Holly Academy

820 Academy Road

School District

Holly Academy
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by student on February 12, 2025

They dont care about the right things. I went there from Y5-8th grade and got bullied every year and not once was anything ever done. Punishment for small things is too harsh and the right things aren't paid attention to. Ive been stolen from, hit, harassed, call slurs, and more and nothing happened to the aggressors . I stopped saying anything after second grade because i learned that i wouldnt be taken seriously and it would just get worse. I didnt fight back and dealt with it because that was my only option and i would have been punished for self defense. If you have a "reputation" for bad behavior you will be treated with less respect. Friends' of mine problems were ignored just because of their bad kid reputations. Nobody ive met here had good mental health, caused by many looked over in school issues. This school is often praised for being ahead and higher level but there are many issues that outweigh this completely. I suffered here for ten years of my life, dont make your kids do the same.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2024

Holly Academy is a fantastic school! The teachers are caring ,talented and fair. We have 3 kids there - all started at Young 5's or Kindergarten. Teachers, administration and support staff are very supportive and respond quickly. It is a warm community of parents and educators.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2024

I was a student the year the school opened and had a wonderful experience attending 3rd-8th grade, so naturally when it was time to send our daughter to kindergarten we knew where she’d be going! The school offers an outstanding curriculum that includes Spanish and music from kindergarten, and a wide variety of electives for the middle school kids. I was able to test out of several high school classes as an incoming freshman and the school regularly puts out top scores in testing compared to the neighboring school districts. The uniforms, I believe, are an added bonus. One less thing for our kids to stress about or be bullied for. Many staff members have been there 10, 15, even 20 years! Can’t say enough good things about Holly Academy!
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2024

I highly recommend Holly Academy. Our daughter is receiving an education here that is second to none, both in academics as well as learning how to be a good human! All you have to do is review the data to KNOW the success these teachers have in educating our students. The latest 2023-24 MSTEP scores shows Holly Academy students are 20-30 points higher than the State average in every subject (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies). Not to mention they out-perform every public school within a 50-mile radius on every subject as well. More importantly, the teaching of character is woven into everything they do. My daughter loves this school. We are so grateful for our Holly Academy Teachers and Administrators. Not bad for a completely free, public charter school!
Submitted by other on May 19, 2023

Staff here is very incompetent when it comes to caring for their students emotional needs. Teachers are disrespectful towards students and regardless of their policy to appear “professional” there is still bullying that happens from both students AND teachers. Staff often picks favorite students and the student director is just downright cruel to their students unless it’s a student they favor. The workload is too much for kids at these ages. It’s not high school or college, I don’t understand why the need to press so much work on KIDS is so important. Either they can excel academically or be pushed out by teachers for taunting them about grades and/or putting their students failures on display. And all this school cares about is test scores. The MAP testing is what they thrive off. The teachers and staff will guilt trip their students into doing good by saying if they don’t they’ll either get fired or fail them. It’s a dictatorship. And entirely unnecessary for such young kids who deserve to be at a place they feel safe in not a prison. This school is a disappointment. I would not recommend sending your child or children here if you want them to succeed or thrive.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022

I have four children at this school. We love Holly Academy! The kids are happy and cared for here and I have been impressed with the close-knit community at HA. The uniforms have been a big plus for us. The staff is excellent. They have addressed my kids' specific needs, moving my gifted son up in classes without a fuss and offering extra support to my kid with anxiety. I'm so grateful to have found this school!
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2022

My child did K-8 here and just finished up. She excelled and was given the tools to be successful. This was a perfect choice for my family. The uniforms and individual attention my child received has turned her into an academic success. The small atmosphere has been wonderful to help her navigate hard situations. This place has become a 2nd home and the staff family. We will greatly miss it as we leave for high school.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2022

Emphasis on test scores at the expense of the whole student. Out dated classroom management tactics which are damaging to many children, especially differently wired children.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2021

Be prepared for your child to be bullied by staff. When I reached out, the principal refused to email me back. My daughter missed out on all of her year end awards, graduation, and dance because the staff and their negative attitude towards my children and myself. Holly academy plays favorites. Overall, don’t send your child here.
Submitted by parent on December 01, 2020

It sucked, the teachers and the bullying is very bad..
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2018

I can not say enough about Holly Academy. I think that they operate at the highest standards for education and development. My experience with the staff has been nothing but positive. They have always shown compassion, commitment, support and intelligence. Holly Academy was the right choice for my family. I am grateful.
Submitted by other on March 02, 2018

it sucked so bad i hated it
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2017

Very disappointed with our experience and the leadership changes...
Submitted by other on April 16, 2017

After 8 years there the staff starts to bully the kids that have low test scores then forces them out. The give them an option to leave or face expulsion.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2017

Can't say enough good things about the school. The teachers are so invested in the children's learning and growth as people. Being self governed means the administration is in house, and they are top notch. They have never failed in listening to my concerns and taking action to help. Their doors are always open to parents. The school has high academic expectations, and helps each and every student individually to reach their best. The family environment is the best attribute of the school. I have three little ones there and they are so well cared for. The whole staff exceeds my expectations each and every day.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2017

Holly Academy feels like home. I am a parent of 3 children and have been at the school since my oldest was in K (4th grade now). We came to the school for their reputation as being strong academically, we stay because its true! My children have science daily, music and spanish several times a week, and physical education is still supported. The school offers numerous other activities and functions that cater to a wide variety of interests. The PTO is wildly successful at putting thousands of dollars back into the classroom every year. Every concern I have had has been addressed swiftly and fairly. Administration has an open door policy and always takes every concern to heart. The teachers are top notch! Every teacher is personally invested in every child and they work hard to make each child's experience successful. If you want a tight-knit community, that focuses on academics, personal growth and a commitment to self and school...this school is for you!!
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2017

Holly academy has been a great experience for my elementary age daughter. If you live in Holly or a surrounding community it's academic performance is unparalleled. It certainly requires a bit more parental commitment as you must drive your children to school. That commitment in turn drives the many volunteer successes the school has. The administration and teachers are excellent at what they do. The staff must requalify each year in order to stay( no tenure) therefore you are getting teachers who want to and love to teach as opposed to those just marking time. Overall, if you are seeking an excellent school for your child to attend it's the best choice around!
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2017

My son loves the school and has excelled every step of the way. In our experience thus far, the teachers do their best to individualize the educational experience for him. I interact with the administration quite a bit, and I see a team of committed individuals, who are always thriving to learn more and do better. I can't say that this school is perfect, but the committeemen I've witnessed from teachers and the administration, that all of these people try to work together very much as a team, makes me feel good about this school. Education has changed a lot in the past decade or so, and those changes have presented numerous challenges. Holly Academy is equipped with the talent and management to evolve through these difficult times, while continually striving to do what's best for students.
Submitted by other on April 01, 2017

My children excelled at this school. We found that the teachers truly care about the students and administration was was attentive to every need, addressing issues in a timely manner. Bullying was addressed head on and parents were always listened to and treated with respect. I highly teccomend this school.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2017

Wow! This school has gone beyond my expectations! I feel that my children and safe everyday I drop them off to school. The school is like a small community; every teacher and administrator from y5-8th grade know my children and treat them with the utmost respect and they make sure my children know they are important. This school also has a zero bullying policy and immediately take care of business when if/when it happens. Also, I love the fact that even though my child is advanced in a subject, she is NEVER held back, yet encouraged and educated to continue excelling. This is an amazing school and I'm so blessed that I found it. It's worth every second of my 25 minute drive to and from the school.