Booker T Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery, Alabama

“I am a graduate of Booker T Washington Magnet High School. I attended BTW for the entire 4 years. Although I had my problems as all teenagers do, in the long run attending BTW is an extremely beneficial experience, both educationally and culturally. As I see college students struggle through work and not be prepared for the level of academic learning that is offered at the better universities, I usually find the work to be fairly simple compared to what I went through at BTW. The teachers there care. Although at times they don't show it, the reason to their madness is found in what lies ahead. I honestly believe had I not been through the variety of teachers and levels of difficulty, I would not be where I am today. I am a Jr at Auburn University. I am also studying abroad and asst. teaching at SCAD in France”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am currently a freshman at BTW and I believe this school is one of the best i have been to so far. BTW has a wonderful atmosphere, great food, wonderful schedule, and great teachers. Since i came from a school that has alot of fighting, it is a big relief to find a school like BTW where you never have to worry about your safety.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I'm currently a rising senior at BTW, and so far, I have observed qualities in teachers, other students, and the overall curriculum that I did not like. The ability in the set of teachers range from the worst possible to one of the best in the state. The best teachers are (meaning that they have taught the most in quantity and best in quality Gravatt, Dickson, and Armistead. Gill is pretty good (although I loathed chemistry). And then there are the teachers that are really fun to be around: Gravatt (yes, he makes this list too), Warren, and Simmons. And then there are the not-so-good teachers: Mrs. Cowles (from my experience) and Wones. They're great people, really. Just not the best teachers in their field.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Everything's perfect except for the fact that they do not have enough sport teams for students. I hope the principal make a soccer team.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Excellence in all things is rightfully BTW's motto. This school is clearly levels above the rest, incorporating a challenging academic cirriculum along side a spectacular arts program. There is room here for the academically gifted as well as the talented performer and artist. Besides being multi- talented and abnormally intelligent, the students here are so diverse and so unique. I am a second year junior in the Show Band magnet (Show Band Rocks!!) and had no difficulty in choosing this school over any other. Being at this school has allowed me to learn about myself and recognize my true potential. This is without a doubt the best school ever!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“Although my child is no longer attending BTW because his grades fell below minimum, I have no hesitation in saying that BTW is a fine school, with an excellent staff. Mr. Gravatt, Mr. Dickson, Principal Starks: thank you so much for the 2 years you gave so much to my child. The experience has equipped him to attend a large public school for his senior year, and no doubt will enable him to transition to college easily. You guys rock.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am going to be a Senior this year at BTW and I love everything about this school. I love the Principal Ms. Starks, she helps me whenever I have a problem, and continues to challenge teachers and what they know. I also love the Technical Theatre teacher Ms. Waldrip, she is a shining star at the school. She works so hard and her work pays off, mostly every performance BTW's long fingers touch comes off as a hit. The only complaint I have is that the Math Department is not the best in the world. The lower level math teacher does not teach up to par compared to the upper level teachers do. She skips very needed information. The Spanish Department is great too. I also love Mr. Gravatt, US History Teacher, who challenges us in everything we do. BTW is an overall safe, diverse, awesome, talented, community and school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“This schools is on of the best thing that ever happened to me. I will be a junior next year in the Show Band magnet and it has opened so many opportunities for me. By enrolling, you immerse yourself in so much culture and diversity. It's really wonderful. The teachers are great. The faculty is great. Parents are invovled out of the roof, mainly with the performances. Plus, you aren't limited to one thing, like academics or sports. At BTW, you can be a musician, an actor, an artist, an aspiring lawyer, a news anchor. You have the chance to explore everything the school offers. This is an amazing school and I am grateful everyday that I am priviledged enough to attend it.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I attended BTW for all four years of high school. I was a Journalism magnet student. I would recommend BTW to all the parents and students in Montgomery. I graduated from BTW in 2003. My brother also went to BTW and graduated in 1999. I suppose BTW is a family tradition. I am thankful for all of the experiences I had while in school there. My parents were planning on sending me to private school, and I'm so thankful they didn't. The diverse population at BTW is one that you won't find in most other Alabama high schools. If you're thinking about attending BTW or sending your child there, you can't pick a better school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I've found BTW to be a great school for my student. The principal has endeavored to meet his needs and those of other students. I've personally been stopped by her and asked about his progress and if we are experiencing any problems. She took the time to meet with each incoming student and their parents to explain to them the requirements, extent herself and the staff to help with any problems, and welcome each student to the school. She's popped in at rehearsals and stayed. The school also has many concerned and qualified instructors. They go above and beyond in their efforts to instruct and support our students. I couldn't ask for better. My thanks to Ms. Starks and her staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“BTW is an excellent magnet high school. The staff and faculty are qualified professionals who take the job of teaching and leading it's students in the manner that educators should. The student satisfaction, test scores, and college achievements are the fruits of their labors at BTW. Thank ya'll for the excellence in education you provide.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an outstanding school with outstanding leadership. The principal is one of the best with an outstanding record as a teacher and school leader. This principal supports all of her students as well as teachers. The principal is a National Board Certified Teacher, the PTA Principal of the Year, a member of the Governor's Commission on Quality Teaching, etc.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I had an opportunity to hear two of BTW's students perform at Montgomery's Capital City Club last week. Although the students were 15 and 17, they perfomed on the level of many professional performers. BTW is a well-kept secret. I commend the adults who are grooming the students for success. If only BTW existed when I was in high school .”
This review was posted by a other.

“BTW is an outstanding school. The principal goes above and beyond the call of duty to help students. From spending her own money to purchase materials for the school and students to contacting parents when their children are not performing well, she is taking the school to another level.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love BTW because I learn so much pertaining to Technical Theatre. This school is awesome in the Arts, their Math Department needs great help. BTW is a good school though. We just need a performing arts center.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The principal is in her fourth year. She demonstrates little support for a majority of the performing students and appears to lack leadership abilities that would truly lead this school to greatness. Teacher morale is declining and poor hiring decisions have affected both academic performance at the school and several of the magnet programs, including the demise of the print journalism department. Her single minded focus of building a performing arts center has led school district leaders to ignore lesser needs of the school to the detriment of the program in favor of doing nothing when collaboration and communication could have led to school improvement. We are seriously urging our last child to consider other options.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“BTW is one of the best schools in the state. The administration and staff work together to support students and communicate with parents.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“BTW Magnet is an outstanding school. This year the school has three National Merit Program Scholars, and the Creative Writing Magnet has published a book. Under the awesome leadership of Principal Quesha Starks the school is moving in a positive, focused direction.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son's a junior in the law magnet. BTW is a small public high school described by one parent as 'an oasis in the desert.' This is the second year for Principal Quesha Starks and this year she has an assistant. Both are top-notch as is the faculty. Our PTSA tries to help in any way needed. Academic excellence is stressed, but struggling students can find tutoring help from their teachers. Our talented creative/performing magnet students have lots of opportunities to perform for the community. Law students research twice weekly at the State Supreme Court and conduct mock trials at the Federal District Court. Aviation students not only learn about aviation but also fly. Creative writing students wrote and published a book about participants in the Civil Rights Movement. The facilities are old and there're no sports teams. But BTW is a school with a heart, mission and vision. Great school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an awesome school. The social and academic environment fosters amasing tallent and creativity. This school will perpare students for later life. It is strongly recomended.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“My Son loves going to BTW. He is in the law magnet program which has opened a future of possibilities for him. The teachers are outstanding and really care about the students. By placing the students in magnets, they are more interested in learning. My son do wish they had sometype of sports program and is active in the SGA to make this happen for the future students of BTW since he is now a senior.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“BTW provides a stimulating learning enviornment to foster the needs of talented students, especially in the performing arts area. However, the diverse population of students can lead your child to choosing the wrong kind of friends. My daughter, a gifted student, chose a poor circle of friends and has paid for it with her academics as well as her social life. The peer pressure can really effect your child negatively. Stay on top of things, parents, and don't let your child associate with these type of kids. I am not the only parent who feels this way!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Going to this school has been great experience for me all four years of high school. I am very glad that I chose this school. There is always some way to get involved here.”
This review was posted by a student.

“We've had two of our children attend BTW -- this school's academic program rivals what we saw in northern Virginia. It is an island of academic excellence in an otherwise deprived and depraved Montgomery school system. For the most part, the core academic teachers are among the best in the state, if not the nation -- especially the teachers for AP Government, AP History, and advanced math (Algebra III, pre-calculus, calculus, and advanced math). My only gripes would be (1) location, (2) a seemingly intense focus on the dance magnet at the expense of all other performing and non-performing magnets, and (3) the internal turmoil caused by a third principal in as many years. Fear naught -- this is a great school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our second child is graduating from BTW this year. BTW has provided them fantastic opportunities to develop their creative talents and obtain an excellent education. The faculty is extremely supportive while always encouraging the students to strive for excellence.”
This review was posted by a parent.