Cocheco Arts and Technology Charter Academy

The churn at CATA is alarming. Teachers and students come and go with great frequency. No loyalty on anyone's part. Nol explanation or notice to the community, leaving the kids puzzled and disheartened There is a lack of leadership, a lack of communication. The school's director, has been ineffetual, and has left before the end of this school year, the students, again, not told until after the fact. A cheery announement in a newsletter wishing her well in Orlando. The guidance counselor has been installed as the director in the meantime. Students, once again, appalled. There is a constant threat of unraveling, and this past year parents were sent "bills" for tuition to make up the discrepancy with the funds from the state. It is one thing if that is a stipulation of attending, but it was after the fact, not taking into account ability to pay. Many of my child's friends have left due to parental dissatisfaction. Inadequate preparation for college. Language program is Rosetta Stone. No science labs, library, etc. This year a fired employee let loose on kids over facebook, so angry was she at the way she felt she had been treated. Summing up, chaos reigns. Pretty much a mess
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter recently graduated from the Cocheco Arts and Technology Academy, a small charter high school with an inclusive, family atmosphere. Time and again I saw students like my daughter, who struggled in a traditional public school, begin to thrive at CATA. The teachers are enthusiastic and caring; the space is eclectic and inviting. CATA had a very positive impact on our family. Formerly unmotivated, with poor grades, my daughter became a very diligent student, and emerged as a leader in school.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school not too long ago and I must say it was a terrible mistake and I regret it. It honestly is a joke of a school and those who go there, I am sorry to say, are not going to get very far. Not just the students but the teachers as well. A couple of the teachers that I had lost my work and when I was out (due to illness) would not even give me my missing work. There's only two periods of academic classes throughout the whole day. I had to drop one of my classes (the class I went there for) I had to drop because I couldn't make the performance night for personal reasons and couldn't miss. Usually schools have makeups that a student can do for this type of class but they would've failed me despite the fact that even weeks before the performance i informed them that I couldn't go. The School says to have "College prep" classes, but they really don't. The classes were far from College prep material. Many of the students that go there either regret it or don't have many other options. I do not recommend this school to anyone. Especially if they want to go to a college or school after High school without a struggle
—Submitted by a student