Harmony Science Academy -Dallas

User Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

We had our boy in this school since the beginning of the '09 school year and were initially very excited about him attending. The expectations we had of the staff at Harmony fell well short of even the most basic needs of any child in school.

The English and Math teachers told us that students are not graded on the work they do, only that they do it. For example, do a quiz and get an "A" for doing it, but get every question wrong. Huh?

When he missed several days due to the flu this year, he was graded on assignments he was never given by his teachers, even when we repeatedly asked the teacher, in person, for them. They blamed it on their printers being down.. The principle was also of little help in getting us his required work.

Apparently, the teachers do not fully lecture the students on their curriculum, but rely on hand-outs and books to do the majority of the teaching. The students are expected to get 90% of their instruction from the books - all well and good - but I expect the teachers to lecture on the subjects during class. That does not happen at Harmony, and I have first-hand knowledge.

Most of the teachers are also foreign-born (Middle Eastern), thus English is not their first language and they teach with a heavy accent. This creates problems for students who cannot understand the lectures during the rare times they are given.

Moreover, Spanish is taught as a required class. I have nothing against spanish or mexicans, but this was an elective when I was in high school. Asinine...

We are pulling our son out of Harmony this week and starting him at Reagan middle school on Monday, November 1st.

I do not recommend this school to any parent expecting this to be an above-and-beyond facility that prides itself on academic performance driven by the faculty. For a student to excel here, the student MUST be 110% self-driven to complete work and get an education. The teachers and office staff are very disconnected with the student body.

If your child LOVES school, this might be a good fit. If not, beware.

Strongly, not recommended.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been in the field of education for fifty years. I have two students who are interested in your program. Would you give me some idea about your curriculum? I have worked for four charter schools and was very disappointed in them. Are all your teachers certified?I noticed the five stars so I presume that you have a strong program-is the emphasis on science and math? I enjoyed the publicity you received when the students honored out new president. Thank you 5 stars

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

cb: great people grate staff grade student

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