Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science

My child has attended this school since K. It took a huge turn for the worse when the school expanded. The administration did not expand enough to accomodate the needs and the school is spiraling out of control. This has turned out to be a business, not a school. Teachers without experience. Verbal bullying among the students. A nightmare. I need to get my child out and have heard only fabulous things about Beachside, but the chances are slim because it is that good...
—Submitted by a parent

As a gifted 7th grade student at this school I must say it is terrible. It is too easy and the staff and teachers are bullies. there is always homeless people sleeping right outside and you are not allowed to be a child. dont go to HAAS

Part 1: My child is advanced only because he started school when he was 2. HAAS knew from the start (I had him tested in K and gave them the private report). When he got accepted in 1st gr in Aug 2011, I was delighted and hoped for a smooth transition, challenging environment and maintaining of his current level. First, his teacher said she had to evaluate him prior to giving him an enrichment program (fair enough, but although by the end of Kindergarten, he was reading the Magic Tree house series, it took her a while to label him). After 1 month into school and several meetings with the teacher: still nothing. He was following the same curriculum as children who were only in their second year of school. End of Sept, school contacted me to plan for an evaluation (again!) by an ESE specialist but said it could take up to 3 months! Then, as he was redoing what he had done in K (and was sad and bored) I finally pressured more his teacher (mid-October) telling her that nothing was changing, and that by then, she should know his level, and give him differentiated assignments. (to be continued...)
—Submitted by a parent

I am sorry to read your review but surprised,as a former parent of HAAS. Maybe you should try for Beachside. It is our second year and it is just getting better. They have advanced,gifted and Gem. My son is in gifted in 3grade and is FINALLY getting challenged. My sons teacher is a Harvard graduate. There isn't enough space to go on about this school. Take the tour and see for yourself. Good luck to you.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at the school for the past couple of years and my children love the school. I work at another school that my children can attend, but I love the academic culture of HAAS. Any prospective parents should be aware that this is a K-8 school and sometimes as parents of elementary children we don't understand the behavior changes and various expressions of middle school students, which is what the parent is speaking about in the last review. Let's face it every school or business will have patrons who love it and patrons who don't for various reasons. I love it. To learn about any school, a parent should take the time to visit the school as I did on a tour prior to enrolling my children. HAAS is a great school and the teacher follow up is impressive.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with some of the most recent reviews within this website. HAAS under the direction of Mrs. Brown (prior principal)excelled and maintained a disciplined school enviornment. Currently the school is under Ms. Fulton (principal) and has steadly crumbled. Absolutely no discipline! Visit the school in the morning prior to 0815 and you will get a taste! My two children are slowly digressing. I would love to remove my children from this atmosphere. Ms. Fulton went as far as to rule in the favor of my exwife concerning our divorce. I have no idea what a principal is doing interjecting in a divorce and overruling a parents authority dealing with a childs safety. Overbearing, clueless, very disrespectful! Good to luck to any future students at HAAS
—Submitted by a parent

My son was doing fine in the first few years in HAAS.Well things changed for the worse in 2009 and 2010.The teachers were not giving my son a good education.My son always did well in math and this year he has been failing all subjects including math.How can that be ?The teachers tortured my child with referrals and suspensions.They turned a good student into a failing students.They made no effort to offer my son a good learning environment.I had no choice but to withdraw him from the school midyear and transfered him to Olsen Middle School.All my child behavior and learning problems went away the day I transferred to Olsen.Don't send your child to HAAS.You will regret it.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who tries to look for the good in this school I have been tremendously challenged this year. Aside from various things I have heard from other parents and teachers, I have witnessed some very dissapointing leadership. The principal seems to be the root of all of the issues and even with some excellent teachers, the attitude and beliefs have all trickled down and "corrupted"what I use to love about this school. The principal has always been great at talking-but there is no real meaning behind her words, and once challeneged, skirts around every issue. She treats everyone around her in such a condescending manner and is very clear about her position on her "throne". She is power hungry, ignores and disregards all real issues, and only cares about her FCAT scores- we are not returning.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so happy that the school year has come to an end. This school is not what it protrays to be. Some Teachers in this school are well beyond ghetto. They have train very well welcome staff but other than that this school is not good if you are looking for a good charter school HAAS is not. They do not inform parents of chld progress ...that online grade system is always outdated and not detailed. I am pulling my child out!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs are superb and the teachers are excellent. Students also have the opportunity to participate and contribute in a lot of different projects, trips and growing opportunities for them.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't wait to take my child out of this school. The principal is terrible, she has a closed door policy. Children are not allowed to be children, they do not give them recess if they did not finish the homework. They have tons of homework, they can not talk in the cafeteria, it'a a reformatory. Ohhh! and don't even go to the science project. They pretend a college level science project on a 3rd grade child. So, the parents are the ones working in the project or the children will have an F. No way! There is no team approach, children do not work together in any project, everything individual. Do not get fooled by this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend HAAS and I am not miserable but their is lack of excitement. Cheerleading program is discourgaing and our winter concert was a huge disappointment. On paper the schools is great but in reality it lacks.
—Submitted by a parent

Hollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences offers a variety of programs for all individuals. Also, the curriculum is set up to enhance skills and teach new skills. I think HAAS is the best because the teachers and staff always brainstorm together and come up with creative ways to teach the students. Go HAAS!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is 'hit or miss' every year, depending on which teacher you get. Unfortunatley that is often true with many charters as teacher turnover is high and the good new teachers move on to public school where they get higher pay..
—Submitted by a parent

As a mother of a 4th grader and 6th grader I would recommend this school if you are looking for strong academics. We came from a private school and the kids had a lot of catching up to do. Fortunately my children had absolutely the best teachers last year and this year. The location and facility leaves alot to be desired but the academics are top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

HAAS is a great school and it will become even better when a new facility is constructed. The administration, faculty, and staff members are knowledgeable and plesant. Like any school of choice it isn't for everyone, but if you are looking for a small, nuturing, educational environment, HAAS is definelty the place for your child(ren). I wouldn't think of having my children at any other school.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed in this school. Absolutely would not recommend to anyone. The school is dirty-at least my son's class is. The location is horrible-outside always smells of urine due to the unfortunate homeless living in the vicinlty. The only good thing is the police presence-too bad it has to be that way! My son will not return. Unfortunetely, this is the norm for south Florida schools anyway.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science is a wonderful opportunity to give my child the benefit of a private school as well as the attibutes of public school. This school has a very strong parental support base. (receiving the Golden School award three years now) Many procedures and practices were put into motion by Administration, Faculty and Staff for the benefit of our students. The enviroment for the students is one of trust, security, kindness, tempered with enforcement of rules, respect for one another, and constant challenge of abilities students don't know they have yet. I love this school, admire the teachers for the incredible amount of effort they put into their classes, and with the continued help and guidance from CSUSA, Administration, Support Staff and Faculty the Hollywood Knights will emerge into society, ready, responsible and able to give back ....to those who follow. Mrs. Trudy Sacco
—Submitted by a parent

I was very impressed with the school faculty. Everyone is extremely polite and friendly. Students will reflect what they see and they have some great role models! Keep up the good Work!
—Submitted by a parent

We were one of the families that came in at the start of this school. We wanted a change for our children and were willing to take the chance. I am so thankful that we did. The principle listens to the parents and will make sure that every child is getting what they need to succeed. I know that my children are were they should be and even though there are not sports at this school there are places to do those things outside of the school and they are getting the Academics they need while at school! I also love that the parents have to be involved! Keep up the Great work HAAS!
—Submitted by a parent