Eastern Washtenaw Multicultural Academy

I am a parent at Multicultural Academy and am pleased with the school. My children enjoy attending school there and have excelled since I enrolled them in 2011. The discipline is firm yet fair and administration works very hard in leading the school in excellence. The staff is dedicated and I proud to have my children in an environment that is so rich with culture. Keep up the great work M.A.!
—Submitted by a parent

I think it's pretty amusing that this school is still up and running. Administration is literally hanging on by a thread each and every day. The teacher turnover rate is extremely high, and would be higher if there were better teaching opportunities in Michigan. It's no secret that every teacher in that building is looking and applying for jobs every single day. Principal Furrha has no clue what being a principal is about. She has no education in administration and is gone most of the week due to "migranes." Such a joke of a "school."

This school is excellent the staff are very polite and helpful. The principle is very supportive and nice. It is a very good school there dicipline is fair. I think every child should go to this school there education is great.

VERY high teacher turnover rate. Teachers either get frustrated and quit or they get rid of the good teachers. They expect us to teach 4-5 different classes and get paid next to nothing. The kids are out of control and when they are sent to the office the discipline doesn't happen, especially if they are related to the staff.
—Submitted by a teacher

Hi there! I am a student in 8th grade that goes to E.W.M.A! I appreciate that school because it is very fun and great! Every year you get to go to cedar point! i advise every kid to go here! A very great school. Even once you get older- i am saying MAYBE a trip in space. This school has changed into a better school now, Rudness has stop, because Ms.Furha, a great princapal, takes care of everything, and helps us, too. So once again, take your kids here to this wonderful great school!

One of the worst schools around. Teachers are constantly battling discipline problems and students are not disciplined properly. Students are extremely rude many are related to the administration so there are a lot of "favoritism" issues. Teacher turnover is high, VERY high. Administration is VERY unprofessional to staff. I do not believe students get the best education here. Many of the teachers are very talented and try their best in a setting that far below average.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a teacher and administrative in the preschool program at the school and am very excited for upcoming year. The school changed management and along with that they have a fantastic board president (he was a professor at UM!) They understand that to improve the school it takes changes which are expensive. They purchased new curriculum Core of Knowledge usually found only in best school public and private. New reading and new math programs. Along with that they are purchasing new tables and computers. They are putting two teachers in each classroom. I can't wait for the parents to come back and see all the changes, It makes going back to work exciting. THANKS !!
—Submitted by a teacher

I am so proud that i choose to take my children to EWMA. It is a wonderful school. the learning environment is the best i've seen in a charter school in my life. I had a wonderful opportunity to talk with the different parents that enjoy there cild going there too. words cant even explain how smooth the days go there. there quality is as i expect. there discipline is perfect. check it out and you will know what I'm talking about
—Submitted by a parent

Its true this school has zero tolerance for bad teachers and students. Their goal is to provide the best education in a safe enviromnet. The teaches and administration always hard to ensure thaa the student receive the deserved education.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not do students any justice. Unfortunately, when parents just complain and don't pull their children out, the school does not feel inclined to change and doesn't. The teacher turnover rate is high because there are better teaching positions out there and teachers leave when those openings occur. Last year, there were at least 6 changes in staff during the year. Some of them took part time jobs, some took contract jobs, and some left without even having a job lined up. With all of these low ratings, there honestly can't be that many people out there who just want to "lie" and "attack a person's character". As with any school, you always are going to have people that are happy with the school and people that are unhappy...however, a great deal of low ratings should say something to a parent who is truly looking for the best school for their child.

After attending E.W.M.A throughtout my highschool years, it has been a great experince to prepare me for college. The teaching staff does not allow you to give up. They stay after school tutoring for those who need the extra help. The principal has an open door policy for students and staff for any concerns or needs you have in school or in you personal life. She is someone you can talk to and be social about with anything. Thank you EWMA

I a parent and my kids are having agreat experience. The teachers and staff are committed to teaching. The Principal is very commited and will not put with bad teachers Many of the teachers that left because they were asked to leave . I strongly recommed this school without any hesitation to any student who wants high quality education in a safe envirnment with zero tolerance to bad behavior, drugs and bad teachers
—Submitted by a parent

I would not advise anyone to send their children to this school. I've visited several times and noticed that many students are very disrespectful to the teachers. I know that students with behavioral problems who cannot function at other schools end up at EWMA. There is a revolving door for teachers,as many of them leave,and I don't blame them. There is no real structure or discipline at this school. I would say to other parents," Take your kids and run!"
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not an appropriate environment for learning to happen. Apart from the preschool and some lower grades, the school structure is misguided and uninformed. Students at the middle school level are NOT getting proper instruction. Teachers spend most of the year dealing with discipline problems, as there is no effective system in place. The High School incorporates a virtual program that neither the kids nor the teachers know how to use. The computers are always faulty and the Internet is constantly giving problems. The school does cater to Arabic students and their culture, as evidenced by their choice of a foreign language (even though MANY parents have asked for Spanish to be taught instead). Many employees, including teachers and substitutes are Arabic and related to the Principal's family. You can ask any student and they will complain about rampant favoritism. The administration is rarely available. Many parents don't even recognize who is in charge of the school. Teacher turnover is dramatic. Last year, about 12 teachers left during the school year. At the end of the year, only four staff members said they were coming back to teach. Telling?

My child has been in the preschool program and the summer program at EWMA and I am over the moon with the quality of this school. We chose it because of the multicultural environment, the multi-age classes, and the language programs offered, but have been consistently surprised and amazed by the dedication of the teachers. I wish there had been schools like this when I was a child! I wish I'd had teachers of this caliber! My son is learning in a safe and enriching environment, with friends from all over the world. I am proud to tell others that my son attends this school, and I hope to see him continue to thrive and enjoy learning here.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Grandparent of a child that goes to this school and I believe children now days do need to learn more than just english No Different from them learning (Spanish) and I love it. I also feel they care very much for these children because our little one just loves his arbic teacher I just wish they would tell us how the home work is done in english because we are confused but also willing to learn it. So people just need to get more involved in the school to make it a Great place to learn.

I am less than impressed with this school. I think it caters to a certain race. Why they chose the language to be taught arabic, I do not know. All the specials such as art, music, etc are taught in the childs class room. My child is so much more advanced than many kids because they do not push to accell the kids here, I cannot wait to find a new school! I to not recommmend this school at all, my family and I feel like the out casts, you will see why if you ever attend or tour the school!
—Submitted by a parent

My child goes to p-k and enjoys rich learning. The Faculty and late facilator are great
—Submitted by a parent

I read the review and know that they are unhappy as their children got in trouble at school. It is not true my child is doing great and is getting their high school requirements. They also are going to college and are getting help with preparing for that. They do have all the classes requried but are on done online in school. We also get a weekly progress report so there is no reason for parents not to know if their children are not doing what is required. The other great thing is you can see all their grades and assignments 24/7. People need to see who writes the reviews and understand that they did not have children who belonged in our school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has so much potential. The pricipal and staff are VERY dedicated and truely care about the students. Grades pre-k thru 4th are very good acedemically, also with discipline and parent participation. Unfortunately when you get into the upper grades, the discipline doesn't seem to exist, but then niether does the parent participation. I highly reccomend the school for the lower grades. Hopefully as the lower grade students (and thier parents) continue to move up, the quality will as well.
—Submitted by a parent