occuring at this school. This year alone 7 middle school students who were expelled. Lawsuits have been filed by parents. Both this year and last. IF proper bathroom monitoring would have been in place this would not have happened. Academic wise the numbers don't look bad, but not that great either. I have friends who are removing their students this year due to them doing the exact same work over from the school they left last year.The schools cell phone policies are not being inforced. The middle school students text each other and photo and video one another all during the school day. Steer clear of this school. Look beyhond the school uniforms and the fancy security checkpoint machine they have set up in the office. They hardly even use it. I was allowed to walk freely all through the school anytime I entered the offices. I never once was asked to use this machine. Its a sham, just like the school."

"The teaching staff is excellent. The communications between school and home are far better than any other school I've experienced. There is a real staff presence in the halls be for and after school, as well as having adult staff in the parking and drop off areas to direct both vehicles and pedestrians. The curriculum is better than public schools both years my child has attended. I am so thankful for this school!"

"As an ex middle school parent at this school I can tell you that this school has some serious security issues in the middle school section. There is no security. They do not budjet money for a security officer. Almost every school in the United States has a Security Officer on duty nowadays. This school does not even have a designated "Saftey Officer". They barely have the teachers monitor the hallways. There seems to be little to no parent volounters placed in this area. Frankly the long hallway in which the middle school section is housed in is troubling to even walk through. Many parents will tell you this. The students show zero respect for adults, staff, or one another. The new Administration lacks respect from all of the students due to the unjust & prejudicial punishment they dole out. This school looks good on the surface but take the time to ask around the community. The word is out that this is not a safe school and the current Administration is running the school into the ground. Familes are leaving. Disturbing incidents are occuring at this school. This year alone 7 middle school students who were expelled. Lawsuits have been filed by parents. Both this year and last. IF proper bathroom monitoring would have been in place this would not have happened. Academic wise the numbers don't look bad, but not that great either. I have friends who are removing their students this year due to them doing the exact same work over from the school they left last year.The schools cell phone policies are not being inforced. The middle school students text each other and photo and video one another all during the school day. Steer clear of this school. Look beyhond the school uniforms and the fancy security checkpoint machine they have set up in the office. They hardly even use it. I was allowed to walk freely all through the school anytime I entered the offices. I never once was asked to use this machine. Its a sham, just like the school."

"Call (517) 327-0700, Ask for a tour of the school. You will be impressed. Proudly, I have 3 children attending grades 6, 4 and K."