Research Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School Charter Schools in Northampton, Massachusetts

“Lacking fundamentals your child will know how to speak with an foreign accent, but will not be able to explain the Great Depression or even the Civil War. This school offers classes on Jazz and Hip Hop but not a speck of opera or classical music Dance is all modern (20th Century). The local area is rich with former residents such as Jonathan Edwards (and what about the witch hanged, she was from here?)and John Brown. Literature has no use for: Abigail Adams, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Samuel Adams, A. Bronson Alcott, Louisa May Alcott, Fred Allen, Susan Brownell Anthony, Clara Barton, Louis D. Brandeis, William Cullen Bryant, John Cheever, Lydia M. Child, E. E. Cummings, W. E. B. Du Bois, Will Durant,Mary Baker Eddy, Ralph Emerson, Robert Frost. Civics is woeful, with no conception on how Shays' Rebellion is connected creation of the United States Constitution.”

“If young adults discover a love for learning, they get involved with their education. They contribute to the creativity with which the lesson is delivered. They empassion their peers and inspire their teachers. Such is the culture of learning at PVPA. The arts are integrated in their learning, and the students follow the notes, the pros and the dancing feet right into American History, algebra and Greek mythology. What I can say about parental involvment is that every PVPA kid that has ever been over my home for a sleep over with my kids, was like a member of our family. We are all involved, parents, teachers and students. From the carpooling, to the concert totting, to the team meetings when Johnny is trying to get away with not turning in assignments. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else.”

“So motivated are the students that they are eager to get up in the morning, eager to go to school. Children attending this school find an atmosphere of learning unequaled anywhere else. The comaraderie existing between the students and teachers helps create a motivated student. Where possible including performing arts into the lesson plan really excites children to learn on their own. They become self motivated,self reliant students and gain confidence in any chosen field later in life. Due mainly to the ability to understand the human condition necessary in learning to project on stage. Incorporating the arts in all forms,from Dance,to photography,from musical instruments,Drawing,solo musical performence,Chorus,to Acting on Stage in plays that rival Broadway, their course on law, mock trial involves actual presentation of cases in a real court room in competition with others schools. It is times like this where the performance of a PVPA student really shines.”