GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
This school is possibly one of the worst in the Pittsburgh Public school district. When I say this, I am NOT over exaggerating. The principal is, like another parent said, accusatory, insane, and abusive. She uses her authority to take control of the kids in a manner that penalizes all kids for what a few kids do. Take it from me, I attended this school for 9 years until I graduated to high school. Dr. Och is a nutjob who abuses her power as principal to intimidate the teachers into doing what she wants, including the social worker, who has lacked doing her job ever since I have been there. Instead, she spends her time bullying children as the principal advises her to do. Many parents say this school is wonderful, but do they truly know what is transpiring behind closed doors? I'm a straight A honor student and was treated so terribly by this principal and her staff. Don't let the name of the school fool you. I didn't learn any science or technology until entering high school. Long story short, don't try and send your kid to Carmalt. Take it from a student who spent 9 years of their life in this school.
My son went here for kindergarten, we were excited as he is very interested in and advanced at science and technology. The choice of kindergarten teachers was dismal, he did well even though his teacher was apathetic, yelled at kids for being, um, kids and was stuck in the dark ages of education. She was waiting to retire. The leadership here, or should I say lack thereof, has obviously impacted the morale and efforts of teachers and students. The rules are extremely authoritative and all the kids seemed to pay for a few who acted out. The principal is a wack job, to say the least. She is extremely condescending, disrespectful and accusatory in situations that don't warrant any over reaction. I switched my son to Brookline, as at least 3 other mothers of kindergartners did for first grade. Frankly, he learned science and technology on a level that should have been fit for Carmalt. And the principal there is amazing. Approachable, present and normal. If you are thinking of Carmalt, just talk to Dr. Oche to see what you think and you will see what I mean.
ANY PARENT OF A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, I ENCOURAGE YOU NEVER SEND YOUR CHILD HERE OR TRY! I had spoken to the principal there about registering my 4 yr. old for kindergarten. He is autistic. Once the principal heard that he was autistic she said her class was full. Whispering, she told me that their test scores were low and that Concord Elem. was much better. Today my son's teacher got a call from her with her screaming at her saying, "How dare you refer a special ed student to our school, I have worked to hard to get this school where it needs to be!" His teacher had to tell her she had her hands full with students to get her off the phone. So she tried to persuade me not to register him there. Please pass this along! I will be doing all I can to stop this discrimination!!!
I hate this school and the teachers have a hard time understanding what the kids and capable. A lot of them also scream for now reason and jump to conclusion. Student
The principal Dr. Och is the sweetest most caring person I've seen within the pittsburgh public school district to date. My daughter ended up leaving this school however due to a few problems. It seemed to me that the kids were a bit out of control there, the class size was too big for her to learn to her potential. She also had problems with some of the older kids cursing and being mean to her. I was ecstatic when my daughter got accepted but it didn't work out for us. I must say that I don't think it was a lack of effort, just a situation that got to big to handle. The teachers seemed a bit overwhelmed as well.
Leadership is lacking in this school. There is no understanding of parent school partnerships because collaboration is not respected or sought out. How disappointing.
Carmalt is a wonderful school. My children absolutely love it. Their curriculum is excellent for not only average students but also fits the needs of excelled children. Great school in a great location!
This is truly a wonderful school with excellent staff. The teachers care about the students. My 4th grader is very happy here, very proud of her school. Fantastic principal.
wonderful school love the teachers. principle is wonderful loving person . VP and teachers need help communicating with parents about troubled children.
It was very important to choose a school that would allow both my Kindergartners creativity & intellect thrive & this public magnet school certainly goes above & beyond our expectations. The administrators, teachers & support staff's qualifications and the love that they have for their position is a rarity these days. It refreshing and assuring for me as a parent knowing that when I send my daughter to school, she's getting a great education and learning experience full of academia, technology and the arts.
I think the saying goes, 'You get what you pay for.' Carmalt provides just that...a mediocre environment. While there are certainly caring teachers on board and some good intentions, there are plenty of worms in these apples! Parent participation for field trips, class projects, etc., seems to be limited, particularly for working parents. I don't feel welcomed in my child's school. Communication between school personnel and parents is pretty low. Written communication to parents is not only last minute, but also written at the level of a first grader. Safety is an issue, and the curriculum is poor in many ways. Overall, a poor choice...keep searching!
I have been wanting my children to go to Carmalt even before I had them. I grew up with an Aunt who had taught there for years and I just thought she was the coolest person in the world. She still is the coolest. I currently have two children attending. I plan on having them attend until they graduate to go on to High School. I believe that change can be constant for some children. Attenting Carmalt provided stability.
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The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
1550 Breining St
Pittsburgh,
PA 15226
Phone: (412) 885-7760
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