Schools > Charter > Academy Of Arts & Minds

Academy of Arts & Minds in Miami, Florida

Academy of Arts & Minds Detail

(305) 448-1100
3138 Commodore Plaza
Miami, FL 33133
Levels: 9-12
District: Miami-Dade County Public Schools


Academy of Arts & Minds Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:9.02% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:31.15% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:6.56% (2008)
Hispanic:60.38% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:0% (2008)
Multiracial:1.91% (2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:0% (2008)

Academy of Arts & Minds Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating3
Average Parents Rating3
Average Safety Rating4

Academy of Arts & Minds Reviews

This school is the best kept secret in Miami. Go visit it for yourself. They hide nothing-just a bunch of talented kids, committed faculty, amazing Dean and wonderful principal. My friend just tried to get her son in and they are overenrolled right now. Her son left crying and the Dean said he would try to fit him at the semester. Tell me where you get service like that in Miami. I thank God every night my kid goes to this school.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school's meticulous selection for the brightest and best students really will blow you away. The school is filled with talented students. The fact that the school allows you to explore ALL the arts, instead of just one, really helps you realize how creative and multitalented one can be. You can enter this school freshman year, and by senior year be a photographer, or a dancer, or all three, etc. This school is amazing. Honestly, if you're having doubts as to why you should or shouldn't send your kid here, you need to realize that you're underestimating the school.
This review was posted by a student.

a 10 plus on a scale of 1 to 10. I wish these kind of schools were around when I was in high school. A dynamic staff led by an experienced principal and a wonderful Dean of Students. My child was 'Zuckerized' and is a new kid-one who cares about his grades and is talking future college plans as a 10th grader. You are nuts if you're kid gets in and chooses New World or DASH or Coral Reef over this place.
This review was posted by a parent.

A & M offers the best of both worlds - creativity encouraged and nurtured, along with strong academics.
This review was posted by a parent.

No doubt, probably one of the best schools you could ever enroll your child into. I'm a freshman, and I told myself that I'd only enroll in this school for a single year, and then I'd switch. I underestimated this school. Its only been about a month and a few weeks of school, and I plan on staying here my entire high school experience. The school is such a big family. The students aren't stuck up or rude, and everyone gets along perfectly fine. At this school there aren't any 'cliques,' & at this school its not shocking to see a senior or junior, talking to a freshman. Everyone gets along great. And may I say, the food there is amazing! They give you the option of vegetarian & non-vegetarian food everyday. Overall, this school is just phenomenal.
This review was posted by a student.

Wow-----------what a school. You are all in for a treat. The new administration is amazing. This school will attract the most talented and brightest kids in Dade County. Coral Reef and New World-watch out!!! You now have competition
This review was posted by a parent.

A great oportunity to expand the minds and talents of our children.Great staff.On top of things.Always an answer.Respect for parents.Great .
This review was posted by a parent.

This is the most amazing school in the county. The new Dean of Students is fantastic. He is the most knowledgeable ands caring man I have met in many years. My child is a freshman and comes home every day talking about school. Don't confuse this school with the other charter school on Biscayne. That principal is rude and crazy. I give this school an 11 on a 10 point scale.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son enrolled in Arts & Minds & I was apprehensive after reading the mixed reviews. I am surprised & delighted at the quality of the education, the organization & the atmosphere. The new creative writting track has enrolled 'minds' in addition to the arts that they had. He is challenged academically & has lots of homework but he is learning & happy. This is a small school & not your typical high school experience but it is a great place to grow & fit in for those kids that are artistic or not 'typical'.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm currently a senior at Academy of Arts and Minds and in my three years at this school, I am most excited to start off fresh this upcoming year. Still a newbie, A&M has gone through many changes in its short life-span but every year it gets stronger, its academics better, and of course, more artistic in every strand. The new administration that came in this year has been so helpful! They are the nicest people and for once students feel like they are worth something more than money; they feel like someone cares about their future. The teachers in A&M are stupendous; I have no complaints about any of my teachers. They are always willing to help. The AP pass rate in A&M, particularly in the Social Studies and English departments has been very good. Overall, I recommend this school to every student in Miami! You will love it here!
This review was posted by a student.

These past four years at the Academy of Arts and Minds, I have had the opportunity of experiencing three different arts, and not only striving to master them, but obtaining an appreciation for them. I've realized that art goes beyond the aesthetic pleasure, and reaches into dedication and sacrifice. Every unique strand has helped me flourish distinct traits or skills that I would most definitely utilize in my future life. In the 4 years that I attended A&M, I was able to actively participate in 3 of the art departments, and master each one. In these four years alone I had countless performances, produced a 116 full color page book, was featured on the cover of the Miami Herald, and was a student representative in the Student Government Association. I highly recommend this school for any lover of the arts and culture.
This review was posted by a other.

I am a senior that has just graduated from A&M, and i attended the school for all four years. I really do appreciate the diversity, and culture this school has brought to my life. The environment at A&M is very nurturing, and accepting to all kinds of people and allowed me to grow as a person. Not to mention, as an art student, i felt challenged and inspired. Although on the other hand, if you are looking for a typical high school experience, then this is not the school for you because it is anything BUT typical. Students do have to take an initiative to challenge themselves because of the laid back atmosphere. So if you are a high-maintenance student this school would be the wrong choice. A&M is meant for independent, creative minds who wish to pursue a career in the arts, free from the oppressiveness of traditional values.
This review was posted by a student.

I am a student who goes to A&M and I am a sophomore.This is by far the best school I have ever been to in my short 16 years on this planet. This school has some of the best teachers that have been brought in from all around the world including India! The amount of culture in this school is amazing. Recently all of the students got tested for drugs and there was not one student that tested positive for drugs! I recommend this school to any teenager in the United States because I think it's the best school in the United States!
This review was posted by a student.

I am currently a senior at A&M, and transferred over from South Miami Senior High School in 10th grade. I love my school! It's small, and artistic, and I do learn very much. Maybe that's because I spend more time getting things done, and concentrating on my arts than complaining about every little thing. It's true that the past administration was completely incompetent and that there are some unsolved problems left over, but the teachers are fantastic and the new administration is great. I can speak for the music and drama departments, as I am involved in both, and my experience has been incomparable. I couldn't have gotten such rich music/acting education anywhere else. Apply here if you are willing to work.
This review was posted by a student.

When i applied for the Academy of Arts and Minds i had high expectations.But, as this school year has progressed i am becoming more and more dissapointed.Some teachers are hard working while in some other classes i have yet to learn anything. Also,they lack of honors classes and etra curricular activites.The administration is in constant chaos and bery unorgainized.AIso,there have been various parking issues with many of the students in the past weeks. l have been an honor student all my life,but in this school I feel like I'm wasting my time because I feel I'm being held back and I have more potential.Yes,some student my like it becasue it is very laid back, but I would like to fae other challenges to help get into a good college.Parents,I don't advise you to enroll your child in this school if you have high standards for your child.
This review was posted by a student.

The comment posted October 2, 2008 is not truthful. This school has a seasoned administrator with over 30 years of experience and an excellent faculty. It is true that students are required to perform academically and artistically. This is not a school for students that want to slide by with little effort. To make it at A&M High you have to work hard academically and artistically. All the arts programs make their students participate in after school activities that develop their talents which is precisely what colleges and universities want to see in a resume for admission.
This review was posted by a parent.

I agree wholeheartedly with the most recent reviews. The problem is that my kid likes it here. It's small so it's easier to contact teachers. However, the administration is awful. Teachers are either too advanced ot not good at all. From what I gather, even some of the teachers have similar feelings. I fear for my child's academic future in this school. Socially speaking, the school leaves a lot to be desired. They have absolutely no extra-curricular activities for these kids. What college is going to accept that? There's not a single club, sport, or anything else. This is too sad...
This review was posted by a parent.

I am extremely concerned about this school. So far there is no computer teacher and the kids have sat idle for two weeks. I pray this is not indicative of the rest of the school year. I hope that students are lectured from textbooks and have a curriculum that follows the Dade County Public schools. If I do not find this out I am not doing my job as a parent.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is the poster child of incompetence, when it comes to your child s education this school is a joke. Behind the farce of academic and artistic achievement lies an administration that couldn t find their way out of a paper bag let alone locate your child s transcripts. So if you have college ambitions are sure to request your transcripts during freshman year maybe they will hand them over by graduation if you re lucky. Sadly some of the first graduating senior class has still not received their records and as a result can t attend college. For the most part the teachers are great and do their best to help you achieve in spite of the schools general failure
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter attended Arts & Minds in 9th and 10th grades. The school is good for students who can work independently without much lecturing from teachers. They are not organized and with few exceptions they do not have a quality faculty. It definitely does not cater to talented students who are not A+ .... SO WHY HAVE ARTS. Artistic talent also needs to be given the importance it deserves especially if the student gets its motivation from the Arts. They Failed my Daughter.
This review was posted by a other.

A & M was developed with the idea of bringing a fine arts education into a balanced academic curriculum. In theory at least. The fact of the matter is that the school fails to live up to its name, supply neither the art nor the mind. Having spent the past two years rotting away in a school that breathes apathy and lethargy, i finally wised up and transferred. Did I like the school? Absolutely. I missed my first and second period classes over 64 times and managed to pass both with a B. Did the administration do anything about that? Why would they, went they've failed to address far more pressing issues concerning the school. The past year alone, the school has gone through more than 6 teachers, because they're either horrible or too good to be there. Do your kids a favor, get a real school.
This review was posted by a student.

It doesn't go without real reasoning to say that this is definetly the worst school i have ever been in by far. I attended one whole year the fourth year of it's opening and I can say that I genuinely feel that I wasted a substantial amount of my time this last year being in this school. The atmosphere is 100% unengaging, to me atleast, and the administration is suprisingly unattentive to the problems and issues in the school, and not to mention phony beyond belief in the public and community eyes. I am not an immature student venting my frustration at my school, I am just making a sincere review and making sure I can tell whoever I can to not enrole here because you will be let down.
This review was posted by a student.

Academy of Arts and Minds is a terrific school. However, they are still waiting for their first class to graduate. The ideology of the A&M is a small, communal, hands on, campus that focuses on the arts as well as academics. On the other hand, the constant shuffle of staff has somewhat hindered the curriculum. This is understandable due to the fact that the school is adjusting to the changes needed to be made. In time, this program will be very difficult to join. In fact, it has seen quite a few glimpses of glory already and has a voracious appetite for more: All-State anyone? Conclusion? A&M is on the rise.
This review was posted by a student.

A & M looks good so far. My daughter loves her teachers and the environment. Need more communication from staff - their on-line system is working, but we have not been able to get on-line and no one seems to know why. So we can't check her progress at the moment. I do have one big problem - school does not provide busing or any transportation. Therefore, we have had to make time arrangements with our employers to drop her off and pick her up. This also creates issues with my daughters dance school in the evening, because she is not able to get to her evening classes on time. School doesn't put enough effort in assisting parents with transportation issues!
This review was posted by a parent.

Excellent school! Professional, helpful and careful people. As parents, we feel lucky to have our son attending this school, teachers keep us updated with our son's progress/development. 'Thanks, Arts and Minds!
This review was posted by a parent.

this is a great school and the security is very good also, you don't need that much security because it is a small school, as for the teachers they are helpful and they keep the parents updated. every year it gets better and better as we grow....the administration is just as good as the teachers and their door is always open, but we do need more parent participation.
This review was posted by a parent.

This was the best option for our son, we support Academy of Arts & Minds 100%
This review was posted by a parent.

A&M is a wonderfully kept secret. It is a small, academic school where all of the faculty know each student individually and where the attention and care given each student is meant to bring out the best in each one. The students are quite unique, artsy, funky, and at the same time, they manifest a unity and respect for one another that makes a parent proud. I am incredibly happy that my daughter and I took the gamble to enroll her in this brand new, unique school and it is paying off beautifully!
This review was posted by a parent.

This is my daughter's second year at A&M and we are very happy with the quality of the programs. I like the fact that it is a small school and the classrooms have glass windows so everyone can see what is going on inside.
This review was posted by a parent.

Being a current student at A&M i higly recommend it. The teachers are really nice and dedicatedd to what they do. Sice its a small school teachers will take time to adress any problems you have and are willing to tutor. The art programs are awesome too. I am in the chorus program and we have had ourr performance which went amzingly and we got straight superiors in solo and ansemble. I recommed this school to anyone who wants to go to a school where you learn but that aloso expand your mind through the arts.
This review was posted by a student.

This year, it's a whole different ballgame. The new teachers are better than ever and highly educated. The arts are blooming with a new chorus teacher, dance teacher, and theatre teacher [who is one of the most professional people i have ever met, might i add]. There is an even bigger and better art room. The extracurricular activities are great this year. There is so many many clubs to choose from, and they are all very active. I'm very proud of what A & M has accomplished.
This review was posted by a student.

The bottom line here is that school talks a good game, but very few of their claim come true. There is no real security and no arts to speak of. Most students would never survive at a regular school, either socially or academically. It's a fly by the seat of you pants. My child was in the 'honors' program and she even called it a joke. After giving it a two year chance - she is no longer there and much happier and challeneged. There is very little art going on there and if you choose to take part in the extra-curricular activities, many time you must pay. There has only been one production and that director is no longer there; unfortunately. I could go on, but space doesn't allow.
This review was posted by a parent.

Academically speaking, A & M is wonderful. The teachers are there for your every need and truely become your friend. At A & M, you're not just another number. Everyone knows everyone's name..it is sort of like a big family. The arts have had a rough start, but next year there is a big chance they will be a lot better. Parents are encouraged from the start to participate in everything from a school show to field trips but the thing is many parents are oblivious to the fact that this is a new school and to make it a successful school we need everyone to put in their share of effort. The school has an outstanding atmosphere and it's location is the best nonetheless. I'm definitely glad I attend A & M because it is like no other school. Justgiveit a little time and you'll see how amazing it will
This review was posted by a student.

Its great! Small and the teachers really take care of the children.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is 'hands on ' All students are on a first name here. My child is in the honors program and enjoys the learning.Teachers care, and are dedicated along with the great staff. We are very pleased with this school.
This review was posted by a parent.

I enrolled my child in the Academy for the 2005-2006 school year. I am very pleased with the school. The teachers are great and the small learning environment works out perfectly.
This review was posted by a parent.