Boston University Academy

Amazing kids. Amazing faculty. It's a remarkable place. BUA is not for everyone. But for the bright and highly motivated student, it's without peer. Really.
—Submitted by a parent

So the truth is, if you are a smart kid, you'll have a great experience. If you are not willing to work hard, go someplace easier. Pretty simple equation. No, BUA is not for everyone--that's the point.
—Submitted by a parent

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

I find this school to be restrictive, rigid, and all-around unsupportive. I feel the administration is lacking in several key areas and that parents applying need tread cautiously. This school looks good on paper ONLY, imo, but in practice, you are dealing with a litigious business. The decision you make could affect your child's academic career. I also believe most of the positive posts are not being submitted by parents, but by school staff. There was one negative parent post removed here because the school probably complained. Let the truth come out, BUA! During admissions period, we always see a slew of slanted reviews here--supposedly from parents (but most likely from worried staff). This is MY opinion. Please consider very carefully.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had an excellent, all-around experience with this school. My child is very happy there and is thriving intellectually.
—Submitted by a parent

I wholeheartedly agree with the poster below me. BUA is truly an amazing school. The teachers are wonderful and are willing to meet with you and help you whenever. The student body is phenomenal. There are kids from all four grades in Calculus, and there are even some kids, who, as freshmen, take Multivariable Calculus or even Honors Differential Equations! There is no bureaucracy at all, and you feel more connected to the teachers. Some even let them call you by their first name. The teachers and student body are amazing, and that is what counts in a school.
—Submitted by a student

I am a freshman at BUA, and I am appalled at what all the parents are saying about BUA. I love it here. Yes, I do have two hours of homework every night, and yes the classes are tough. But I enjoy it. I enjoy being able to learn about something without feeling any pressure. There are no boundaries here. All the negative reviews are from parents about the administration, but what do they know about their child's day to day lives at the school. I have not seen a single student at BUA who is disgruntled that they have to be there. Do not believe everything the parents have to say about BUA, it's the child's reviews that are actually the most helpful. They tell you what's actually going on.
—Submitted by a student

BUA is an excellent, extraordinary school. The students are intellectually able, which the faculty accept as a given. The kids are at ease with each other. Yes, many are quirky, but they're well-intentioned and genuine, and at BUA they enjoy the trappings (Homecoming soccer game, proms, ski weekends and spring break trips) of typical high schools, but without the social angst they might experience elsewhere. There are also plenty of socially savvy kids; there are athletes, musicians, student council types, kids who love drama - just like any high school. The school is nicely self-assured, and allows kids many opportunities to decide things for themselves, both in academic and extra-curricular realms. My son has been there two years. There were bumps last year with the workload, but this year it's come together for him. There's help if he needs it, with lots of eyes on him. Great school for smart kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter absolutely loves BUA. The school community provides a healthy social environment where all students are accepted for who they are, and are encouraged to develop to their greatest potential. Of the 5 teachers she had last year, 2 she found extraordinary, 2 were very good, and only one she felt was "meh." Contrast this to her experience at a "highly-rated" suburban high school, where none of her teachers met her expectations of being even just "good."
—Submitted by a parent

I am really surprised by the negative reviews on this site. BUA has been a wonderful experience for my daughter, she couldn't be happier. I have had no problems with the administration, they have been friendly and helpful. Maybe the complainers' kids couldn't keep up with the work, it is rigorous, and slacking off is not accepted like it is in public schools. It is not just a math/science school either, my daughter has really liked her english and history courses, the teachers are involved, love their subjects and are interesting!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student, I have to say that the rigid, constrictive nature of the school allows very few students to progress and prove their true potential. The school is only good on paper, and is nothing but a lot of talk. In addition, students not only suffer from the poorly planned curriculum (Come one we spent my entire freshman history class learning useless facts about Roman and Greek history. What happened to the rest of the world?), but the people as well. To put it in simple terms, the people, teachers and students alike, are not normal.
—Submitted by a student