Memphis Academy of Science & Engineering

It is time for an overhaul at this school. New ACTIVE leadership, better curriculum, better management of what few funds they do have access to. Much like the majority of the school system in Memphis, the old traditional ways don't work anymore and narrow minded pundits insist on focusing on test-taking skills, rather than actual learning. At least MASE doesn't have a history of violence on school campus, the school is fairly small, so behavioral issues aren't as bad as at some other schools in the area. The worst part is that honestly, there aren't really any better public school/charter options in the inner city area of Memphis. Be prepared to basically homeschool as much as you can and put your child at MASE mostly for record-keeping purposes.
--Submitted by a parent

MASE is a fake school that needs to be investigated. The current leadership is weak. There is more wrong than right in this place.
--Submitted by a parent

my son is currently attending mase 2010-2011 school year. the school is very unorganized. the things i like about the school is the teacher ease program where you can check grades of your child and communicate with teachers without calling. I also like three out of 5 of his teachers. his reading teacher,science teacher, and social studies teachers are very good. they give creative assighnment and work with the students. what i don't like the ordering of uniforms i never recieve my childs order, when planing feildtrips they only had one bus for a trip and they return back to school after school got out because they made two trips. I never see the principle when i go to the school always the dean of 7th grade or councelor. Sometimes teachers are slow updating grades on teacherease. They get out of school at four, but the extra time that they have they are doing nothing when they could be doing homewoork or tutoring. I just think it could stand for major improvement and would be better if they get organized.also a plus they send emails to parents of schlorship opportunites and summercamp programs through emails.
--Submitted by a parent

I love MASE. MASE is an excellent school. i've been here since 5th grade and now that im about to graduate, i say it was the best experience of my life. Wooooh!!! Go MASE Phoenix!!! Black and burgundy!!! '09!!!
--Submitted by a student

I give the school so far of what I've seen a 4 star. My daughter loves it and I thought she would have a problem with Sat school. She loves that too. I love the atmosphere and ciriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

Academics are over the top. Extracurricular activities should be increased, Parent involvement needs much improvement.
--Submitted by Sandra, a parent

I am very discourage with MASE, and fill that MASE should not be giving anymore funding by the State, Mr. Henderson in the beginning had a vision, but his vision has been clouded. He is never available, and does not return your calls to address important issues. Our children are only used to present High Test Scores for MASE to keep the funds coming. He no longer has a heart for the children. My child has attended this school since 7th grade, has been promoted to the 10th and will not be attending MASE in 2007-2008 school year. Reports cards, where never received in timely fashion, any concerns about grades, would have to be addressed, whenever you could take a day off work and stand in the office and force someone to address your concerns. MASE is not the school for a college bound student.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been enrolled since year one and depsite the challenges he loves his school! My daughter is preparing to move into the high school and looks forward to it. MASE has always had some of the best teachers around. I appreciate their commitment to our children. I look forward to seeing the high school students having a chance to have a more authentic high school experience. Balance between academics and social interaction during these years are critical and very important when looking toward successfully navigating college. Unfortunately, getting things done in a timely manner, proactive communication, simple courtesy, and administrative organization still needs improvement. It would be great to see MASE day to day be the school that is presented to the media during special occasions.
--Submitted by a parent

I admit that communications between parents and school are unorganized and infrequent. I have a daughter there - going on 2 years. The good part - her tcap and gateway scores have been exceptional. She is very involved in activities and has adapted to the long hours. Mr. Henderson is more military thinking when it comes to being questioned but he does have the kids interest at heart - his people skills need work but he is fortunate to have people under him with compassion and flexibility. The biggest concern parents have is treating all for the demise of a few - again, Military thinking.
--Submitted by Sam, a parent

In the beginning I was a little sceptical about sending my daughter to MASE because of the long hours but when you sit down and think about it they are only spending 5 hours in class, 55 mins. in an activity of their choice(that the school offers) and 25 to 30 in each class in the evenings for study, homework or assistance. My daughter said that she was looking forward to the 7th grade because they get out at 2:15 pm. When she found out that her dad and I chose MASE she was disappointed. But I have yet to see her come out of that building on 20 S. Dudley with a frown on her face or something negative to say about the staff. She has learned alot and she has taught me alot. I think this was the best decision that I could've made for my baby.
--Submitted by a parent