Research Michigan Technical Academy High School charter Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Complete letdown. They talked big, made the place seem like a great school, etc... Supposedly strict discipline doesn't exist, and when it IS enforced, it's usually someone who did little wrong being punished. They said there had only been two fights since they moved to this building: Lie. Hell, we've had days where there's three fights... Broken up of course, but still happening. The curriculum is dumbed down far below grade level, and some of the teachers are, quite truthfully, inadequate. In all, it's a school that will seem great right until you get there on the first day... Then it's nothing.”

“As a parent I think this school needs more security they have people walking through the building without the staff knowing it. The outside people walk to the classrooms without knowledge of the staff. Its sad when you have to let the principal know whats going on in his school. And the rules change daily. I wouldn't send my child to this school.”

“Michigan Technical Academy is very unique. Very few schools in the state are a vocational school that is managed by a charter organization. Why? Because purchasing auto, electronics, and welding equipment is extremely expensive. Many charter schools are out to make money and do not care necessarily about student's education. MTA has a fantastic welding program and if students pass their welding exam, they receive a certificate upon graduation. We also offer a robotics program where students presented the program at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We recently acquired an automotive alignment machine which is very expensive. You can't find a better vocational program or dedicated teachers. The teachers really care about the students.”

“I have a daughter daughter that attends MTA, the school is okay, however I think they need to revamp there discipline procedures. They have established a Basketball team and Cheer team, the cheer team is very unorganized starting from the top down and the girls are not treated fairly. I to believe they need to have a presence of black teachers in the school. I am a mentor to several of the students and they all complain that they feel there is prejudice in the school. The teachers should be a little more opened minded and listen to the children more, help when asked for help. Please work harder at no only teaching but also creating a environment where everyone is treated equally and has a voice, or else you will loose a lot of students.”

“This is my daughters first year attending MTA as a last resort. The first week she absolutely hated the school because the lack of extracurrilar activities. She has been on the honor roll since she started school. There is now a cheer team and basketball team. The objections I have is that the discipline is ineffectual! Also I hate the three locations for different grades.(elementary, middle & high) My advice to anyone sending their child make sure that you & your child can stand up for yourselves, because alot of the kids and their parents are just bullyish!”

“I am a former student to Michigan auto academy and was there when it changed to Michigan technical academy. my overall out look on the school while I was there is that the school environment is pretty good. It wasn't the best but it made me as a student try a littel more harder which I liked. due to family reasons I do not attend this school anymore but may return for my senior year of high school. but My freshman year to sophomore I seen some things change first big one is teachers. 2nd was assistant principle sorignteno. and the change in race of student. and to me the assistant principle was a grate contribution to Mr sisler.”

“This school has taken a huge turn around since last year. With a change of administration, the school is now focused on positive attitudes and student success. The teachers all share this vision and encourage this vision with their students. There is zero tolerance for any bad behaviors (rudeness, smoking, tardiness, etc.) that would distract anyone from learning. Expuslion is a common consequence for those students who repeatedly misbehave. MTA now has basketball and cheerleading. Clubs include robotics and student government. The school is highly recommended for students who are academically self-motivated and are interested in future Robotics/Electronics or Automotive careers. Parent involvment is needed!! Parents need to motivate their children to get high grades in school and not accept anything less. That would improve the student culture A LOT!”

“my son currently attends Michigan tech academy and I find that everyday I drop my son off and pick him up there are students standing outside smoking and just outright wild. I'm hoping at the first PTA meeting we can get together and make some changes.over all my son seems to be learning a great deal .”

“I think this school has a great effect on some students! My brothers go there and they love it. One of my brothers falled with all E's in his last school and he got in so many fights! He has all A's and B's and he is learning stuff that he is interested in. The teachers are great they are involved and they help as much as they possible can. I herd the lunches are not to hot(good) but the school they love! I am very proud and happy of them that they have the chance to take this experence! Thanks!”

“This school need more positive role models. The students need more structure and positive leadership. I hope and pray, there will be a lot of changes and soon. My son do not go there any more.”

“This school is a big let down. When I show up, I see many students (as many as 2 dozen) outside during classes smoking! The teachers are all new (why can't they keep teachers?) and seem to know/care very little about the students. The principal talks the talk but that's it. No text books, just photocopies! No gym class, just a pipe screwed to the building. This isn't a school of choice, it's a school of desperation from what I see. The staff is very nice and the automotive program has potential but I didn't send my son to a school because it has potential. I heard about this school a few years back and couldn't wait to send my son. What a mistake! No sports, art or anything else available. As far as parental involvement, heck, I don't feel safe there.”

“This school is not what I thought. When I had my appointment with the principal, I was told about the school and it's tough stance on drugs and the like. I have found out through my son and many of his friends that there is a SEROIUS drug problem there. One the principal knows about and does little or nothing to control. Many students have been found doing/selling drugs in the school and nothing was done. I don't know about the quality of the education and I don't care at this point. I stopped by on lunch and saw over 1/2 the students smoking and the principal was right there and did nothing.”

“This is my first year going here and I love it. You get to chosse between Auto Or Electronics. I Take the electronics class and the teacher Ronny Morris is more like a kid instead of a teacher. There is small class sizes here and the classes are great. School lasts from 8:00 to 2:20. Everybody fits in eventually. Theres only a couple things I dont like about this school, like the drug usage is high. My guess is 65% of the kids here are drug users(im not a drug user at all, never touched a drug in my life). Class Schedule: 8:00 - First Bell 8:05 - Class Bell 8:05 - 1st period 8:55 - class ends 9:00 - 2nd period 9:55 - class ends 10:00- 3rd period 10:55- end of class, lunch starts 11:25- class starts 11:30- p.m 1 starts 1:00 - pm 2 starts 2:20 - class ends Food: Theres a lunch room here ($2-$3.00 for subs) Pop:$1.00”