Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred

I hate this school so much. Let's start with the way they treat you: the teachers never want to hear anything you have to say, if you're treated unfairly you best keep your mouth shut unless you want an unfair punishment. Students are treated like slaves. They're treated like they're delinquents. If I could compare this school to anything in the world, I'd compare it to military camp. They're completely unfair and they only care about how your actions affect them and not you. Some teachers are great, other's aren't. By making your child attend this school is like sending them away to jail for 7 hours every. single. day. Parents, take your kids out of the waiting list. It's not uncommon to see a kid cry after being talked to in the office. This school is practically run as a dictatorship and I wish they'd change it. I've had a depressing first year into this school and currently going through my second, not even sure if I want to continue my education here.

My son attends this school and has straight As, he loves it a DALA. My son's teachers are young and enthusiaticly involved with the kids. The entire staff is amazing, very helpful and kind and the guidance counselor Lady Lofton is one of the best counselors I've ever seen, she truly cares and goes the extra mile for her students. I feel so lucky to get private school education for my son at a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred, is a n excellent school. Our Daughter Annabel attended 6th Grade last year and it was a super year for her, Her experience in her first year at a middle school could not have better. She as in the Trendsetters Group and excelled, due to the fact that the teachers assigned to this group takes a positive and personal interest in the student and their progress. She will be attending Davenport School of the Arts for her 7th and 8 Years of Middle school only because Davenport School of the Arts is less than 12 Minutes from our home and Discovery is 45 Minutes away. Both Schools are excellent, and have an A Rating.
—Submitted by a parent

DALA Buses, are no different than Buses from other Shools, Be it Ridgeview Global Studied Academy, Davenport Sholl of Arts, and all the Polk County School Buses, Including the Osceola School buses that travel in and out of Polk County. They all without exception Drive at speeds in excess of the Posted Speed Limits. (All of them - Every Day) As I drive our Daughter to school with my cruise control set at the posted speed llimit of 45 MPH on CR54 going toward US 27, Each and every School bus passes me as if I were standing still.
—Submitted by a parent

Discovery Academy is an excellent school, my son has been there for 3 years and I hope to send my other children there as well. The staff is very helpful and the teachers seem to care about the students. If you email a teacher, most respond immediately. The computer classes given are excellent, my son knows more than I do.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. It is the best school I have ever attended. Last year, for 6th grade I went to Daniel Jenkins Academy and I had my mom remove me from that school. There were too many issues at DJA. But none of these problems occured at Discovery Academy. And our principal at DALA is always there for us. -Jasmine
—Submitted by a student

Discovery Academy is a good school. My son is a 6th grader and seems to be adjusting well to the new experience. The school is wonderful about keeping the parents informed about grades and missed assignments. All you need to do is email your teachers and they respond almost immediately. Most of the teacher where wonderful. However, there are a couple of teachers who spend too much time worrying about petty things and do not focus on the positive. Sometimes they can be quick to discipline a student and slow to reward them. I still believe Discovery Academy is the better choice for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

Discovery Academy is a good school. My son is a 7th grader and seems to enjoy going there. We have had several issues with a couple of teachers on his team but for the most part have had a positive experience. I think some of the teachers spend too much time worrying about petty things students do and do not focus on the positive. I think Discovery Academy is probably better than most of the public schools in this area.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a greast school with great friends to share it with.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school i have been to in the 2006-07 school year ( when i was in 7th grade) It has lots of field trips and it has really good teachers. Plus it has really kool sports. There are lots of thinks u can pick! Like Music,P.E., Orchestra, Chours and other. There are different teams in each grade. There are about 3 teams in each grade! I'm a student!
—Submitted by a student

DALA has had many wonderful teachers over the years, but key word is had- Teacher turnover is the major problem the administration has been unable to fix. Inconsistent handling of discipline is also a major problem. The basketball program is an excellent addition and hopefully other programs will be added in the future. More ownership by the students in such things as a Student Council would also be welcome. Parent involvement in this school is very poor as is evident by the lack of participation in open houses and other events.
—Submitted by a parent

Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred has wonderful extracurricular activities including various sports. With our state government cutting out sports on the middle school level, Discovery Academy offers students an advantage over other students in the county. Discovery plays against private schools.
—Submitted by a teacher

In my opinion Discovery Academy is a better choice than the 'public' school my child was zoned for. This is her second year at the Academy and even though I had to wade my way through some issues last year, overall, my impression has been more than positive. The quality of the academic programs varies from good to excellent depending on your personel level of involvement. Teachers certainly do their very best to teach the students their curriculum and are always available for extra help or tutoring before or after class. Courses are given in a 'original' fashion ... And if I had my doubts about the Kagan Learning Experience, I certainly changed my view about it. Extracurricular activities are good. DALA has a band and orchestra ... Art is given by great teachers and Sports ... well their basketball team is doing great. Parent involvement is poor.
—Submitted by a parent

Mr.Jemerson rates a five with me. He is patient,understanding of the childrens needs,very professional,fair,supportive for the age group of children he is dealing with. He is the backbone of your school as far as I am concerned. I appreciate his dedication to the children. Mrs.Brown I also appreciate you taking the time to hear me out when we had a situation arise. Although, I totally did not agree with you whatsoever you at least took the time to listen to my side of the story. I do appreciate you for that.I give you a four in my book Mrs.Brown you are okay by me. L.Gold
—Submitted by L. Gold, a parent