The Rock Academy

My three children have attended the Rock Academy since August 2015 (two in elementary school and one in the preschool). The older two previously attended an excellent public school system in another state, so we had high standards for the Rock to fulfill. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at The Rock Academy. The teachers and administration are warm and caring, and provide great academic support. We love the small size of the school, which means that teachers and staff at all grade levels know and care about each of our kids personally. What has really impressed us is the morals and manners of the other students and families, and we love having our children in an environment that supports our Christian beliefs. We are fortunate to live in an area where our children have the opportunity to attend great public schools, but we really believe that having them learn and thrive in a Christian atmosphere is worth the cost of a private school. My kids couldn’t be happier and I highly recommend the Rock Academy.

We as a family had such high hopes for this school in our lives! It breaks my heart to share the unbelievable experience my child faced during her first week of school. I have never posted a review however, I feel it really important to inform families of our experience so, this never happens again to another student.
At my child’s first Chapel experience at the Rock Academy, we did not know it was required to bring a Bible. However, the teacher leading the Chapel states «Yeah, Christian school… you need to bring a Bible to Chapel» in her sarcastic personality. Teacher states: «You should have known to bring a Bible per the Parent/​Student Handbook… next time you will be receiving a demerit». My child was literally brought to tears. This is not really the experience that was outlined by The Rock Academy Mission Statement indicating that they would be «leading students into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ»!
We did not receive a Parent/​Student Handbook prior to being allowed to start, which goes against the Academy’s policies and procedures however, while they are allowed to make mistakes, the students are not (i.e. Forgetting to bring their Bible to Chapel). Please read the extensive Parent/​Student Handbook before you sign up because I did not realize how legalistic this Christian School would be.
Personally, when I have invited a person to church, I have never treated them in this manner, even if they did not have a Bible (I am being sarcastic)? My Church does not require that I bring my Bible, instead they welcome everyone in to hear the message of Jesus. It is not about bringing your Bible that counts rather, it is about listening and applying the message into our lives.
It breaks my heart to see Christian folks that use verses from the Bible in their everyday lives but, their actions are so contradictory to their behavior. No one is perfect, mistakes can happen but, this is more than a mistake because while the teacher said she was sorry, it was less than sincere. The teacher indicated that the issue would not have occurred if the Parent/​Student Handbook was signed. She added I didn’t know this is what we do here at the Academy now, we don’t have the Parent or Student sign the handbook, we issue them lockers and let the student start the next day. Did not know this is what we are doing now! We as a family did not accept this as a sincere apology because it wasn’t!
Bringing your Bible everywhere, even to Chapel, does not make you a model Christian! Instead, your behavior should reflect that you first have opened and read the message in Bible, such as having compassion like Jesus showed to all… and try to model his behavior in your actions and behaviors. I hope and pray that The Rock Academy will never treat other students the way they have treated my child.
We no longer attend The Rock Academy, I would definitely say that they are a business, not a ministry for Jesus. We attended two days prior to the horrible experience yet, the Rock Academy believes it is appropriate for them to keep the insurance money, my registration and application fee totally over $ 3000 for less than 2 weeks of education provided to my child. I personally would have a hard time sleeping at night knowing that I had taken money that I had not earned, mistreated a student and done so in the name of Jesus. I will pray for The Rock Academy.

My family and I have just completed our first year at the rock Academy. It has been an amazing experience. We look forward to beginning our second year. The staff is been incredibly helpful. This school offers a very individualized approach to tuition aid making it possible for us to attend. The class sizes are very small making it almost impossible for kids to slip through the cracks. Every class is God centered not only academic. The school also offers super affordable after school care and tutoring that is included in the tuition for the older kids. we love it! Our family feel so supported here! I love that the school goes from preschool till 12 grade

My child was bullied here, so badly that she had to have physical therapy for months to walk again. The administration was unsympathetic and useless. They never notified the child’s parents that he had injured another child and he faced no discipline. Horrifying experience from any school, but a christian one it is so sad. This school was a total disappointment academically, socially and spiritually. This was in the year 2014 btw.

I am truly sad to see the bad reviews. My understanding is that some of the staff has changed, and the bad reviews are about people that no longer work there, so please keep that in mind when deciding on a school for your children. Take a tour, make your own opinions, ask questions… We were lucky to be offered a shadow day to see if The Rock Academy worked for our son and to make sure they had ways to help him.
My son is in the Pillars program due to special needs, and has made huge improvements. There is constant communication with the teachers, and through a website called renweb we get daily grades, and on weekends all the grades/​averages for the week. We moved here from overseas where he attended a DOD school there, and seeing the difference The Rock Academy has made in his life, and his academics is truly amazing.
This is his second Year at This school and beside a C+, he is mainly a A-​B student.
His confidence in his capabilities has improved tremendously and he has found friends that accept him and enjoy his presence.
The teachers are great and you can check their accreditations on the website. I love that When I walk in there, It feels like I am around family.
Every morning we are greeted by the Headmaster (who also hosts a coffee-​breakfast with the families every month) and the Principal with a huge smile.
The Elementary Principal, Mrs Goodman knows all her students by name.
Also I recently partecipated in a meeting to discuss ideas on how to help the school improve, I truly appreciated that Mr Marshall included us families in this.
One of my favorite parts is that the lower grades go in the lobby to be picked up while the teachers and Principal communicate through walkie talkies to keep the traffic at a minimum. Kids being picked up with cars come out when the parents pull up, and a teachers even opens the door for them. No heavy traffic, no crowds.
Also parents need to sign in and wear a badge to access the school. You can use the bathrooms by the Sanctuary or front office but not the Students bathrooms. I also went through a backround check to volunteer last year. I love the feeling of safety I get from this school!

As far as small secondary schools go, this is one of the best around. Full disclosure before going any further, I used to work for the Rock Academy and was part of building some of the exceptional programs that they have in place today. I have since gone on to build multiple businesses while keeping an eye on the school’s positive growth from afar.
Every year since it’s inception, the 7^th-​12^th grade upper school has added academic programs, performing arts shows, and competitive sports programs. When touring the school and attending events, it will be immediately obvious to you that the teachers, administration, and staff care deeply for the well being of their students. I can speak from experience that the teachers and administration put an exceptional amount of time and effort into giving individualized and focused attention on the academic growth and spiritual maturation of every student.
In addition to the academic curricula and teacher acumen, the quality of additional offerings the school and partner organizations have to meet the needs of the student body is remarkable for the size of the school. Here’s a short list of programs that are uncommon in competing institutions.
DAVID Project
F.I.R.S.T Robotics Team
Unique University of California Approved Elective Courses
Pillars Differentiated Learner’s Program
Sheltered English, History, Bible and ESL Support Classes
Dance and Performing Arts
School Wide Science Consortium
Worship Team Leadership Training
Team Building Camp
ASB Leadership Conference
Senior Internships
Lastly, the school is now two years into a remodel of their vision and commitment to the academic and personal success of their students. Their resolve to provide the best possible product for the price is higher than ever. This school is going to be on the rise for years to come, and I would recommend to both parent and student that they take a moment to stop by and check out the culture of the school. You might be surprised at what you find!

Note: The staff has changed a bit since I attended, as have the rules, I’m told, but check it out for yourself and pray a lot about it.
I attended The Rock Academy High school from 9^th grade to 11^th grade and finally left to a different school for 12^th grade. I do not recommend this school. I was terrified to go to a different school in my last year of high school, but the negatives of The Rock Academy greatly outweighed my fear of the unknown.
The office staff, especially the school Counselor, was extremely condemning and strict. When a substitute teacher gave my arm a rub/​lingering touch, I became angry and told the principal. I was reprimanded because the manner in which I expressed my fear was «disrespectful» and my complaint about the teacher was ignored.
Four years ago when I attended this school, one of the rules was «no male-​female frontal hugging; side hugs only.» Two students were suspended for a lingering frontal hug (the two were dating) in the hallways. There are other rules like «girls must tuck in their shirts when wearing pants» that still seem ridiculous to me and I am no longer a «silly, young, rebellious» teenager. I was told by the former secretary (the principal’s wife) that I was a «rebellious teenager» when I had untucked my shirt after she had told me to tuck it in earlier that day. I proceeded to plead my case and she stopped me to say: «This is a dictatorship, not a democracy.» Another example of the rigid rules: Patterned tights are not allowed because one parent complained that a student’s tights looked like fishnet tights.
I do not bear ill wills against the staff any longer, but I do want every parent that considers putting their child in The Rock Academy to know that there is no shortage of drugs or sex in this school. Some of the staff is (or was) extremely strict to the point of encouraging further rebellion from «suffocated» students.
The education is great. The teachers are good at their jobs and I only had issues with two of the teachers. That is the only positive thing I took away from that experience. If your child can tune out everything else, fantastic.
*The Rock Academy is nothing like The Rock Church!* I love The Rock Church. I’m disappointed that I did not experience the love and acceptance and mercy and grace of God in this school.

My family has been part of the Rock Family for over 3 years and we truly feel that there is no better place for our children.
Yes, the tuition may be a little higher than some private schools, however the return has been priceless to our family.
Our oldest has just completed her 3^rd full year at the Rock Academy & loved it so much she asked to be enrolled in their summer camp program. She has been blessed to have amazing group of teachers, friends & spiritual leaders.
We just enrolled our little one in the «Twoddlers» class. There was never any question as to where she was going to go to preschool, that’s how much we love the staff. She’s only there 1 or 2 days a week, however she has 2 very caring & attentive teachers that are always waiting with open arms and smiles for her.

Thank you Rock Academy & Rock Academy Preschool!!!

The Rock Academy Preschool has been a complete blessing to my family. I went back to work after a year and a half of being home with my baby, and only after I found RAP was I able to do this comfortably. My daughter’s teachers and the rest of the staff are so loving and wonderful with the children. My daughter loves going to school every day and since starting there 5 months ago, she has really learned so much. I’m constantly impressed by the things she comes home saying. There are no complaints here about the beautiful artwork she makes me at school either! As a (sometimes over-​protective) mother, it can be hard to leave my beloved little one with others, but I whole-​heartedly trust this school with my daughter’s safety and well-​being.

The rock academy provides an amazing program that prepars kids for life!
Things I like most:
1) Caring and loving staff with very low turn over. From the front desk to the teachers every one really cares about and loves the kids. It feels more like a family than a preschool.
2) The curriculum is very strong. My son by 2 years old and can count, say his ABC’s and all his colors. At the same time learning isn’t forced it is just fun.
3) Great values and positive discipline. While it is Christian in no way is it forced upon anyone, instead it is just about love, compassion.
4) The cost. It is only $ 910 a month for a 2 ½, that is just over $ 200 a week which is a steal given how small the classes are and the quality of care.
I would encourage everyone to take a tour and see for yourself.

This school is not for everybody for sure. I wouldn’t send my children to a Muslim school if I am not and I wouldn’t send them back to public school if I want some morals in my children’s education.
I have sent two of my children to public school until Jr. High School and they are the ones that asked me to consider a Christian school for High School. They wanted to feel secure at school and have considerate classmates. Yes, the tuition is a stretch but it is worth every penny! I don’t have to worry about my children learning worldly views, as I know they are getting good education here.
I have one child in Elementary school and two in High school and I have to tell you that they all 3 love it!
If you are complaining about how they will talk at home then I would worry more about how they would talk if they were in public school.
I am happy and my family is at peace!!!

My daughter has been going to The Rock Academy for 5 years. There were a couple good teachers and the rest bad. Now I learn my daughter was sexually abused by a former teacher. There has been cover-​ups for the last 5 years that I wont get into. My daughter has been talking weird too, they brain-​wash the kids. I hate this school and I give it 1 star for the 2 good teachers we had.

The costs for early brainwashing:
K-​6: $ 7210.
Junior high: $ 8360.
High school: $ 9035.
Included in these costs are $ 300 for uniforms to complete your children’s transformations into robots for god. Also included is $ 300 to reserve your child’s spot at the school (not just once… after the first year they drop it $ 50 if you pay on time), and a yearly maintenance fee that increases from elementary to jr. to high school, $ 360-​$ 660 a YEAR, for «book maintenance, disaster preparedness, yearbook, camp, and more!»
Sure, they can watch your kids after school for $ 4.00/hr and fund an arts-​inclusive education on their ridiculous tuition, but at what cost? I mean, I think creationism is important to learn about and all, but as the only thing taught as possibly being credible? And what about birth control? Abstinence, while tempting, is not everyone’s piece o’pie.
Get your kids’ fear of god, for their bodies, and for the differences of their fellow Californians started early! The Rock recommends that the first step you take in the application process is prayer.

I have to agree with Jen on her review of The Rock. My 16 year old nephew is interested in attending this school so we stopped by for a random visit. We were completely unexpected although we were familiar with one of the coaches.
They couldn’t have been more inviting and friendly. They offered us a tour and told me to leave my nephew for about an hour so he could meet some of his peers and get a better feel for the environment. When do you ever see that at public schools these days?
The school is a large building that includes both the sanctuary and the academy. Both being totally enclosed in the building that is 3 floors. It has a huge front lobby with a security person at the front desk.
So overall, I got a really good feeling about this place.

My Nephew who is 7 attends this school and it is by far an amazing school! My sister looked at numerous private schools before discovering The Rock. One of the highlights, it starts from pre-​school and continues through high school. The teachers are great with the children and know most of the students by name. They also know the parents names as well. When my nephew interacts with children of his age that do not attend The Rock; everyone is amazed at his level of education and manners. At the Rock they not only teach the children academics but also educate them about manners, prayer and worship.
This school has everything down! When you pick up your kid from school there’s this neat system where you place a card in the front windshield that has your child’s name on it and his grade. The volunteers, using walkie-talkie’s let the person at the front of the school know that you are there for your child. When you pull up to the front your kid is ready!
If you have to stay and work late no worries. There is an after school program that your child is taken to on site where he/​she can get started on their homework. If they need help there’s someone ready to assist. It does cost $ 2.00 for every 30 mins. Not bad for a tutor.
I know a private school. Yes it can be expensive but they also provide financial aid to those who qualify.
The children are required to wear a uniform but it’s not bad looking and saves from trying to figure out the wardrobe in the morning. They do have free dress days once in a while.
My family started attending church more regularly and it’s great because my nephew already has friends to meet with while at Sunday school.