Vandamme Academy in Irvine, California

“Disappointment and frustration led me to do something I never thought I would pull my child out of school mid year. She was struggling and there was no one there to help her. I don t understand how that can be possible in such a small class, but there we were every night with tears looking over the homework! I spoke to the principle more than once and she was very dismissive. The staff seems to have blinders on to what they don t want to deal with. After I watched many friends leave the school last year, I thought it would still be best just to stick it out rather than change schools so close to high school. I m glad we are finally making a new start.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am sorry to say that my teen will soon be graduating from the VDA. Over the last seven years she has come to expect that every school should be just what the VDA is: challenging, exciting, even giddy. How many of us, as teenagers, got up before our parents did each morning, excited to go to school? Say whatever else you will about this school--it has had its share of growing pains--but any school that prepares students to excel at whatever comes next and keeps them motivated at the same time is star.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was disappointed that this school did not fulfill the high expectations that were set in the initial tour. At first blush this school was so much better than my child's previous school, that I was blown away. But I realized that better than mediocre (our public school) is still not great. In recent years VDA has taken cost cutting measures that have greatly reduced the quality of education and forced me to look elsewhere. Inexperienced (part time?) teachers were hired who did not know what to do. Also, combining multiple grades in one classroom resulted in children repeating material, even though the director assured parents that would not occur. That was more than a year ago, and my child is happily settled in a new school that has lived up to its glowing recommendations from friends.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have very mixed feelings about my experience at VDA. Positively, there were many teachers that stand out as dedicated, extremely knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. However, there are always a few teachers who are part of a revolving door system. Those short-lasting teachers do not have the academic background or class experience necessary to perform at school standards. If my child has two sub-par teachers out of seven, what happens to those two subjects for the year? Positively, the school does an excellent job of using the school day wisely - no busy work, no fluff. This means kids are motivated during the day and relaxed after school. However, the school often focuses on a few star students at the expense of others. This is very subtle (as most of the students are very bright) but this attitude hurt my 'star' child as much as it hurt the other students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Balance, inspired learning and time for family. This school exceeded our expectations in delivering on its promise to teach our children in a way that would keep them motivated to learn and progress faster than they would in a more traditional school. More importantly, we have time for life outside of academics. There is no nightly grind to get things done nor is there tons of paperwork to remember to bring to school. We can participate in outside activities, have dinner and get to bed at a reasonable time. This school is a gem.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son has been attending VanDamme for two months now. I have spent many hours in the last two months and have been amazed at the classes. Our son was going to the gifted school in Los Angeles and his work now is much more advanced. VanDamme does not waste the children s time with teaching things they do not need. My son is learning History, Math, English, Science, and Geography. These are the basics that he will need in life. The teachers love what they do and they kids can see that. I am very happy about our move to this school. If you are considering this school, you need to attend and see for yourself. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“VanDamme Academy's director and teachers are caring, committed, and passionate about ensuring that the kids really learn the material rather than simply learn how to spit back facts they've been told to memorize. Ms. VanDamme understands that parents pay her to educate their children; she and her wonderful teachers do not hand their responsibilities off to the parents by overwhelming the children with homework after the school day is through. (Who among us likes to take work home after a day at the office?) While VDA has limited extra-curricular offerings, the fact that on most days the children have no homework means they have plenty of time for their own afterschool sports, art, music lessons, and just being kids. That is as it should be. Socially, the kids are very respectful of each other. Bullying, whether physical or emotional, is simply not tolerated.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Rigorous, back to basics, classical curriculum without unnecessary bells and whistles. Scrupulous attention to getting children to trully understand and digest the material. Dedicated teachers. Children focus on learning english (grammar, literature, writing), math, history & geography, science and art appreciation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter will graduate from the Vandamme Academy in the not too distant future and when she does she will take with her everything I could have hoped for: she is intelligent and knowledgeable beyond her years; she is confident in her abilities, critical in her thinking and she has strong values she is passionate about. Whatever college she attends and whatever work she chooses, she goes prepared to succeed and enthusiastic about the possibilities. This is all thanks to the Vandamme Academy, its concise curriculum and its incredible staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.