Read from surveys what school leaders, teachers, and parents say about Springboard

Survey of School Leaders

A survey of Charter Schools in Massachusetts developed and distributed by Springboard, recorded data on current after school programming run by charter schools throughout Massachusetts.  This data was then distributed to the Mass Charter School Association, which shared it with the State Legislature’s Commission on Afterschool and Out of School Time.   In summary, two thirds of all charter schools in the state believe their academic after school programs are only “average” or “need improvement” and more than 70% of those schools cited cost for professional instruction as a barrier to more effective after school programming.

Of the schools surveyed:

67% stated that their academic after school program was average or needed improvement.
56% stated that their after school academic program is simply a homework club or study hall with a proctor.
64% of school administrators stated they want more time for kids to learn in after school programs, and after school programs should include professional instruction.
75% stated that their programs for hang-out time and recreation were average or needed improvement.
75% stated that their non-competitive PE games were average or needed improvement.

Naming the barriers to more attendance and greater success in after school programs:

71% of school administrators stated they do not have money to pay for professional instruction after school.
57% of school administrators stated they do not have time to manage an after school program, or money to buy supplies and equipment.

Survey of Parents

94% rated the program “excellent” or “good”
97% said homework was completed more often
Nearly every parent said there was less stress at home
88% of parents said their child’s classroom performance is improving

Survey of Teachers

100% of teachers said that homework performance had improved
Nearly 100% said students were more prepared for class
100% of teachers said that Springboard teachers helped them follow-up with students who need reminders to complete their work
100% rated Springboard “Excellent” or “Good”

Reviews from parents, kids and teachers

How do parents feel about Springboard?

“You guys are great.  Two of Jalen’s teachers said her quality of work has improved since she joined Springboard and now she is getting better grades.”  Lucinda, parent of 6th grader at Crown Pointe Academy in Westminster, CO

“Springboard is our saviors, our daughter is doing her homework without a fight and we are seeing improvement in the quality of her work!” Judith, parent of 4th Crown Pointe Academy in Westminster, CO

“Marcus aced his math test last week, thanks mostly to Springboard.  Carly sent me away when I came to pick her up early.  She was having too much fun!”  Lori, parent of 5th grade girl and 6th grade boy at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA

“AJ and I fight about school work almost every night.  Thanks to Springboard, last night was the first peaceful night in my house in a long time.”  Parent of 6th grader at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA

“Natalya was not reading at the same level as other kids in her class at the beginning of this year.  Now she is ahead of many of them and I am sure that it is because of Springboard.” Olga, parent of Kindergarten student in Westford, MA

“Courtney has done extremely well at school, even better since she joined Springboard. She didn’t like the other after school program because there was no help and no structure and most of all NO FUN! She’s it and she deserves some great fun after school. Now she wantes me to get her at 6:30 no earlier because she is enjoying her time at Springboard. Thanks, A satisfied Mom.” Sheryl, Parent of 7th grader at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA

“Springboard is the best deal in town. You cost less than childcare centers, you get licensed teachers and my wife and I do not have to struggle to get our daughter to complete her homework. We notice a difference in her attitude in the evenings, she is much calmer when we get home at night and my wife and I are confident that her homework has been done accurately and completely because you are checking it.” Eric, parent of 2nd grader in Westford, MA

“I truly appreciate your efforts. I am impressed with the program and know Lydia loves it. She begs me not to pick her up before 6:00PM.” Christina, parent of a 5th grader at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA

Thanks for all that everyone does at Springboard!  I don’t know what us “working parents” would do without you guys! Thank you, Kelley”  Kelly, Parent of 5th Grader at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA

How do teachers feel about Springboard?
“My kids are definitely doing their homework more often, and now their grades are improving.  Thank you, Springboard!” Kate Lonberg-Lew , 6th Grade Teacher, Innovation Academy Charter School, Chelmsford, MA

“Thank you for checking in with teachers to see if any of my students are missing homework assignments.”  Mairead Sullivan-Orpen, 6th Grade Teacher, Innovation Academy Charter School, Chelmsford, MA

“I know the days that my students have attended Springboard because the quality of work that they submit is clearly much better. You guys have done wonders with my Emily! After a day at Springboard her homework comes back to me done neatly and correctly. I am thankful that Springboard is in our building, you guys are awesome!” Daniel Longinetti, K-6 Teacher, Crown Pointe Academy, Westminster, Colorado

How do kids feel about Springboard?

“Springboard’s really cool.  We get to play great games and I get my work done. It’s awesome!”  Bobby, 5th grader at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA

“I do all the activities.  My favorites are Drama and Rock Climbing.  It’s so much better than before.”  Amy, 7th grader in Westford, MA