Virginia Key

I'm a parent of 2 kids at MAST Academy. The school itself is nationally recognized and one of the top in the state and city, and they love to mention it. That's fine, be proud, but there is more to a school that it's awards and recognitions. They don't offer many elective options for the students to be able to use their creativity with such a high academic load. I think they would greatly benefit by adding more elective options and by switching to a 8 period (4 classes per day) schedule to allow students the extra electives. The campus and building itself is fine, beautiful views of the ocean and a very unique experience for kids. They've been having AC issues for YEARS. Parents get a call home at least a few times a year saying the AC is out and they are working quickly to "fix it" only for the calls to continue over the years, usually when it's hottest outside. I can overlook this when I think about the top education my children are receiving there, but it's happened during important testing and that is a problem that needs to be fixed once and for all. Aside from that one issue, the classes are fun and challenging, the sports offered are engaging, and the homework load has not been an issue for my children as of yet. The PTSA is always asking for donations and then giving back to the school and students, which is great because so many MAST families are able to contribute above normal amounts to the school. They PTSA is not very welcoming though and when you ask questions on the PTSA run grade level parent chats, they mostly go unanswered or ignored. Sadly they only hold general meetings 2-3 times a year and do not even take the time to promote them to get people to attend. They end up with a handful of only a few people showing up, mainly the PTSA board members, and keep recycling through each other when electing the new board for the next year. They are in desperate need of a full overhaul to really help get parents more involved and active with the school. If they would only accept the help being offered, it would be amazing to watch the PTSA really grow and achieve way more than they could have imagined. If you don't care about the PTSA, then this school would be a great choice but if the PTSA is important to you I'd apply to Coral Reef or another magnet with an amazing PTSA instead. Overall I'd give the middle school 6 out of 10 and the high school a 9 out of 10.

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