John Adams Academy in Roseville | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
College Readiness	8/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using 2019 SAT percent college ready data from California Department of Education, using 2019 Average ACT score data from California Department of Education, using 2019 ACT percent college ready data from California Department of Education, using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from California Department of Education, using 2025 Percent of students who meet UC/CSU entrance requirements data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 demographic data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	3/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: September 2, 2024

I was enrolled in John Adam's Academy Roseville into the 2020-2021 school year when I was in 7th grade and I came from the Dry Creek public school district. I am now a Junior and attended JAA for 4 years until the end of my sophomore year, and I'm now attending Woodcreek High school. Although I'm still very young and have my whole life ahead of me, JAA has been one of the WORST life expirences. The courses that we take in John Adam's Academy are optimized to prioritize our "Humanies" class that attempts to combine English and history into one course that results in harsh grading, and too much classwork that turns into homework and homework in general. The humanities teachers in both middle and high-school grade too harshly, and in our sophomore year, essays and papers are turned down and won't be graded if they have so much as one gramatical error or a citing error. In my own experience, many teachers specifically in high school have such an extreme bias towards other students that some of us won't get graded for our assignments unless we remind the teacher to do it, and the students that the teachers favor post about hanging out with them outside of school on Instagram and don't get in any trouble. There's lots of racism and kids constantly say slurs around campus and teachers clearly hear them say it but don't do anything about it, and it's a dangerous environment for some kids because racism seems to be allowed and teachers sometimes make racist innuendos and remarks. Kids are NOT accepted for expressing themselves and it's very difficult to find people who do, and it's very easy to be outcasted by other people if you're not careful about how you act and not applying yourself with the crowd because the school is very small with not many diverse students with different backgrounds, religions and interests other than academics or the small amount of sports the school is able to offer. The programs the school offers are also very scarce and if your plan is to come here and play in JV or Varsity sports you need to take into consideration the extreme workload and full schedule you'll have when you add everything up. If you're looking to come here and get into music (which is what I was interested in, and is still my main focus) you are way better off attending a public HS because JAA only currently offers a Choir class and no AP music classes or bands. The last and most IMPORTANT thing to mention about this school is that the HS and MS kids share a building

Posted: September 2, 2024

Posted: June 22, 2024

Family engagement sucks here they don't send email far out enough and anytime the safety of my kids are at risk they email me after the situation has been dealt with. Which really annoys me because they should email as about the situation when it first pops up. Some staff are great but it takes about a week or two to get emails from admin and some stuff have a power complex. The sports director is completely and utterly disrespectful and will disregard you. And seems to be bias towards girls sports and athletics.

Posted: June 22, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2023

I sent my daughter to this school because I knew she would need and meet the challenges of high rigor. I sent my son to this school because in general the men on both sides of his family struggled with reading and I wanted to make sure my son got the support he needed. My daughter is learning at a quick pace and has developed a servant heart. My son is reading everything, including the newspaper, and he just finished 1st grade. Im beyond thankful for this choice in education.

Posted: August 6, 2023

Posted: June 1, 2023

Unfortunately this school has gone downhill in quality quite a bit each year we have attended.

Posted: June 1, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

JAA is where to go for an outstanding education. The curriculum to the 10 core values and everywhere between this school shines. They are shaping true scholars with a love of learning.

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: September 23, 2021

Our family has been associated with JAA for 10 years & many changes. It's changed a lot but is still an exceptional school. It has continuously given parents more of a voice and asked more of us too (requests to teach a mentoring class, volunteer 20 hours a semester, etc, including up through our kids' high school years). The scholars get more of us and we get more from the school. Most of the teachers are truly exceptional, both well educated and great educators (my husband & I *really enjoyed* listening to our high school son's class lectures during COVID online school times). The Special Ed team is well organized, insightful and creatively flexible. In fact, everyone at this school seems meaningfully engaged in thinking outside the box, constantly trying to expand the minds of the scholars there. The kids in our family don't tend to "fit inside the box"- really smart, sometimes sassy, funny but flawed. The administrators with whom we've worked over the years have always maintained a calm assertive stance that still seem to delicately balance firm with kind. Our daughter (2017 graduate) was so thoroughly educated at JAA, her first 2 (General Ed) college years were mostly review. I've had a (veteran, broad range of math knowledge, well educated in several fields) math teacher call me in the evening about our "scholar's" sudden assignment completion trend downward. I've traveled to an extra special Senior Grad trip location (Reagan Ranch) where the tour guide told us not even employees of the Reagan Library get to come to, all because the 2 teachers in charge of that senior class had spent an entire year petitioning & exchanging communications with the foundation in charge of it convincing them that our scholars would behave VERY respectfully (which they did). I've seen & heard of many other exceptional educational experiences at JAA over the years. The classics based model has also benefitted my kids a lot, including about how to "think straight" & spot fallacious arguments that are so pervasive in our politics (false dichotomies, strawman arguments, etc- they're everywhere). Classics based curriculum means they read the primary source material, discuss it in class in Socratic fashion (lots of insightful questions), then write about some aspect of it in their own new opinions. Greek and Latin helps scholars understand English vocabulary in more complex ways. And the 10 Core Values sort of underline it all. JAA: lots of work. Worth it.

Posted: September 23, 2021

Posted: March 31, 2021

As a a senior of the graduating class of 2021, I wanted to offer my personal impression and experiences at John Adams Academy for prospective students and parents who are considering the school. As a veteran student, I began attending JAA's Roseville campus during its first opening year in 2011, which was 3rd grade for me. Fast forward 10 years, and here I am, at the end of my high school career, reflecting on my journey. It is my hope that this review will better help inform your decision of whether or not to attend JAA.

Let me begin by saying that John Adams Academy has grown and changed a lot during its 10 years. In most ways for the best. Although the school has added new buildings, new students, and new teachers, the culture and positive learning environment hasn't left. The teachers are faculty who work here really do care about the school and students. In fact, many of them send their own kids to JAA. That says a lot to me.

The homework and classes at John Adams Academy are challenging and rigorous to say the least. During my middle school years, most of my classes focused on the information. Math class was math. And English class consisted of grammar and reading. As I transitioned into high school, the focus shifted to communication and discussion. Socratic seminar became the primary tool of teaching and students would use what they had learned during their prior years to build on what they knew. This classical model of education was initially difficult for me to adapt to. However, as time went on, it became easier and more of a second nature. Because you get what you put in, I found that participating in class discussions helped me to learn the best.

My favorite parts of JAA is their mentoring program and close-knit community that the scholars share with the teachers. Class sizes are typically no larger than 30, even with the school rapidly growing. This meant that I had the chance to really bond with my classmates and get to know that teachers. If I could add anything to the experience, I wish their were more field trips for the high schoolers. My elementary and middle school years were full of them, but most of the field trips stopped at the beginning of 9th grade. Whoever came up with the mentoring program deserves a special mention. I think it has got to be the thing I will miss most after leaving JAA. From book-keeping to marksmanship, they were all action packed.

I wish I had space to say more, but I leave you with this: Give it a try

Posted: March 31, 2021

Posted: January 28, 2021

I am a current scholar at John Adams Academy and have been going to the school for about nine years. If you are interested in coming to the school, it is best understood that this school is not for everyone. Because of the teachers' high standards and care for the scholars, I have been continuously pushed throughout my school career to work harder and smarter. I have been given many opportunities to grow my leadership skills through programs like Scholar Government and National Honors Society, and by the school's focus on a classical curriculum. However, it must be understood that it is up to the scholar to become proactive and in charge of their education. Since education is our own responsibility, we must never seek to simply be told the answers to the question or what ideas we must have learned for that topic. Through Socratic discussion, I have been taught to think for myself and delve into great ideas of this world. I love this school, but for people who have grown up under a different kind of education style, it may not always be a good fit because of the transfer in workload and system of learning.

For those who shun the school and its mistakes, understand that our school is still very newly established; Dr. Forman started the school merely a decade ago, which is very recent compared to many other public schools around the area. But what matters most is we are trying to build something that will help develop servant leaders who will go out into society. Personally, I feel I have gained these skills and I am ready to go out into the world as myself. Not everyone will take away the same idea because of their unwillingness to accept the opportunity they are given; however, this school has taught me that it is not out of my capability to become a servant leader, and wherever I go I will hold those same ideals with me.

Posted: January 28, 2021

Posted: November 19, 2020

This is my seventh year at John Adams Academy, and it has never improved. In fact, the experience and education has gotten worse since I started. Even before the pandemic, the curriculum was disorganized and inconsistent. In my humanities class last year, I wasn't taught any history and barely any English. Now that I am on distance learning, I realize that we waste a lot of time in our school day, like a 30 minute homeroom class called "leadership". Each class lasts about an hour twice a week, even though the in-person students have more the twice our class time. The admin's main focus is the image, and not the students. Admin does not connect well with the families, and doesn't solve the obvious problems at the school. They encourage the students to look down on people in other schools, and show blatant favoritism towards some students. Overall, my experience at this school has been bad. I have had good teachers here and there, but I do not recommend this school.

Posted: November 19, 2020

Posted: November 3, 2020

My kids have been at the Roseville campus for years and we have seen the same problems over and over again. Some examples include: terrible communication from the administration, inconsistent curriculum, high teacher turnover, and extremely limited opportunities for service and leadership. There are some great teachers but overall the program is deficient. The school needs to focus less on marketing the JAA brand and more on delivering a quality education.

Posted: November 3, 2020

The school is heavily influenced by the flawed theories promoted in A Thomas Jefferson Education. The 4x4 block schedule in the secondary school is so limiting. They take 3 classes and are required to take
Study Skills as their 4th class, which is basically a silent reading class. While there are some elements of classical education at this school , overall the approach is based on unsound methods and is out of step with the best practices of the classical education model.

Posted: November 3, 2020

They make the kids memorize ten core values and recite them. It feels very empty. Also, the school promotes an elitist attitude by telling the kids JAA is the only school that teaches correctly. They constantly claim they develop servant leaders but during our years at the school our kids have had no real opportunities for service or leadership.

Posted: November 3, 2020

The leaders are often evasive and wont answer basic questions when they make significant changes to the program. Overall they display a condescending attitude towards the families.

Posted: November 3, 2020

Posted: September 17, 2019

Great school! Scholars are there to learn and have been brought up with respect toward their teachers. Teachers manage classrooms through kindness and respect. It's not a school with a great football team, or large playground, but my children (elementary and high school), feel at ease when they get to school. Taking personal responsibility for your actions is expected, so this is a great school for scholars who respect what school is about...not so great for students who are looking for the "made for TV" version of school.

Posted: September 17, 2019

Posted: March 26, 2019

Horrible experience. I realize others have had positive and I am glad for them. My dealings with administration proved them to be dishonest and incapable of following their own core values. They push out students who have disabilities.

Posted: March 26, 2019

As long as you are the perfect JAA student, yes. If your child has an IEP or special needs, no. Your child will be treated like an outcast.

Posted: March 26, 2019

Administration holds children accountable to the 10 core values, yet cannot follow themselves. Administration is dishonest.

Posted: March 26, 2019

I was told it is a "school of choice" when I insisted upon 504 and IEP'S being followed.

Posted: March 26, 2019

Posted: February 10, 2019

My children have loved every teacher theyve had. If a problem arises, administration handles it.

Posted: February 10, 2019

Model what we teach! Strong leaders will make good leaders

Posted: February 10, 2019

We Never had an experience with bullying

Posted: February 10, 2019

Amazing, my kids adapted well after transferring. Theyre getting an amazing education!

Posted: February 10, 2019

Homework in high school can be challenging if youre also an athlete. Teachers are very understanding!

Posted: October 29, 2018

The school administration does not adhere to or follow their "Ten Core Values," which they say the school is founded on.

Posted: October 29, 2018

There were no efforts to support the children in my class who had special needs.

Posted: October 29, 2018

The school leadership/administration bully their teachers and pretend to care about the children who attend the school.

Posted: October 29, 2018

This school hires teacher who are blind followers. As a teacher who really cares about children, I urge you to consider an alternate school choice for your child/children.

Posted: October 29, 2018

I was a teacher at this school and can tell you that their is no consistency between any of the teaching staff. The school hires many inexperienced teachers because they do not have to pay them a lot of money. So the quality of education that your child will receive at John Adams Academy is based on money and not on the "Ten Core Values," that they claim to care about. FROM FIRST HAND HORRIBLE EXPERIENCES- BEWARE!

Posted: September 15, 2018

The approach is inconsistent. Some lower grades have more homework than upper grades. They need a more streamlined approach which utilizes the tried and true methods of classical education.

Posted: July 31, 2018

Optional homework in k-1, light homework in lower grades. They accomplish a lot during the school day. We havent yet experienced older grades.

Posted: July 31, 2018

Every teacher has been deeply involved and encouraging.

Posted: July 31, 2018

Absolutely agree. Core values are taught from day 1.

Posted: July 31, 2018

The schools mission is clear and core values are emphasized in everything they do.

Posted: July 31, 2018

This school is a perfect mix of discipline and teaching children how to enjoy and embrace education and their futures.

Posted: May 22, 2018

My scholar attends the Lincoln campus. We have nothing but amazing things to say about JAA Lincoln. Its a close knit school and I love that. His teacher is wonderful. She knows each scholar and their strengths and weaknesses in learning. She has helped my son progress so much and I couldn't be more grateful. Every day my son looks forward to going to school and at the end of the day is excited to share the new things he has learned. I highly recommend.

Posted: April 11, 2018

John Adams Academy is a fantastic school! The idea that a child can receive a high quality liberal arts classical education at a tuition free public charter is an educational game changer.

The school board is experienced, principled, and in touch with the day to day operations of the school. They, along with administration, are always seeking to improve the quality of education offered to the scholars.

Like any school, John Adams Academy has challenges unique to its location, demographics, institutional type, and educational philosophy. However, on the whole, everyone from the facilities crew to the school board are dedicated to providing the best education possible to as many scholars as possible. It is not uncommon for administration, teachers, and support staff to volunteer extra unpaid hours, supplies, or resources to improve the overall educational atmosphere of the school.

I highly recommend John Adams Academy.

Posted: April 11, 2018

Posted: March 26, 2018

We are attending the El Dorado Hills campus. We love the values this school teaches. My child is in 6th grade and I have loved the teachers here. My child is very happy and also enjoys her experience here.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Two of my children have needed help and support with their learning. My children and I have received help that has proven very helpful and supportive to them. Their reading and math levels have gone up a few levels already in a short amount of time!

Posted: March 26, 2018

We haven't had any major problems with bullying. The bit that we have encountered has been dealt with by closer supervision in the areas of the playground that it happens in or moving children's seating in the classroom. There has been admin involved when needed and more. My children's experience with this has been helped.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Homework has been work not finished in class. Big projects like book reviews or research which I feel they are given adequate time to accomplish.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Teachers have caught on to my children's areas of strengths and weaknesses. Strengths are utilized for self confidence and helping others. Teachers have given us resources and gotten IEP's and other additional help where needed. The classrooms have been inviting. My children feel a sense of belonging and ownership of their rooms, thanks to the teachers.

Posted: March 26, 2018

My children often reflect on the 10 core values on their behavior or finding a solution to a problem at home. I have felt like the values that we treasure at home are reflected and encouraged and taught at this school. I feel very supported as a parent from this school.

Posted: March 26, 2018

There is easy access to leadership to express concerns and get help. My concerns have been heard and addressed. When there has been a need, I have seen and experienced a focus and a solution come to the need.

Posted: March 26, 2018

I love this school. My children are happy to get to school. They come home excited about the things they are learning.

From my 6th grader- I really like how they focus on character. They help us reach our potential. They have an effective learning structure.

From my 8th grader- I really really like this school. Its like my home away from home. I have a lot of friends and really good teachers. I learn things I enjoy. I like the music program. I like the size of the campus. I like the Scholar Counsel. I like how the high schoolers are really good mentors to the middle schoolers. I like half Fridays too.

From my 4th grader- I like it because it teaches me new things and I can learn faster. I like my teachers too.

From my 2nd grader- I like it because of the field trips and you learn more stuff. I like that I get to learn how to read more better. I like the teachers.

Posted: February 14, 2018

I am actively looking for another school to send my children

Posted: February 14, 2018

Slowing implementing common core. I dislike how they teach math. They use Prodigy and claim a video game is a valid exercise for homework. They allow 5th graders to decide how hard of homework they want to do

Posted: February 14, 2018

There is a very high turn over rate for teachers. Good teachers tend to leave or are pushed out by administration. Grade A employers look for Grade A employees. Grade C-D employers look for Grade D-F employees.

Posted: February 14, 2018

On the surface they do but how can you lead students to greatness when the administration lack any capability to do their jobs effectively. Again, there is favoritism and discrimination in the leadership of the school.

Posted: February 14, 2018

This year's administration is by far the worst it has ever been in the school's seven-year history. They show favoritism and bias among students. Inadequate communication with parents.

Posted: February 14, 2018

John Adams lacks the resources to effectively handle kids with disabilities. They even at one time blocked off the only handicap parking and claimed it was employee only parking.

Posted: February 14, 2018

They promote a culture of violence instead of greatness. They favor the bully than those that are bullied. Administration does not believe an actual punch in the face is a threat, but just saying you will is worthy of 3 days suspension Careful about putting your kids in here

Posted: December 19, 2017

My son has been having a problem with another kid at recess, the teachers are great at trying to keep an eye on everything. They even sat the kid out at recess once. My son says the kid keeps trying to wrestle him down and won't let him play on the play structure though....I think at some point it's up to our kids to let a teacher know when they are having a problem, teachers can't see everything.

Posted: December 19, 2017

I love this school! I wouldn't want him to go anywhere else, my son LOVES his teachers too, they are super sweet!