Math And Science Academy

My child went there for 1 year and was very excited to get a more accelerate curriculum of math and science. That did not happen huge disappointment to all of us. We had to take summer classes to get up to the top level of math at the public school we transferred to (grades at MSA were all As, getting near or over 100 in many classes). It is 'wokeism' run amuck at this school. Science and math are secondary to indoctrination of flawed principles like promoting diversity and the like. Standards are lowered to accommodate. Covid mask requirements were lifted across the state, yet any child who doesn't wear a mask is bullied into it, a practice which teachers/administration not only don't stop, but encourage. Emails updates are sent about Covid that are not based on science, something people who purport to be a top school in the state for science should be ashamed. Don't even get me started about the junk science that was taught to be timed with earth day. New director coming in, but it isn't clear if he will right the ship or double down my money is on the latter. If you have a choice in where you can send your kids to school, pass this one over...you and they will be much better for it in the long run.

Math and Science Academy has gone through many phases of growth in the past several years. It now has 400 students. I disagree with the parent that described it as having no curriculum. I haven't seen that at all. I suspect its a disgruntled employee that submitted that review.

What MNMSA brings to a student experience is a great set of peers, excellent high performing teachers and a high rigor in the academic expectations for kids. Also, it has a well functioning board. The school just added a nice new building and has added an Assistant Director. The music program is incomparable. You won't get marching band here - true - but there is a great emphasis on other music opportunities. Also MSA is ranked number 1 in the state in both middle and highschool so i am a little perplexed at why someone would criticize the curriculum when the ranking is well uh not to be improved upon.

Many kids have been leaving at 9-10 grade to go to other schools because of the limited activities (That is the problem with charter schools - they don't get the levy funding - only the state aid and that is a real crying shame that we should all push to solve for these schools as it sets them up for failure) but this year MSA added a basketball team and girls volleyball as well as a speech and debate team. My goal as a parent is to promote a Lacrosse team in the future as well. As more activities are added, the school will retain more high schoolers. Also, others leave because they are doing PSEO in great numbers.

There was some turnover in the math department in the 2014/2015 school year but some of that was do to promotional opportunities. One teacher left to teach college for example. MSA always deserves a first and second look frankly. Its a small school environment with kids having close relationships. I would ask yourself - how many times do the police have to show up at MSA compared to neighboring schools that have to deal with kids fighting in the hallways, bullying, drug busts, and kids that are organizing their cliques around the rich kids vs the poor kids (I hear that about EASTRIDGE all the time).

I'll keep my kids at MSA thank you very much.

There is no real curricula for math nor science. Too much of what is taught in math is altered from the real math. Additional intermediary steps are added in by the teachers in an attempt to make up for a lack of actual academic content.

Students are taught that the definition of science includes a consensus amongst those who claim to be scientists. If enough people believe something to be science, then it is science. I read this in a packet given to the students. When I asked the science teacher about the consensus statement, she denied it. I read it to her and she showed fake amazement that such a thing could exist. She eventually admitted to being the one who put this document together.

My main complaint is that math and science are not things to be altered according to the whims of people. It is what it is and must be taught as it is.