Boston University Academy

i think it is ridiculous the negative reviews that are one here. i can relate to where they are coming from, but they are a little extreme and generally submitted by parents. in my four years here, i have definitely faced some ups and downs (mostly due to my own personal habits), but BUA has done nothing but help me with them. granted, freshman and sophomore years are incredibly hard and not very flexible, but once you get over that hump, nothing is going to get in your way. the comments that say that the school is not flexible are obviously from parents of students that didn't last the full time here. by the time i graduate in 12 days, i will have amassed 56 credits from BU, and i got them in the classes that i wanted. i took music theory and economics at BU when everyone else chose to take biology and french or spanish or whatever they wanted. i took calculus at the university instead of the academy just so that my schedule would work so i could take all the classes i wanted. while i agree that the principal doesn't know what is best for any student, parent, or teacher, it hasn't really effected my experience. choosing BUA was the best decision of my life and it will be yours too
--Submitted by a student

My child is currently a BUA student. The level of academics and the quality of the teaching are stunningly good. Really. The homework workload can be heavy at times, but if the student is smart and self-motivated, then it's not a problem. Honestly, I was shocked to read some of the negative reviews posted here. We have found the school administration to be completely honest and willing to work with us when issues arose. Our experience with BUA administration has been great. I strongly suggest that when choosing a high school, one should talk one-on-one to current parents/students- don't rely on anonymous postings (even this one!). And, importantly, let the prospective student visit the BUA, attend some classes, and decide if this school is right for them. After all, they are the ones who attend the high school... not the parents. I enthusiastically recommend BUA if a student is smart, self-motivated, and wants an exceptionally good education from excellent teachers- and, if the student enjoys the BUA community of enthusiastic/diverse/quirky scholars!
--Submitted by a parent

Though the two posts below find it odd that many reviews share a very positive experience and similar language, it is clear to me as a current parent that it is because many students and their families are having or have had a terrific experience at BUA, and not because the positive reviews are somehow insincere. Families considering BUA should apply and explore the school firsthand! My daughter was fortunate to have excellent choices in the decision process, and attended Revisit Day not knowing that BUA would be her first choice. After spending a day there, she felt that academic and personal "fit" that is so important in choosing a school/college. We have been extremely impressed with the talent and dedication of her teachers and the rigor of the coursework, and we had high expectations going in. We haven t had occasion to interact beyond social reasons with the head of school, but all the administrators we ve worked with have been very insightful and approachable. She is receiving a superior education and having a blast! Five stars means excellent, not perfect - no school is, but BUA is indeed excellent, in our experience, and we enthusiastically recommend it.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the reviewer below. There is so much confusion on this site and every positive review for this school has the same flavor. To have 4o or so reviews on here defending the school with the bulk of the them 'saying' basically the same thing, using the same terms and platitudes and all posted around the same time of year--admissions season! BU Academy is a mixed bag. Those of us with very advanced and highly able learners are just as displeased as the parents with the typically developing kids. Ask many questions before signing that contract. The administration can be unfriendly, to say the least. Our child was not treated with respect for who he was. Try Commonweath, Roxbury Latin, Belmont Hill or Milton if strong academics, challenge and good college matriculations is what you desire., BUA charges the same or more, but doesn't offer the same advantages. Ask admissions for names of parents who are not only currently at the school, but who have graduated children. Dig deep. Once the student gets to venture on to BU for classes in Jr and Sr years, it gets better. Dealing with the head can be quite an experience and an exercise in patience. Very egocentric culture.
--Submitted by a parent

I would caution all potential parents and students to do their homework before enrolling at this school. I will echo what many have already said here: this school looks better on paper. Everything, in theory, appears to be in place but what actually happens in practice is quite a different scenario. The administration is deficient in many areas and not interested in what is best for the individual students needs. A lot of time is wasted on studies that are repetitive, and the depth of real learning takes a back seat. BUA, while small in size, is not equipped (or willing?) to challenge the individual student's needs, unless the student is below the norm academically. Don't be fooled! Each year during admissions seasons we see the same people coming back to regurgitate the same reviews on this site singing the supposed praises of this very average school. Recent overly complimentary reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt! Our child is often bored with the lack of depth and challenge within the curriculum and the over abundance of tedious 'busy work' given as homework. There are much better options out there parents! Consider very carefully!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman this year and have nothing but fantastic things to say about this school. One of my biggest fears I had coming into my freshman year was that this school was more focused on math and science than it was on humanities. While the math and science programs have been the most challenging and engaging classes I have ever participated in, English, History, and classical languages bring on the most riveting discussions that I had never experienced before BUA. The teachers are all the most focused, dedicated, and passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They are always around for us students, whether we are looking for personal or academic help. Although language and math classes are leveled, the students in different classes have no problem interacting with their own grade. On numerous occasions I have looked up to my peers for homework help, and find myself giving as much help as I can. The students at BUA are like a second family. We have a community of sharing and friendship that I have never experienced before.
--Submitted by a student

I'm a new freshman at BUA this year, and it's been a great few months. The work is exceptionally fast paced; I slave over homework for four plus hours a night, and I have received more B's than I have ever gotten before. It's completely worth it though. My peers are interested in learning just as much as I am, and the teachers are excited to teach us.
--Submitted by a student

This is a great school. My son has really loved school for the first time ever this past year. The teachers are really wonderful and it is a great, classically oriented curriculum. The only downside I have noticed at the school is that a very high percentage of the parents (more so than the students) hold the illusion that Junior is the most ultra special genius ever, rather than just a reasonably smart and industrious kid, which can be a little wearing at parent events. The kids themselves are not as bad as the parents in this regard. Most of the pressure is applied by the parents rather than by the school itself, since usually Junior has been getting all A's until he got to BUA and ceases to get all A's once he gets there. I have had no problems with the administration and highly recommend the school.
--Submitted by a parent

BUA is a great school. The student-faculty ratio is ideal, the teachers are well-educated and engaging, and--most importantly--the kids are able to explore subjects that actually interest them. I transferred my son here from a public school when he was a freshman, and it was a fantastic decision. Beyond the quality of the education, there is a real intellectual environment here that you just don't get at most schools in the area. Highly recommended for kids who might need a more challenging curriculum than is available at your average school. But be warned--if your child is not up to the task, it can make him/her miserable. If you're considering BUA, make sure that your kid is not only intelligent, but also motivated to work hard. Otherwise, there will be lots of tears.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a student and loves BUA. Her teachers are dedicated and caring. Peers are interested in learning, and it does not stop when class ends. Sports are not pressure filled. She is having a great experience, but you have to be willing to work hard.
--Submitted by a parent