Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8

4
9 reviews
Grades
PK-8
Students
580
Type
Public

Community Reviews

Read what parents are saying about Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8
Loved it. I wish DR.Oak didn’t retire the year I graduated from their.
Posted by a student on 7/25/2018
Carmalt's Principal cares about her students, but she is unable to get much parental support or involvement because she tends to talk far more than she's willing to listen. She shuts down parent ideas often and tends to project a doom and gloom attitude toward trying new things or doing things differently. As a parent I expect her to support school policies, but when policies aren't working, I would like her to willingly explain to the board why parents say some policies aren't working and what can be done to make policies work better. She tends to use parent meetings to lecture instead of allowing parents to be empowered to work on some things they feel will benefit the school.
Posted by a parent on 4/13/2016
My child has attended Carmalt since kindergarten & we have been extremely pleased with the education she has received. The school is run effectively & efficiently. I'm thankful that public schools like this are available here in Pittsburgh. I'm also grateful that issues are dealt with and not swept under the rug & there is constant communication from leadership. Dr. Och is a great, hands on principle who knows her students and CARES. I have and will continue to reccomend Carmalt to other Pittsburgh parents looking for a magnet school.
Posted by a parent on 9/26/2013
No Rating
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.
Posted by a community member on 4/20/2013
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.
Posted by a parent on 2/6/2013
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Pittsburgh schools - Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8 is located at 1550 Breining St, Pittsburgh PA 15226. Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8 is in the Pittsburgh School District. Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8 is a Public school that serves grade levels PK-8.

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