Archimedean Academy

Nothing is perfect, but if you want a SAFE environment and a GOOD education, go to Archimedean. Indeed, the infrastructure of the building can definitely be improved (no decent cafeteria or auditorioum) but it makes it up when you think about parent involvement and communication with the teachers. I am surprised at the prior comments about bullying, as they have a "O TOLERANCE POLICY" and I have seen it enforced plenty of times (sometimes to the extreme). However, this is the only way the school can make it fair and safe for all the students. Nevertheless, it is not a school for everyone. The academic standards are high, and you as a parent NEED TO get involved with projects and homework if you want them to succeed. I think, as a working parent, that it is a sacrifice we have to make and it helps to know what our kids are doing and how are they doing. The homework can indeed be excessive sometimes but I rather for them to be studying that watching TV or video games all the time. By now they are so used to it thaty do not complaint!!!! (My kids are in 4 & 5th grade) and they do have time for after school activities (they go to dance lessonsa nd bible study every week).
--Submitted by a parent

I'm an Archimedean parent. I'm curious to know, what IB program did your daughter attend prior to Archimdean? Thanks!
--Submitted by a parent

Its a good school but it is not the best. My daughter is coming from an IB magnet school and she is learning on the same level as she was in the other school but the Greek language. The PTO is extremely active, but however there is no organization at the events.
--Submitted by a parent

This school just keeps getting worse by the minute. They have definitely outgrown the building. They keep on admitting kids in making it a higher student/teacher ratio. I just found out a teacher was going to hit a student, luckily the student was able to run to the main office. This is totally un-acceptable for the other children that were in the classroom to watch. It is never acceptable to hit a child under any circumstances. I'm debating whether to take my children out of this school mid year. Instead of getting better, it's getting worse. They might be great at obtaining great FCAT scores and being given the Blue Ribbon Award, but I think there is more to learning than just scores.
--Submitted by a parent

Responding with disbelief to the previous message: Bullying and DANGER?????? Are we talking about the same school???? I am awed by this message!!!!!! This is the total opposite of my impression!! This is one of the safest schools around....
--Submitted by a parent

Bullying Is a Big Problem. My kids wake up afraid to go to school. I do not care if that school is the best in USA when my children do not feel safe and comfortable in it. They can not control bullying. They need to make some changes, it is dangerous. Sorry but parents should get more information before we take our kids there. :(
--Submitted by a parent

Archimedean is a great school and has surpassed our expectations academically with our kids. Sounds like previous reviewer is upset at themselves for not speaking up. That responsibilty is the parents to speak up not the schools. The two stars should go to parent, who is not standing up for whatever concerns them. Archimedean is a great school not perfect but GREAT!!
--Submitted by a parent

Many parents think this is a great school. Many families are struggling financially and want to believe that the education provided at this school is as good if not better than at a private school, which they can't afford. Many families many turn a blind eye to issues that, if they weren't in a bind, they would take issue with, but they don't want to burn bridges and make things worse for their kids. Many families jump ship and move their kids mid-year based on issues they have. Unfortunately, they don't raise these issues with the school and the school thinks everything is great.
--Submitted by a parent

After reading the reviews posted, here is a 2011 update: The school is growing out of its space. They matriculate the students each year and add new grades (currently at 11th) to accommodate. The school prides itself on its state ranking. Note that results of one test (the FCAT), do not make a Great School. The school days are longer to accommodate Greek language and Math. There is Saturday school starting at First Grade, to prep the students for the FCATs. This is mandatory. There are great educators and there are certified teachers. Do with that what you will. There is no music in the school. It is an afterschool activity that you pay for. Art is one week each month and will take the place of PE There is no gym/auditorium. The kids run around on the open fields. Activities/Ceremonies are held in the center courtyard, that is not protected from rain or sun. Communication is scattered. Many times you will see a message about something that happened weeks or months ago, yet you don't hear about an upcoming event until it's too late to plan. There is a VERY active PTO. Note that there is no budget estabished for fundraising goals. Be prepared for constant handouts
--Submitted by a parent

I strongly believe that parents should be well-informed about the choices available for their children's education. This means that parents must report the good as well as the bad. Archimedean Academy is not the perfect school for every child. It has a very rigorous educational program. It is very strict about its behavior policies. It runs like a Middle School with children changing classes beginning in Kindergarten; but its students consistently out perform every school in the district and are only 5 rankings away from out performing every school in the state (out of over 1,000 schools). This does NOT happen by accident. This happens because the teachers care. The administration cares, and every decision is made based on what is best for children. As per the reviews posted today...Correction: Saturday School is only 4 Saturdays out of the year, and begin in 3rd Grade, not 1st. Every event in the school is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It DOES feel like a private school. Its service is unsurpassed!