Alma del Mar: Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus 515 Belleville Avenue Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus, New Bedford, MA 02746

"This school is amazing! Gives flexibility to working families. Being a single mother, having my daughter go to a public school I would have had to pay for before school and after school because of the times of new bedford public schools, at alma they start earlier and have free after school, it helps out families like myself. The teachers are so caring and great, my child has learned so much in the little time she has been in school. There is structure and they do not tolerate what some public schools would tolerate. I am so blessed to have my child attend this school! I would recommend any of my family or friends to try to get their children into this school!"

"Great school. Music, gym, and art three times a week, recess every day (can you believe that's something to brag about now? Some schools don't have recess anymore!), fantastic math and literacy curricula. Strong focus on citizenship and community involvement. Active and committed parents, teachers, and administration."

"This is a school that gives families with low income opportunities, Christmas trees, Christmas toys, backpack club with food for weekends, provide teachers with phones so parents can contact them almost all day and night. These teachers have LOVED my children... The recognition these children teachers and parents/guardians get from this school from this staff is OUT OF THIS WORLD! The curricular activities these children are able to do is so positive, instrumentals, team sports, overhead art, sailing, karate, and so much more are provided to the children who attend... I am so greatful to have relationships with the teachers staff and students because of all the involvement parents/volunteers are able to do its just really something schools in this area do not do.... This is a school that tries its best to teach our children, the next generation, next leaders of this community that they matter there opinion matter, there voice can be heard, and they can feel, believe, learn and TEACH even though there growing into the people they soon will be, but still have a group of staff/teachers who dance in our talent shows or play a game of kick ball with the kids, get dunked in the dunk tank... I mean down to earth EDUCATORS molding our children is what we need, its what our community needs and that is Alma Del Mar!!!!"

"I think its important to look at the ratings from families that actually go to Alma, instead of opinions from outsiders that really don't know the details of situations. I am a parent of an Alma scholar and would never dream of pulling my child (by the way who was in the protest). Our concerns were heard and validated and that is more that I can say for a lot of other public schools in the city. Alma is awesome!"

"Amazing school with amazing teachers! My kids are testing well above grade level! Free violins and lessons 4 days a week, free amazing after school activities, free field trips (even over night trips to colleges out of state are free!) This is a college bound school teaching our children that college is not an option. Too bad not every school was this awesome! I highly recommend you apply to this school for your children's education!"