Canandaigua Academy & Middle School

I am a former student of Canandaigua Academy who found a family within the walls of the school. Though it is easy to fall into the wrong crowd in Canandaiuga, I consider myself lucky to have the gift of music; it brought me friends and expierences I'll never forget for the rest of my life. If you want your child to love high school and to be safe while doing it, encourage them to join band, orchestra or chorus if they do not play an instrument. There you will find the most nurturing and supportive students and faculty. Within the seclusive halls known as the music hall, your student feels seporated from the everyday high school drama and academic life; it's a place for laughter and song. Academics are OK. Don't do IB if you want a life or if you want to take classes that interest you.
--Submitted by a student

Violence, drugs, vulgarity. Academics need to be improved. Music program is good, but the teachers need to change their attitude towards average students. Not friendly school. Special needs kids get their attention, that is good. The school has very good material base, computers and so on, library, sport and art/music equipment.
--Submitted by a parent

I have worked extensively with many departments at the school including Administration, Arts (Music Department), counseling and several others. I have always found an attitude of wanting to excel and do the best possible job for all involved. As noted in other reviews, the Music Department is absolutely incredible and is definitely in the top 50 in the country if not the top 10 - concerts are well attended by the community (not just the parents). I have a child with special needs and Academy and the district has always went above and beyond to meet my child's needs. My child is now a senior and the counseling leading up to this time regarding his post high school career has been excellent as he has already been accepted at four different schools and the counseling received was key to that happening. Overall, I would not send my children elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want to expose your kids to drugs, administrators who don't work with you and sports athletes are allowed to break the rules especially the varsity football, then this would be a good choice for you. I have tried multilple times to get administrators to anwer my emails or phone calls about concerns and they never bother to answer. The latest superintendent is very rigid and runs things with a my way or the highway attitude. He has no compasion or understanding of how young minds work or need to be motivated. He strictly runs the school on a punative system.
--Submitted by a parent

School offers programming for serious academic student, (a small percentage take AP/IB). However, support for academically inclined students weak. Counselors seek to lower the bar - avoid student stress - don't communicate to students importance of challenging themselves in preparation for college. Selective college advising non-existent. Jr/Sr teachers also relatively unaware. Consequently, parents of academically serious students must be proactive early, understand college requirements, ensure child selects appropriate curriculum, activities & stays on target for top-tier colleges of choice. (Worked for us.) Huge emphasis on athletics. Good service club opportunitites. Excellent Performing Arts. Academic clubs seriously lacking. Have math club, newspaper, yearbook and an annual literature publication. But no history/govt/science/film/art/book clubs (no debate, Mock Trial, Model UN). Academically, Science, English, Math, Foreign Language departments perform weakly - see test results. However, Performing Arts (theater, vocal, instrumental) are highly selective & frankly, far superior. Big school; economically diverse population; truly challenging demographics!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Canandaigua Academy, and in 11th grade. I just wanted to say that Canandaigua City School District as a whole, is a awesome, we have many extra-curricular programs for parents and students of all ages. At CA all staff, believe in thier students, and know they have the ability to learn. Canandaigua Academy is just an astounding school, and hope other kids get a chance to experience CA. The districts web site is so easy to use for the student, staff, and parent communication. There is the Homework Hotline in which students and parents have the opportunity to view there assignment.
--Submitted by a student

The high school is really great. If you want your child to excell in their academics,social,and physical enviroment then send them to canandaigua academy. I am a student here and I think that the teaching staff is wonderful if you have a question they don't put you on the spot they actually help you. They don't look at you on the outside they actually see you for who you are.
--Submitted by a student

I am a former student and grandparent of present student. Have always been extremely pleased with quality of education at CA. Teacher and parent participation has always been exceptiional at every level.
--Submitted by a former student

my child loves this school
--Submitted by a parent