Academy of Arts & Minds

My daughter attended Arts & Minds in 9th and 10th grades. The school is good for students who can work independently without much lecturing from teachers. They are not organized and with few exceptions they do not have a quality faculty. It definitely does not cater to talented students who are not A+ .... SO WHY HAVE ARTS. Artistic talent also needs to be given the importance it deserves especially if the student gets its motivation from the Arts. They Failed my Daughter.

A & M was developed with the idea of bringing a fine arts education into a balanced academic curriculum. In theory at least. The fact of the matter is that the school fails to live up to its name, supply neither the art nor the mind. Having spent the past two years rotting away in a school that breathes apathy and lethargy, i finally wised up and transferred. Did I like the school? Absolutely. I missed my first and second period classes over 64 times and managed to pass both with a B. Did the administration do anything about that? Why would they, went they've failed to address far more pressing issues concerning the school. The past year alone, the school has gone through more than 6 teachers, because they're either horrible or too good to be there. Do your kids a favor, get a real school.
—Submitted by a student

It doesn't go without real reasoning to say that this is definetly the worst school i have ever been in by far. I attended one whole year the fourth year of it's opening and I can say that I genuinely feel that I wasted a substantial amount of my time this last year being in this school. The atmosphere is 100% unengaging, to me atleast, and the administration is suprisingly unattentive to the problems and issues in the school, and not to mention phony beyond belief in the public and community eyes. I am not an immature student venting my frustration at my school, I am just making a sincere review and making sure I can tell whoever I can to not enrole here because you will be let down.
—Submitted by a student

Academy of Arts and Minds is a terrific school. However, they are still waiting for their first class to graduate. The ideology of the A&M is a small, communal, hands on, campus that focuses on the arts as well as academics. On the other hand, the constant shuffle of staff has somewhat hindered the curriculum. This is understandable due to the fact that the school is adjusting to the changes needed to be made. In time, this program will be very difficult to join. In fact, it has seen quite a few glimpses of glory already and has a voracious appetite for more: All-State anyone? Conclusion? A&M is on the rise.
—Submitted by a student

A & M looks good so far. My daughter loves her teachers and the environment. Need more communication from staff - their on-line system is working, but we have not been able to get on-line and no one seems to know why. So we can't check her progress at the moment. I do have one big problem - school does not provide busing or any transportation. Therefore, we have had to make time arrangements with our employers to drop her off and pick her up. This also creates issues with my daughters dance school in the evening, because she is not able to get to her evening classes on time. School doesn't put enough effort in assisting parents with transportation issues!
—Submitted by Anthony Gianquinto, a parent

Excellent school! Professional, helpful and careful people. As parents, we feel lucky to have our son attending this school, teachers keep us updated with our son's progress/development. 'Thanks, Arts and Minds!
—Submitted by a parent

this is a great school and the security is very good also, you don't need that much security because it is a small school, as for the teachers they are helpful and they keep the parents updated. every year it gets better and better as we grow....the administration is just as good as the teachers and their door is always open, but we do need more parent participation.
—Submitted by a parent

This was the best option for our son, we support Academy of Arts & Minds 100%
—Submitted by Martin Mas, a parent

A&M is a wonderfully kept secret. It is a small, academic school where all of the faculty know each student individually and where the attention and care given each student is meant to bring out the best in each one. The students are quite unique, artsy, funky, and at the same time, they manifest a unity and respect for one another that makes a parent proud. I am incredibly happy that my daughter and I took the gamble to enroll her in this brand new, unique school and it is paying off beautifully!
—Submitted by Carmen, a parent

This is my daughter's second year at A&M and we are very happy with the quality of the programs. I like the fact that it is a small school and the classrooms have glass windows so everyone can see what is going on inside.
—Submitted by a parent

Being a current student at A&M i higly recommend it. The teachers are really nice and dedicatedd to what they do. Sice its a small school teachers will take time to adress any problems you have and are willing to tutor. The art programs are awesome too. I am in the chorus program and we have had ourr performance which went amzingly and we got straight superiors in solo and ansemble. I recommed this school to anyone who wants to go to a school where you learn but that aloso expand your mind through the arts.
—Submitted by Aldene Diaz-Granados, a student

This year, it's a whole different ballgame. The new teachers are better than ever and highly educated. The arts are blooming with a new chorus teacher, dance teacher, and theatre teacher [who is one of the most professional people i have ever met, might i add]. There is an even bigger and better art room. The extracurricular activities are great this year. There is so many many clubs to choose from, and they are all very active. I'm very proud of what A & M has accomplished.
—Submitted by a student

The bottom line here is that school talks a good game, but very few of their claim come true. There is no real security and no arts to speak of. Most students would never survive at a regular school, either socially or academically. It's a fly by the seat of you pants. My child was in the 'honors' program and she even called it a joke. After giving it a two year chance - she is no longer there and much happier and challeneged. There is very little art going on there and if you choose to take part in the extra-curricular activities, many time you must pay. There has only been one production and that director is no longer there; unfortunately. I could go on, but space doesn't allow.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically speaking, A & M is wonderful. The teachers are there for your every need and truely become your friend. At A & M, you're not just another number. Everyone knows everyone's name..it is sort of like a big family. The arts have had a rough start, but next year there is a big chance they will be a lot better. Parents are encouraged from the start to participate in everything from a school show to field trips but the thing is many parents are oblivious to the fact that this is a new school and to make it a successful school we need everyone to put in their share of effort. The school has an outstanding atmosphere and it's location is the best nonetheless. I'm definitely glad I attend A & M because it is like no other school. Justgiveit a little time and you'll see how amazing it will
—Submitted by a student

Its great! Small and the teachers really take care of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is 'hands on ' All students are on a first name here. My child is in the honors program and enjoys the learning.Teachers care, and are dedicated along with the great staff. We are very pleased with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my child in the Academy for the 2005-2006 school year. I am very pleased with the school. The teachers are great and the small learning environment works out perfectly.
—Submitted by a parent