Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy

As a parent that has returned my child back to BMA, I must agree with the parent who posted on 2/25/11. It is a different school. Sad but I am fimding that it is maybe one of the best of charter schools who promote a social relationship with the students. They have some major issues not just as BMA but Aspire period. I am very disappointed with the results I have now experienced. I can teach my child multiplication for 0 to 13's in one week, doing it one hour a day and his teacher has been working with him and his class for over a month and a half and he only had one set of time tables down pat. It is sad. I also would like to know if these teachers go through a mental evaluation as well. These children dont see many of themselves as educators. BMA is filled with nearly all Black and Latino students but no teachers of their likeness. And for sure know the majority of the teachers only have stereotypical ideas of the childrens lives. I hope it improves soon.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the attention to individual kids. Even the folks managing the afterschool program know my kids' strong subjects and weak areas, I've never had a teacher there that wasn't completely on top of my kids' grades (one in middle school, one in elementary). Almost all teachers are genuinely accessible and open to suggestions from parents, really enthusiastic and competent. There have definitely been a couple of teachers that were sub-par and they are now gone - but teacher turnover happens at all schools, and fortunately the administration took action. Same is true of campus supervision and safety - the administration took action and hired a new supervisor to improve control. I expect some problems to happen, especially in the middle school, so I'm happy BMA is solving them. I also love the afterschool activities that are available - golf, speech/debate, entrepreneur's club, science club with CAL engineering students, basketball, and martial arts. I wish there was more parent involvement - there are only handful of truly active parents, since most families have tight schedules with two parents working. I love that BMA is open to parents being 'hands-on' with its success.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the post 2/15/11, The new leadership is highly questionable. BMA's once Mission Statement of Students, Parents, and Teachers has taken a turn the worse. Here's a version of my report card of BMA 2009-2011 1. School Safety: F (frequent stealing while students are on campus from outsiders) 2. Lunches: F (Recycled cold packs, hot packs, and spoiled milk) 3. Building maintenance: F ( Bathrooms STINK, non working water fountains indoors and out) 4. ACADEMICS: K-5- C 6-8- F 5. Parent Involement: B 6. TEACHERS: K/5- C 6/8- F (Lack of teacher training) even with the "FAMOUS" training from the "Teach For America", and the wealth of degrees that don't pertain to the subjects being taught. 7. AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: K/5- C- 6/8- F(No Enrichment Programs, after the 8 hours of a pressure cooking classroom) 8. Support Staff- F Overall, YES BMA has amazing test scores. But that's just IT test scores, BMA along with every other Aspire charter are all about the numbers (DATA). I conclude with this "Everything that GLITTERS ain't GOLD"
--Submitted by a parent

This school has tremendous potential and a great parent participation. The teachers are dedicated but the school is not performing well under the new leadership. Nearly half of the 8th grade class, once high achievers are now struggling to pass.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at BMA and after trying traditional public schools for 3 years it is refreshing to be at a school where the teachers and principal truely care about the scholars and have a passion for teaching. College preparation begins in kindergarten and students are excited about learning. This school was an answer to my prayers!
--Submitted by a parent

BMA is a very good school for young kids to learn at an impressive level
--Submitted by a parent

BMA is a wonderful community that gets better every year. Now in its 4th year, the community is beginning to blossom under the incredible leadership of the Principal. Students are challenged to excel. The staff spends a lot of time assessing and meeting the needs of the individual child. Although there is an active parent group (TAP), the school could benefit from more parent and volunteer involvement to increase the number of extra-curricular activities. The location also gives some parents discomfort since the school is located on San Pablo Avenue. Overall, this is a wonderful, safe, nurturing environment for students.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the first school I've ever seen that really gets the kids excited about learning. And I love it that the Principal is on a first-name basis with almost every single student in the school. I love it!
--Submitted by a parent

Berkeey Maynard is a wonderful school! They are academically challenging and extremelly supportive of the children
--Submitted by a parent

It is a great school with great teachers and an excellent principal.
--Submitted by a parent