Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School

Posted: August 22, 2023

My son has been a student at BART charter from 7-12 grade (he is a senior) and this school is failing him. This school started out great in the beginning years, but it has become apparent that students begin to lose a significant amount of academic support once they enter the high school years. My son has spent the last two summers in summer school, and until recently, I believe this was because of his own lack of effort. Turns out, the staff has been dropping the ball as far as student support, special education plans, and after school extra help since the pandemic years. They’ve had a revolving door of faculty and staff members, with a former teacher filling in as interim principal this year. The best thing my son could say about his first day today was “At least I have a math teacher who knows what he’s doing (he had a number of substitutes last year, as they could not keep a permanent teacher.)”
My son struggled tremendously last year and was given a school special education plan, that they initiated, to help him pass for the year, which was never followed, and he failed. He went from being an honor student in middle school to barely passing to summer school two years in a row in high school. Teacher emails for help are either never answered or replied with excuses as to why they are unavailable. Multiple balls have been dropped when I have tried to work with school staff in order to remedy the situation and I am contemplating reporting them to the DOE. My son has said that several of his classmates have had similar issues and cannot seem to get help when needed. I took my son out of public school to avoid situations like this. Turns out BART charter is just as bad.

Posted: August 22, 2023

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Posted: February 3, 2021

BART is a great alternative to the regional district schools, especially for kids who are less interested in sports and more interested in art. The class sizes are small, and the community is very supportive.

Posted: February 3, 2021

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Posted: April 17, 2014

Love this school. Teachers are caring, committed and talented. When ever there is a problem, the administration is responsive. The focus is on growth and learning. A fresh approach!!

Posted: April 17, 2014

teachers are caring and are always looking for new ways to get the kids to get excited about learning.

Posted: April 13, 2014

This school has great staff, a wonderful curriculum and plenty of activities for the children. Teachers and parents communicate regularly and I feel very confident that my daughter is better off here than in the Pittsfield Public School system. They are working on getting more athletic activities for the children and have recently added more afterschool and school break activities.

Posted: April 11, 2014

The culture and community of BART make this a school like no other in our area. My son has never been more excited about going to school and about learning. Fully engaged in learning, he shared stories every night about what he has learned, as well as the fun. He is proud to be part of BART, and so are we!

Posted: April 10, 2014

BART Charter School rocks. The smaller school and structure they have does not allow any child to slip through the cracks. The staff and teachers are very dedicated to the students and really care about them. They have student led conferences, instead of parent/teacher conferences which is a genius idea. Our son has empowered himself and is "seen" by everyone there. If you have heard mixed reviews about BART I highly recommend you find out for yourself. The school is not for every child, but worth investigating.

Posted: April 10, 2014

BART is a college prep charter school. They do a wonderful job of promoting self reliance in the students. BART has opportunities to explore visual art, drama, graphic art, music composition and technology that just aren't available in other public schools. The students are challenged to express themselves and discover their greatest potential. The school even offers free programs after school, during vacation weeks and in the summer so there are always plenty of activities for the students to get involved in.

Posted: April 10, 2014

BART exceeded my expectations for my children. Their attitude toward excellence for the "whole" student is admirable. They genuinely care for the outcome of each student. The teaching staff strives to give each student the attention they need to help them be successful. My children are well rounded and learning advanced skills while enjoying their experiences.

Posted: April 10, 2014

My school treats my son like the individual he is, and not like a one of many. He is given challenges that are designed for him. When parents say that their child is bright and that in public schools they are bored, Bart is the school for them. Remeber now you have an option.

Posted: April 10, 2014

BaRT charter school has changed my son's life, he is in 6th grade and for the first time in his life he is happy to go to school. The teachers treat each student individually, using the strengths of the student to ensure success. My son has high functioning autism and epilepsy and has never been secure with his disabilities in elementary school. He felt like an outsider, was generally quiet and felt uncomfortable in school. He is still on a 504, has the best grades he has ever earned and is starting to join some after school programs on his own without my coaxing. He LOVES his teachers, he feels included and valued as an individual. He is not afraid to take chances, is starting to enjoy new opportunities such as writing poetry and photography. The schedule and longer school day is great for my son who craves routine. I feel that choosing BaRT charter school was the best decision I have ever made for my son. It is a huge relief to me that he enjoys his classes and planning his future. I cannot say enough that this school truly changed my son's life and in turn, has changed mine.

Posted: April 6, 2014

BART Charter School in Adams MA. There aren't enough words that I can express about all of the positive things that I have personally noticed since the first time my grandson and I met with the Staff. They have given my grandson the best, not just with the excellent education but they make him feel like his opinion counts. Everyone is an individual and they try to teach their students how a positive attitude is a chain reaction. I can honestly say that he has showed more effort in all aspects of his education than in his previous 2 years put together. I think that is due to the teaching techniques and the communications between the staff and parent /guardians staying on top of things. I was most impressed with the student Lead. Speaking in front of others can be difficult but I saw a side of my grandson that I never saw before. He took control and spoke about his own progress. It reminded me of a job interview him putting putting his best foot forward. I hope that BART wins this $5,000 because they could use the money towards the new GYM that they hope to build. Being a charter school money is always welcomed and needed to make new improvements to their AWESOME Charter school.

Posted: June 2, 2011

My son has attended BArT for the past two years. I only have positive praise for what they are doing for my son and other children. My youngest son will be attending next year for 6th grade. I never fear for my child's safety when he is attending BArT. This I can not say about other schools. Yes they are into discipline and maybe that is why there are negative reviews. I fully agree with it. The kids are there to learn not to goof off. Also I have both a child who excels in all subjects and one who needs an IEP to excel. This school seemed more interested in my child's needs and what would be best for him rather than how they would be affected as a school. If you are thinking of sending your child somewhere they will be both well educated and safe please consider BArT. The teachers are all caring and respectful if your child is doing their best to succeed. If your child is looking to goof off and cause trouble then they should be disciplined.

Posted: December 7, 2010

BArT is not always the best choice for every student, but it is often an excellent alternative to the other schools in the county. The small, tight-knit community and teacher-student relations are very encouraging and allow students to learn in a comfortable environment. The faculty includes a high percentage of very caring, dedicated, and well-loved teachers and staff members. There is often more than one teacher in a classroom thanks to the para-professionals, so no student is ever denied personal and individual learning opportunities. Over the past few years, BArT has proven that its academics are up to par on the MCAS, as well as progressive in its integration of arts and technology into the everyday classroom. The curriculum is constantly changing each year, and graduates sometimes report feeling that they have gaps in their education, but most are satisfied. As a college prepatory school, all seniors must complete a college course and an 80-hour internship and must be accepted into college before graduating. This senior year set-up is extremely helpful to students because it gives them both a taste of college life and a taste of the work world.