I have nothing but raving reviews and positive things to say about Pivot. My son was struggling in public schools (middle) for the past couple of years, he was overwhelmed by the large classes, noise environment and sometimes aids that weren't very patient with him. (He has dyslexia and autism) And rather than try out another medication to lessen his anxiety, I wanted to target the source of his symptoms. Which meant looking for an alternative school. I am soo incredibly grateful I found Pivot and was able to transfer him in the beginning of 2nd semester. It only took a few phone calls and emails and everything was transferred to Pivot and he was able to start the next week. He's now a much happier person, no longer struggling with anxiety and depression. The small quiet classes sizes and kind welcoming students have been fantastic! Along with supportive teachers & aids. It's a super welcoming place, the students are quiet and respectful to each other. Which is not what he experienced in public schools with bullying and harassment from other students, and then nothing was ever resolved by teachers or administrators. My son attends school on campus Monday to Thursday 9am-12pm and then Friday is an only check in at 10:30am and works online that day but the school is incredibly flexible if your student wants to do online only or mix some in person classes with online work. The campus is HUGE! Not only just North county but also Riverside and I'm sure more areas. His education coordinators Gus & Alex have been a godsend, they are so kind to him and know how to work with him at his pace. Gail & Adrian (admin team) are also super friendly and so helpful with anything we've needed. My son especially likes the walking journals, where the classroom goes out on nature walks by san Marcos lake and takes pictures of the scenery. As well as awesome field trips to cool places like the History of Music & History of Surf museum. He also loves when they play volleyball in the parking lot- it's very 80s nostalgia- kids playing in the open space and yelling car when they need to stop. If your child is struggling, with making friends, feeling out of place or overwhelmed by regular public schools. Try Pivot, it's a game changer and for my family a prayer answered! Also, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to share our experience. read more

Pivot Charter School - San Marcos Lake- trail where the students walk - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I just enrolled my daughter here, and am so excited how involved the counselor has been every step of the way. They even have field trips for the kids, such as hiking the nearby double peak. If you're child is working, or does not have the typical lifestyle (my daughter is a dancer) then this is a great alternative to the regular public school system. This is public school also, so it IS paid for. I am happy to see my daughter actually get excited about attending and learning. No more stressing about fitting in enough hours for her to get her education and pursue her passion. Happy MOM. Disclaimer: This type of learning environment is for self motivated independent learners. It is not for everyone but, if you have been looking for alternative ways I highly recommend looking more into this charter school. read more

My daughter just graduated from Pivot Charter School after 4 years having attended since 8th grade. She was able to excel in her studies there due to working at her own pace and with help and guidance for her counselor Miss. Liz who is awesome! Miss Liz was able to give one on one help to My daughter for most of her classes, especially math, and Algebra. She really took the time and was always available to my daughter on the phone or going into the school Physically. My daughter graduated with straight A's and that would not have been if she did not get the help and tutoring she needed by the school. Pivot was very accommodating. I originally took my daughter to Pivot because we were homeschooling since Kindergarten due to many food allergies and my work schedule. I am a tour guide in Europe for about 5 months so this way, by going to Pivot, all the books she needed, everything was supplied online and she was able to go to school wherever we were in Europe. We also were on two Cruise ships as part of my work and with the internet on the ship, she was also able to do her school there in the morning and evening and still sight see and learn about the countries we were in and do "in the field" learning. In any school, there are usually minor problems and working out kinks, and that is to be expected but both myself and my daughter really have nothing but good things to say about the school. I like the fact that the parent also has an account in the program their child uses in their computer program for learning so you are able to log in and see your child's progress and what she needs work on or where she might be behind. You are still held accountable and you have it all there sent to you in your email. I was able to see when she was slightly getting behind in Math and I was able to email the teacher and talk to my daughter and everything was worked out. Whenever there was a problem, i was emailed by the teacher to let me know. We did not go to the physical site that much with being away for so long. It was not a big deal though and they understood. I would do it again if I had other children going into school. I would make sure to keep contact with the teachers and if you have a problem with one teacher, or someone is not doing enough, maybe it would be possible to change but with Liz, she was great and we were so fortunate to have her as our counselor. My daughter first went to Public school, then was homeschooled, went to a parochial school for about half a semester, then we found Pivot. We were very happy with the flexibility, the teachers and the interaction. The subject matter of the schools these days is another subject but that is everywhere. We all have to be diligent in what the kids learn and watchful and work with your teacher if there is something you don't like. Any problem we ever had, we talked about and it was taken care of. I hope this helps. read more

Sorry, to say my husband and I are very unhappy with Pivot school in San Marcos. Our daughter started Pivot last year due to a medical issue, it's her Junior year. I am disappointed because I was not notified (as my husband and I was told we would be at initial appt. w Lyla the counselor) that she was not moving fast enough to finish the goals we initially established at beginning of process. We were misguided repeatedly regarding reccomendations and procedures all along the process, this entire year. Specifically, Lyla encouraged my daughter to drop out of classes without my permission, and take classes this summer. Then we were abruptly informed at the beginning of summer that there were no longer summer classes available to my daughter to complete her coursework. (because she was not a senior graduating) Again, no communication with me, her mother. I did review the email in which Lyla informed my daughter, " that was it"... no summer class to finish 3 other classes she started but didn't complete. I think this is called "abandonment" and it is ethically and morally unsustainable. What business is this, used car sales lot? Also, my daughter said there were required books that were not listed as Required. Once she started the class on line... it became apparent the book was REQUIRED and she couldn't complete the class because she didn't have the book. It wasn't available at the public library. After an entire public school hx of terrific grades in K through 10 grade, my daughter ended up completing three, one semester classes her Junior year. Only one semester english class, one semester Chem, and one semester US. History. I was not contacted once????? They have my email, I have been regularly notified of field trips or other side notes??? Now we are in the process of trying to figure out what to do next???? Plan was for her to go back to public, traditional, local school but they are telling me she can't go in as a Junior because her graduation date was set when she started HS, her freshman year??? So we are scrambling for next year. Thanks a lot Piviot, for misdirecting, misguiding my 16yo daughter during a time of crisis. Do you really want to trust your child's future education in the hands of inexperienced, untrustworthy, unprofessional councelors at Pivot??? PS. I just met with a counselor at my daughters public local school and we are set up at "The Charter School" in SD to finish the classes that were not being offered to my daughter at Pivot. So, if all goes well she will start local public school in fall and graduate on schedule. Side note: We have a friend here in our community that is also going to Pivot and they are taking summer classes at Pivot. That child is also a Junior, and Senior next year. So we caught PIVOT in another lie. Shame, shame, shame on you Pivot. read more

Pivot Charter School has been a lifesaver for our family. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the teachers and staff at Pivot as well as the students! My kids have been really cared for this year and are not just considered a number. They are taking their school work more seriously and are able to progress with this new learning style in a much more efficient and proficient way, And for me, the best part is that they have commented on more than one occasion that everyone at Pivot looks out for one another, no one bullies anyone, and everyone cares like a family. That means just as much as the education, which is top-notch by the way! I highly recommend Pivot whenever the subject of school is raised! read more

We moved to Pivot at the end of my sons 7th grade year after leaving a small private school where he was being ruthlessly bullied. No one else would take us because it was so late in the year. But Pivot was able to help us finish out the year. And what we found it those few remaining weeks was a school and an educational modality that raised my sons grades and taught him better than any other we have found so far. Also there is zero tolerance for bullying in this environment. The staff looks out for the kids and doesn't allow even a nuance of that behavior. He now likes school agin for the first time since 2nd grade. His grades are fantastic. His confidence is up. He plays competitive water polo with a high demand on his time to train for that and because of the way the school is set up, not only does he have plenty of time for that but also for other extracurricular activities. We are so so thankful for Pivot and the staff here and for what it has given back to our son. read more

Don't take the chance unless your child is a nearly complete independent learner that has proven to be their own advocate. If they aren't, more than likely Pivot staff will tell you any and everything that you want to hear so that you will sign up and stay signed up even if the child is failing. Funding comes from the number of names on the roster so that's vitally important to its success. Just remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. read more

My daughter has been attending Pivot since the middle of 6th grade and she is now in 7th. Lyla, Dave and all the staff have been there for her every step of the way. I couldn't be more pleased. Pivot was here for us when we really needed something to fit our lives at the time. Her grades are good, and she is making new friends all the time. Her schedule is slated so she can attend art classes (her passion) and fencing classes. This school fits her perfectly, and she actually wants to get out of bed and go to school everyday! read more