Innovation Academy Charter School

There are some wonderful teachers. There are some bad teachers. This school is like any other school in that regard. The project-based curriculum is a step above a typical public school. The overall focus seems to be on expanding the high school, and the middle school gets overlooked. This is not in any way the same school of even 3 years ago. When they expanded to a larger school, they lost some of the magic of what made them special.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs improvement. They are dismissive with bullying issues, and leave them unresolved. They will choose to simply not respond to parent suggestions for improvement if they do not agree with them. They have little support for advanced learners. They asked parents to give up coffee and cable tv to support their expansion when the middle school is already over-crowded. They are not expanding the middle school building, they are building a track and field, a gym, and expanding the high school. Some athletic programs start so early in the morning that it makes it impossible for some children to participate. Drop-off is a time consuming challenge. The lock down procedure is questionable. Although some (not all) of the teachers at this school are excellent, the school lacks strong administrative leadership. The project based learning structure only supports strong presentation skills and children with behavioral issues who cannot learn in a conventional setting. This environment is disruptive and unsettling to a well behaved child.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. The teachers and students there were great people who were willing to help. They also knew when to have fun with the learning, unlike so many other schools.

This school is fantastic. The hands on teaching and focus on student responsibility is unmatched anywhere I have seen. The school prepares students for college and the real world, not just for the MCAS test. The result speak for themselves, consistently higher test scores across the board.
—Submitted by a parent

this school was awful. I went to this school for one year and i hated it. I went for my 8th grade year. After the first months or two i realized how much i hated this school. Now when i went to this school i thought this school was going to be a fun and learning experience. But there were bullies and everything. To be honest there were even potheads and drug dealers. I know a public school obviously has there fair share of potheads but this school had alot of them, and some of them even got caught and all the school did was suspend them for a couple of days then they would be right back in doing there thing. I would never go here ffor a highschool or anything other then just elementary school. I think its a bad choice to have 5-8 in the same school because the big bad 8th graders are obviously going to pick in the little 5th graders. One time i had an issue with a teacher and it made me so mad that i texted my dad and my dad called the school and everything and told them what happened. The school wanted to give me a detention for texting my dad, this is my dad its not like im texting a friend.

I hated this school. for science and history you have combined grades. if your in 7th or 8th youll have 8th grade and 7th grade in science and history or for 5th and 6th. it doesnt make sense that you would combine grades because in 8th grade you should be learning more then 7th grade so how could you combine them there two separate grades. I went to a tewksbury school for all my life until 8th grade and i hated the school so i tranfered back to tewksbury high and they tell me i should have learned such and such in 8th grade and i just sit there and say nope i had combined classes so i basicly learned the same stuff as i did in 7th grade.

The school is no different than a public shool with regards to name calling and bullying. Most of the teachers are great but you still have your problem teachers. they did make drastic changes since moving to their new building and are no longer the small cozy classroom, the teachers don't have time to work with the children one on one or even in small groups, the kids are left to work within their groups. So its not exactly what everyone at first thinks it is and its not exactly what the portray. So tread softly and be cautious, this is your childs education and you don't want to put them in a school that is not what it appears to be on the outside. My child will not be returning next year it was a year from HE double L
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. I love how this school does hands on activities instead of reading from the book. It is a much better method then learning from the book. The teachers are real innovators.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school, especially if your concerned about your child getting 'lost' in the shuffle or a regular public middle school. The students really learn each subject...I believe this is largely due to the teaching staff and the project base learning. The staff goes out of their way to know your child. They put much emphasis on being a good community member and team member. The communication from the staff is excellent...very proactive. I think there is room for improvement on advertising the school's parent organization..they do alot but it is at times difficult to know how you can get involved. Also be warned that the school has high expectations for its students..you can't slack off and get by...but there is great assistance for any student who is struggling!
—Submitted by a parent

I enjoy going to this school because it is project based. We do projects called rubrics. Also, I like it because our school is pretty much bully free. It is a small amount of students which is great for shy students like me. This is my third year attending and ever since I walked in the door in 5th grade, I have been supported by my peers and teachers.
—Submitted by a student

This is an incredible school, creating critical thinkers who are great public speakers, community members and problem solvers. This school is creating the next generation of innovators. Go IACS!
—Submitted by a parent

I go here right now. It was awesome the first 3 years here, but now that the high school has moved in, most of the attention seems to be focused on them. There are no Honors classes, and to get a higher grade you don't do better work, just more work. I am really disappointed this year.
—Submitted by a student

My son has gone here for 2 years and he loves it. The teachers are very dedicated and, because the kids stay with the same class and teachers for two years, they really get to know them. The office staff is very helpful and people always get back to you with an answer on any question.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, both my sons have attended.
—Submitted by a parent

What a school. My children are treated with respect and are allowed to be the great, thinking community minded people that they are. The teachers and staffs dedication is outstanding. The grounds are clean and welcoming and the front office is always pleasant and know just how to help our family with the ins and outs of the day.
—Submitted by a student

this school is amazing. i loved my time here. i just recently graduated, i really learned a lot here, the teachers are great, the classes are great, we really have a lot of fun. it's amazing here, i loved it so much i am actually going to be one of the first people going to innovation high! Go Murdoch Wooo!
—Submitted by a student

I have a daughter (5th grade) who attends Murdoch. The teachers are caring and very dedicated. You can email any teacher if you have any concerns. I have always received an answer the same day or next. I don't believe this school is only for the 'perfect' student. There is a lot of focus on the swimmer analogy with a goal of a 'distinguished' rating. There is a lot of thinking outside of the box and the curriculm is challenging while not overwhelming. It's nice when the front office knows your name, knows your child's name and will do everything in their power to assist you. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at this school. Both with slight learning disabilities. The school teaches project based and since attending both children are doing very well. The academic quality is A++The teachers are extremely dedicated, most single and able to give a lot of time to their positions. Classes are small, about 17 to a class. Parent involvment is high and they have drama, music, basketball and more. They are taught to think outside the box and are an active participant in the parent teacher meetings. They set goals to work on for the sememster and I cannot believe the maturity that has taken place in my children since coming to this school last year. I wish they went right thru high school.
—Submitted by a parent

i attended this school last year it was pretty cool. even thought your with another grade but its defenitly cool and fun fun fun. lol
—Submitted by Jade, a former student