Pioneer Valley Performing Arts

PVPA offers a unique educational opportunity to a unique group of adolescents. Not ever teenager would have an interest in attending the school; however for those who choose it, the curriculum opens up opportunities that really would not exist in any other educational setting in western Massachusetts. The focus on co-developed curriculum, lack of letter grades, and experiential learning are definite benefits. Unlike some prior comments, I feel that some areas of the curriculum are fairly rigourous, and there seems to be a focus in 2012 on increasing this rigor. Students do need to be self-motivated, though. The 7th and 8th grade math (not sure about the high school) is one area that is concerning. MCAS scores for 7th graders are well below the mean, and this problem has been stated to be an active focus of attention by administration. If these scores don't increase, I could see it influencing the charter. The school's greatest strength is in its commitment to developing the performing artist in each student (not surprising, given the name!) Along with this comes an incredible esprit de corps in the student body. Bullying is nearly non-existent, and the diversity of the students is truly embraced. My daughter has developed an appreciation and acceptance of difference that she is unlikely to have realized in her home school district. Although she is ore a gifted athlete than a performing artist, she has choesn to forego the former because of her appreciation for the school's culture.