Research Germantown Settlement Charter School Charter Schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“I am a parent of 2 children how attended GSCS for 2 years. Within thos 2 years there were alot of ups and downs in the school. It began with the teachers leaving, then the principal left and everything was left in shambles. The teachers at the time were running everything. I will say that the teachers that my 2 children had were veryyyy good teachers they cared about their education. Especially my son's teachers. He is a graduate of GSCS and they really made sure that he was prepared for what is to come in high school. It's sad to see that the teachers had to be put through the closing of the school because of what seemed to me to be a lack of a good administration in the school.”

“This school was fun because of all the student that was there, and some of the teachers. This school has a lot of ups and downs.”

“This is my child's first year at this school and I agree with the parent below. This is the WORSE school ever. The teachers let the students run the school and the adults are not respected. Since the announcement of the school closing the teachers are leaving and no substitute teachers want to come in to help the students because of their rude disrespectful behavior. I am looking now to put my child in another school soon as possible. The principle does not care also, leave messages he never returns phone calls. Next step is to Home School my child this way I know she will learn.”

“Its sad to say....this school is deplorable. The staff there is very unprofessional. Not condoning the fact that the kids are disrespectful to some staff, but I can understand why. The PSSA scores are still low and the school is allegedly closing. There is no need to hold on, they need to just close. The principal gave his welcoming announcement via monitors in each of the classrooms. It would have been nice to see him in person. Parents could have sat in the lunchroom. I don't want to take up too much space with this, but if anyone has a child that goes there, take them out soon”

“When my daughter started here in Sept of 2005, it was great! Every year it has taken a turn for the worse. The majority of the school is below average and they dont have any plans for those students at or above...its sickening! I was going to send her to another school this year but someone from the school called me over the summer to tell me how much different this campus is which is bull! i cannot wait for next year so my daughter can finally be finished with GSCS (unless of course they close b4 hand!) The best thing right now is some of the teachers and the after school programs. no curriculum, no structure, no lockers and the principal is horrible! (he's only been the 3rd principal in 3 years!)”

“This school has had some up's and down's but this year the school has made a big improvement!”

“My child attends the Chelton Campus. The support system from the teachers and administrators are excellent. Their is just way to many children with behavior problems.”

“My son will be attending the 8th grade in 9/07 at the Chelten Ave campus which is a disgrace. The building is dirty with little to no organization. Purchasing/selling tokens is a task GSCS has not been able to accomplish in a whole school year. I transferred my son to GSCS in the 6th grade at the Main Campus where the building was a lot better and cleaner, the students had text books to bring home and lockers. The Chelten campus is in dire need of help. I joined the PTA then dropped out, because there were no changes being done. They are supposed to be preparing these kids for high school. They are going to be shell-shocked, because GSCS isn't. No textbooks unless the teachers obtain them from the book bank and no lockers! Do not send you child here!”

“My child attends this school and they have along way to go in terms of structure and discipline. They also lack most of the basic things that are expected to be taught at this intermediate level of schooling when children are just finding themselves and there niche in life. It also appears as if the teachers and staff are afraid of implementing certain rules and enforcing them. The rules are in place but when broken they modify instead of discipling to accommodate the rule breaker. I have very serious concerns about this and I am trying to move my child for the upcoming school year.”

“Being a single parent private school is a financial struggle; I too believed that if my child went to a charter school instead of public that she would receive a stable, structure environment, I was wrong. GS structure is horrible! I offered my services and time to help wherever needed i.e., letters to parents, PTA etc. to no avail. God Bless Mrs. Turner and the other teachers who actual cared and loved their job, Miracles and Blessings to you all.”

“My children started this school in Sept of 2005. I thoought since they where going to a charter school things would be diffeferent. Hah! think again. I can understand why this school is still up and running. With an exception for a few great teachers like Ms Talley the whole establishment is disfuctional. There is a big miscomunication between parent and students. I tried to stay envolved as much as possible.I would say about 70% of the staff are non-professional.I would get aboout a 2 day notice about trips ranging 20.00 and more, which was difficult being a single mom. After a certain point there was nothing they could tell me to surprse me about this school.Their is also a neighboring school that the kids have fightswith called pickett. My kids are out!”

“I am not really fond of this school. They have changed the entire staff of teachers, and the principal, and the teachers, and staff communicate through the children instead of directly to the parents. The office is not in synch with the teachers. They have individuals opinions regarding dress codes, as well as what time a child is considered late to school. In spite of these flaws, there in one incredible teacher there. The children call him Mr. C. He is very interested in educating the children and comending them on their accomplishments. My son absolutely loves Mr. C, and he is always talking about the science projects he does in class. Mr. C is absolutely a great Math and Science teacher. He has made my son love math again.”