Central Academy Nongraded Elementary

The assertion that only "underprivileged" kids attend this school is prima facie ridiculous, as every Doctor in Middletown sends his or her kids to Central Academy, as well as a lot of petit bourgeoisie like myself. It is admirable, rather than disparaging, that this institution works so hard with all kids, no matter their circumstances. The nongraded aspect of the school also happens to be a plus; kids get to be with their teachers for years, and older students pitch in and help younger ones. And I'll be sure to tell the parents that no one volunteers for anything the next time a bunch of us are there (as happens quite often.) I have felt like my kids' teachers were partners with me in trying to find the best way for my children to learn. More importantly, Central Academy emphasizes THINKING, rather than just memorizing; students are taught how to use their own minds to work through problems. I do agree that NCLB threw a bit of a wrench into the works, and certainly the present State Government's attacks on teachers is unappreciated, but this is still the best school in this entire area.
--Submitted by a parent

Back in the day, this school was 'the' school. Now, not so much. Dr. Suiter couldn't lead her way out of a wet paper bag. They have combined grades k and 1st, 2nd and 3rd, etc. So basically every other year your child is repeating a grade. There is no such thing as competition in this school. There is no parent involvement. They can't even get volunteers for the PTO. No one will help with anything. Also, be warned they only cater to underpriveledged kids, if you're not on assistance, drive your kid somewhere else. Unfortunately, I have sent my child here for two years, BUT we will be leaving. As far as education in this town goes....you get what you pay for. This is one BROKE school. They do nothing extra. Art class is drawing on cheap paper that is it! If your looking for the best...this is not it.
--Submitted by a parent

The mannerism of the teaching methods, for the faculty, staff, students and curriculum, of this school rate 5 stars all the way; which is a brag from a grandmother of a student that attends there.

This school is wonderful! I cannot rave about the teachers hard work and dedication to their students success enough. Every surrounding school district needs to learn a lesson about learning and teaching from Central!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children that attended and attend here! They are verry pleased! I am also pleased by their performance!
--Submitted by a parent

Central is a great school. I am very pleased with the untraditional approach taught here.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had 3 children attend this school. My oldest child was in the first kindergarten class when this school opened in 1991 and stayed through the sixth grade. My youngest child is now attending. Over the years I have experienced both good and bad. Initially, the school and staff were welcoming, open, and friendly. The structure of class grouping is wonderful for the development of confidence and reinforcement of learning. What has occurred over the years that troubles me is that so much of everything is now focused on standardized testing and not on the needs of the individual child. Many of the things my older children enjoyed have now been eliminated. (Sixth grade Luau, all students recognized at the year end ceremony with Kindergarten 'graduation') Maybe its that way everywhere now but up until the last two years, I had never considered sending my children to their 'home' school.
--Submitted by a parent

Central is a wonderful alternative to traditional perocial and private schools. This is our second year here(following two years at a local private)and my son has done nothing but flourish. The quarterly reports a far more thourough than a traditional report card. This school is desighned for parent involvement.that being said, you must follow the reading requirement, reinforce the units being taught, and ask questions about the progress reports.(ie 'Why did you get a 2 today? and 'What needs to change so you bring home a 1?') My only wish for this school would be to add foreighn language.However Middletown city school district needs to make this manditory curriculm.
--Submitted by a parent

My child dose not like this school, (central academy) and neither do I! This school has kids see the 20 children everyday, because from 8:00 AM-10:40 AM they see themselves. The for 15 min, thats all they see 20 other students. Then for the rest of the day they see the same kids they have seen all year long. Then when Winter comes, the children do not have recess so they dont get to see that other set of 20 kids that they usually do. So all day they are cooped up in one classroom, with the same kids of 2 different grades. 1st&2nd, 3rd&4th, and 5th&6th and since they dont have grades I really dont know what my childs really capable of. He gets 1's, 2's, or 3's! WOW! That really tells me something!
--Submitted by a former student

This is the third school our daughter attended and we are very pleased. The saying 'The third time's the charm' really works here. They have a zero percent tolerance for bullying, which I like since my daughter has special needs, and the teachers are very concerned about her progress. Her teacher answers my emails quickly. The entire staff is wonderful. I highly recommend this school for anyone thinking of transfering their child or moving to the city.
--Submitted by a parent