Palm Beach Maritime Academy

Palm Beach Maritime Academy is an excellent school. The children are happy there. The teachers do a great job. The school has EARNED an excellent academic reputation. I m sorry for the parents who have had bad experiences here. That has not been my experience. This is an excellent school and it is because of the leadership. I hear from the children how the teachers and even the principal are always there, always around, talking with them, encouraging them. As a parent that makes me feel good. I want the school staff to be supportive and attentive to my child. That my daughter receives a good education, feels comfortable, safe and even happy at her school is the best I could hope for. That s what we have here. As someone else mentioned, the tone is set from the top down and in this case the top, the principal has created and maintained a great school. Thank you M s T and Staff!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a middle school child I cannot begin to express my extreme disappointment in this school. I would NEVER recommend this school to any parent. The communication, as stated numerous times below, well... there is no communication. The principal minimizes major concerns of parents, that is when you do get to finally speak to her or any members of the staff. And as to the comment of weekly letters and video update, what does that have to do with concerns directly related to a child? I waited over a month to get a response from a teacher regarding a missing assignment that was showing up on Jupitergrades. Let's talk about Jupitergrades.. it would be helpful and nice if the teachers actually used it and updated it. One teacher in particular had not updated my child's grade in over a month. There is a homework tab but if the teachers do not utilize it, what's the point? My child will not be going back to this school STAY AWAY!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm in the 8th grade. I have been a student since 3rd grade. PBMA rocks! Best school ever. What else can I say.

I can't believe that someone would site communication as an issue. PBMA provides a weekly letter and Video Update, Monthly Calendar, update website, and my daughter's teach always call back. Don't listen to a hater check out the following links and she what real parents are saying about the school. The school's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritimeAcademy Link to this week's letter and video: http://palmbeachmaritimeacademy.org/pbma/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=14&Itemid=83 PBMA has been a blessing for my little girl.
—Submitted by a parent

I use to say this was a great school. However, since they have moved they have become a nightmare. I think the main problem is communication. This school is sadly lacking. You leave a message for administration to call. (they are never available when you call) you never get a call back. Teachers are no better. My son was missing homework. No teacher thought I should know (NO it did not show that on Jupiter grades) until he was missing 70 pages yes 70. The school nurse thinks she knows more than the doctor and gives my child messages to give me instead of picking up a phone and calling me. This school should have stayed small I think they lost something as they grew and now I would not recommend this school to anyone. Infact I am counting the days until my 8th grader is out of there.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend this school for the 1st year. We have always had our children in charter schools but not in the state of FL. Everything at the school seemed great until i made a complaint about my children stating their after school care teachers were cursing in font of my children and I didn't appreciate paying for my children to hear this language... that we try so hard to keep them away from. My daughter now claims that they are mean to her brother and that the Director Natasha hates him but she loves her. I was so very sad to hear this. My son is such a sweet boy that is now being punished for coming forward with something her heard from this director. Unfortunately no daycare's in the area pick up from the school and we must utilize the aftercare. Its hurts me to make them go but we really love the school teachers...really wish they could do something about the aftercare being a little safer and loose this director that obviously doesn't care for kids :(
—Submitted by a parent

My son was so happy with going to school untill the day another student punched him in his stomach more then once in the lunch room and he told one of the employees and they did nothing I went to the school to speak to the princple and can you believe they said she was to busy to speak to me when all she kept doing was walking back and fourth infront of me while i spoke with someone else to give my report then they said they would get back with me but NEVER did so I had to call more then once for someone to tell me they still have to check cameras but if I worked in that school or is friends with someone their I bet they would have done something right away but for anyone else nope Then when I spoke to someone they said they would CALL ME back but guess what still havent recieved a call they had the teacher write a note that SAME child that punched my son CHOKED another child in the same class and they had us read and sighn the HANDBOOK but for what they dont follow it this is what the handbook But which NOTHING was done
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 8th grade and she thinks PBMA is "the Best School Ever!" What else can I say...
—Submitted by a parent

I am so disappointed that my husband and I made the decision to send our son to this school. While the building is new, the administration's failure to keep my child safe is appalling. On two occasions he was physically hurt by a peer, told a staff member ( including the nurse) and I was not contacted by anyone. There is no supervision during lunch, the children do not have recess and there are way more than the average number of students in a classroom. The principal is harsh and minimizes major concerns of parents. The aftercare staff is a joke, especially the "director" Natasha. She is rude and does not contribute anything to enrich the students' educational experience. The saving grace has been his teacher Mrs Barry who has been patient, kind and has been the only person to effectively communicate with me. She deserves to work for a much better school!!!! Overall I regret having my son attend this school and he will not return next year. In fact I plan on contacting the district, the media and whoever else it takes to shed light in this horrendous school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started 6th grade at PBMA and she just loves it there ! I just love all her teachers and I also love the fact that you can check your child`s grades , homework ect. on their online Jupiter Grades it`s awesome . We are very happy !! By the way she`s straight A`s :)
—Submitted by a parent

I do not understand where all this positive rating is coming from. I have never experienced a more disorganized, old and filthy school in my life. There is no creativity in this school. White walls, no pictures or posters. Tiny classroom, dark and cramped. Cafeteria has a section closed off for use as a classroom because they do not have enough space. Teachers are on carts because they dont have their own classroom. Spanish and Music only half hour per week. New move, new building but no improvement. After 13 years they do not have a PTA. The Principal does not go out of her way to keep school open after school hours for parents to volunteer their time for fundraising opportunities for her school. Totally unprofessional manner and behaviour. My daughter started this year she is a straight A student and also I feel terrible doing this to her after school started already, I am pulling her out of Maritime Academy and putting her in one where she will have extra curriculum and sport options. An environment which will stimulate her in a positive way. A school every kid deserves. I can not believe this school is even open. Please do not send your kid to this school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very greatful my son Isaac has a teacher like Mrs.Rice,And to my Daughter Gennesse, Goodluck to you and the rest of the students,on the FCAT wrighting test today. GO MARITIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The Teachers are caring & the school has a versatile, Close knit Student base & curriculum. Always engaging new topics & learning Advances to improve the Student interests.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending PBMA and a third that will start Kindergarten this year. I think this is an exceptional school and the staff makes a point to know every child attending even if they don't have them in class. My eighth grader did struggle through elementary school at a different school but has excelled at PBMA during his middle school years. I highly recommend this school, especially if you want to partner with the school to get your child the best education possible.
—Submitted by a parent

Palm Beach Maritime Academy is an 'A' rated school dedicated to every student they serve. The faculty and staff have accepted the challenge to use available knowledge and foresight to meet the objective of educating the future generation of citizens who will apply their maritime education in their roles as stewards of the environment. Their goal is clear--to provide every student, regardless of socio-economic background, with an education that prepares them for the finest high schools, colleges and universities bolstered by a keen understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The innovative maritime curriculum ensures that fundamental environmental awareness is based on scientific inquiry, valid information, and siginficant knowledge of both recent discoveries and the work of early scientists. Students paricipate in many hands-on learning activities in the natual 'classroom' that is uniquely available in the coastal region of Palm Beach County. We love Palm Beach Maritime Academy!

My son has excelled at the school and loves it there. he enjoys going to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two students that have been raised with the PBMA family. Currently my daughter just started Middle School this year and my son graduated into High School. I love the warm environment that my family has experienced. Every teacher and admin member not only personally knows both of my children but take an interest in their wants and needs. The tutoring that the teachers offer after school has been a comfort in preparing my children for FCAT test and such. My son was more than prepared for high school and excels in his new school because of the strong base he was given in the early years. I was thrilled when I did not have to worry about finding a quality middle school for my children. They did not have to go through that rough transition but instead could continue their education with the teachers and students.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending this school for 3 years. It is a terrible school! The staff is rude to the parents and students. The principle is a women on a power trip and her staff takes her attitude as well. They all act like they hate their jobs and punish everyone around them. The PBMA website states they teach with an emphasis on maritime studies. They do not, unless you consider boating them to Peanut a few times maritime studies. Most of the students that attend here have behavior problems and disrupt the classes. I am amazed by the work my child sends home. I don't even think the teaches look at them. My child has been given high marks on papers that were completely wrong. There is sports or electives like other schools. When reading the reviews please note that all the good ones are from years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

Responding to the parent who is upset about 'drama'...As a parent of both a boy and a girl attending PBMA for many years, I have never had this problem or anything like it. I have found through raising teenagers that you sometimes have to let children solve their own problems. I have never found that the school attracts the type of students you say. That is an unfair statement and reflects negatively on my children as well as all the other students there. The students at PBMA have won awards for their academics and for outside activities and are of better character than you'll find at any other middle school. I have always recommended this school to others and will continue with confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children moved into PBMA from a very large and consistently 'A-rated' school in Board County. I felt moving them into a smaller environment would make things easier for them as far as making friends and the learning process. I was wrong. It seems as though children who cannot deal well in the regular public schools often migrate to this one. The school seems to have a pension for the 'dramatic' when it comes to behavior of the students. I do think that most of the teachers are exceptional and are very committed to their students. However, the children that make learning difficult for others and hold back advanced curriculum from being taught can be found in abundance in the classes of these teachers who I believe want to make a difference. My kids were often derailed from the learning process by kids who simply can't do the work.
—Submitted by Parent of Eighth Grader, a parent