York River Academy

Principal Cross and his teachers are wonderful, and they are truly dedicated to the students. BUT,...There are real shortcomings that could not be addressed during my son's 4 years there. There are NO advanced classes available. I don't mean "no AP classes". I mean that the math classes end at Algebra II (Which includes some Statistics). The science classes end at basic biology (with some botany and chemistry included). There are NO chemistry classes, or physics classes offered. this is just as true with English and History. Also there are NO PE courses offered. All of the students are expected to take the same courses regardless of individual aptitude. Students who struggle are given the absolute best that the teachers can give. Mr Cross and his teachers are truly amazing at helping students in need. This cannot be overstated. HOWEVER;
My son excelled at math. There was simply no course for him. So he had 'free time' while his friends took their math. I asked Mr Cross if my son could take advanced math at York High School, roughly one mile down the street. The answer was simply, 'No'. YRA and YHS do not share students, resources, or even the same academic calendar, even though they are both York County Schools. Finally, in his senior year, it was suggested that he take a course at TNCC (Community College). I was assured that the $400 in tuition and the $150 book would be reimbursed by York County. Two weeks into his college course, I was told that YRA had no agreement with TNCC. I would simply have to pay for it. (Although an identical course was offered at York High School not one mile from YRA for free to York County students, I was told to pay $550. !!)
If your student is struggling, then YRA is probably the right place to go. The staff there is phenomenal. But if your students excels, then he/she will be pigeon holed.