Performing Arts Academy

I am a current PAA student, and I must say that this school has completely changed my life. At my home school, I was one of the kids who were bullied constantly. But at PAA, there is a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying and the people there are so nice. The entire school is like a giant family. I have made so many friends at PAA that I cannot imagine my life without, and I feel that this school has helped me improve as a performer in many ways.
--Submitted by a student

I think this is a terrific school academically. My daughter said she learned more from her social studies class here than she did her entire school experience. The arts could be a bit more selective. Some of the kids are way beyond experienced and others should not have made it. However, overall, I am very satisfied. My daughter loves school and before this, she hated it!
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, this is more of a charter school with an emphasys on the performing arts. My daughter is a freshman and it is almost the end of the year, The last time she actually performed here was her audition. She is an accomplished singer and has had the lead role in many musicals. Unfortunatley, the freshman at this school do NOTHING. They have no shot at getting roles int he limited amount of productions they have. This is NOT a performing arts school as you would think.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I am very fortunate to send my daughter to this high school every day. The dedication of the teachers and staff is second to no other high school. Almost every student has a B average, the performance classses are intense, there is no drug problem, most kids are too busy with school activities to get into trouble. Because the school is small, it is like a family and the friendships they make here will be lasting. The ratio of male to female students could be higher. The number of male students continues to grow with each years enrollment. The school is relatively new .
--Submitted by a parent

I was a little reluctant in the beginning about sending my daughter to this school. I wasn't sure that the academics would meet my expectations as a parent. Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong. My daughter is learning so much and the way it should be taught, relating to everyday life. The kids are the best around, very respectable towards each other and the parents. The PTSO is very welcoming also. The staff is like an extended family to the children. I have never seen so many staff members and teachers drive on a Saturday from other counties to see the school play. Every teacher was there helping or watching. My only worry is how can I repay PAA and the OCVTS Board of Ed for giving my child this once in a lifetime opportunity. The children at MATES and PAA are so fortunate to have this opportunity.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is very unorganized and the lack of communication is ridiculous. As far as the academics go, they fall far below standards. Even thoguh the emphasis should be on the performing arts, the academics should not be that greatly ignored. There is a handful of wonderful caring teachers, but I cannot say the same for the administration. This school falls below expectations.

I currently attend the performing arts academy and I cannot stress just how much it has helped me to improve in many different ways. Not only am I getting a better understanding for music theory and history, but I am also passing all of my acdemic classes with A's. I have to admit, this school is very challenging, sometimes even hard to keep up with. I myself had to learn that the hard way, however the staff did not give up on me. They give you help, no questions asked. Never before in my life have I gotten as good of grades as I am getting now. I owe my life to this school, it has taught me so much.
--Submitted by a student

Hey! I am a former student of PAA. My Freshman year was a disaster! I came in as a Music major where I learned nothing! I was planning on leaving until I decided to give PAA another chance.. My 1st day back Sophomore year... I find out that we were basically given the best music teacher in the world, Miss Huhmann. Things in the performing area were fantastic and I was majorly influence by miss Huhmann to become a music teacher. The academics! Oh dear! Never changed! I only learned from Mrs. O'rourke... Rolston, and Amazing Lyons Meyer! But that's it! So much is unorganized and I really struggled to keep my grades up. I feel this need to be worked out so that Students can handle the long classes without so much fluster. I got through a lot with repeating ' How bad do you want this!?' it works. Good luck everyone!
--Submitted by a student

I can't say enough about this school it is the best school for me! I think this is the best school ever. it teaches you so much in acting, singing, and danceing!
--Submitted by a student

As a parent, I can not say enough good things about this school. I feel my daughter gets a first rate education as well as a wonderful dance program. She has been taking dance lessons since she was three and after one week at this school, she told me she had learned more. The curriculum is hard for her but she works hard and has much staff support. There is lots of encouragement from teachers who really care.
--Submitted by a parent