Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse—Elementary School Campus

Sep 9th, 2021

My child attended here briefly. There wasn't much learning at all. My child did not see the learning challenging enough. In 5th grade they were still teaching things my child had learned in 3rd grade in a previous public school. I reached out several times asking about why they were not studying other basic subjects, like science, math, ElA and when I was lucky my child's teacher would reply to my message. It appeared as though we were asking too many "prying" questions and they didn't like it (and rightfully so for parents who are both educators!). We all know the arguments for and about charter vs. public schools, and charter schools are not for everyone for sure! But when you get to know how these students are being deprived of their future opportunities - gradually being ripped away - very sad to say, and many parents of current students do not yet recognize the educational harm being done to these kids, it is very unfortunate and indeed, defeat the purpose of the rationale behind the establishment of these charters. Things our child learned in 3rd grade in a previous public school were the things being taught in SAS Citizenship 5th grade. Our child was coming home with no homework and wasting the rest of his day without practicing any work from school. At this school, students play video games throughout the week (and this is not the learning you do on the computer in other school. It is actual video games that parents worry about!). We send our child to school to learn things like science, math, ELA, social studies, history, etc., not to play video games or only positivity project. We already teach our children their manners and they already have these characteristics. While we understand that other parents may be too busy to teach these "home training" characteristics and it's okay to spend a little bit of time reminding students about these manners, We do not expect that positivity project should be the focus of learning at school. Please teach grade-level science, math, ELA, social studies, etc. that children in other public schools are learning to give these children equal future life opportunities. Parents have their role, and teachers have theirs! The sad thing is, unfortunately, that, the population that this school (and their district) serves, majority minority groups, will not see anything wrong with this and that is the unfortunate reality about these charters. Majority of these parents are often busy with "other things" and not paying careful attention to what is being put into their children, are not educationally inclined to be able to discern what is learning and what is not, and accept whatever with questioning. Very, very sad!! For this reason, when a parent begins to ask too many questions, they come across as overbearing because they do accept "just anything." We couldn't just sit and watch this go on for longer than a few weeks. My child's future will never be ripped away them. This is supposed to be a learning institution...you should focus on learning and be well rounded on all subjects, not only on positivity project. It's such a pity!
Jun 1st, 2021

The staff at Citizenship is superb! Their attention to students and their families is like no other when it comes to safety, academics, and so much more. My student has attended citizenship for 3 years now and has loved every single one of their teachers and so have I. My child struggled while in the city schools and I felt they we’re being left behind, and switching her to charter was so very beneficial for her. I love that the school community is small and tight knit, they know us and care to know us. I see how invested they are in my child’s education and it shows. They are well organized and open in their communication with families. I have never had an issue or hiccups with them. I trust them with the care of my child and recommend to anyone I can.
Apr 19th, 2021

Charter school for my son has been one of the best choices I made for him, as he struggled in public schools due to bigger class room sizes and not enough time for one on one with the student. My child has shown progress from the support of his teachers and principal and staff has brighten his future and I am a proud mom due to this school ! I will continue to have him in charter schools!
Apr 12th, 2021

this is a great school
Apr 7th, 2021