teacher

elementary school teacher

mathematics teacher

school teacher

kindergarten teacher

Charter Schools USA

This review is only pertinent to the Jacksonville - Baymeadows campus. I’m sure that some of the things that I will share are useful for some other campuses, but please do not rely on that. When I was hired, my principal ensured me that I would be happy there. She was wrong. I honestly think that she tried everything in her willpower to make my time at that school horrible - without firing me because she would have had a civil suit attached to her for discrimination. If you are a person of color, you will not do well. The administration finds any and everything to pick on and to make you feel as if you are inadequate. Our principal said that she was only worried about the “test scores,” but that was far from the case. Everyday, it was a new thing that she was unhappy about. During our staff meetings, she was extremely demeaning towards the teachers and basically did not care or want to hear our concerns that we had. She never apologized for her racially charged Facebook posts. She ALWAYS stayed in her office. She was never present in the hallways or classrooms. Her leadership is absolutely horrible. Her team was just as bad as well. It was like they were still in high school with all of the gossiping that they did about teachers and staff members. Most of the things said about the teachers and staff were completely unprofessional and inappropriate. The team never seemed as if they were on one accord which trickled down to the teachers. Administration was so disorganized when it came to deadlines. They expected things from us in a timely manner but we had to wait months for feedback on our observations. Mine was completed on the LAST day of school. Administration was rarely in our rooms (a good thing for some) but when it came to observations, their comments were not strong or based on any evidence, which made it hard for us to really know where we stood and what we could improve on. We were expected to work beyond our paid hours and were told by the principal that if we wanted a 7:15-3:45 job, we picked the wrong profession. We were not compensated or appreciated for the work that we put in at all. The administration played favorites, which is done at every school. However, it was to a higher degree here. Also, they do not support having a positive work/life balance because they sent emails all throughout the night and even on the weekends.

Oh, and this company only gives you 8 PTO days when the district gives you 10. You have to ask for days off at the Baymeadows campus, and if it doesn’t get approved, you cannot take off even if you have the days.

As a person of color, I would not work here. I felt like I was discriminated against so many times throughout the school year. I was picked on for numerous things that I could not change. I called HR numerous times but nothing happened. Of course.

If you decide to work here, I would be careful. It seems good at the beginning of the school year, but it gets worse.

My experience working here raised several serious concerns that I believe should be known by prospective staff, parents, students, and the wider community.

Throughout my time there, I witnessed unethical practices that undermined professional standards and contributed to a hostile work environment. Decision-making was often lacking in transparency and accountability, creating unnecessary stress and tension among staff.

A particularly troubling issue was how teachers were reprimanded without being given a fair opportunity to present their side. The corrective actions taken against staff often felt exaggerated, inconsistent, and disproportionate. This lack of due process fostered an environment of fear and resentment, where teachers often felt unsupported and hesitant to speak up or advocate for themselves. Retaliation from administration for those who did voice concerns or challenge decisions seemed common, creating a culture of silence and disengagement.

Additionally, there were ongoing conflicts of interest within the leadership, administration, and students that were never properly addressed. This resulted in a culture of favoritism, inconsistency, and other things I won’t even speak on which further eroded trust and morale among staff.

While many educators at the school are dedicated and passionate about their work, the toxic culture and unresolved ethical issues made it difficult for many to feel valued or empowered.

This toxic environment had a significant impact on employee mental health, with many employees feeling constantly stressed, drained, and unsupported.

There are also other issues that I choose not to go into here, but they further contribute to the overall troubling environment. I strongly encourage anyone considering a role, enrollment, or affiliation with this school to ask tough questions about leadership practices and to carefully consider the workplace culture before getting involved.

The work environment at this school feels extremely unprofessional and, at times, toxic. Many staff members appear cliquish and unwelcoming, making it difficult to experience basic kindness, teamwork, or mutual respect. Simple gestures such as a friendly smile, a genuine “good morning,” or words of encouragement seem rare.

One of the most concerning things I witnessed was a kindergarten lead teacher yelling at a five-year-old child from only a few inches away. Seeing such behavior directed toward young children at such an important stage of their education was deeply upsetting.

The administration also appeared to show favoritism rather than supporting all staff members equally. In my experience, concerns were not addressed fairly, and interactions with leadership often felt dismissive and insincere.

The office environment reflected a similar culture. Several administrative staff members came across as rude or condescending, often making employees feel uncomfortable or undervalued when asking questions or seeking assistance.

Additionally, interactions with the front desk lady, Donna, were frequently unpleasant. Professionalism and courtesy seemed lacking, and communication was often handled in a disrespectful manner. (Yelling and slamming the door to end what was supposed to be a conversation) 
She was reported many times from parents and staff for her attitude and behavior and nothing happens to her - she seems to be the principal’s close friend, that’s why she is still there (favoritism)

Overall, this was one of the most negative work environments I have experienced. A school should be a place where children, teachers, and staff feel supported, respected, and valued. Unfortunately, that was not the culture I observed here.


Charter School USA is the worst company in the entire planet who does not respect veteran teachers.  The administration is extremely condescending.  I personally had the principal from the "Crazy House" who hated veteran teachers, fat people and all people with disabilities.  I was personally harassed, micromanaged and disrespected every day that I was an employee. I complained to the company as well as reported the behavior to the EEOC and all I got was retaliation.  This company states that they are committed to educating children however, the teachers are either interns or have taught less than 5 years.  Students are running wild and there is no consequence for disrespectful behaviors other than detention.  Also, special needs students are completely ignored and teachers are encouraged to fail them.  Anyone that is a veteran teacher is offered pennies for wages and their expertise is not respected.  I have been teaching special education for 18 years, National Board Certified and have excellent ratings, yet, I taught one child the entire year.  A one year intern teacher from Teacher for America was able to micromanage me yet she had no idea about special education nor teaching in general.  The principal was totally hateful and not supportive to the special education population and believed that special education was all an act and there was no need to support these students.  At the end of the year everyone but 5 people who was too afraid to stand up for what was right retained their job while at least 14 seasoned teachers lost their job.  If you see an add for Charter School USA skip to the add for McDonalds.  Trust me you will be respected more flipping burgers than teaching for this company!!!

Working for CSUSA was such an eye-opening experience. It always felt like I was working for a corporation more than a school. My coworkers… some cared, some didn’t. Some were there for a paycheck, some were there to work hard just like any other school. 

My real problem is and always has been with the Hages (CEO/CFO/whatever else).. the way the company treats them like royalty is gross (and encouraged/expected by them). They are business people trying to make money, and they try to brainwash their employees into thinking they actually care about education. 

“The Summit”each year was such an insane waste of money.. being bussed to a convention center in Orlando only to eat bad food and be stuck listening to “Rah Rah CSUSA!!!!” and whichever expensive public speaker they paid for all day didn’t seem a smart use of time or money. This was replaced later with visiting local schools instead, but even then it’s such a waste of time when you are in pre-planning week. (But don’t worry.. you can come in on a Saturday!)

I don’t regret my time at CSUSA because once they saw I could handle my things and teach with quality, they left me alone for the most part and I was able to really enjoy my teaching and my students. There are of course politics like any other school/job, but as long as you don’t let yourself be pushed around it can be an okay working environment. Depends how much you care. Now that I’m ready to actually grow and perhaps make some money, it’s time for me to move on. 

I currently work at the Langtree Academy Upper Campus (since 2017-2018 ) and I find that being a part of something new is extremely rewarding and exciting.  I have read most of the reviews here on this site and it seems to be a therapy session for those who have been wronged by CSUSA; specifically Langtree.  

What most do not understand is that this was the second year that our facility has been open.  The 2018-2019 school year will have its first class of seniors (14 students give or take). 

Like any other school or company you're not going to hire an all star staff right out of the gate.  There will be some staff who won't make the cut and be let go or if they feel the need they resign.  This is a part of life.  I have been in public education for many years and I have never had this much say in the curriculum being taught at my grade level.  I have range of selecting texts and resources that I can implement in my room with cooperation from a curriculum resource teacher.   

 We teach out students reachable goals everyday in the classroom and I think most adults on here need to realize that as well.  REACHABLE goals, we aren't going to be an A+ school year one with amazing students and staff; this culture takes time to foster and create.  We are starting from the bottom and working towards the top. 

Every year there has been tremendous leaps of development.  There have been new clubs and student interests added every year and the athletic department is slowly growing as well.

If you love teaching, skip this place.  The behavioral issues are on super overdrive.  The school caters to parents and students, teachers are treated with no respect.  Administration tries to make you feel better by constantly saying (Thank you for all that you do) It is said so often that it has become like a cold, corporate tagline.

This school year, we lost most of our EC department after the winter break.  We lost others as well from the high school & middle school. 
Every school year, The staff turnover is a revolving door.  A simple walk to the teacher's work room and you will see teachers uncontrollably sobbing.

CSUSA's grading practices are ridiculous too. (Practice and Mastery Grades) The practice grades fuel students not to do their homework.  They don't need to study because students can retest.  Planning time is almost non existent,  so be prepared to work nights and weekends.  Supplies and resources  are almost non existent.  I spent a small fortune  this year on buying supplies and downloading from Teachers Pay Teachers.  

Working there was literally like a sweatshop, once a week, you even work without a lunch break because you have to be at lunch duty.  Oh, by the way, lunch is literally squeezed in your daily schedule (15/20 minutes).  After Winter Break, the principal added another half period into our day (It's called Success; it's an unplanned hot mess. ). So, I literally taught 7 1/2 periods a day.

So, avoid this at all costs

My experience at Charter Schools USA was ok but not great. Just relocated to Charlotte 1 year ago and this was my new job.  The students are wonderful no major issues with them.  Management on the other hand got worse as the school year went on. The school lost 6 teachers and one assistant principal before thanksgiving, and struggle to find substitute teachers because there is no professional communication at the school.  Information at the school is so protective that management doesn't even give staff the wifi password.  School budget has hit its max and teachers are now forced to either buy supplies out of pocket or ask parents for supplies. They pull teacher assistants, and encore teachers to cover extra work load and still expect them to get their assignments completed but are not given enough time to complete.  Teachers are even unable to have enough planning time or to put in grades due to multiple weekly meetings.  Due to the shortage of teachers the teacher assistants and Encore teachers have been given new assignments outside of their job description (no pay increase) to now teach classroom settings of one subject regardless if that teacher has experience in the subject matter or not.  At least the encore teachers have a teacher license but the teacher assistants don't.  Overall the school itself is okay as far as student teachers and parents.

Each day is different.  CSUSA provides a wealth of professional development & experiences.  There is camaraderie among staff and schools.  It is hard to compete with District systems in regards to retirement, compensation, & benefits.  The hardest part of the job is keeping highly qualified personnel.  We invest a lot of time and effort into developing them into quality teachers only for them to leave for another school.  Another hard part is demanding parents.  Frequently not concerned about academics, safety, or even social & emotional learning but more concerned with elements outside of the school's control such as  cell phone usage & dress code policies that they are informed about prior to enrolling.  The most enjoyable part of the job truly are the students and loyal staff.  It's great to interact with students as they arrive, in their classrooms while observing, in hallways during transitions, and at dismissal.  The loyal staff will pull together to do what's best for students. Teachers are encouraged to be creative and think outside the box to ensure students master standards and achieve a well rounded school experience.  There are also staff engagement opportunities throughout the year.

It’s an incredible mission and company, but there are many things that shouldn’t happen in a school. I cherish the opportunity and Jacquez is an absolute delight. She was one of the reasons I stayed for so long. I also love the kids. However, teachers were burdened with an excessive workload and lacked accountability. There were numerous incidents in that school that could never occur in a public school setting. The school was rife with drama and favoritism. I left education solely because of this school. I also believe the school had immense potential and talent to excel, but it functioned more like a workhorse environment rather than a nurturing environment where individuals are valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. You really can’t trust anyone there. Even though it appears people are trustworthy and cool. There are a lot of secrets. Clicks students are pretty much passed just like in other environments. I got a student who couldn’t read, and my grade was well beyond the grade that should have been able to catch that in the student’s entire career at the school. I love the leadership before they went through some changes and things just kind of went haywire.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Teacher 15 salaries reported	$54,010 per year
Elementary school teacher 16 salaries reported	$58,059 per year
Mathematics teacher 8 salaries reported	$56,402 per year
School teacher 5 salaries reported	$51,898 per year
Kindergarten teacher 3 salaries reported	$51,333 per year

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