Holmes A.L. Elementary-Middle School

Oakland International Academy has truly exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt welcomed and supported by the dedicated staff and teachers. The school offers a diverse and inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds feel at home and valued.The educators are passionate and committed to helping each student succeed. They go above and beyond to ensure that every student receives the personalized attention they need, and the curriculum is both challenging and engaging. The school’s focus on both academic excellence and character development helps students grow into well-rounded individuals.I am particularly impressed by the school’s commitment to community involvement and real-world learning opportunities. Whether through extracurricular activities, field trips, or service projects, students are given the chance to expand their horizons and gain valuable life skills.Overall, Oakland International Academy fosters an environment of academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. I am confident that this school will continue to empower and inspire students for years to come. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a school that truly cares about the success and well-being of its students.

Safe environment and great teaching staff. This is a school that I trust with my child.

Nichols is a great school. I have had experiences with many of the teachers in the school, and they all care about the students. One teacher called it her "ministry". There is a new PACSA board that is working to fulfill the needs of students and parents. The principal is community driven and often goes door-to-door to encourage parents to get involved with their student's education. An even stronger parent presence is what this school needs to be a shining star within DPS. Good school.

Uniform policies are not enforced. There is no consequence for tardies or skipping class. There is no consequence for sexual harassment. Threats of violence are a daily occurrence. Fights are normal and expected at least a few times a week. There is no consequence for having your phone out in the hallway, the classroom, or anywhere really.Special education services are very limited. There are only a handful of IEPs in the entire school. The library is a tragically under supported. The books are thrown everywhere and students often use the area to skip class and socialize. Laptops are provided on a 1-to-1 basis in most classes. Smartboards are in most classes. The lunchroom and gym areas are small. There are sinks and bathrooms in every classroom. There are classes for dance, band, drama, and art.

I went to Blackwell when I was 3 or 4 until 8th grade. The school taught me many lessons. It taught me regular school stuff of course, but it also taught me the value of having peers, community, pride, morals, boundaries, and how to handle people in general. Unfortunately since it's not getting a the attention it needs and should have, the funding is very low. Much like a lot of other schools in the dps district. I met the founder of the school. She was one of the sweetes HUMANS I have met and what she built on the foundation of this school was even greater! I had a ball (as much as a kid would at school of course). I have been notified that it will be shutting down soon, but I beg people to put more time in doing their research and interest Into this school! As a 2021 middle school graduate from this school, school board and parents, PLEASE put more effort into the schools around you and selfishly more so this one as well. It has IMPECCABLE potential!