Research New Designs Charter School charter Schools in Los Angeles, California

“New Designs Charter School is an outstanding technologically advance school that enables students to apply themselves to things that other high schools can't offer. As the former Student Body President, I can proudly say that New Designs has opened many doors for their students and has shown them that anyone can attend college if they persevere themselves. When I 1st came to NDCS, I was below a 2.5. When I moved to Houston, I left with high honors and above a 3.2. At NDCS I was encouraged to be a leader and show other students how to take hold of their future. If NDCS was a college, it would be my first choice! Parents that dislike NDCS need to spend some time on campus and see for themselves how it is operated and how we work as a family to provide the best education possible for todays youth.”

“I was a student at NDCS last year. When first coming to NDCS, I thought that it was going to be a good school. In some ways it is, and in some ways it is not. We didnt have working computers. And all we basically do is goof off in class, and the teacher let us. It is a good school overall, everyone is very respectful of each other and we're all one big family. I was also a cheerleader and it was fun but we we're so unorganized, we also never had practice on a regular basis. I dont attend NDCS this year, but I find that I am a little behind in one class because I didnt learn anything last year, even though I got good grades. I now have to repeat a class that I took last year due to the teacher not doing her job.”

“My son has been attending NDCS since the 6th grade. He is now an eight grader. I agree that the vision and goal of NDCS are good, but the actual school needs help. There is a lack of quality teachers. My son is not doing or learning enough in my opinion and I will probably not send him back next year. As an alternative to the other schools in the area, it seemed much better. I understand that it is a growing school, so we need to be patient. Dr. Adutwun and Ms. Smith are always helpful and listen to all of my gripes. I really want the school to work out because it will help minority students qualify for colleges that they wouldn't ordinarily be able to. NDCS needs a lot of work. I'm pulling for it, but I'm going to have to pull my son out of it.”

“My daughter has attended NDCS since 2006. I rate the school average as it is still growing and trying to establish itself as a bona-fide, quality, educational contender. I like the after-school and Saturday school programs. You cannot find these 'extra' opportunities at most inner-city schools. The kids have to want to learn. I have dropped in and seen kids being unattentive and the teachers focusing on the kids who are. Why should a teacher waste his/her time on kids who are not giving 100%. All in all NDCS still has areas that need to be developed but if it stays the course it will be a major contender in the education arena.”

“Wow! So much negativity, from so many. People the thing to realize is that this is a growing project in inner city Los Angeles. It's not merely the responsiblity of the staff & Administrator to make this program work. Everyone has to step up to the plate. I have had some issues but have always brought them to the Principal's attention and he's always attended to it. He never stops trying to make it a better environment, He's an approachable visionary and very concerned for each student's growth academically & individually. There are no drugs or guns to worry about and in our community that is a positive. The teaching staff is also committed to the kids and with that I see a great opportunity for many kids who might not get the chance, hope to get to a UC or better college. I believe the effort here counts for much!”

“Parents don't seem to understand that New Designs covers all core classes, and those classes recommended for the California A-G requirements. The A-G requirement is a system in which each student must meet certain standards in order to graduate from high school. The staffing system is strong, and the disciplinary skills are outstanding. NDCS has just bought a $5 Million campus, in which they have more than enough space for all NDCS students to engage their learning ability. The school takes the time to distinguish those who have done excellent, as of those, who are in need. MAny students that came to Ned Designs came with low GPA's, and are ending the year with 3.0's and above.”

“I am a disappointed parent. The quality of the school is very very very poor. The teachers and staff are focused on the students that are already doing well. Therefore, those students that are struggling are still struggling. They have mandatory after school, and Saturday school that is not effective. There curriculum is below average and they can not keep teachers. I have visited the office and the school on several occasions. Classrooms are out of control, little to no authority in the classroom as well. There are no music, art or special extracurricular, and parents do not want to volunteer their time. The vision for New Design Charter School is good, however there is no one to execute it properly. What a waste of a good vision.”

“i am a new student at new designs charter school.when i first got their it was sooo unorganized, but later on int got better, and we got more activies. we have saturday school, after school programs, sports, student council, and our school is even participating in a academic dacthalon.So far the academics at this school are great!!!The teachers really care about us.since there is only a little kids at our school, it makes it easier for our teachers to remember our names.We are like a family everyone has your back.you dont have to worry about failing a class, because our principal and Mr.A wont let it happen,they expect the best out of us and we wont fail! but if you come to our school make sure that you are time or you wil get written up,be sure to where the proper uniform as well!This is our school!”

“I am a student here, at New Designs, and I have been since the day it opened up.The academics are great,and since our school has a small amount of students, it gives our teachers a chance to have one one one help with the students. The extra-curriculum activites are good. Parents are always involved at my campus. New Desings consists of three different campuses, and the high school campus is the highest rating. The academic programs are spectacular. When it comes to extra-curriculum, They have the Academic Decathalon,Debate,Drama,Choir,Step,Journalism,Service.Etc. I recomend this school to everyone.”

“This school is trying to do its best but not trying hard enough. I am in honors but know no more or no less than a regular student. Also gave laptops out to honors program kids.. We dont hardly use them, school dosent even have working internet what was the point? that money could have been spent on something way better for the students maybe something like a nurse.”

“New Design has a poor quality of academic programs. Their is little to no extracuricular. Parents are not involved like they used too, and they probably will not until many changes take place”

“New Designs Charter School is putting forth a great deal of effort. The school is nowhere near perfect, but the teachers and the staff really care for the students and the kids are doing well. It is not just test scores. It has a great deal to do with how safe , loved and cared for the kids feel, and I can honestly say that my daughter loves the school and is doing better than she did at her old school.”

“I believe that like any other school that starting they all go through a lot, but even though they are a small school I can honestly say that they are good. I have a daughter who at her home school was doing very poorly and as she transfer to this school she started doing very well (honor student). The only thing I think that they are lacking is a little organization, but overall I know that they are committed to my daughter and the rest of the students education. I know that I did not make a mistake when I change my daughter to this school. Regards to parent involvemnet, I think that if you truly care for your child then you will get involve and you wont have to wait for the school to call you to volunteer. It's about how much you care for your child that matters.”

“Well i am a mother of a student at this school. It has a so so academic program. It only has a football and basketball sports team a step team and a cheerleading team and parents harldy involve in school activities”

“I was a teacher for this school and it was a joke. Many of the parents showed no support. What a joke for a school, Be careful because these small schools can be a joke to your childs education.”

“As the Principal of New Designs Charter School my goal is to build a school that meets the varied learning needs of urban students. In addition to providing a rigorous academic program New Designs creates opportunities for student growth through counseling,advisories,learning celebration, and mentoring. We have created a learning environment that is hard to find in the community that we serve. Our parents continue to provide us the needed support. Together with our parents, teachers and staff I believe we can make a huge impact on the community.”

“My child is an honor student at NDCS and will not be returning. This school has several serious issues with the faculty from the administrators down to the instructors conducting the class. The CEO is very dedicated however should replace the current staff with a more educated/student oriented staff. Kudos to the English, Math, Science, PE & Tech teachers of the 6C level.”

“This is a new Charter School with great potential. The Principal and Staff are deeply committed to the children. For all the talk about taking back control of our educative system, this 'school community' is putting their money where their mouth is. What the teachers lack in experience they make up for in role modeling. These children see themselves in their authority figures and it does wonders for development of self esteem which effectively increases academic achievement. The test scores tell it all. I see great things in NDCS's future.”

“The academic program is fair. The principal has a great vision, but the teachers do not seem to be committed to it you. The school has an athletic department and parent involvement is encouraged.”