Experience 2 - Thursday February 27th, 2014

Maritime Academy of Toledo is evidence that not all charter schools are dirt-poor. Like any school there could be better funding but that isn't a surprise. Maritime is fortunate to have generous organizations provide the technology inside each classroom and to have a state-of-the-art submarine simulator for students to get a feel of the marines. They even respect the marine's core keys to success of honor, duty and success. The students are expected to be on their best behavior and negative behavior is immediately taken care of. Students dress in accordance with school dress code and have a uniform that even mimics the marines. Just because it is a charter school doesn't mean it is a utopia. The school struggles with keeping order when it comes to breaking up fights in the 'schoolyard' (hallways). Students are exposed to a variety of intolerance since it is a very diverse setting. There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students all trying to find themselves and their purpose in life while trying to get an education. An education is especially important for them since it does mean whether or not they get into a good college or not.