Neighborhood Charter School

Posted: April 29, 2025

We have children at both the elementary and middle school campuses. ANCS is an amazing and supportive educational environment. Teachers and devoted to the students, students are devoted to each other. The adaptive environment is really tailored to educating successful and compassionate children.

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 2, 2025

Great school environment as a parent and former board member. I have kids in K and 4th grade currently. They love morning meetings, the farm program that teaches them so much. I have enjoyed the leadership team that has grown and developed over the last few years. As a parent, who started with a kid taking Kindergarten on Zoom during the pandemic, I would've never anticipated loving the school this much. I have insight into how the school works collaboratively to enhance the educational ecosystem for the whole city.

I do wish more parents were actively engaged in activities big and small so that the hardwork of the faculty and staff is not taken for granted.

Posted: April 2, 2025

Posted: April 2, 2025

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Posted: January 23, 2023

Our son has attended ANCS since kindergarten and is now in the 8th grade. This is a lottery-based school, so he was lucky to have gotten in, but want to make sure all parents know that there is nothing you can do to guarantee your kid gets in. As more families move to the Grant Park/OP/Summerhill neighborhoods, the odds of getting in will decrease. So keep your options open because there are a number of schools in the area that are comparable to ANCS academically. That said, he has had an absolutely wonderful experience his nine years at ANCS. While there are certainly a spectrum of teachers that your kid clicks with, our son has had wonderful teachers in every grade that genuinely care about his well being. We haven't had any moments of regret and love that this school lives by its guiding principles. He has made some great friends, he has been challenged academically, especially in 8th grade, has played for the middle school basketball team for two years, and I believe he is stronger academically because of ANCS. Lots of great enrichment options and love the community feel of the school. From a parent standpoint, there is a spectrum of involvement. Some parents are on campus everyday, some join the board, others like my wife and I, try to help when we can but more than anything, ensure our son's teacher know us, have our cell, and that we advocate for him, but also hold him accountable. All in all, wouldn't change a thing and wish they had a high school campus.

Posted: January 23, 2023

Posted: October 20, 2018

Character is iterated at the beginning of each class and assembly, but the students don't believe it because they literally repeat mantras and make confessions like robots. There were several blatantly racist incidents at the school, which were followed by lectures on differences, but only led to compliance vs genuine compassion. Some of the issue is the fact that students come from opposing backgrounds so they are clearly hearing something else at home or in their friendship circles that counters what is broadcasted over the intercom or at the top of class. The kids who have kind and compassionate personalities demonstrate character as a standard. Those who don't obviously need coaxing. There are a lot more kids that need coaxing.

Posted: October 20, 2018

They cannot effectively support learning differences because the number of kids with learning differences, per class, is greater than normal. Couple 4-5 who need extra help with the 3-4 that have ADHD or some other issue and you have nearly half a class with a 'special need.' TAs simply help ensure classroom management. The kids who can learn with little help do so and will help each other. 1 TA is not enough if you have nearly 10 kids with a learning difference.

Posted: October 20, 2018

Leaders are pros at 'inclusivity.' They will go out of their way to make someone feel welcomed. The trick is being inclusive without being exclusive. It's an interesting dynamic to observe that the bully is made to feel like they are not fitting in with school norms. Rather than be annoyed with lectures and mantras, the bully readily complies -- never mind the hearty eyeballs, deep sighs and the noncompliant body language.

Posted: October 20, 2018

The experience at ANCS is a 3, but only because of the quality of instruction and also the willingness of the students, who figured it out, to simply comply and shift focus. Otherwise, it's more like a 2 re: output. To be middle school, the output was more like something you expect to see in grades K-5 -- a lot of babysitting, coddling, acquiescing to students as if they are co-partners. Kids actually want and need discipline. They need adults to set boundaries and to guide them. Even the kids with ADHD know how to use their 'condition' to manipulate, garner empathy and get adults to conform. If you're that parent who feels coddling, safe spaces, and time out is the best form of discipline, ANCS is the perfect place to test that argument. The reality is that ALL kids are different. Coddling everyone doesn't incentivize everyone to be kind and respectful. One kid came to school every day with a mean mug and only softened his stance during lunch and recess. His bullying wasn't verbal. It was in the 'Linus' way he carried himself in the classroom. Leadership's answer to that was talking him through it. They had been talking him through it for 7 months to no avail. He had the game on lock so well that he used the freedom to walk out, when upset, as his 'hall pass' to do what he wanted. Teacher is focused on the kids who want to learn so bully gets away with it until he wants attention so he acts up in class. Then he gets a lecture about being despondent. Does he change? Nope! He'll say the right things to get the adult off his back and the next day do the same thing. It was a test of who was in control and he won it every single time.

Posted: October 20, 2018

Students are assigned meaningful, applicable and challenging work they can complete online or via ChromeBooks, which are distributed to each student in school. They are challenged appropriately.

Posted: October 20, 2018

Like any school, there are teachers who know their stuff and do a good job and there are those who know their stuff, but fail at classroom management. Most of the core subject teachers are on par. Several are exceptional. Elective teachers may have command of their classrooms and provide lots of room for imagination. In one case, a teacher was wholly taken advantage of by students such that she had to coax them -- like pets -- to comply. None of them knew the material. Even though she had a TA, more than half of her students had behavioral and learning problems so she had a time keeping everyone on task. Kids were not learning to they resorted to playing or talking to pass the time. In other classes, a teacher had the the command of students who respected her. However, despite having a TA, the learning gap with several students was high.

Posted: January 2, 2017

Please see my full review to learn more about why I feel this way.

Posted: January 2, 2017

Posted: January 2, 2017

Posted: January 2, 2017

The school's teachers took no disciplinary action when students were not respectful to other students.

Posted: January 2, 2017

I learned a lot at NCS/ANCS Lower Campus and probably would have continued to learn had I stayed there.

Posted: January 2, 2017

There is a loose homework policy and it is up to the teachers to decide how much homework they'd like to give.

Posted: January 2, 2017

The teachers did not care much about the students on a personal level, the students formed tightly woven cliques from day one and no action to open the students minds and accept others was taken on a daily basis. Note that I had a very bad experience and maybe it was just the luck of the draw that I had teachers that didn't much care in my final two years. However, the first years were incredible and the teachers were very connected with their students and tried their absolute best to make the subjects that we were learning cohesive.

Posted: August 26, 2015

I am overjoyed at the experience that we have had with ANCS thus far. My daughter was on the waiting list for 5th grade for the 2015-16 school year and was blessed to be able obtain a place in this school. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. My daughter came from a school where not only the teachers but the principal didn't care either. This has been the happiest I have seen my daughter in any school here in Georgia. I look forward to seeing how my baby blossoms under their care and teaching. The principal or the assistant principal is out there each morning opening the car door for each child and greeting them as well as the parent. And the fact that the teachers take the time to find out where the parents would like to their child academically makes me hopeful that my daughter will be able to be where she should have already been and beyond, by the end of the school year. I absolutely love this school and I wouldn't change my decision to enroll her.

Posted: May 11, 2015

I have to document a huge misperception that this school actively promotes, which is the possibility that neighborhood children have a decent chance of attending it. Unfortunately, as siblings of existing students, children of staff, faculty and Board members all get priority acceptance, this leaves an ever dwindling number of slots for actual net-new students. And the waitlist that begins for incoming Kindergarten students often lasts 2-3 years, which means the likelihood of any new children getting into the school is ridiculously slim. Yet people move to OP/GP in hopes of attending it, not knowing how unlikely a chance they stand. And don't bother asking anyone at ANCS about it, as they obfuscate any discussion with vagaries and spin. It's a nice program that has unfortunately insulated itself into a exclusive little club that's a total catch-22. If you aren't already in, don't bother trying.

Posted: November 20, 2014

This school should consider changing their name. It is not a neighborhood school and does not serve students living less than 0.5 miles to the west of the school. Their attendance lines make absolutely no sense. You can walk to the school but not attend.

Posted: September 13, 2014

I have had a child at this school since its doors opened in 2001. There have been highs and there have been lows, but over all my children have all learned and been very happy here. Some necessary changes took a long time to realize and remedy, but once remedied the school seems back on its original track. I do realize that this is not the primary school for this district and due to amazing growth (like I said, I've been around a while :)) it is becoming more and more difficult to attend this school, but I am very happy that they don't succumb to pressure and enlarge the student body. I love the personalized treatment each of my children has received.

Posted: June 3, 2014

I live across the street from the school....Great Charter School in best neighborhood in Atlanta! The playgrounds / play areas include learning experiences unseen in other elementary schools. They have a gardening area, a very cool treehouse made of sticks, an outdoor basketball cort, workout stations for pullups, balance, etc. Many of the children walk or ride their bikes to school. The fparent involvement is unparalleled.

Posted: July 30, 2013

As a parent of a rising first grader and another entering kindergarten this fall, I have been immensely impressed with this school. Despite going through an uphill battle (which continues) with APS to get needed funding, this school has continued to provide an environment of excellence. The community in this school, including teachers, administrators, parents, and students is nurturing and supportive. I really enjoy going to morning meetings and volunteering in the school. Even though I work full time, I find time in my schedule for ANCS. My son and daughter love going to school and that sums up the greatness of this school! We are excited for the school year to begin.

Posted: October 26, 2012

I have one word for the school, outstanding! 2012 is our first year, and both of my children have been welcomed with open arms. The curriculum is well thought out,concise, and meaningful. My younger child who attends the elementary campus was behind in some concepts, and was quickly assessed to receive tutoring 5 days a week. I could not be happier with this school. They care about the children, and the staff, and administration are above par. A great choice, and example of an excellent public charter school education.

Posted: September 25, 2012

Small, personal, and caring learning environments. Teachers and faculty know students in a deep meaningful way. Parents are involved and informed. Amazing!

Posted: December 31, 2011

I'd give the school 10 stars if I could. I have a 3rd grader and a 4th grader at the school and couldn't be happier. The school goes above and beyond to not only educate the kids but to help them become outstanding members of society. I truly feel my children will be happier, successful adults in part to the hard work the faculty at NCS puts forth. The school encourages full parent involvement and I have never once felt my thoughts and ideas would not be heard. It truly is a community school.

Posted: March 26, 2011

I will not give less than 5 stars so as not affect the school rating. NCS is a wonderful program, graduating talented and responsible children. BUT, it is important for Grant Park residents to know that this is not the primary school for the neighborhood. Due to the Board's failure to anticipate enrollment trends and the large size of Zone 1 (which is apparently a sacred cow that will not be altered), the acceptance rate for this year's Kindergarten class was 36%. 18 spots for 50 non-employee applicants. The school is wonderful, but the fact that a majority of Grant Park residents are now rejected from the program creates a bifrucated community of young families in the neighborhood. Families that are left out have ZERO voice in affecting change. The entire Board of Directors is from families that are in the school, they will not respond to community concerns about the inaccessability of the school to the majority of neighborhood residents. Those that are lucky enjoy a fabulous education. Those that are not stand silently aside. The majority is now neglected. Neighborhood trends are getting younger, with an average working age of 29. This problem is getting worse, not better.