I went to this school from second grade up through eighth grade, graduating in 2001. Since then I have gone to a private high school in Monterey (York 05'), public university in Southern California (UCSB 09'), and now am in law school in Boston (Harvard 14'). I recently joined Yelp to find good food, etc. in Boston, and was shocked by some of the negative reviews of my old school on this site. (Note that some positive reviews seem to have been hidden by the Yelp automatic filter.) Although it has been some time since I attended, I have stayed in touch with a number of teachers, and consider myself very close to my early alma mater. Indeed my handprint and those of many of my friends and teachers can still be seen below the colossal tile mural that graces the front of the auditorium. I have returned a number of times in the last few years to help with the annual school auction, which usually consists of interviewing students to produce a short film about why they enjoy their school. I seek honest and unrehearsed answers, because these are actually the most positive; it is the prepared answers that are static, but the fresh responses are inspired and delightful. These kids really do love their school, as did I when I attended, and as I still do. I substantially benefitted from the school's "go-at-your-own-pace" method, which gives the student the autonomy to go as fast as he or she wants to go. When I would finish my mathematics exercises ahead of schedule, I simply moved on to the next one. Some classes, like art class or Spanish, were more constrained by the lesson or project the teacher was focusing on. But the standard curriculum allows the student to proceed through projects and sections as suits him or her. I found that this inspired a more friendly attitude between students and teachers. Of course, the constant, individualized attention is very helpful for when one inevitably does run into a confusing issue. This last part might sound like publicity, but understand that I mean it sincerely. I simply cannot imagine what debacle, misunderstanding, or personality conflict would lead someone to give this school a 1-star rating on Yelp. I have stayed close to the school, and cannot agree with that as a general assessment of the school. I have every confidence that the current staff as I know it will continue to provide students at large with the positive experience that I was blessed with. read more

I am totally perplexed at how all of the 14 Yelp reviews for The Aptos Academy are broken down to: twelve - five star, one - four star and one - one star which in Yelps world equates to an overall three star rating. Possibly Yelp should consider going to The Aptos Academy for remedial math and averages. In fairness, throwing out the lowest and highest, The Aptos Academy is a five star school. For some reason Yelp doesn't want to reflect an accurate measure of the businesses standing in the community at large. Further, it appears Yelp has a filter algorithm that trawls through posts and arbitrarily filters comments it magically gleans to be 'planted' by the business undergoing the review. In the case of The Aptos Academy, all the filtered reviews are positive but the review scores are excluded from the overall score. Talk about fixing the ballot box. I am a parent with two kids enrolled at the school. This is not a planted or fabricated review. I think if you read through the filtered reviews you will come to the conclusion that they are the genuine opinions of those posting and are well worth the trouble to read. As I stated previously, I have two children at The Aptos Academy who absolutely love the school. The teachers are excellent and care for each and every child. The teacher to student ratio is low so everyone can thrive. There are a variety of elective, enrichment classes for the kids to choose from which are included in the nominal tuition. I note with dismay that people post "Scientology" as an "undercurrent" as if that has some ominous meaning. I don't know what the "undercurrent" is nor have I ever experienced anything remotely religious at the school. It seems a ridiculous remark meant to somehow conjure the boogeyman. I suppose its good to know that they did not find any "undercurrent" of Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism or other belief system. My five year+ experience with the school has been very positive. The fact that my kids are excited to go to school each day and love learning speaks volumes. I know that the elective experiences, love of learning, relationships with caring teachers and esprit d coeur the school engenders combines to create a singular, unique school anyone can be proud to send their kids to. i read more

We have two children in Aptos Academy and we couldn't be happier with this wonderful school. Our youngest simply blossomed when he began kindergarten here. And our older son, who entered the school at grade 4, absolutely loves it as well. The teachers are so caring and loving and have a way of bringing out the best in the children. The school has always allowed, and encouraged, children moving and learning at their own pace. Both of my kids are doing math at a full grade level ahead of their class, they are both encouraged to read at a level that is appropriate for them rather than a pre-mandated pace, and the kids have never been pushed too fast or held back to accommodate any one else's learning schedule. Additionally, if a parent has any concerns, the teachers and principal are always available for a meeting. Not only that, but teachers are always in the courtyard or in their classrooms before and after school so it's easy to pop in and as a question or have any questions or concerns quickly addressed. The homework load is just right - enough to keep the kids learning but not so much that they feel overloaded. The Scientology claim is just bumpkis. We've been at the school for 3 years now and never, ever has there been a sign of any sort or religious slant, Scientology or otherwise. The school is completely non-denominational and that is evident by the diversity you see in the school. Christian, Jewish, Muslim and families of all other faiths are a happy and healthy part of the fabric of the school. Bottom line is: My kids and all those we know are doing incredibly well, typically learning well above their grade level in all areas. Every morning my kids are excited to go to school and every afternoon they are excited to tell me about how their day went. And I don't think parents can ask for more than that from a school. read more

I have 5 children. The older kids have been through schools in Australia, HK, Japan and California in both mainstream and Montessori 'systems'. Two of my younger kids started at Aptos Academy in September last year-I can say without doubt that my experience (and their experience) is superior to each of the schools and systems that my other kids have been through. Aptos Academy allows my kids to learn at their pace and they are not able to progress to the next level of learning until they have absorbed the previous level. The teacher's focus on this building block approach is brilliant. The school promotes an inclusive, nurturing learning environment and imho is well administered. OK, an update. I just clicked on something here on Yelp called "6 Filtered" (you can see it at the bottom left of this review section). From the FAQ, it appears Yelp has a filter algorithm that trawls through posts and filters those which it considers 'planted' by the business undergoing the review. In this case, all the filtered reviews are positive. The review scores are excluded from the overall score. When you read them they do not appear to be planted at all. If you are interested in Aptos Academy it is worth the time and trouble to find these reviews. If you have read this far, maybe the best thing to do is to go and have a look at the school for yourself. read more

Aptos Academy is an amazing school! My daughter went from preK through 8th and loved every single minute of it! She looks back on her years there as some of the best in her life. There were kids in her classes who were doing math and reading a couple of years ahead of the class and yet were still a part of the class! No one is held back from achieving! I don't think the majority of children really like school, but I have found that most kids who attend Aptos Academy really like going to that school. Because of the small school size, kids from all age groups get to know one another and kids are accepted for who they are and not excluded socially. Most of their learning is done in the classroom with a very low student/teacher ratio, and the arts program is excellent. The staff and school officials are honest and work with the parents to achieve the best possible outcome for the child. They are honest with the parents and though it may not be what a parent wants to hear, they always have the child's best interest heart.. I highly recommend it!! read more

This is a wonderful school! I have no idea why it shows as one star here. That is ridiculous. These teachers LOVE to teach, give the kids a wonderful environment to grow in, and are very respectful to everyone! I went here through all the grades and loved it. The arts are focused on and the academics are definitely pushed too! I can't believe people are saying its a bad place. I would want my kids to go here for sure. All staff are involved in the schools extra activities and WANT to be there. The kids have relationships with their teachers. You couldn't find a better place for growing children. I recommend it definitely. Go there and check it out before you make a judgment. And look at the "filtered" reviews. read more

Great school!! Both my kids have attended since Kinder and they are flourshing! Just as with any school, you get out what you put in. The school is always asking for parent participation and feedback. I highly suggest that parents investigate this school!!! How many schools in SC County are located on 3+ acres with horses AND have excellent academics? How many schools can you walk on campus and have the children greet you politely with a "Good Morning" and look you in the eye and smile? If you want a wonderful lower grade experience for your child in an environment where they can flourish, grow and retain their childhood innocence, this is the school for you read more

Aptos Academy has everything we could only dream of for a public school and offers the BEST of any private school; art, music, lego ROBOTICS, foreign language, PE, drama, and most of all, teachers who KNOW your child and family. They even have a newly revised preschool and preK program and the teachers and administrative staff are superb. Expect your child to be reading before first grade and your 8th grader to be a dynamic, confident young person entering high school! You won't find prejudices and you won't have to worry that your kid will be bullied. Don't know why the school isn't on the radar of everyone in our community, it's a hidden gem of a school. read more

I could not disagree more with Jessica S. I am sure it had more to do with finances and her child's possible behavior problems than the school. I can say my two children attended Aptos Academy from Kinder to 8th. I now have a senior in High School and a freshman. I miss Aptos Academy and I love that my children still love to come by and say Hello to their teachers and participate in school events! Its a wonderful school with so many opportunities for your child! The staff is very in tune with your child and are all committed to making a difference. Love this school! Miss you all! read more

Our family has two children at the Aptos Academy and we could not be happier with our experience here. Our first child attended a local public school, a charter school and another private school in our area. We can confidently say that Aptos Academy is the best of the best. Academically, their yearly standardized achievement scores speak for themselves. You will not find a harder working, more dedicated staff anywhere. They provide a supportive and caring environment, which fosters academic as well as personal growth. read more

What a wonderful school! Truly has a bit of everything to enrich and educate children! Caring, intelligent and creative staff. Changes are happening and they seem to be bringing in innovation and definitely recognizing the importance of the arts and and emotional learning. They also truly focus on the individual student, and how each student learns. Very solid school on the up and up... read more

My daughter is a graduate of The Aptos Academy. She received not only a great education, which included all of the extras, but the entire family was always treated with the utmost respect and consideration. If you are looking for a full well rounded educational experience for your child, I highly recommend the school. read more

Save your money and do NOT send your children to this place!! This school is struggling and has been for quite some time. Scientology is indeed an undercurrent at the Aptos Academy, regardless of what they say otherwise. Be wise! There are definitely better schools in the area... read more

Great school, beautiful campus! Nice family atmosphere with kids. Teacher to student ratio is great! Lots of extras that other schools don't have. Ex. Art, horticulture, music, drama, glee, PE everyday, and Spanish! Can't get that everywhere! We've been there three years! read more

What a great place!!! My two nice absolutely love this place. Kids usually know when they are in a good place, just ask them! Say no more, continuing doing a good job! read more