Fine Arts Academy

I notice the most recent reviews are from years ago, so I’ll weigh in on my son’s first year so far. Before leaving my review, I think it’s important to note that it seems like this is THE elementary school that all of the district’s employees’ children attend, and much of the staff attended the district itself. It’s very clique-y. If your student is the child of a district employee or you happen to be friends with people that work there, they will be held on a pedestal. Considering the above information, there seems to be a massive lack of accountability from the teachers on up. I understand that educators have restrictions on what they “can do” to help or mitigate bullying—but the teachers and staff here aren’t proactive at all. That said, a certain second grade teacher even made a snide comment while up-and-downing my FIVE YEAR OLD, over his homemade costume at the school trunk or treat. It’s not just the kids.When a child reports bullying, if they don’t see or hear it happen, it didn’t happen, and how are they supposed to see or hear it when they don’t actively monitor the kids? They don’t walk the classroom listening in and taking note of what nasty, vile and frankly cruel things these kids say to/about each other. From info given during orientation, I was under the impression that this happens during the day, and children who have displayed troublesome behaviors are pulled for social-emotional-learning at the end of the school day to help speak to and correct the behaviors. Bullying is regularly happening at recess, PE and lunch because teachers and staff plant themselves in a spot or gossip. Maybe there’s a law I missed that got passed and school staff is no longer allowed to correct poor behaviors, but I’m willing to bet it has more to do with the fact that 80% of the student body are children of district employees, so the teachers and staff think they can be more laid back. These golden children have made my very young son question his self worth, if he “belongs” there, his ethnicity (Hispanic), his relationship with his parents (these kids seriously told him we don’t love him and will abandon him at the school never to pick him up again). It goes on and on. You’ll love this school if you have a white-passing child with a white last name, and bonus points if you have the time and money to butter up the teachers and staff. I’m not going to pay them to care about my son. He’ll be going elsewhere next year.

FAA ROCKS! My boys love their school and their teachers. I love walking in the school and seeing the teacher and staff speak to all the children like they are all their children. My boys have been blessed each year with teacher that love them. They always work hard to make them strive for their best! I am truly thankful to be a part of the FAA family.

I really do love this school. It is small, & I feel that adds a special touch that bigger schools can't compete with.

We LOVE FAA! The school is well-run and the PTA is very strong. Every staff member I've encoutered has been friendly and dedicated to the kids. Great communication from admin also.