Math and Science Academy

As a graduate of Math and Science Academy, and now a teacher myself (in a different state), this school was an extremely important part of my life and education. This school pushes you extremely hard and forces you to spend countless hours working on homework and studying. Because of this school, the transition between high-school and college was extremely easy. I was already used to talking to my instructors outside of class if I needed additional help and felt comfortable asking questions. This school made me realize I need to work hard and not settle for anything less than my very best work. Granted this school is not for everyone, it is wonderful for those who love the extra work or need a little "nerdy" haven to learn and grow.

As a student of MSA, I love it here. A lot of people complain "the teachers don't care," but if you ask the teachers for help after school, they do help. And although it is hard, isn't that why your going here? To be challenged? This school is great and the teachers push you to be great. This school's 10th and 11th grade, in 2010-2011, have the best test scores in the state of Minnesota. A diploma from here is very valuable. The lego robotics team does very well, and although we don't have a lot of sports, we do have some, like basketball and baseball. This school is a blue ribbon school from 2009. Go MSA Dragons!

This is a horrible school! Our son was there for 2 years and treated terribly. He went from being in the top of his class to almost failing. He is now at a different school and thriving. The teachers and staff are not helpful and do not care about the children. Do not send your children to this school. It is not about math and science. It is just about not having sports.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student, and now a parent, I would never send my kids here. I was a good student, but not the BEST student. I was treated terribly by most of the teachers except for a select few. I ended up switching to a public school, and the teachers there were so much more friendly to even the worst students. I am now at a great university and receiving a full scholarship. It had nothing to do with what school I went to, it just had to do with my hard work. Also, the bullying there is almost worse than that at a public school. You wouldn't think it, but cliques and bullies are very prevalent. I think it is a hit or miss with your children's experience and for emotional and social learning is a horrible place. I can understand it is a great place for some kids, but it was not for me, and will NEVER be an option for my children.

My 2 children both experienced MSA for almost 4 years. One is still thriving there, the other is now in a public high school. To graduate from MSA, your child must be very self-motivated and an extremely hard worker. My MSA child is very self-driven, and my other child (who was successful at first, but began to fail across-the-board in 10th grade) is much less so. After help from very busy teachers proved insufficient, I transferred my struggling child to public high school in mid-10th grade, into the same classes. That child rocketed to an A- GPA and was infinitely happier. You could analyze that in many ways, but the bottom line for me is that MSA appears to be, at a minimum, an excellent start for success at another high-school. Just be sure to pay VERY close attention to the trend of your child's monthly grade sheets to determine if a transfer might benefit your child! MSA teachers and staff are very dedicated to challenging kids with college-level work at a young age, so its best to start your child in 6th or 7th grade so that they don't start too far behind. MSA is an exceptional college-prep school that is well worth your consideration.
--Submitted by a parent

The Math & Science Academy is truly for the gifted student. If you struggle or are not in the top percent of your class, they do not take the time for you. If you look at there starting enrollment in 6th grade and their graduating class, you will see that the numbers decrease dramatically. They do not seem to take the time with the students who need it but focus on those who can achieve the test scores that make their school look good. For the right student, this would be the right school, but for most students, it is not.
--Submitted by a parent

Math and Science is a school that works hard to help students reach their potential. My daughter struggle all true elementary. But always worked hard. This school took my daughter and did not lower the expectation for her but gave her all the tools and opportunities for her to achieve. My came to me one day last year cam to me with a big smile, and said: ' Mom I'm in the 'B' honor roll, for the first time in my life I feel smile'. Of course I kept my cool and told her I knew you can do it, but inside I melted. I know this was due to her attitude, but I give bid part of the credit to this school, because the odd were against her, but they never gave up on her. Thanks to Mr. Simon and staff that always focus on the good and not the weaknesses. Also today I can see her so motivated to keep this up and higher. She can see herself as to be able to achieve anything as long as you work hard.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids are amazing due to the fact that the teachers and staff at MSA are so terrific. We're so lucky!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a recent graduate of MSA. It's true that this school is not for everyone. You have to be willing to work hard, but it definitely pays off. The teachers will help you if you ask for it. It is a challenging academic atmosphere, and the high dropout rate results from students who decide they don't want to put in the effort to pass calculus and physics. The small atmosphere allows for personal teaching and great interaction.

I am an alumna of MSA. I made it through all of high school in their program. After graduation from high school, I got a great scholarship for college. I just graduated from my undergraduate studies, where I made top grades at one of Americas most challenging universities. I got a good job less than two months after I started looking. I couldn't have done any of this without the fabulous education I received at MSA. The teachers and administrator at this school are so dedicated to the success of the students. I am writing this review mostly to say thanks.