Research Detroit Merit Charter Academy charter Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“they really have great forein language also the teachers are all qualified for the job a down point is they don't have a gym”

“Best School Ever! The Students Get Along Great With The Entire Staff And All Together It's Just A Great School.It's Academically Great And Behaviorally Great.The Staff Gives The Students That Push They Need If They Need It And They Want Nothing Best The Best For Their Students! I Would Suggest This School If You Want Your Child To Have A Bright Future! Sincerely,Rashad Williams”

“I love this school! DMA has provided a great education for my son since Kindergarten and now will be doing the same for my daughter. When my son needed tutoring DMA provided that free of charge! When he needed extra help and needed to be in a summer program to not be held back, DMA helped with that also! What other schools offer so much for so little in return! This school does not just pass your child on to the next grade when they cannot do the work like many schools do, they help them, and I appreciate that. I have never seen discipline problems at this school and have in fact seen DMA students behave better that students at my daughters school (Cornerstone). Thank you DMA, and Ms. Benser for providing a GREAT school! Sincerly the Rahmaan family”

“I think Merit Academy is an excellent school. Yes the children are concerned about their color and the parents should be as well. I think the color system is excellent because it lets the parents know how their child is behaving. It is up to the parent to enforce rules about the color their child was on and discipline them when their behavior is out of control. The education that my son received at Merit is excellent. I would recommend a parent to send their child to Merit.”

“This school is high on structure and low on discipline. The children are overwhelmingly concerned with what 'color' they are for the day as opposed to what they actually have learned. If you're looking for a balance in discipline and structure, this is not the school for your child.I have never seen an environment where teachers have no clue how to control their class or establish order, other than getting rid of the 'bad' kids. I'm glad I pulled my son out. He's doing great at his new school and we've had zero problems with his 'behavior.' Overall, DMA is better for grades 5-8, not little ones.”

“I really love this school :) I have been attending DMA since the first year. DMA has grown extremely. The cirriculum is wonderful. And the teachers are great. The thing i love most about the school is how much they chalenge us to do better. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!”

“Detroit Merit Academy is a good school. We are extremely pleased with the academic standards at Merit. We initially had some concerns when we enrolled our children, but over the years, the Principal and staff have worked diligently to provide our children with the best services possible. Having visited some of the classes, the junior high classes were very structured! Our oldest has special needs and the principal not only hired an individual to work with him, but put everything in place to guarantee the best education and support possible. Our children are challenged, and not neglected! We know that the best support is revealed when parents and staff work collectively!”

“Having three children that attend this school, I would have t say that I am very pleased with there academic progress overall. They far surpass the Detroit Public schools in our old neighborhood. We have since moved out of Detroit, but will continue to send our kids to Detroit Merit Academy. The middle school counselor has my daughter on a very successful path for High school. The curriculum they offer as well as the specialized attention to children that learn at all levels and paces is what keeps me coming back year after year.”

“Having two nephews that attend Merit Academy, I can truly say that I am pleased at the Teachers and their willingness to go above and beyond the 'Call of Duty' to educate the children in such a great atmosphere. I am proud to say that Merit Academy has given the Caine Family, something to smile about. Keep up the good work. Again, thanks for your continued educational support!”

“This is in response to the parent who indicates that her child has fallen through the cracks. My child has been diagnosed ADHD and various medications we've tried have not worked so far. The teacher has been very understanding and works with me on helping my child succeed in class. Communication is key when working with a diagnosed child and I have not had any problems communicating and seeking extra support for my child.”

“In my opinion, the school does a great job on the academic content, as long as your child 'fits the mold' of a 'normal' student. They struggle with children who are behaviorally or mentally challenged because of a lack of experienced staff. If your child has ADD, ADHD or some other 'disability' I think they may fall between the cracks. Keep your eyes and ears open.”

“Academically the school is pretty good. The principal and support staff provide adequate leadership. From what I can see, most of the staff are hardworking, and there seems to be great checks and balances. Many parents help out, which is essential. The school has a great communication program between parents and teachers. This is what all public schools should offer. My children appreciate the organization and the constant feedback on their work. There are some schools that will not give feedback until report card day! After speaking with parents that have their children in Ann Arbor school district, and other neighboring districts or charter schools, I think Detroit Merit Academy is quite comparable. If you are looking for a good place to start your children, DMA is a great choice.”

“As the principal at Detroit Merit Academy, I would like to thank parents and teachers for giving their thoughts about our school. I would also like to encourage responders to keep it factual. We do not have any 'rejects' from Detroit Public Schools because Detroit Public Schools do not have 'rejects' either. In addition, Detroit Merit is not a failing school. Most recently, we were honored for closing the achievement gap in Michigan; we were 1 of 25 schools recognized out of 900 schools reviewed. Detroit Merit is an excellent school with outstanding students, enthusiastic parents and committed teachers! Sincerely, Ms. Benser, Principal”

“Good school with strong academics. The loud blasting music, and blocked traffic must end. Furthermore, this school needs air conditioning in the spring through fall. My children nearly bake on the second floor. Ms. Benser is doing a great job but I wish we could raise funds for a cooling system, and one more wing so that the junior high students could spread out, and so that the students could attend gym in their own building.”

“This school has made significant progress in organization. I am however concerned with the high turnover, that I am certain coincides with most charter schools. I've also noticed that there are not enough instructors that relate to the students. My children have even noticed that the young instructors subconciously discriminate against some of the children. It's deep and almost tragic for a school that is doing so well in providing a progressive academic pace for urban children. No school can be perfect, so I will continue to keep my children there and provide a strong and uplifting message of self love at home!”

“I think DMA is an exceptional school. My daughter has attended DMA since kindergarten. She is now in the second grade. Like one of the other parents stated, my daughters entire 1st grade class was on honor roll and by the second half of the school year they were doing 2nd grade math. She is now in a proficient 2nd grade class. The principal, Ms. Benser is one in a million. She truly cares and is doing an outstanding job. I just wish there was more parental involvement. Out of over 400 families, maybe 20 families are represented at PTO meetings once a month. We have to be there for our kids. We can't expect the schools to do it all!”

“Here's the real deal...the school has a great curriculum, an ambitious principal, and 20% of the parents really participate with school activities and maybe half of the parents are following up at home. The problem is that the school is stuck with recruiting many of the rejects from the Detroit Public school population that are behavioral, and academic problems. This challenge hurts the school especially with its high turnover and staff of young teachers that are not always able to handle the problems that arise from some of the students and their parents. If the school could operate with a smaller population, it would be exceptional!”

“I truly believe Detroit Merit is an excellent school. My son has attended kindergarten and 1st grade. He did not have any formal schooling prior to DMA. His Kindergarten teacher continually challenged him. She was a veteran teacher, however, his 1st grade teacher was not and she followed the same guidlines that his kindergarten teacher did. In fact, his whole class was excelling so quickly in math that they started on the 2nd grade curriculum. Talk about being pro-active. Even thouth my son does not take the MEAP yet,I am aware of DMA's scores. The past two years they have outshined many schools. They have also made AYP. This is proof that the principal Ms. Benser is doing things right!! She is constantly seen throughout the building... Leading, Supporting and Lending a hand whenever and whereever needed. Looking forward to another successful school year for my son at DMA!”

“DMA is the best schools, it delivers an outstanding academic program, it is safe, and the focus is on what is best for kids. It doesn't get any better than this.”

“This school is becoming a haven for desperately recruiting students to fill slots, and now it is failing. While the concept and academic programs are good, the school faces the challenge of too many unconcerned parents, too many children with no direction, and unfortunately too many immature staff members. All of this hurts the foundation of the school and the vision of the NHA organization.”

“My 6 year old daughter loves this school. The staff goes the extra mile to keep her and each child learning in a safe environment. The principle and staff has excellent rapport with the parents. One thing, my daughter loves every subject the school offers music, spanish,art, and including math. I recommend this school to anybody.”

“I have three boys that attend DMA. The school has a very good academic program and parent involvement is excellent. I feel that my kids are very safe with the discipline program in place. I just wish the school had more extracurricular activities. Overall I'm satisfied with the school and staff.”

“Highly impressed. Worked well with my quick talking 8 year old and brought her mind into perspective on why she was in school. She had a hard time developing in the public schools but thank god for CMA. It has changed our families lives.”