Research Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Middle School charter Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“I have two children enrolled with this school, one in the elementary divison and the other in the middle school. The elementary seems to be ok but, the middle school has most certainly failed my child. Everything promised in the beginning has never materialized and worse, the principal is now gone. The teachers are more concerned with what type of design may be on a pair of slacks for a child than picking up the phone to say hey your child hasn't turned in a single assignment this week! I am definately removing my child this upcoming school year and I advise any parent with any sense to run!”

“This is the most unorganized school I have ever seen. Their interview process is thrown together while you wait. Paperwork is lost and there is no communication. I feel bad for the kids because even though I spend hours with my planning I'm not sure the administration would know if I didn't”

“Having taught at this school and having an inside perspective,DAAS is the most unorganized school I have ever taught at. Teacher turnover is incredibly high because teacher input is not respected by administration and teachers aren't given the materials to help students succeed. For example, not enough textbooks, copiers were always broken, floors were never once cleaned, no soap in the restrooms, minimal extracurricular activities, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, DAAS brings in wonderful, certified, enthusiastic teachers but these teachers cannot help students thrive in this environment. They are receiving a bad rap from parents and others because they are taking the blame for the lack of structure and organization at DAAS. As many parents have already stated, promises are often made but they rarely materialize. Administration is too concerned with the facade of looking like a great school instead of making it a great school.”

“The school gives false promise to our families. When I changed my daughter to DAAS I thought I would have a new begining and I was giving her the oppourtuniy to have a great education, I was dead wrong. This school is so out of control, any parent would be better off sending their child to the local Detroit Public School. The children are learning below grade level and there is no structure. the staff is unsteady. My daughter has had five different Math teachers and none of them are sticking to a strict and structred lesson plan. My child has gone from an 3.4 average to a low 2.0 average. I made a big mistake dont experiment with your childs education.”

“The senior academy is severely lacking in structure, overall staff dedication, excellence and accountability. Administration is a comedy of errors and decisions are made in a vaccum. I do NOT recommend this school at all.”

“This is my second encounter with this school and I am greatly disappointed. Everything promised at orientation never materialized. I am removing my child and sending him to a Detroit Public school. He needs to receive an education, not trying to find out every day who his teacher is.”

“My child attended both DAAS Campus' and I must say that I am unhappy with the school's administration and curriculum. My daughter is not being challenged enough in regards to the schoolwork and the teachers are inexperienced and seem to care more about suspending children from school instead of giving quality education. The Principal and Asst. Principal is never available to talk. It seems as if they don't care about the children, they're just there to get a paycheck. There are no extracurricular activities other than basketball and cheerleading. At the orientation before I enrolled my child, I was told there would be a Debate Team - it has never materialized. These children need more than your basic education. I'm enrolling my child back into the Detroit Public School System next school year.”

“I think the school is great as far as the Jr High academic program,but the senior academy needs more teacher dedication, the turn over for the staff is ridiculous, I have 2 children there, they need more Science studies, I think there science program needs to be steped up it's basic. and it appears that the only sports program that they really care about is basketball, which is a good team, but let some of the other sports get a chance to shine as well. And as far as parent envolvement, only when MANDATORY! signed KBHC”

“I started my child in this school from kindergarten to the 5th grade. I had to get my child out! It was great in the beginning, but rapidly went downhill. Uncertified teachers, practically a new principal every year, and more emphasis on whether a boy has on his tie than on the curriculum. And it is sexist, too; my niece was sent home because of uniform issues[they said her slacks were too tight] but the young men wear pants so baggy they look like they will fall off. But the defining issue for me was when my 11 year old would have to attend the same building as the high schoolers. All promises made re a 6th Grade Academy in a separate were broken. Let parents know what is going on, truthfully. I took my child out and was enrolled in a DPS magnet school. Difference like night and day.”

“I have 3 children in this particular school system; and I am overall unhappy with the education that has been provided at all 3 campus. This school has such potential, but appears to be lost in it's own turmoil. They do need more parent involvement and a more strict guidline. In order for the students to flourish the way we know they can; this school must increase their structure. I wish they the best of luck in pulling things together for the future and safety of the students.”

“My child is recieving special education services his teacher has really helped my child to achieve his IEP goals and objectives.This teacher is a great asset to the special education department.”

“The school has great potential, the administration and staff need more parent help and involvement. This could be a great school.”