Research George Washington Carver Academy charter Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Not a good school. They have the lowest score in Michigan. The teacher sat around and talk all day. They can not keep a pripincal. Parking is crazy. These charter schools need to do better. Now my daughter is attending a new school this year and so far we love it. They have more things for the students and parents to do.”

“I think it is a great school! They have a lot of new programs for the students there!”

“A small group of parents, 4 or 5 meet every few weeks to discuss the quality of this school. Together we have about 10 kids in the school, from 2nd through 7th grade. We make it a point to attend board meetings, visit with administrators and talk with the teachers. The school has many problems; the board and teachers blame the administration, the administrators blame the teachers, etc. There's a new management company and a few new board memebers, they need to do a clean sweep of the anministration and cut loose a few of the teachers. As a parent group we're giving this school one last chance, if there's no improvement we're taking our kids out before count day. Some things are great, but it's taking too long to correct the problems.”

“I have three kids at this school and agree that the 2007-08 was pretty bad. The administration promised new books, new technology and new programs-nothing was delivered! The Principal was always in her office, the kids didn't even know her. The Assistant Principal was so inconsistent he was ineffective. There's a new management company taking over now, hopefully they will bring in some professional administrators. Our kids deserve better.”

“I have two students at this school; 7th and 2nd graders. The quality of the school really slipped this year. They've had three different principals in the last two years. The current administratiors show no vision or leadership, they seem to be overwhelmed and just going through the motions. Usually out of sight in the office, not out and about the school. This apathy is apparent in the teachers and trickles down to the students. Minimal afterschool programs that only a few attend. Afterschool tutoring is more like playtime. Middle school kids are out of control. Of course the school did not make AYP.”

“I have 3 children that attend George Washington Carver Academy. I enrolled my children there because I heard that it was a good school. So far, my children have had academic success far beyond what they achieved at their other school. As I read the other comments, I would have to totally disagree with most of the statements. The change in administration has proven to be a wise choice! The previous Principal was Lawyer, and this administration is made up of seasoned educators. We cannot be swayed by people who have personal agendas against 'GOOD' people. The Administrators have always helped me with any issues that I have had. Mr. W is as stern as a rattlesnake, but the kids know that he genuinely cares about them and their academics! It is OUR responsibility as parents to raise our kids, NOT the schools that they attend.”

“2007-08 school year was a disaster. New Principal seems to be trying to recreate the DPS school she came from-No leadership at all. Alot of promises but no follow through. New Assistant Principal seems dazed and confused; one day harsh and strict, the next day he's the kids best buddy. This school needs new administrators, professionals with a vision. Right now, the rough kids are running the school, the teachers are caught in the middle and the best students are loosing out.”

“So far my son is doing very well in this school. Compared to the last elementary school he went to which was a public school, he has improved his grades and they seem to be more patient. I look forward to seeing how the rest of this school year will turn out.”

“Carver Academy has more successes than failures. During the 2006-2007 academic year, 33% of the 8th graders were accepted into either Cass, Renaissance, and King. That has to say alot for the quality of education that exists at the academy. The % of Highly Qualified teachers has risen drastically over the last two (2) years at Carver. Carvers Robotics and Rocketry Teams have competed in Washington D.C. The only ALL African American Rocketry program in the city! No school is perfect, most people 'downplay' schools by word of mouth without ever stepping foot on the schools grounds! Carver is ACHIEVING!!”

“Hi, I graduated from Carver in June of 2005, and during the time I attended Carver, to the time I left, the school administrative seemed as if they couldn't accommodate the students. Every year after sixth grade, the school became more deteriorated than the year before. The teachers became unsuccessful at controlling the students, and the learning environment declined.”

“This school is really on a downward spiral. The principal is more concerned about keeping the students in the building for the money they get from funding, rather than disciplining students with behavior problems. My child was bullied on a daily basis and the principal did not discipline the child for fear that the parent would remove her child from the school.”

“This school does not provide accommodating lessons for all students. My son was required to have special services and the school did not provide him with the services and were not required b/c tis learning institution. The school is 'charter' meaning they are public but privately owned. They have less guidlines than public. I took this issue to Lansing and I had to remove my son b/c they lack the resources, but wanted his head count funds. The school does not have good classroom management skills in any aspect and instead of dealing with the stduents with behavior problems they will let them go back to public who has to accept the students w/o the application process. This school policies and procedures are totally unaccepteble for parents and students within this community or any community.”

“I have three boys that goes to GWCA..I love this school it is the best school that I have seem in Michigan.My oldest son Maleek Slater,have been so blessed to have so many teachers that care& wanted him to make it..In jan. of this year I found out that I have MS(multiple sclerosis)..Maleek's teacher Mrs.HICKS,called once a week to see if I was o.k..so it goes along way..”

“I have had nothing but excellent experiences with carver academy. I would recommend this academy to anyone who asks”

“High teacher turnover. For the last 3 years there has been different administrative staff each year. Teachers have difficulty controlling students behavior.”

“At one time this school seemed to be on the ball. It now seems to be on a downward spiral. THe students dont seem to be under control, they are constantly shuffling students. There are some good points to the school but the bad seems to outweigh the good.”