FIT Academy Charter School 7200 147th Street West, Apple Valley, MN 55124

"This is our first year at FIT Academy and so far we are very happy with our decision! The staff is excellent and so are the members of the board. We have one in Kindergarten and one in 2nd grade. They have P.E. and two recesses every day. The ability to move during the day allows their brains to function when it’s time to focus. The Core Knowledge curriculum is much better and safer for young learners than the Common Core curriculum that is being taught at their previous school and the literacy program is much more efficient, too. Health is age-appropriate. They do fast-bridge testing 3 times each year so you can track your student’s progress (this is in addition to MCA). The staff and students are diverse and the school does fun things like a recent Olympic Games Celebration to help encourage getting to know cultures than their own. Masks are optional, which we prefer. While there is some lack in extra curricular activities, this will improve over time as the school continues to grow. Our kids ride the ISD 196 bus, we are in the district calendar, lunch is currently free to all students, as it is a FREE, public school. They have an excellent Special Ed department that does take care of IEP’s (I have one that receives speech services). They do wear uniforms which as a parent I prefer as it makes my morning easier. lol. While no school is perfect, I have no major complaints and HIGHLY recommend this school. There are great parent groups, too! We’ve already made great friends - kids and parents alike! Thank you FIT for being a light in the dark!!!"

"My kids have gone to FIT since it opened. We have been so happy with our teachers there, and also with the small-school, friendly environment that it provides. It's a great community, and the staff really cares about the children. There are some growing pains being a new/young school, but FIT is always working to hone in on things that are working well, and move on from things that don't work well. We highly recommend FIT, especially for families who want lots of movement in their kid's day and who want a small school community. Also, while test scores do matter, it's important to remember they are only one part of a school. FIT is still new, and the upper grade kids all started at other schools. It takes time for a school to implement learning plans that come out in great scores down the road. There are struggling students at every school, and sometimes they come to charter schools to get more help. That makes the school "look bad" while the reality is that they are helping kids who need them. Charter schools receive less money than district schools because they can't do tax levys. They have to do a lot with less funding, while welcoming struggling students, and meeting the needs of those who are doing great in class. One way FIT does this is by having kids who are working ahead in math go to the next class/grade so they are not bored. My family has really appreciated this!"

"We've been here since day 1 and have loved it. We love the small school feel. The teachers and staff are caring and work hard to find creative solutions. We've been happy how they've worked with us with an ADHD child, provided advancement for giftedness, as well as provided one-on-one tutoring for our kids who have struggled in a particular area. They have also quickly resolved bullying issues. I've appreciated how they first assume the best about the offender and then if there are further incidents then appropriate measures are taken. Positive discipline rather than punishment. They have cultivated a wonderful school culture. I love the inclusion and diversity of the school. Though it was a bummer when my child's teacher went on maternity leave, I highly appreciate the value for family. I'm grateful teachers are supported in caring for their own kids, as they work so hard to to teach and care for our kids. ❤ We've been very happy all around with FIT Academy."

"Both of my kids attend Fit and have for the past 2 years, this year being their third year. My kids needed a smaller school with more one on one teacher guidance and FIT gives my kids that. My kids were treated as "Cant do kids" in the public school system and were not up to grade level because of that in many subjects. At FIT they are put at a higher expectation of achievement but they also focus on their areas of opportunity. They understand that not all kids learn the same way and are very adaptable. The teachers and staff communicate with me on everything and we work together to find the right solutions when issues arise. I used to feel alone with the public schools and from day 1, with FIT, i have never felt that way. Not all schools are for everyone but this school is perfect for my kids educational needs. I feel that no matter where your child attends school, parents need to advocate for their kids. If parents dont, how can the teachers and staff know how to better help your child be successful? I cant be happier with our choice to join the Fit Academy family!"

"We have had a wonderful experience with FIT since the opening of the school! We love being a part of the FIT family. We have two children in the school. We appreciate the care from teachers when voicing any concerns and the dedication to safe learning throughout the pandemic. No school is perfect but being able to communicate issues and work together with staff to come to solutions is a wonderful part of FIT. We look forward to our girls continuing their education at FIT and seeing the school continue to grow."