To begin, there are a lot of kindhearted people there. If you are looking for a safe environment, this is it. Drugs, weapons, things of that nature at this school are almost nonexistent. I never saw or heard of any significant issues over the seven years I was there. If I had to count the number of fist fights I saw. It was probably 2 and they don't really count. As I said, very safe place.
Here is a rundown on the sports teams.
The basketball coaches are tough, but they know what they are doing.
The baseball team has been successful, but is full of prima donnas, something about the players they attract, never quite got it.
The track program felt pretty good, but I had limited experience.
The football program has changed coaches twice over the last few years. I don't know the new coach so I don't know whether he is good or bad.
Now, the final issue that needs to be addressed is religion at SCA. They say they are non-denominational, but they are more an evangelical Baptist breed. If you are Catholic, then you better prepare to be told you are not a Christian. They do not acknowledge Catholics as Christian, though they will not say it to your face. They usually display it in short satirical quips.
In continuation, a large amount of teachers there would rather teach religion than their own subject, which is detrimental to learning. The teachers and faculty who were of a high caliber and open to new ideas didn't last when I was there. Mostly because they either didn't conform or because they were not "easy A" teachers. They were always willing to give lots of time after hours to any struggling students, but they were still asked to leave anyway. We lost quite a few good teachers. (By chance, a few of the best individuals I have ever met still work there.)
As a side note, the majority of existing teachers will also discount the idea of evolution and that the earth is older than ten thousand years. Just a random fact.
Their religious views in a nutshell are:
Christ's grace is what saves you from hell and works/service are just nice add ons. (I have read James 2:14 to them countless times only for them to walk me in a circle using circuitous logic.)
They also believe if you have never heard of Jesus you are going to hell because you should have known he existed. They call it "General Revelation" .
This school really helped me understanding what I believe because I tend to be stubborn in character. As for many of my good friends, they are now agnostic or devout atheists because the school gave them such a turn off to even the idea of God. The school does not breed free thinkers.
I have many fond memories of this school, as well as many sad ones. For me, I would do it all again. However, for many others who are not stubborn in ire, I do not recommend it. You will watch them lose whatever sense of faith they have, or begin to puppet what they are told.
My message to the school, if you were to sharpen up your curriculum to focus solely on the intended subject, without religious intervention, and allow new teachers that are willing to set the bar high despite gripe from parents. Then, you would have a high caliber program. As of now, I'm sorry to say it's not there.
- Former Student read more
