Old Redford Academy - Middle

I began teaching at ORAMS after the start of the current academic school year. I will say that it has been a very trying experience. I received little to no support and/or resources to effectively do my job, which was to educate the students. The administration as a whole seemed uninterested in providing any support whether it was that of academic or in handling the disruptive behaviors of students in the classroom. Unfortunately I could no longer continue to work in such an uncomfortable and scrutinizing environment. It is sad that the administration had such little concern in supporting its teachers, especially those who teach in critical areas the students are lacking in competency. No wonder the teacher turn-over rate is so high...
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is strict, but the academics are very good. My child is receiving a very quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

I left a good job in a public school to teach here, under the pretense that they were an academy based on a disciplined model. It is not. While they have very clearly defined code of conduct, it is not adhered to. The environment was often times one of chaos and anarchy. *** When I told my Principal that we were losing one of my very best students next year, due to the chaos in the school, she replied that she was "o.k with that". So, understand that the school will sacrifice its best students for the sake of hanging onto its most disruptive ones.*** When a student was finally referred to the Deans (only after exhaustive efforts to get them to correct their behavior and untold wasted time in parent contact), it turns into a litigation... a trial of sorts... pitting the teacher and student. Many here (Administrators, Parents, and students) will look for any opportunity to pin the responsibility of student behavior back onto the teacher. During my one year at this school, I personally saw 6-8 certified teachers leave the middle school, alone. This school is more about the revenue stream than it is about education. Sorry.
—Submitted by a teacher

I enrolled my child in this school after he'd attended a Blue Ribbon school out state for years. Academically, this school is phenominal...VERY impressive. The school is clean, has adequate supplies and diversity in it's staff. The teachers are very helpful at keeping parents informed and up to date. My ONLY complaint is the zero tolerance policy! Frankly it's unreasonable on this age group (High School I can understand). Even though my child was on the Deans list the minute there was an incident I was advised of the policy in such a manner it made me feel there was no concern for either of the kids involved! I was very disappointed by this and irrate I might add! I was not offered any information on how to keep up with his studies either! The message it sends is 'We will give up on you'! Not good! I am not happyw
—Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed with Old Redfrord Academy, Their zero tolerance is ridiculous. They suspend your children for the sillest things. I really would not recommend this school. Some of their rules are just crazy!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attened ORA since 2nd grade. I didnt have problems with school until 7th grade I so glad this her last year at this school. I not sending her to the High school and I think parents should do the same. I dont feel the Teachers care for the students and like all the parents stated all care about students getting kicked out school for silly matters. I never would thought that Middle School would be this bad. My daughter stated to that all the staff does is gossip about what other students has done. What is that showing of children.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been a student at ORA since the 1st grade and enrolling her in the middle school was a big mistake. In my opinion, the facility do not care about the students education. They are more concerned about passing out detentions and suspending students. My child complains that the work is not challenging enough and she is not learning anything. And lets not talk about the MEAP scores. I have nothing positive to say about this school and this is my child's last semster there. If you are considering ORA, please look at their MEAP scores. The scores speaks for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

Children are very unruly and do not get expelled like the code of conduct states. My child has had approximately five (5) different teachers in a span of 8 months. Administration is very unprofessional!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a ZERO tolerant school and although I think it is excellent for creating a disciplined child, it seems to like democracy. The education my child receives is very, very good and the teachers and staff are in contact with the parents and available for the most part by different modes of communication, this is very helpful in cultivating a childs learning process. The school actually has adequate books and supplies in class and restrooms. student teacher ratio is VERY good, and has become more diverse. Traffic around the school is nothing to be desired and the extracurricular I find very limited. I like the school because it is challenging-intellectually, mentally and physically. Parents need to know how to get involved more.
—Submitted by a parent