CCA is great IF you are a good match for it. A good match is very important! Here is my advice, to which all of our three kids agree, each of whom had a different experience attending CCA...
First of all, if you're not a good match for CCA, the great thing is that there are schools much better suited to you out there that can turn your special gifts or unusual learning style into a huge personal advantage.
In summary: If you are an 'A' student, are very motivated, and do your homework early without being asked, it's a great school. If you have at least a tolerance for competition, and enjoy doing 80% of what you are asked to do, just for the sake of getting a great grade, then go for it.
Schools like CCA have a great reputation, and if you go in there with great grades, you will get great teachers, who make it almost easy to learn alot and get great grades and stellar opportunities.
If you are not an 'A' student, don't do it, even if you have a great work ethic; You'll find it nearly impossible to compete with the thousands of others needing help with their weak spots. You will be MUCH better off at a smaller school where the counselors and teachers can remember your name.
I suspect that if you don't go in there wth great grades, you may not be assigned the best teachers. Sorry, kid, you won't get the benefit of the Elite teachers at the school, and you'll waste your time in a dull, mass production line classroom. Even 'accomodations' and requests for help will only frustrate you if you stay at the school.
Conversely, if you have an 'unusual' learning style, you will need a small school, especially one which allows substitution modules, which will better accomodate your special gifts.
Here are the positives:
* Some Incredible pedagogues, unusual and fun, they know how to make it easy to learn, and they are the best of the lot out there, IF you go in there with good grades.
* Great programs, and lots to choose from, IF you qualify.
* Stimulating, you get to compete with the best!! You may even have time for a well planned social life, with good friends, with a great work ethic and good values.
The negatives:
* Some teachers who can't teach. This can happen if you don't go in as an 'A' student. (in my opinion, middle school grades ARE important)
* CCA is VERY competitive, and caters to a particular style of learning. If you don't fit that, you will have no time for any kind of social life, just to keep up your grades in those classes that are the toughest for you.
There will be exceptions to the rule. However, we've experienced all sides of the issues involved, and our kids have each eventually found there way at CCA, or at a carefully chosen smaller school. If you have joy in learning, and choose carefully, you will find an excellent fit eventually.
Personally, I think we have learned the importance of a good match! read more
