Bak Middle School of the Arts in Palm Beach, Florida

Bak Middle School of the Arts Detail

(561) 882-3870
1725 Echo Lake Dr
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Levels: 6-8
District: Palm Beach County Public Schools


Bak Middle School of the Arts Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Student Teacher Ratio:16.48% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:17.18% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:55.19% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:18.49% (2008)
Hispanic:14.55% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:4.82% (2008)
Multiracial:6.73% (2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:0.22% (2008)

Bak Middle School of the Arts Ratings Summary

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

Bak Middle School of the Arts Reviews

I love bak!!! All the majors are like little families. You get to know these peopleso well becuase you spend so much time with your major friends. And it's great to go here 'cus your always doing what you love...cept in math but hey thats the same at everyschool. LOL. ofcourse majors get along. I have tons of friends from other majors. encluding my bff! Classes are hard here. I mean its a 10 right? So we have to work hard to get it there! We are expected to do our best in our academics and ofcourse majors. Most of the teachers are pretty awesome. Like: Mr.Y- 8th grd histroy, Mr.Putigna 8th grd spanish, Dr.Booth -Musical theatre, Mrs.Karvonen-6th grd 'Humanities', Ms.Golden-7th grd Language Arts, Ms.Amedee- 6th grd science. ext. You just have to audtion to this school its amazing i swear.
This review was posted by a student.

The amazing teachers and the more amazingly talented kids!
This review was posted by a parent.

The teachers at BaK love what they do, they love the school, and they obviously love the students. It is a school which supports the unique talents of the artistic students who go there. The teachers are very responsive to parents.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm a 7th grader at back msoa. its an amazing school!! my mom firsdt told me about it when i was in i dont 4th grade or so? and i took vocal lessons so i was in to singind and i started in 6th grade as a vocal major and continue! the major is soooo good and they are all about giving you the best education with a fun twist! baks vocal department has vocal lessons you are required to take and they really are fun and educational the teachers are awesome!!!! There practically like kids but serious too lol if your thinking about enrolling your child do it! you sooo wont regret it!! (p.s. great enviroment and kids )
This review was posted by a student.

I am a student at bak msoa. it is an awesome school all the teachers are awesome and the kids are great I really enjoy it especially my major when I am doing what I love it makes me feel awesome there are lots of performances and everyone is so talented if you are thinking about trying out do it! its an awesome scool go stars!
This review was posted by a student.

I'm in 6th grade and school JUST started a few days ago...but don't worry i'm not clueless my brother went there too.so i know about it...a lot.It's a good school and I really like it but the problem in my opinion is transportation.but that's not the school's fault.If you want to go here take your kids to school.And I really like the princaple.She's very nice always smiling and no i'm not stupid but the teachers who got fired that everyone got mad at her about,weren't great well most of them.and she had a right to do so. but overall i love it
This review was posted by a student.

Im a 7th grade student now at bak msoa and I belive that bak is one of the best schools in the county. I feel safe when Im at bak because its not like other schools who have fights every week. The students here at bak are good and willing to learn and the teachers actualy help you learn. Bak is a fun atmosphere that you will love!
This review was posted by a student.

I just finished my eighth grade year at Bak and I feel like I'm leaving a family behind. All of the teachers are so helpful all of the time and they truly do want you to succeed. They care about us so much and the other students were amazing as well. And even though everyone is extremely talented, the school isn't totally focused on the arts, giving enough attention to both sides of the equation. Bak has changed me, and I will miss every teacher there. Best school ever!
This review was posted by a student.

I am in the 11th grade now, and i think Bak was probably the greatest school I've ever seen. The efficiency of the teachers and their work methods are perfect. I learned what I needed when i went there (theatre major) and now i go to Dreyfoos and its easy. I would recommend to go to this school.
This review was posted by a student.

I am a student at Bak, going into 7th grade, and take pride that I am at such a great school. I wish everyone could experience Bak. Bak's faculty and staff work very hard to make sure we are safe; now and in the future. All teachers respect each of their students no matter what, and the students respect, trust, and enjoy all of their teachers.This school has taught me about arts, academics, safety, and given me friendships. The students love Bak so much, they didn't want summer to come. Bak is a huge family that I never want to leave.
This review was posted by a student.

I am currently a 7th grader (since the year just ended, technically an 8th grader) at Bak Msoa. I can tell you that Bak has changed my life. I have learned so much not only academic wise, but also i have grown as a singer and a person. The vocal department, unlike some other departments is so close escpecially chorale and i consider not only chorale but also Ms Drosakis and Mr taylor part of my family. As my final year at bak is finally here, i can say honeslty i regret nothing and wish summer would be over just so i can return to bak.
This review was posted by a student.

I've have a son in seventh grade at Bak and another who is a former Bak student. The majorit of the faculty and staff are wonderful! The AP's are always willing to go that extra mile. Most of the teachers are very 'student friendly' who are able to get the most out of their students. Unfortunately, as in all schools there are a few teachers who should probably look for another profession....
This review was posted by a parent.

I don't think there are enough words to describe my all too short, but amazing experience at Bak. I'm now a freshman in high school and miss that school so much! I was in the vocal department and I have to say that the vocal teachers are too amazing for words. In the vocal department, unlike some of the other departments, you are with the same group of students for the entire three years, so you become a very closely knit family. The academic teachers are also unbelievable. I know my US History teacher from last year, Mr. Lowe, changed my life for the better. And although, I'm not at Dreyfoos right now, my grades are much better because of Bak, and I'm proud to say I'm excelling in my chorus class. I learned so much at Bak and I'm proud to have went there.
This review was posted by a other.

We are so grateful that our daughter is able to attend such a great school. There are so many opportunities for these students, the teachers are wonderful, the students have a different attitude here. These students really want to be here, they had to audition to get in, not like the other public schools where students have to attend, the students at BAK take pride in themselves and their accomplishments.
This review was posted by a parent.

I love this school. I'm very honered that I get to go to such a school. I'm a seventh Grad keyboard major there and so far life at Bak is awesome. The art programs are amazing. Theres a diversity of electives, too.I've taken acting, dance, art, and coputers. The teachers are awesome! (well a couple gave me a hard time) The pep rallys, dances, are cool. So is Spirit week where you get to dress up according to the theme of that day. Theres days like Pajama day, wacky hair day, super hero day, grade spirit day,etc. Also since its a school for the performing arts, there are after school performances and some are during school hours. Theres dance recitals, music performances plays and showcases for various majors. The after school clubs and sports are also very cool. I love it there. But be prepared to be up late doing homework/PracticingYourMajor
This review was posted by a student.

I used to be a student at bak. I am now a senior in highschool in hillborough county. My principal was elizabeth pearlman. Its a great school .. I rememeber it was very stressing to go to school because its so hard. They give you a major workload. But they only give you what they know you can accomplish. They push the kids to do their best and hardest work. They open your mind up in several ways. They teach you to appreciate more. But maybe they dont teach you to appreciate middle school and the sheltered place they have made enough. Its definetly outstanding you wont regret putting your child there. But it is not a regular easy school. But i wouldntr trade it ever. Cecily k
This review was posted by a other.

I went here 6-8th grade! It is an amazing school, I haven't seen it since they rebuilt it, but the cosmetic changes I'm certain have not changed the teachers in any way!
This review was posted by a other.

Bak MSOA is a fantastic school! Im a sixth grader there and so far Ive had an amazing experience. Pep ralleys, dances, and other things have really been awsome. Im a strings major there with all gifted classes. I have one elective (vocal). Even though I have a busy schedule, I manage to do all the work because I know the teachers believe in me. We have a fantastic student goverment this year, and they are trying there best to make our school year fun and easier. They have gotten music in the cafeteria and are trying to set up a board in the teachers lounge saying when each teacher is having a test so the student dosent stress out to much if they have like 3 tests in one day. Bak is a fantastic school and I higly recomend it for people who are thinking about trying out.
This review was posted by a student.

I love my school! Im a seventh grader there and i have loved my 2 years there so far. The work is really hard and there is alot of it so anyone looking to try out should be ready to stay up till 10 or 11 doing homework. There is a couple physco teachers there too. Otherwise,i love it.
This review was posted by a student.

I think Bak is awesome we get a taste or everything their. I feel so free their and never want to leave last year at my other school, the boys were rude, teachers were mean and I did not learn a thing but know I am inspire and am not so quiet anymore. Nobody teases me and I know every one. I'm so glad I tried out for communications. Thanks Bak, your #1!
This review was posted by a student.

My daughter is now a seventh grader at Bak MSOA, and she loves it there! The Vocal Department has pushed her well beyond what she thought she could achieve and her understanding of music theory is at college level at this time. In addition, she is also an honor student in all advanced classes, and with her busy schedule, she still manages to handle it all, because the teachers and the school as a whole have told her consistently that she can achieve whatever she wants to if she believes in herself and works for it. This to me is invaluable. By the way, kudos to the parent volunteers who help make this school so successful!
This review was posted by a parent.

The worst school ever! my childs major was in drama, and all he did was learn lines! I had to transfer him to jupiter middle school because it was so bad, and now he loves it and loves school!
This review was posted by a parent.

I go to this school and I major in Vocal/Theatre. I dont think in 7th grade at any other school would myself or any other middle school student learn SO much about the Arts. I am so happy i Audtioned and got in. It was the probaly the BEST desion i've ever made.
This review was posted by a student.

This is the best school ever and I learn so much every single day!!! We have amazing teachers and instructers at Bak. On top of great academics we also have amazing art areas! When you leave this school you'l never forget your experience.
This review was posted by a student.

I was a student at bak. During my 8th grade year ( the 06-07 year) i learned so much about me because of the amazing teachers. I realized i dont like to act, so i became a technichan. Now i thanks to bak i got into dreyfoos and i have set goals in my life to work as an engineer. Two of the top teachers there are richard valentine and dave ullam, without them i probally wouldent be at dreyfoos and i still would have an unrelistic dream of being an actor. Bak is the best thing that ever happened to me.
This review was posted by a student.

I love what my child is learning, but the homework can be overloaded at times. Projects by multiple teachers on the same week or weekends can be difficult. Overall, the teachers are exceptional.
This review was posted by a parent.

I personally have a great love for this school, both of my children have been attending Bak and many of my friends' have their children attending this outstanding school. Although my children and I dislike the principal we still greatly support this A school and is a great role model for middle schools around our country.
This review was posted by a parent.

It is a great opportunity to get a spot at BAK. As other posts state-academics are excellent. The arts area thoug, are not all fabulous. BAK wants to maintain its high scoring rep and to that end, those students who enter with lots of private lessons have the advantage. The classes are too crowded for your child to get any individual attention to take their talent and make it all they can be. If you are a gem waiting to be 'discovered', you have a long wait here, step out of the way for influential parents with the dollars to put their kids in fancy classes. If you are an average middle-class working family, you are a bit behind at BAK.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm a teacher at Bak, and can not boast enough about what a wonderful and unique place this is. I'm honored to work with such talented and dedicated staff. The majority of them are true over achievers, go well above and beyond what they are required to teach. The FCAT scores speak for themselves, the school has been rated an A by the Department of Education for years. Many of our students are accepted to Dreyfoos, Suncoast, JERFSA, and other fantastic high school programs. Discipline issues are pale in comparison to their public counterparts. The students are bright, creative, and respectful. As a parent myself, and an educator, I would highly recommend this school.
This review was posted by a parent.

Wow! I had great expectations for this school, even though I read some bad reviews I think they are positively wrong. Not only has my child improved in academics she has excelled in band, I wish every parent could send their kid to Bak MSOA!
This review was posted by a parent.

We have been very disappointed in Bak. My daughter came to Bak in the sixth grade; and we had great expectations that it would be a wonderful three years for her. Academically she has excelled, but socially it has been a disaster and now I'm wondering even if she's learned what she's needed to to be competitive with private schools. She was in all Advanced Classes and received mostly 95% and above... but wasn't necessarily challenged throughout her tenure at Bak. For a shy child, the big crazy school has been a disaster for her. Please be wary of all of the great recommendations... maybe the unhappy ones just aren't writing. And... to top it off... try to get anyone to call you back at the school if you have a problem. After 7 calls to the counselor, I finally gave up entirely. At private schools... you get a response immediately.
This review was posted by a parent.

It is such a great school!! it is always filled with excitement!! You feel like yourself there!
This review was posted by a student.

Bak Middle School of the Arts is exceedingly excellent in all of it's qualities. They score the highest scores on the FCAT, NRT, and SSS every year. They have any activities and clubs available after school, such as, basketball, volleyball, soccer team, track team, baseball, and much, much more! They always have parents come volunteer to help them. This school is an awesome once, and it a privilege to be accepted into this school. I highly recommend this school and I am sure that many other will also.
This review was posted by a student.

Middle School of the Arts is one of the most excellent schools in the state of Florida. My daughter learned wonderful skills that now help her tremendously in high school. The teachers are excellent!
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is so amazing. I love it
This review was posted by a parent.

BAK MSOA should be the model for all schools in Palm Beach County. The teachers and administrators extreme dedication and emphasis on student success, parent awarness, and parent envolvement reflects on superb results. Middle school is not the time to focus on independence, but to foster and support the child in the development of good study habits thru guidance and accountability. This school offers the perfect environment for academic achievement and the continued love of learning.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is going downhill. Just watch for the next 2 years. All the teachers are leaving since it is now under 'new management.'
This review was posted by a other.

I have been dissapointed with the school life at Bak. The principal treats the students like they are elementary school children. There is no fun programs for the students besides the art areas. What ever happened to school spirit? If I had it to do all over again, I would not send my child to Bak.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great school. Excellent staff and students.Teachers very professional and committed to hard work and excellence. Students very focused and talented.I have had the pleasure of attending music and theatre performances at the school and have been overwhelmed and very impressed by the high standard of the presentations.Everything fantistic
This review was posted by a other.

I am just overwhelmed by this school. THe quality of the teachers, the attitude of the administration, all blend into a superb enviroment. My daughter in just finishing 6th grade as a vocal major, Ms D, her teacher is perhaps the finest teacher I have ever encountered. The end result is having come from a private school background all my fears and trepidations has been dismissed. My daughter is extremely happy, even with taking tri-rail each morning, and I see vast improvements in her overall quality of life and school.
This review was posted by a parent.

i love Bak ive been there for 1 years and am leaving this year :(. i am in the theatre department and love it! The teachers are amazing and so are the majors. Ive been to these types of schools all over Florida and have never been to one like Bak! i love it! The parents and teachers are very involved in their kids life. Which makes learning so much fun! i especially love the students their. There are no cliques just your major friends i love it here! you also met people at various competitions and keep in touch with them. 'Go Bak'
This review was posted by a student.

I LOVE MY SCHOOL! The school has a friendly enviorment, literally everyone is extremely nice, and the teachers are fabulous. Everyone is so dedicated and really cares about your success. The block scheduling provides enough time to get homework done on time, and gives a more personal experience with the class.
This review was posted by a student.

This school is amazing! The campus is beautiful, they offer plenty of electives and extracurriculars (besides your major). I am a dance major and this is my last year at Bak. :-( I'll miss it a lot. Parents are often involved in activities here and it's just a great school. The teachers are amazing as well, though some are a bit crazy, but still fun.
This review was posted by a student.

I love my school and the other lady who left a review saying the principal was mean is WRONG!!!! Shes the one who saved up all that money to build us that school and we now have an auditorium too! But we're getting a new principal from Montessori in boca named mrs.Kennedy!
This review was posted by a student.

What a phenomenal school! As a parent, I feel the staff and teachers offer a warm and supportive environment for my child. They also welcome parents on campus, and always recognize the joint role the school and the home has on providing the best scholastic experience for middle schoolers.
This review was posted by a parent.

I love this school! I am impressed with the principal and teachers. The whole school is on edline, which is an excellent medium for communication between parents and teachers. I always know what my daughter is working on, what kinds of grades she's getting, and what's going on in the school.
This review was posted by a parent.

Provides a wonderful, well rounded education using an advanced curriculum. Extracurricular activities are provided and allow students to apply themselves out side of the academicl realm.
This review was posted by a parent.

Bak is even more impressive than we thought. My daughter attends as a sixth grader this year. She loves it. Her teachers are phenomenal, the music department truly inspires the kids to achieve their absolute best, and the whole school has an undeniably upbeat, positive attitude about it. Of course, every parent has to love the high achievement levels of the school, but one of the things I am most impressed with -- and surprised by -- is how nurturing and caring the staff are toward the new 6th graders. The first month all the teachers went out of their way to help the kids adjust and feel comfortable. Coming from a small Catholic elementary school, I had braced myself for a cold, public school attitude. Instead, it's warm and caring. If your child is really talented in an art area, there is no doubt Bak is the place to be.
This review was posted by a parent.

Good School, very little discipline issues. Good test scores. New facility to open in Jan 06. Existing facility is a dump, but successful.
This review was posted by a parent.

I was acctually a student at Bak, graduated last year. What an experience. I was a vocal major. You don't understand what kind of magic this school provides until you have to leave, as I so sadly learned. Being a very academic person, I can tell you that this school has earned every A it's been awarded. I have met some of the most inspiring and intellectual teachers at this school, and it saddens me that I won't be attending the High School of the Arts.
This review was posted by a former student.

This is a very special school with a great environment for middle school kids to express themselves--their individuality and creativity. The variety of arts classes available to the students as electives or requirements are terrific and the kids are really into trying different art modalities. The teachers are terrific and really appreciate the diversity of the student population as well as foster an interest in learning in all different subjects. The parent involvement is very good, especially considering the distance many students travel to attend the school. The faculty and staff as a whole is very committed to making each student's experience a great one. I think this school is phenomenal!
This review was posted by a parent.

My student fit in and right away. The teachers mostly seem great. Likes: The kids seem to love learning. Fun art related projects that teach as well. Not the usual peer pressure problems because kids are kept nicely busy. Teachers are usually eager to offer useful help to parents. Dislikes are few but: School (Magnet Factor) is so far away, kids need to take a train. School friends are equally far away so play dates are high gas $. One inexperienced academic teachers have favorites and seem harsh to less favored students. Over all problems are few and we like it a lot!
This review was posted by a parent.

All three of my children have attended this school of the arts. It has a wonderful administration and staff. Students receive individual care in their art areas and academics. We have a very strong PTA and Adopt-a-class program which I have run for 6 years. The student body is diverse, well behaved and interested in the arts and are fabulously talented in music, visual art, communication arts, dance and theater. You can't get any better than this public school -- even in a state where our Republican-controlled Governor and legislature don't support public schools at all -- in fact that take funds from them constantly to give to private, religious charter schools, virtual schools and voucher programs.
This review was posted by a parent.

Wonderful teachers that put the much needed spark back into school! It is wonderful to see so many nationalities getting along.
This review was posted by a student.

Well I'm a student who attends this wonderful school now as an 8th grader and I couldn't be happier!! This school is a wonderful place to use the arts in our studies and everyone is so different that not one person is singled out. At this school, I feel safe and I know that there isn't a better place to be at then Bak MSOA! I'm very happy that I'm here and I know that everyone else who attends this school agrees with me.
This review was posted by a student.

The academics and the arts are excellent. Great teachers and a very good learning environment for the students to learn.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am sad that my children are in eight grade - they had a wonderful three years there in the strings dept.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm an 8th grader at Bak.....and the past three years have been the best of my life. I wake up excited to go to school. The teachers are awesome (this year especially) and classes are very hands on. You learn a lot and have to work for your grade. I'm a Theatre major and I have learned so much from all of the teachers. They really want you to succeed and will give you all the help you need as long as you ask. There are so many opportunities! Once you go here, you'll never want to leave.
This review was posted by a student.

I have 2 kids at Bak. The teachers are great, the parents are involved, and overall they have very few behavior problems. This school is exceptional in its offerings and choices!
This review was posted by a parent.

My Granddaugher has attended Bok MDOA for three years and as a retired educator, I have watched and listened to her with keen interest and seen the quality of the assignments and her devotion to her teachers. It has been a fantastic experience for her and I appreciate the quality of education she has received.
This review was posted by a other.

During my child's 3 years at MSOA, I saw great strides in the art areas and self-confidence. I was involved with the SAC & PTO all 3 years. I was amazed at the extra effort put forth by so many of the teachers! Many arrived early AND stayed late just to help the students. The principal is a great leader. She backs her staff. I only wish other schools could have the overwhelming parent involvement. It really makes a positive difference when the family is involved in the child's education!
This review was posted by a parent.

This is my son's last year at Bak MSOA.It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in his life and mine. The principal is wonderful, most of the teachers are the cream of the crop. Contrary to popular belief the liberal dress code has never presented a problem, actually it's been fun to see the diversity of the kids in more ways then one. He's been given a superior education. We feel blessed!
This review was posted by a parent.

As a parent, I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of life at this school. Through study of their art areas, these students gain a sense of commitment, a broad view of the world, a sense of pride in themselves and Not only do they excel in their art areas, they consistently score the highest in the county on standardized tests. The students, faculty, administration and parents work together to make this a great school
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter spent 3 years in the chorus department. They were the best 3 years in middle school any parent can ask for. The teachers are wonderful.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son spent three years here as a Communications major and it has been wonderful. The school is orderly and safe, lacking the distractions found in most middle schools, so the kids can concentrate on their school work and really achieve and grow. Getting through the audition requires a lot of commitment on both the student's and the parents' part, but it is totally worth it. Highly recommended.
This review was posted by a .

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