Academy of Arts & Minds

This school is a joke!!! The fact that they have had 3 principals in 1 year and a high turnover in teachers and students from last years should scare you off. The academics are very poor and the administration has no consideration for the kids when they continue to fire good teachers throughout the school year. Do not let the A rating fool you, it is based on last years report when there was good teachers and dedicated students. This year the majority of the students from last year have left the school due to its unstable status. They continue to let any child in regardless of their interest in the Arts, just so they can have a higher head count for their monthly paycheck for each child. The school count is down to about 350 students, that should tell you it is not at capacity because of its decline due to the management's dysfunction in running the school properly. If you care about the future of your child - DO NOT SEND THEM TO THIS SCHOOL!!!
--Submitted by a parent

A&M is a certified A+ High Performing Charter High School. This status is awarded to charter schools that achieve academic excellence and financial stability over a continuous period of three years.As a parent I am very proud of all the students for their great efforts and to the teachers and staff for their achievements. Congratulations!!! A&M Stars!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I was part of the second graduating class at A&M and although many people talk badly about the school, I can say with 100% accuracy that the schools infant years were magical, engaging and generally ridiculous. The student body was unique, the teachers were free to do basically whatever they wanted and that freedom led to a lot of interesting, fulfilling educational opportunities. This school saved my life, I would have been a different person if it wasnt for A&M. Even if at the time all of us "hated" it and talked smack, it was the most fun school you could have gone to... A&M in its early years was like woodstock, itll never happen again, and those that were lucky enough to experience it will remember it forever.
--Submitted by a student

I WAS a student at A&M and I will admit, I did not enjoy my stay too much. The arts isn't for everyone and this school tried to shove music down my throat. The classes are a joke, not challenging at all and the discipline is terrible. I have never been in a more talkative music class in my entire life. Most of the kids have a very "I don't want to do anything" attitude and this school has gone through so many teachers and staff that it's hard to just get used to the environment. Theres also no special activities, within my two years there I didn't go on not 1 field trip, very uninvolved school and 7 periods a day is exhausting, and they couldn't chose a worse dismissal time, 3:15 when rush hour begins. Also the school is incredibly crowded with WAYYYYY too many students. I am happy that I left this school.

Well, i just recently Left this school, and i can not honestly say it was great, i hated it to be honest, the students, where not that bad, but had many issues, but anyways, the teachers never showed me much respect, especially one no names given, but i would not recommend this school for anyone, im into arts, but this school isnt the place for arts, new world school of the arts is a better place
--Submitted by a student

alot of kids whant to leave the school just because theres no sports, or missing friends. those are not good reason because those aspects of highschool are not what get you into a good college. No matter what the school if you show academic excellence your future is bright. being in such a small school im pretty much guarenteed a spot in the top 1% of the school you know what that is? its amazing, i work hard and i know im going to go somewhere in life. The teachers are understanding, the counselor is caring, the students are kind were like a big family :)
--Submitted by a student

I am a senior at the Academy of Arts and Minds. I am thankful every day that I decided to attend this school. Even through all the positive evolution I've seen over my four years, A&M remains a hidden gem. I have had unbelievably stellar teachers, teachers who I can truly label intellectuals. The atmosphere is an inclusive one, without the traditional "clique" system which pervades adolescence. The tradition has been in place since my freshman year there. At 14 I was shocked that the seniors were actually being...human with me. Friendships know none of the traditional boundaries found elsewhere. Teachers and administration are important for any institution, but there's no way to describe the spirit of A&M. An inclusive, positive, intellectual atmosphere like ours would make for better performance at even the worst school. My teachers have been brilliant, and my friends have been unbelievably diverse, talented, bright, and down to earth. I believe the environment I have been afforded has allowed me to be more than ready for whatever University I elect to attend.
--Submitted by a student

My son attended this school last year. He did have some good teachers, but with great inconsistencies and voids in the approach. He no longer attends there, and my opinion may not be as valuable as others on this thread. I was concerned that much was missing when compared to my son's friends' experiences in similar courses at other schools. The school's administration was not always responsive. And there has been a big teacher turnover rate in some of the arts programs that have taken their toll on quality. I would not say the school is catastrophic, but there are other great alternatives that I feel benefit kids better.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from A&M in 2010 and I can honestly say I loved my school! What most impressed me about A&M was the dedication of the teachers and the similarities between a school and a family. The teachers at A&M, particularly my senior year, were willing to stay after school countless times to prepare us for our AP exam. More so, if you had a problem at home, school, or personally, you could always count on being able to converse with one of your teachers and receive heartfelt counseling from them. The closeness between teachers and students, in my opinion, is unique to the A&M environment. A&M truly was like a family to me. There literally are no fights in this school. There are disagreements, as there is in any family, but never fights. All I can say is TRY IT! If you're anything like me, you'll love it!
--Submitted by a student

As a A&M grad, my opinion of this school might be somewhat biased. However, one cannot deny the caliber of the school's educatiobal prowess. The enviroment (Coconut Grove) lends itself to the students' interests and allows anyone to feel as if this school is truly unique, especially with the galleries and colorful enviroment surrounding the school. The staff takes care of the students' artistic talents and the value their art has in society and their self-discovery, at the same time, encourages them to be an educated individual with the demanding school work. Is it hard work for the student to juggle both the extra curricular and the academic? Yes, but we as students understand that that is what is asked of us in the school and in a competitive world. We understand that it takes a great deal of creativity to shine in this school,