Bok Academy

I'm responding to the post, posted on March 12, 2010. That is so untrue, they reward the good students too! The school is GREAT. I loved being able to know my child was safe at all times. I deff. would enroll my child, if I were you. All of my children went to private schools, then I transfered my daughter to Bok and it met the same standards as a private school. GREAT ATMOSPHERE, my daughter loved it, and she plans on going back to see old friends, and getting involved with her old teachers by giving them a hand. Also, I just like to say Ms. Dunson was the most concerned principle I have ever met, such a great women.
--Submitted by a parent

Stellar school! The teachers, staff and especially the principal are the best of the best! My son is excited to go to school everyday and has learned a whole new meaning of the word respect. The teachers genuinely care about the kids and their success. By choosing Bok Academy you are helping pave the path for an amazing, well rounded young adult. Thank you to all of the FABULOUS people at Bok Academy!
--Submitted by a parent

Bok is an absolutely amazing school. The teachers along with administration all give 110%! They all focus and teach the importance of respect, accomplishment, and goals unlike most public schools.I am so thankful my daughter is attending this school at such an influencial time in her life.
--Submitted by a parent

I teach at Bok Academy and it is a great school for so many reasons; here are just a few: 1) Bok staff members work hard to ensure a fair approach to discipline, with a system in place that fits well with the age of the middle school student. 2) The FCAT scores (for both years Bok has been in existence) show that high caliber teaching is in fact taking place and that students are learning. 3) I teach in one of the portables and I find this to be so rewarding! The portables are in good condition and they sit on the Bok Green, which provides a great opportunity for a beautiful outdoor classroom setting. Public education is not perfect for a long list of reasons; but Bok Academy is a really good middle school that I would send my own children to in a heartbeat.
--Submitted by a teacher

I love the principal- great vision and puts the staff and students first. It's a tough job to please everyone. I have been really impressed with most faculty taking a personal interest in my son's education. I would agree the campus is not as modern as I would like and the two story building seems quite crowded, but the school has character. Portables are not ideal for my taste and they aren't safe in severe weather. I didn't appreciate the students getting wet on a rainy day. Hopefully a covered walkway can be funded...my son loved Bok and received lots of personal attention and passed with 3's on FCAT. When he went to high school last year, it was a bit of a let down. He scored 2's on FCAT and didn't receive the same quality education. Bok and LW High do not share the same vision...there's a disconnect.
--Submitted by a parent

Bok is great for what it is. The teachers are great...I would say just a few do not meet my expectations, but they are newer teachers--it's a tough job. It's still middle school. Sure a high-achieving school is easy to find. Frostproof Middle/Senior is great! More opportunities for sports, plus I don't have to send them to Lake Wales...Union Academy, Jewett Middle and or School of the Arts, Davenport School of the Arts..Lakeland Highlands is great as well. Charter is great for a K-8 education and Bok is a great option...I do wish the classrooms were better...the cafe isn't ideal, but the small size is great. It's 1970s Warner even with the portables. It will take time to build a reputation...give it a chance. Just not for us and apparently some teachers. Why isn't the helper an assistant principal? Well, charters are different.
--Submitted by a parent

I work and live in Lake Wales and kept my kids here rather than send them to a neighboring town. Bok has been great for the Lake Wales community. The best way to tell if a school is successful is to look at their student population compared to test scores and parent input. Bok's population is diverse and the majority of students are from Lake Wales. But still its students are showing high scores on the dreaded FCAT, its parent rating is a 4 out of 5 and the great schools rating is an 8 out of 10. People have opinions but numbers don't lie. Great to see this quality middle school in Lake Wales.

Bok is unique; your child gets a private school education for free. The administration and staff are a cut above- no question. Students actually want to go to school, in part, because they have a great balance between the academic push and fun. It is not just the kayak program that is the draw; the staff encourages the students give back to their community. They also teach manners as part of curriculum and expect students to measure up to the higher expectations. A happy and high achieving middle school is not an easy place to find--if you are curious, look on Crooked Lake.
--Submitted by a parent

Bok Academy is an amazing and unique school. It offers so much and teaches you more than just math, history, and reading. It is a great learning environment and a very safe school. As a former student at Bok, I can honestly say that it has been my favorite school and it's almost like a second home. You meet wonderful people here, both the students and the staff, who all encourage learning beyond school hours and questioning things to come to your own decisions.

The best school in Polk County! My child excelled in every way and goes on to high school very well prepared. The teachers and administration are always willing to go the extra mile for their students. I've never seen such concern and care for students in any of the other 14 schools my children have been enrolled in over the years. A great place for learning and adventure!
--Submitted by a parent