David Ellis Academy West

The school is great but there are some issues that they really need to work on. An example is teachers. Mrs. Robinson isn't really the best of teachers. There used to be two math classes, one for the advanced and another for the kids who didn't quite get it. Now in 2013, they have all the kids in her class. She doesn't quite explain it well, even if you pay attention. She moves too fast in lessons and yells most of the class. She also has projects that don't even involve math! Mr. Hunter is seriously talkative. I barely learned in his class. Mr. Murray's is a computer class that teaches what is already known. He's rude and doesn't teach anything. The students would rather have Spanish back. Make sure you're child brings food from home. The lunch staff wears hairnets but they don't work at all and the meat is red at times and cold. Mr. Boseman is rude and constantly is telling to shut up. They need to find new staff or new students.

My son attended DEA-West and I have to say that it was a good experience for my son. The principal is very active in school activities and notifying parents of current events via: e-mail, telephone, or by school newsletter, the office staff is professional and helpful, including the latchkey staff, other staff members and teachers. My sons' teacher Ms. M is a great teacher that showed dedication to her students. The only reason that my son did not continue his education at DEA-West was because they did not offer a GIFTED curriculum and his father and I was successful in finding a school that offered that for him.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents are you still looking for a great school that lives up to its mission and vision. Look no more, come and David Ellis Academy West today!

My daughter went to MacArthur University in Southfield. She's in the seventh grade. I pulled her out because she was being bullied by not only the students, but one of the teachers. She would never talk about her school day or be excited about her school work. I enrolled her in David Ellis this year, and saw a positive change in her immediatly. Also she's making better grades. So I'm loving it so far. And as far as administration, they are always kind and helpful to me.
—Submitted by a parent

It's sad and unfortunate when someone writes a negative review just to hurt or harm the school or staff. Any review that isn't balanced with both positive and negative points are always suspect and typically comes from someone that has a hidden agenda to sow seeds of discord. My children are currently attending and will remain until they are promoted to high school. If these were legitimate concerns, there are avenues in which you could've addressed your concerns. Please set a better example for our/your children deserve better than this.

My children went to DEA-W for a few years when my husband and I decided they needed to go elsewhere. This will be their last school year there. Our decision was based on the school climate and curriculum. It seems like there is nothing offered for gifted children. Those are the students you want to keep. The teachers are FANTASTIC! It seemed though, that they had to place most of their time and effort towards failing or non proficient students. It seems like rules are put in place by administration but they bend them to suit each kid individually. There is no uniformity with discipline from the administrators. It sounds good at the beginning of the school year but there are so many constant changes! Stick to something and make it work! Lastly, it would be nice to enter the upper school office and ACTUALLY feel welcome. I can't remember a time when I didn't feel like I was bothering them.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a two children that attend D E A W, My daughter (1st grade) is in the Spanish program. (Teacher Sra Gardner) It was a little hard for her in the beginning but as time progressed she caught on and begin to excel and hasn't stopped. Sra Gardner does a EXCELLENT job with my daughter and I couldn't have asked for a better teacher for her. She has given us so many resources that help her to continue to learn while were at home and even to help for studying of spelling test. That alone says alot!! she is taking the time out to research and find websites that will be beneficial to the children. It shows that she truly cares about her students education. DEAW should be very proud to have someone like her as a teacher. I know I'm a proud parent and very satisfied with the education my daughter is receiving at the school. My son is in the 7th grade and has been there since the 3rd. He has had some struggles while there but its staff like Mr Hurd that try and keep him on track. Mr Hurd is another person that goes out of his way to insure that my child is successful along with following the academy's code of conduct.
—Submitted by a parent

NEW PRINCIPAL! Great changes have definitely taken affect. Although I do agree w/some of the July & June reviews left by the last 2 parents, I must say that since changes have been made (as far as administration goes) the school has been on the fast track forward. They hired a new prinicipal in January. I'm not sure what happened to the last one, but I'm glad she's gone. I feel like the school has always been a good 1, but I believe she stopped them from being great. It's almost like she was holding the school back from being all they could be. The new principal is AWESOME!! She's caring, fair, a good listener, the kids love her, & the teachers seem to have positive feedback regarding her. The communication between the school & parents is great now. It was pretty bad before. They have some type of system that calls my cell phone at least a few times a week to keep me abreast of what is happening at the school. It is a no tolerance school, meaning they don't really tolerate some of the nonsense & behavioral problems that other schools might put up with, but that's what I like in a school. I feel like my daughter is safe when she's at school & she is doing great there.
—Submitted by a parent

Do not send your children to this school!! The administration is a mess! They interrrogate children without the parents permission or knowledge. The communication between the school and the parents is horrible. The attitudes are arrogant and one sided. The administration and parents are divided. This administration treat parents like the enemy. They involve children in parent/ administration issues. The director does not seem to have a clue of what some of her staff is doing. Too much administration drama!
—Submitted by a parent

THIS SCHOOL NEEDS A CLEAN UP JOB. THE OFFICE HAS NASTY ATTITUDES AND THE PRICIPAL NEVER HAS TIME AND WHEN SHE FINALLY HAS YOUR ATTENTION SHES LOOKING AT YOU LIKE YOU NEED TO HURRY UP. STUDENTS ARE MORE SERIOUS ABOUT ACTIVITIES THAN ACADEMICS. THIS SCHOOL SHOW FAVORITES IF YOUR A MEMBER OF GREATER GRACE IN ORDER FOR THE RATINGS TO GO UP THEY NEED TO EVALUATE EACH TEACHER AND THEIR STUDENTS CUZ THEY ARE NOT PROGRESSING THE WAY THEY SHOULD NEW PRINCIPLE
—Submitted by a parent

I am a curent student at DEA-West this is my second year. I love the school and have met alot of nice people and plenty of friends, But administration does not trust students especially older ones because of things that have hapened in pass years we are segregated by gender because of maybe 1 incident. Not given recognition for the good things we do, do but only the bad also core subject teachers are the best (math,english) other teachers arent as good they once were in the begining of the year.

I will not be taking my children back to this school for many reasons. The man who runs the lunch rooms cusses at the kids and both him and the assistant principal threaten the children and use intimidation to try and get them to behave. The theme in the school this past month was CARING. They don't care or they wouldn't be treating the students the way they do and the children wouldn't be afraid to go to school. When my child tells me he is afraid to go to school there is something WRONG. The prinicipal is also rude and makes you feel like you are a bother.
—Submitted by a parent

Ask the computer teacher anything about computers and you will find that she does not have a clue. Sad but true.

i luv my school!!!!!!! we go to other states like kentucy and learn about caves and karst and water and life of animals. and mountain ranges. we learn current events and pollution and gulf of mexico problem with oil leak and plastic in pacific oceans called garbage patch. my teachers go with us on this trip was so much fun! i luv my teacher there.

I send my daughter to this school and she is learning lots. She tell me stuff I don't know about but students they learn in high school labs. It is challenging for her but she gets lots of help from her teachers. She want to be at school when it is out because she likes to hang around her teacher after school. I am impressed with her teachers and her school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have gone to DEA since before the west campus opened. I love this school. Wouldn't leave if I was paid to.
—Submitted by a student

I think David Ellis Academy is wonderful school and I am getting good grades at this school because the teachers teach well and all the students are on task..therefore I am in a brilliant school with a wonderful learning environment...My opinion
—Submitted by a student

Im a Graduate at Dea West and I wanna just say the years at Dea I Loved It!!!! It was Fun
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in middle school and she loves it. She comes home and talks about the reptiles she takes care of in her class and she loves science and before she did not like it at all. She struggles with math but they go faster than she can keep up. Teachers are nice. She has projects to do and now she wants to invent a space rocket that uses sun's energy. She never liked school so much as she does now. Thank you teachers at DEA west. Keep up with your good work.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student who has attended DEA-W since kindergarten (2007-2008) school year. I am very impressed with so many things this school has to offer, time will not permit for me to write about it. They have a great team of Administrators, Teachers, Support Staff and Latchkey Staff. I will mention that Ms. Ellis, Ms. Jackson, Ms. Sharp, The Upper & Lower School Office Staff ,Ms. Harper (my son's teacher), and the Latchkey Staff have always treated me with the utmost respect and have treated my son with much care and concern. The environment is warm and friendly and that is plus for me as I am a single working parent and unable to watch my child while he is in school. He's happy, well adjusted, and loves to get involved in his school activities! Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent