Below are some testimonials about our program at HSA-McKinley Park from teachers, parents and students.
HSA McKinley Park Teachers:
“The reason why I enjoy working at HSA is because of the great support from other teachers and the administration, as well as the enthusiasm of the entire staff to bring a quality education into the lives of our students!”Roy Kim, Teacher – HSA McKinley Park
“I am a Kindergarten Teacher at HSA McKinley. I enjoyed my first year at HSA, the staff is so positive and involved. It is incredible to see so many teachers that value what they do like myself. Being a teacher is rewarding knowing that you can change a child s and or a whole family’s life. Being a parent, it was great to see how close and how much of a family HSA has become in one year. I can only imagine how great the school will be in years to come. I would recommend this school to any parent/child/family that want a great education for their children with loving and supportive teachers.”“I’m proud to be a member of the HSA team because the amazing school culture created is a direct result of the enthusiasm of students, staff, and parents!”
“Working at HSA McKinley Park has been an absolute joy this year! As a first-year teacher, I am very pleased with how supportive the administration and staff has been. The best part of working here is being able to build a safe and supportive learning environment for the students to grow and discover who they are.”
Gabriela Godinez, Teacher – HSA McKinley Park
“Working at HSA McKinley Park has been above and beyond what I could have hoped for in a school. Everyone from fellow teachers, support staff, and administration is so willing to go above and beyond to ensure student success. The school has a positive atmosphere that can be felt just by walking in to the building. At HSA McKinley Park, students' growth and achievement is the #1 goal and that is exactly why working here has been so fulfilling.”“Teaching at HSA McKinley has been an amazing experience. The students are excited to be here which makes teaching so much more enjoyable! The faculty and staff are more supportive here than at any other school I have taught at in my 11 years of teaching. I truly look forward to coming to work every morning!”
“The school sets high standards for their students and teachers but provides each with the resources and support to achieve these goals. I feel that this is a very welcoming and supportive community of students, faculty, and parents; it is a family and one that I am very proud to be a part of. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at HSA and am looking forward to returning next year! Let’s go hawks!”
“Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park is an environment that promotes learning, diversity, and success. Our school provides unique opportunities for the students such as small class size, variety of after school clubs, an extensive STEM and Robotics team and experiences that will shape our students futures. The entire staff cares about each and every student and provides a very nurturing environment for all who attend. As a teacher I feel as though I am a part of a big HSA family. I am a proud teacher and member of the McKinley team.”
PARENTS:
“HSA McKinley Park provides high quality education that is only obtained at private institutions, to a low-income and diverse community. “ – Karina Reyes, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Horizon Science Academy McKinley is a wonderful school and I really appreciate the variety of programs the school offers; robotics, band, art, and many more. The school also has a supportive principal that looks for the best interest of each student. We have a fantastic group of teachers and staff that go above and beyond. The parent community is involved and welcoming of new families and ideas. I am happy overall with the school we have chosen for our fourth grade son, and soon to be kindergartener.” – Elvira Feliciano, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“The experience for me has been overwhelmingly wonderful. I feel comfortable walking through the halls with parents, staff, and some children too. The open communication policy that HSA has is of high importance to me to know where my daughter stands academically. My daughter encountered such hardships at her previous school. Her dad lost his battle to cancer when she was six and her feelings were torn, having to understand the meaning of life at such an early age was hard. HSA welcomed my daughter even though she was uncertain about many things. She became more confident, happy and uplifting. With the guidance and help of her wonderful teachers, especially Ms. Johnson, she started to love school and most importantly LIFE! She’s excelling and tries without quitting! Thanks to HSA for pushing my daughter to be the kid she is.” – Sandra Guzman, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“The experience I had at Horizon Science Academy has been one of the best experiences of my life. It was a challenge for my son being that he was coming from a dual school, where 90% of his classes were in Spanish. He had a very hard time adjusting to a new environment, new friends, and new teachers with new rules. Coming to Horizon made me realize that great teachers still exist. The teachers at Horizon are outstanding, dedicated, and truly stand out from the other teachers I have encountered. I will be forever grateful to the staff at Horizon for my son’s education. HSA ROCKS!!!” – Mary Moreno, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Our experience at HSA has been very pleasing. I like the school because of all the clubs and activities they offer for children of all ages, and there is a reliable aftercare program. Ms. Skrbec is an amazing and supportive teacher. Mr. Hannsberry is always around and has a strong influential presence. Mr. Cengiz, the school principal, is always around and accessible. The ladies at the front desk are patient and very helpful. HSA has amazing values and NO BULLYING! Overall, HSA is the best school Amir could ever attend. I am so grateful my son was accepted to HSA.” – Elizabeth Soria, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Everything is spectacular, HSA has surpassed my expectations. As a parent, I feel very connected with the staff and feel very much part of the team. My experience with Mrs. Jones is wonderful, she is a very nice person and is very interested in the development of her students. I feel very comfortable with Ms. Jones and can approach her with confidence. She helps us with any questions. The entire staff is incredible. I want to thank the supportive staff and I am very happy my children attend Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park.” – Vanessa Ramirez, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“My experience in this new school has been excellent. My son is happy and enjoys coming to school every day. In his previous school, he was bored and I have noticed the positive change in him now attending HSA. He is now very excited and brings back exciting news every day. I love Horizon Science Academy because the teachers are excellent, have patience, and are extremely helpful. I really do recommend this school to everyone that I meet. I want to say thank you to Ms. Johnson and the rest of the staff at HSA J “ – Esperanza Galan, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“We are very happy that our son is in this school, we have seen great progress in our son, both academically and personally. Angel is happy with everything at his new school. The staff is very friendly and the relationship we have with his teacher Ms. Skrbec is a great teacher. We are excited for our children to continue our children here. Grow and prepare for the future. Thank you!” – Juana Alvarado, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“It was a new experience for my daughter. Trinity had to adjust to a lot of new things becoming a kindergartener. There were no more naps and she had to adjust to riding the school bus all by herself. I learned that my baby was not a baby anymore and shocked me overall. She became more independent and made lots of friends. She became more outgoing and outspoken. The small community environment made for an excellent experience for the both of us.” – Tamika Powell, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Thank you to this school, teachers and all the staff. My experiences with this school have been good. My children are very happy and we thank you from the bottom of our heart.” – Maria Benitez, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“My kids are very happy with their teachers, and their grades are much higher than they were at their previous school. They have more time to talk to their teachers. This school is the best thing that has happened to my children. The teachers always have a smile and are in a good mood. I appreciate all the assistance and patience given to my children.” – Maria Hernandez, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Words cannot appropriately express my gratitude to HSA McKinley Park and Concept schools for bringing this school to my community. We are blessed to have wonderful teachers like Ms. Cassidy and Ms. Wendy Johnson. Both are such good teachers, tailoring content to the students’ individual learning styles. Both are caring teachers, demonstrating their warmth in everything they do in teaching my children. Mr. Cengiz and the whole HSA faculty and staff create an incredible school culture that welcomes parents and families to all school activities.
We are very grateful to each and every person at HSA for making our school a special and wonderful family community.” – Alicia Menchaca, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Well I really do not know where to start. It has been a great pleasure to be here at this school. My kids have always done good in school. This school has taken them to the next level. The staff and teachers have shown good character by being a good example for the students. I could go on and on about the school. It has been a joy to be here. My family and I look forward to many more years to come.” – Roderick Taylor, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“I really love how HSA works. It is different from other schools. I love the diversity of programs the school offers and the attention the teachers give to every student.” – Lucia Vega, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“Our experience as parents here at HSA has been great. At first we were indecisive about transferring our children from another school. We are very satisfied with all the teachers and staff who work at HSA. Thank you for the opportunities that have been given to our children, your dedication, and for valuing our children’s effort in school.” – Marcia Roacho, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
“I appreciate the interest that has been given to my children. I also like the communication from the teachers. It is very important to me that my kids are happy and enjoy school while learning. I like that there are educational field trips. I appreciate everything the teachers do for my children. I like that the teachers demand more of the kids and how they help them achieve their goals. I would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Cengiz, the principal, for everything he has done for the school. I can’t wait to see what next year brings us.” – Cristina Perez Romero, Parent – HSA McKinley Park
Know what I get to do? I get to teach at Horizon Science Academy with super kids, great teachers, and a fantastic administration! Hopefully, I am making a difference in the lives of my students just as much as they are making in mine. This is my sixth year teaching at Horizon and I hope to be able to hang my hat here for many years to come. I firmly believe it is my calling in life to give all of my students a chance to succeed, the same chance I received as a child. I consider myself blessed to work with an administration that allows me to be as creative as I want with my language arts lesson plans. Further, I feel very fortunate to work with an administration this supportive of all of their teachers. I am surrounded by teachers who are both committed and dedicated to their students and who care about each child’s individual success. I’m one of those few people in life who gets to wake up every morning and say that they honestly love their job. My students are my motivation and my drive to succeed as their teacher. I’m at a point in my life where I don’t need this job, I want this job. After nineteen years as a secretary to the police chief, I resigned to pursue a teaching career. Although it was a very difficult decision to forego a wellpaying job and to put off retirement I can honestly say that it is a decision that has reaped huge benefits to me.
Anne Kline, Teacher
Horizon Science Academy provides a caring and nurturing environment, where we watch our students excel in math, reading, science, social studies, foreign language, and the arts. I have been a part of the Horizon family for six years now, and I can honestly say that our students enjoy attending school, which is a testament to the hardworking staff and the continuous improvements that are being made in our school. Here at Horizon, we always encourage parents/guardians to get involved in their child’s education. They can come in and observe classes, sit in on our grade chair meetings, contact us via phone or email, or set up a conference and speak with us in person. Horizon is a safe, warm, and friendly school. We are privileged to work in a multicultural environment, where the children are exposed to the world and the various cultures within it. Teachers are very dedicated, highly educated, and able to adjust to children’s needs for growth.
April Maimone, Teacher
This is my second year here at Horizon Science Academy. In the time that I have spent here I have witnessed a very dedicated group of teachers. Some teachers arrive at the crack of dawn and others stay until the sun goes down. They all seem to have the same objective to give the best possible education to the students so they can succeed. It does not take long for people to see how the kids respond. The students are very productive young men and women. Whether it is inside the classroom or in one of the many competitions the teachers’ hard work is constantly paying off. I believe that the parents have made a great choice for their children’s education. I enjoy coming to work every day knowing I am going to be a part of something as positive and successful as Horizon Science Academy Middle School.
Peter Blazey, Teacher
This is my fifth year working at Horizon Science Academy, and I hope to be a part of this team for many more years to come. I have taught grades 58, as well as both math and language arts, and am currently working in administration. I love the support that we get from our administration here and the freedom to try new things to make sure that our students succeed. I absolutely love our students, and they are my motivation for continuing to drive over 30 miles in each morning everyday. It is a great feeling to wake up in the morning and look forward to coming in to work. Not many people can say that, and I am very lucky that I can.
Melissa Haines, Teacher
As the Spanish teacher at Horizon Science Academy, I have been very impressed with the work atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoy the relationships with my co workers. I think most of the time we are like family, not acquaintances or “work” friends. My relationship with my coworkers carries on into my personal life, which means a lot to me, and I believe it says a lot about the teachers here. I think administration at the school caters to what the teachers need to do to improve the classroom setting. Discipline in the classroom is much more firm this year, and the students seem to be taking their consequences seriously. Additionally, it seems like parents are very supportive, which a huge help for teachers is in order to maintain classroom structure. I definitely look forward to a great school year.
Shannon Mitchell, Teacher
I have been working at Horizon Science Academy since January 2009. In the time that I have been here, I have learned that the most valuable asset at this school is the staff. I have never worked in a school where the staff bonds as well as they do here. I think the people in this school don’t just consider each other “coworkers”; I think we consider each other friends and family. Our staff, being so small, gives us all a chance to get to know one another. We all work together so well and take a genuine interest in each other’s lives. In schools I have worked at in the past, some of the staff was so large that building relationships like we have here was impossible. One benefit of our closeknit staff is how we are able to share our lessons and ideas. This allows us to build upon those ideas together as a team to create even more powerful ideas. The success of any school depends on having a successful staff. I honestly believe that we have that here. I am truly honored to be a part of this team.
Stacy Ans, Teacher
I am a teacher at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Elementary School (HSACES). This is a place where your students can learn and succeed. We are a small school allowing staff to personally know the students and their family members. HSACES has recently put Smart Boards into the classrooms, allowing learning to be interactive. Here at HSACES we offer clubs and tutoring after school, we have fundraisers, and hold award ceremonies, honoring our students and their accomplishments.
The teachers and staff are dedicated to making sure that we educate and offer opportunities to our students to allow them to become active members of society. Not only do we teach academics but we also teach the students how to work with each other, how to get along with others, and how to positively cooperate in the classroom. Horizon Science Academy offers many opportunities for students to get the best possible education they can receive.
Jessica Deininger, Teacher
One of the reasons that I enjoy working at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Elementary is that we all work together; we are like one big family. We are all here for the same purpose, which is for the children.
We all work together to make sure that the children are in a safe and positive environment. We encourage the parents to take part in school field trips and school activities with the children. I’m coming up on my 4th school year here at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Elementary School and there is no where else that I rather be, than working here.
Mrs. Rachel, Teacher
I am proud to be a teacher at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Elementary. This is my third year teaching here, and every year gets better! We are one big happy family! We have gettogethers and potlucks with our staff and we do home visits with our students. Our students are rewarded for their good behavior and Merit Roll and Honor Roll with Horizon bucks, which they can use to buy cool gifts! Students have great opportunities for extracurricular activities by joining clubs we offer after school. We also offer tutoring two days a week after school for students who need extra help. With all these great reinforcements it’s no wonder that our students are so successful in their academics! Horizon Science Academy Cleveland
Elementary definitely has TEAM spirit! Together Everyone Achieves More!
Mrs. Gedney, Teacher
In my fifteen years of teaching I have never taught in a school like this one. I have a real sense of pride when I get a class at the beginning of the year and see how they develop. This school offers the community a great opportunity to give the kids a sound foundation to their education. We have a very strong team of teachers that do an impeccable job at bringing out the best in the kids. There is no better feeling than to see the children succeed and know that I was a part of the success. As a teacher I am just one part of the equation. It’s the parents who have dedicated themselves to their child’s education that helps make us strong. These last few years here at Horizon Science Academy Elementary School have been some of my favorite years as a teacher.
Mrs. Blazey, Teacher
This is my daughter’s second year at Horizon Science Academy. This school is like no other. The environment is very clean, the teachers and staff are awesome, and their curriculum is great. My daughter is really being challenged at Horizon. I am so happy that I made the choice from public schools to charter especially here at Horizon.
Sharita Echols, Parent
I did not know that choosing a middle school would have been such a difficult decision. I wanted my son to be able to excel in his academic studies, and be an active participant in his education. I chose Horizon
Science Academy because from the first day I stepped into the school, it was what I was looking for. I love Horizon because it is justifying to know that my son is an excellent student, and his teachers think he is a joy to have in class.
Chenita Fairly, Parent
I am a proud parent of three wonderful children who have attended Horizon Science Academy; two of whom have graduated and have gone onto Horizon High School. My youngest is currently an eighth grader, who will be graduating from the middle school in June, 2011. I am very privileged to express the gratitude that I have for the staff at Horizon. These teachers have worked with great dedication and endless commitment with each and every student. My children’s report cards show great improvement year after year. It takes a village of good genuine teachers to teach our children and that’s just what they are doing at Horizon with one child at a time. Thank you Horizon teachers for all of your hard work and your outstanding professionalism.
Tonya Castleberry, Parent
My children are attending Horizon Science Academy for the third year. Since day one, my husband and I have been pleased with the staff and the educational structure of the school. You can access your child’s grades and homework assignments online and if my children are struggling in class, there is tutoring available. Every teacher has a genuine concern for each student and helps them to succeed and prepares them for high school and beyond. I gladly recommend Horizon to other parents.
Karin Spratt, Parent
I like Horizon Science Academy because it has a very diverse learning environment. I also like the fact that both math and science are a priority. Our children desperately need those subjects to compete in this world “better known as the jungle”.
Sonya Johnson, Parent
I have been a student at Horizon Science Academy for three school years and from what I have experienced, I can tell you it is a great school. The teachers are very reasonable and fair. The staff is excellent and the rules help keep the school safe and in order. There is an equal balance of learning and reviewing information so that everyone gets what is to be done and there’s tutoring if we need it. There are many opportunities for Horizon students. For example, some eighth grade students are able to take high school algebra and at the same time receive high school credit for the subject. But with all that work we should have a break once in a while, right? I like that Horizon has many activities available for students. It is fun when we go to new cities and places. There is also the annual trip to Turkey in the summer. There are various clubs and the teachers make the assignments fun with science fairs and school projects.
Selena Bostick, Student
Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Middle School (yeah, I know it’s a mouthful) is a great school. The teachers are very qualified and I know they want us to succeed. I can’t stay away from this school. I tried another school for one day (one day!) and I came home and told my mother, “I’m not going back. Take me back to Horizon.” We do fun activities and we’re all really close. Mrs. Kline is the everhilarious Language Arts teacher but she is also very serious when it comes to our work. Ms. Kratz, my math teacher, is really good at what she does. Whenever I think something is hard, she makes it so easy. Ms. Maimone is kind of wacky (J) but she’s a good teacher and she is real serious about good behavior. Ms. Haines, the dean of students, is great, too. The students, my friends, are so funny and smart. I mean, everyone here is destined for a great future. They’re part of the reason I came back.
Sophia Hardy, Student
Horizon Science Academy is a great school! The teachers here are super about encouraging students to do their very best. Mrs. Kline, my English teacher, is fun and I really like her class. She loves to joke around, but does not play about getting work done. My math teacher, Ms. Kratz, loves math, and makes learning very fun for everyone in my seventh grade class. Mr. Stevens teaches us science. We do fun things like play Science Jeopardy. We also do science projects and experiments in class. Ms. Maimone, my social studies teacher, also likes to make jokes, but still teaches in the process. My art teacher, Mrs. Hammond, teaches us about famous artists back maybe when she was little like Pablo Picasso. Mr. Dogan, my computer teacher, teaches us different ways to use a computer to our advantage such as doing slideshow projects and animation. Ms.Mitchell, my Spanish teacher, teaches us how to speak and learn different words in the Spanish language. All of the teachers at Horizon give us many academic choices. They guide us down the right path. I am so proud and lucky to go to Horizon!
Jasmine Smith, Student
I really value my education at Horizon Science Academy for many reasons. First, I get to learn about many things I never knew about. Another reason is that the teachers here really care about you and your education. Also, I have a lot of chances to make up work during the week. Tutoring is also available after school for those students who don’t understand something. I also have the opportunity to join a variety of clubs, such as the Spelling Bee Club. I also get to learn Spanish, which I never knew before. Lastly, this school has a safe learning environment and I learn many things here. These are some of the many reasons why I value my education at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Middle School.
Raekwon Goodman, Student
Horizon Science Academy is a charter school that everyone can enjoy. Horizon has a very unique school system that meets every parent’s needs. The afterschool activities are something to look forward to and have each individual working hard. The afterschool programs are very fun and provide students something to do rather than just doing homework all the time. Horizon is full of teachers who are determined to help every student find their full potential. Each teacher will help the students with anything that they need. All of the schools that I have attended in the past did not have teachers who are as determined as the ones at
Horizon. Overall, this school has many things to do. This school also keeps kids occupied and will help them get a head start on a successful career. That’s why I love this school!
Teliah Gainer, Student
I will always try my best in school. I have always loved this school since the day I came here. The teachers respect me, and I respect them. I will never ever forget this school in my life. This is the best school I have ever had in the past three years. I think this school year is going to be the best school year ever in Horizon history.
I never thought I was ever going to come to this school in my life, but I came. It was my dream to come to this school. This is my dream school. I thought I would never live to see this day happen. This is the best day of my life. I will never disrespect a teacher in my life. I have always liked this school ever since the first time I have seen it in 2005.
Jan Cruz, 5th grade student
I think the Barack Obama’s back to school speech was great and I will respect the HSA and I will help teachers and students. The HSA is a good and fun school and it has many activities and the HSA is the best school ever and it is a fabulous, existing, great school. I like this school because you can get horizon bucks, nice teachers, and because the people in the HSA. I love you as a principal. When you leave this school or retire I wish I can take your place.
Our school is fun and nice. Everybody is smiley, happy, serious, and sweet, I’m glad I’m at this good school and I’m glad that my parents put me in this school. Administration is great because we have all these good activities for the students at HSA. When I grow up I will be just like my teachers because they are all great.
Amari Powell, 4th grade student
This school is the best. I like playing on the playground and it is lots of fun. I play football, cops, and secret agent. I play in the little house on top of the playground set. I love recess and gym. I can do more and play volleyball. I play monkeys in the middle with friends. I cannot say “I do not have fun on the playground.” I’d never had more fun.
I love Language Arts because I can learn about reading and discover new words. There is so much to learn. The teacher (Mrs. Flick) reads us awesome stories, and we do too. We can be stellar spellers (which means we can skip language arts homework.) We can earn tickets for the prize box. We can earn horizon bucks for the horizon buck store.
But my favorite subject is math. I get to learn about properties and how to add and subtract estimates. I cannot play or talk. (You can if permission given to you) We now have group names and I do not like mine. But I’m going to have to live with it. So today I know I cannot go against math.
Art is my 3rd favorite subject. I lost my pencil in there but it’s still awesome. I get to draw still lives and sometimes whatever we want. I lose points because of my group but oh well. I like it anyway. So I love art and it will always be my 3rd favorite subject.
Joshua Rockamore, 4th grade student
Hi! My name is Angel Thompson and I would like to say that my school is great. The first time I came here I was thinking that this might be a good school. Now that am here it is a great school, not only for me but for everyone in my class. Over the past three years I have had great friends and teachers. Just now I have learned something new and now that I am and 5th grade it is getting harder. I am going to stay focus to pass the every test and get a good career thanks to this school and the great teachers. I have learned the most at this school and this school helped me catch up and know more.
Angel Thompson, 5th Grade Student.
I am glad to be at this school. They have fun things to do at this school. I like their field trips. Some of the teachers take us to good places. I learned lots of things. This school is the best of all the schools that I ever went to. They have all kinds of things to do. My favorite classes are math & Larts and others. The teachers are kind and loving.
They taught me that I don’t know. The school has the best activities in the world. They do lots of good activities at end of the school year. We have horizon buck store. That’s cool. They have new stuff this year. I am happy to be at this school. This is the best school ever. I am glad to be at this school.
Ruslan Mamadaliev, 5th grade student