Bates Academy

My son just finished his kindergarten year at Bates and is about to begin 1st grade there. He is doing good there. This year I want him to get involved in bible club and sports. I however am concerned that his Spanish class did not go too far beyond the Spanish he learns on Dora and Diego and that the children don't have gym or recess everyday and that they rarely painted in his art class. Also the school asks for so many school supplies and the supplies are specific. I'm on a budget! But, my biggest concern is the school has went through 3 principles in 3 years! I believe a principle can help to make or break a school and the fact that Bates can not seem to find the right person for the job concerns me. This year I want to be more involved at school so maybe I can help address some of the issues that concern me.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Bates since the Kind...had the Wonderful Mrs. Mihalski! She is tough and cares. She told me my child might not make it his first week, but I told her I will help my child....I did and he was one of her top students and in has been reading 3 grades above his level since he had her. Bates is not for parents who think the teacher should do it all. I helped my child all day with his work to help at home so he can achieve. Parents do us a favor and if you don't discipline and help your child...take them out due they interrupt the children who are being molded for excellence.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Bates since 7th grade I graduated class of 2011 I hate this school so much and I never want to tell anyone about it. The school isnt really isnt all that like how people brag. Though the students are kinda smart the teachers arent doing their job. The science teacher Ms.Finley makes mad because I felt like she gave out grades based on her realtionship with the student on a friendly basis. I did all of my work all the time and I still got a B in her class but people who have been there for 8 years got A's and they dont do anything but talk. Bates need to step their game up if they claim to be the best. The staff is really un professinal no activities just a horribe school.

The new principal need to be given time to prove himself, this is his first year as actual principal. He is very straightforward and accessible and it is clear that he trly cares about his work and the kids. I think it is too early judge him. Bates challenges their children and more often than not as long as the parent truly team with the school and are involved with their child - the kids rise to the challenge. My only complaint is that they need a better facility. This is the cream of the crop and I feel that they deserve to be treates as such. I feel that with the very low budget and tough condition that these detroit public schools have to work with, this is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been at Bates for many years. This year has been the worst. The new principal is rude, unprofessional, and distrespectful. He has no clue on how to run the school. He has taken everything fun away from the students. I have observed disrespecting the teachers. I remember when he was the assistant principal and he was like this. People fought to get him back and now they are disappointed. He is really bringing the school down. I have a child in 3rd grade, 5th grade 7th grade. They will not be back next year if he is the principal.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to this shcool from 3rd grade to 6th grade and after moving to an actual school I realized how horrible and wretch this one was. All of the adminastration were completely rude and had no regard for respect for students and parents. There were certain teachers who wouldn't even teach but talk on the phone to their friends all hour and gossip while demanding students to read sections in the book. After my mother constantly went to the school and complained, nothing at all was done. This school is all about who you know. It's horrible, and I would never send my child to this unorganized establishment.

My first impression of Bates is not good. The office staff lacks professionalism and is not very friendly. I went to drop my son s application off and waited 5 minutes before being acknowledged. One secretary was on the phone and the other sitting at her desk. Finally, the principal walked in the office and offered to assist me. Everything just seemed very unorganized. The telephone etiquette was also terrible. When I called to ask basic questions, the person spoke improper English and was not pleasant. Bates really needs to address this issue. The administrative staff is your front line and represents the school. I am really having second thoughts about sending my child to a school where administration does not speak proper English. Several other people had the same experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, there is a culture at Bates....some of the comments indicate that adapting is somewhat of an issue for either the parents or the children. Have any of the parents taken the time to review the Meap test scores. Certainly test scores are not the only criteria for making the grade, but the scores speak to the dedication of teachers and the school to keep out children in the main stream for competing in academics. To get an understanding of what's required, I help check papers. I see first hand and realize childern that are new to Bates don't have the same foundation for writing, reading and math, unless they come to Bates by 1st grade. I suggest that any parent having a problem have a conversation with the teachers, and I'm sure you will get the assistance you need. Finally, weekly progress reports are available to re-direct any problems you may have. I check my daughter's back pack daily, homework before it is due, and have her take any opportunity to make-up missed assignments. TDB, parent of a 3rd grader.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year at Bates and I regret even sending her there. The the principal could care less how your child is treated and feels it is ok. My daughter will never attend DPS again and I would never recommend this school to anyone because children should be respected as well.
--Submitted by a parent

Beware! First timers at Bates. I asked the staff what is expected of 1st graders for fall 2010, they said to pass the test. He did. My son can read but not profiently. He gets A's except when he has to read the instructions himself for phonics. Mrs. Michalski (his great teacher) told me 1st graders are expected to read independently. I told her no one told me. Now my son has to be moved to a regular 1st grade school in the middle of the school year or fail. The regional superint. Dr. Colbert said nothing will be done except she'll get him into another school. My son has to suffer starting over at a new school because of adminst. incompetence. Make sure your child can read everything themselves before attending this school. No more Detr. public schools after this year for my son. Now he'll gets A's in everything.
--Submitted by a parent