Independent Baptist Academy

Good afternoon, my daughter was a new student at IBA, entering K5, which she started in September. After the first couple of weeks I noticed how strick the school was, I mean over strick for 4-5 year old kids, who at that age is still trying to find themselves. They have this crazy tally system that I've never heard of. My daughter was so terrifed of getting a tally that it had me a little uneasy. For example, she got a tally for not laying still on her cot, which means a 5 year old lay still and dont move, dont cough, scratch, switch position, you get my drift. Really, ok. I mean what really goes on behind closed doors. Well to rap this up, her dad approach her teacher and just mentioned something like "at what point do you let a kid be a kid without getting a tally". The teacher answer was, if you dont like tthe school rules your free to withdraw her. HUH????? Who tell a new parent that. So guess what we only had to get shown the door once. We withdraw her on November 28th, and my baby is so happy at her new school. She actually wakes up excited to go to school again. Bye IBA, your rules are just a little to much for my child.
--Submitted by a parent

This post will be little more than a reiteration of most of the other posts. We are a family that moves quite often due to our jobs - our children have attended private Baptist schools for the past four years - this is our first year at IBA. We have been thoroughly disappointed thus far. As many posts have stated, the school utilizes a tally/demerit system that is out of control; failure to put your name on your homework equates to a tally and 10 tally's in a week equates to detention which also costs ten dollars. The 7th and 8th graders are combined as there are only 10 students in the entire HS. When there are sporting events the school basically shuts down (Fridays) and the kids not on the sports teams do nothing all day; this includes the boys when the girls are playing sports - they are penalized. The school offers few sports teams due to the lack of students/interest. 'Teachers' routinely discuss inappropriate topics - teaching young children that President Obama is a 'child killer' and a 'Muslim'...this school is out of control. If there were openings in other private schools in the area our children would be enrolled...they will not be there next year...STAY AWAY!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended IBA as a kindergartener. They have a RIDICULIOUS discipline structure. My child would get tallies for crazy stuff. She was one of the youngest in the classroom as she has a late birthday. I mean, do you expect a 4 year old to sit and watch a teacher write on a chalk board all day? The school/principal/teachers are always right and the teachers are NOT properly trained to deal with kids or parents. Parent concerns are not addressed properly and the school code is very strict, military like, which is not really conducive to the real world. In summary, IBA has ineffective interactive learning, few electronic/technological learning systems and poor leadership. They do not welcome a child's personality, they suppress it. They do not tailor their teaching to the learning styles of the kids. They assume that all kids learn the same way and under the same structure. When I reflect back on this, I feel as if our experience was an act of prejudice or lack of being in their inner circle/church. Your child may learn a lot of Bible scriptures but I don't think they will learn what an ideal Christian or a true believer in Christ is under this school's direction.
--Submitted by a parent

This is quite possibly one of the worst Christian schools in the area. I was a student there for five years, and when I finally told my parents how bad it really was, they pulled me immediately. The teachers are extremely judgemental, with the main focus on discipline, which includes paddling and humiliation. They use a very unreasonable tally system; six tallies equals a paddle and a note home. If the note isn't returned, it's another paddling, and so on. The curriculum also leaves much to be desired as it is not up to par with public schools. There is blatant favoritism displayed, and if you are not a member of the church, you are made to feel second-best. I would NEVER recommend this school to anyone.

I am a former student of this school. I go to the church. The church is wonderful for the most part, but the school is not. Some of the teachers do not have a degree. Alot of them do not know how to deal with children. The teachers are very strict about small things just so they can establish their authority. They are not as strict on the bigger things though. My sister was verbally bullied one day and the principal did absolutely nothing. This school is supposed to be Christian, but all the teachers are VERY judgmental and they play favorites. The curriculum is not up to date. They are about two yrs. behind public schools. I attended from 1st to 8th grade. After 5th grade, all the curriculum was the same. This school is declining in student population. There are about 80 kids enrolled for this fall from k4 to 12th grade. The 7th through 12th grade contains very rude children and every Friday they have a play day. The rest of the week they just sit around. This school will not help your child grow intellectually or spiritually. Look elsewhere when searching for a school for your child.

I went to this school and think it is great. I was challenged to excel and do my best. I loved my teachers.
--Submitted by a student

Great School. Loving teachers.
--Submitted by a student

Good school but I agree with the other parent because they seem as though they are not really trained to deal with children. They do not offer alternative approaches nor do they redirect oe work with parents. As far as academics go my son excelled quickly. They do focus more on discipline than anything and they get tallies for getting out of their seat, or running in the classroom. These are typical behaviors of 4 and 5 year olds. Not effective tools in my eyes. Good school but unfriendly and unconcerned teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

IBA is a great school. My child has attended since the second grade. You know your child is in a secure and supportive environment while attending this school. The sad thing is that the school closes enrollment to kids after 5th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has gone there for 4 years. I liked the school because some teachers were very caring.However,the school has changed since Mr. Burton, the principal left. To me they focus more on discipline than education. The tally system is unreasonable, the punishment doesn't always fit the crime. Every child is different and they should have many methods of teaching children,they don't. They are unapproachable and unwilling to work with parents issues. I pay my money I expect more. I'm extremely disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent