Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School

My son has attended BArT for the past two years. I only have positive praise for what they are doing for my son and other children. My youngest son will be attending next year for 6th grade. I never fear for my child's safety when he is attending BArT. This I can not say about other schools. Yes they are into discipline and maybe that is why there are negative reviews. I fully agree with it. The kids are there to learn not to goof off. Also I have both a child who excels in all subjects and one who needs an IEP to excel. This school seemed more interested in my child's needs and what would be best for him rather than how they would be affected as a school. If you are thinking of sending your child somewhere they will be both well educated and safe please consider BArT. The teachers are all caring and respectful if your child is doing their best to succeed. If your child is looking to goof off and cause trouble then they should be disciplined.
--Submitted by a parent

BArT is not always the best choice for every student, but it is often an excellent alternative to the other schools in the county. The small, tight-knit community and teacher-student relations are very encouraging and allow students to learn in a comfortable environment. The faculty includes a high percentage of very caring, dedicated, and well-loved teachers and staff members. There is often more than one teacher in a classroom thanks to the para-professionals, so no student is ever denied personal and individual learning opportunities. Over the past few years, BArT has proven that its academics are up to par on the MCAS, as well as progressive in its integration of arts and technology into the everyday classroom. The curriculum is constantly changing each year, and graduates sometimes report feeling that they have gaps in their education, but most are satisfied. As a college prepatory school, all seniors must complete a college course and an 80-hour internship and must be accepted into college before graduating. This senior year set-up is extremely helpful to students because it gives them both a taste of college life and a taste of the work world.

My child attended the middle school for 2 yrs. The school can benefit many students/parents looking for small school with nontraditional curriculum and different offerings. Positive aspects of school: small school, small classes for high school, teachers can write/create own curriculum, arts/technology classes & intertwined within classes, theatre/music opportunities, weekly exploration/special interest class (hiking, biking, specialty crafts, games, discussion, music), school uniform (polo shirt). Negative aspects: longer day and year, only lunch choice of cold 4' sub or salad every day; very high % of students with IEP's, disciplinary/behavior challenges/ expelled from other schools; very high # and % of detentions/suspensions/retention rates, teachers spend/waste more time on discipline in class; no sports & few extra curricular activities offered. Not respected/supported by other schools/educational professionals/ towns in area.
--Submitted by a parent

BArT is a great alternative to the middle and high schools in North Berkshire County where some kids can get lost in the shuffle. BArT focuses on integrating art and technology into its daily curriculum, and is project and portfolio-based. It's a new school, and working the kinks out, but its priorities are in order, and its mission is strong.
--Submitted by a teacher