Old Redford Academy - Elementary

My son has been going to ORA since 3rd grade, I've been impressed since day one of the small class rooms, challenging homework, and the support of all the teachers going over and beyond. My son is now in the 5th grade and I'm definitely going to enroll him in the middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 4 children at ORA. My oldest is in 2nd grade and has been their for 3 years. My family and I love this school and the environment. They force the children to dress for success on a daily basis and to take responsiblilty for their actions. I am a very involved parent and the staff works with my family and I to make sure my children are getting the best education possible. Some parents need to realize that the educating of our children starts at home and you can't expect everything to be taught in school. If you don't start this process at home, your child is already at a disadvantage.
—Submitted by a parent

For the teacher who stated that all Mr. Smith cares about is money, all I have read about is what she is so unhappy about which just happens to be money. This teacher needs to re-evaluate what exactly she is at the school, and is her ultimate goal money or making sure our children learn.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs to be closed down, ORA makes Detroit public schools look like Harvard. The entire school year, my son has not had field trips, they are unorganized. I do not suggest this school to ANYONE. This year is my childrens LAST year at ORA
—Submitted by a parent

Melvin Smith the CEO for Old Redford Academy cares about one thing, MONEY. This guy took his whole administartion staff to Aruba for a "Professional Development" while my students went the entire year without enough outdated books for everyone. The turnover rate for teachers is so high because, once you've worked there long enough to deserve a good raise, you get replaced by a fresh out of college teacher. These teachers are cheap, but they also are inexperienced and a lot of them don't make it through the year. This is the kind of corruptness that needs to be eradicated from Detroit, not put on display for the kids to see.
—Submitted by a teacher

My grandson failed kindergarten at the school last year. This year he is on the honor roll. His current teacher could not understand why he was held back along with some other children in her class this year. Something is wrong with this picture.

If your the type of parent who complains about rules and regulations then this school isn't for you. No fights and there pently of after school programs like environment science club,art club,french club,etc...

I have one child attending ORAE and one at ORAM, My son is in 6th grade and I love how his teachers keep me involved with his learning and with whats is going on in school seeing that I can not be there due to work. They keep me informed via email so what ever take place in school that day i am aware rather its good news or bad news, this gives me the oppertunity to address the situation right away instead of waiting on parent teacher conference. I love this school. Keep up the good work staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Old Redford Academy is a very good school for parents who are active in helping their child(ren) to obtain the best academic achievement possible. I like the zero tolerate disciple school environment. My child has learned a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

As a involved parent Old Redford was not a good experience. The teacher's are not dedicated in teaching the children. They teach independed learning. They are quick to label your child instead of working with the chlid and the parent. The children have no voice. This will be my child last year. A school must have ccommitted teachers who listen.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awful they fuss about everything.. Today 4/15/2010 just broke the camel back they did a sweep in the school regarding shoes no stitches, or color in the shoes they have to be all black... What a mess....... what does my son shoes have to do with him learning. I rate this school -0
—Submitted by a parent

This school was better when it was K-6 only.I agree with some parents, all teachers cannot become good administrators. Old Redford can and should be a school of choice for all student needs. Parents need to step up and demand better. Remember a school is no better than the person in charge. This should be a peson committed,dedicated,and responsibe to see that teaching and learning is of a high standard at this inner city school. Submitted by a former teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

Very high on discipline and very low on diverse education and stability
—Submitted by a parent

Old Redford is not my best experience. The turnover rate of staff and students is outrageous. Teachers are poor and does not provide feedback on a regular basis.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended ORA since kindergarten. The quality of education they received has gone down each year. The teacher turnover is horrible. Every year upon returning, there are new teachers everywhere. The leadership of the administrators has decreased this year. One problem is that the best teachers are removed from the classroom and are not trained for administrative positions. They are set up for failure. And it is our children who suffer. The school is poorly managed by its management company. They carry this motto of no excuses and all they give are excuses. My children will not be returning. Parents,do your research first.
—Submitted by a parent

This school holds students to high expections both in behavior and academics.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduates from Kindergarten in 1 wk. This has been his first and will be his last year at ORA. I am not happy with the school or the experience my son has had. In my opinion, ORA s focus is more on what will make the staff comfortable in any situation. They are big on punishment and low on quality time with the children in order to enhance their education. My request for a conference, was blew off with it s gone through the proper channels and been handled . Parents concerns mean nothing to them and they tend to get on the defensive with an 'if you don't like it leave' attitude when approached by parents with concerns for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught at Old Redford Academy for just about 2 years. The school lacks stability. There is an extremely high staff turnover every year. It was a terrible place to work, and it offers a poor learning environment. I would strongly recommend that a parent does some research before sending their child to Old Redford Academy
—Submitted by a teacher

I taught at the high school, and while I truly cared about my students both educationally and their overall well being, I completely agree with the parents that have had horrible experiences. The administration does not care about the students once count day is over.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child was a 3rd grade student last year at Old Redford Academy and I feel the whole year was a complete waste,although I am not satisfied with Old Redford I am forced to send my child back to this school and pray that something changes,all summer I have been reviewing different schools in the area and have come up short every time. If there are any parents out there who can offer some advice please e-mail me at tifflin@earthlink.net.I would really appreciate the help.I feel so helpless,being forced to send my child to a inadequate learning facility,because in our communitys we have no other choices.
—Submitted by a parent