K J Clark Middle School

I am very proud that my son attends this school. I feel he is safe and encouraged by the staff. The school is strict but not impossible by any means. My son is happy and proud of his success. If your child is interested in learning you should apply.
—Submitted by a parent

Mobile has Magnet Schools. IT DOESN"T MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE, anyone residing in or around Mobile can attend any magnet school as long as they meet the requirements and their application is accepted. The magnet schools then teach at an accelerated level. Once accepted you must maintain a 60% average and cannot be a discipline problem. If you are removed from the program you simply attend your regularly assigned school. Parents are strongly encouraged to be active in their children's education. We monitor progress by talking to our kids and we can check their grades online at any time. We had a rough spot last year in math but between Saturday school and tutoring, the class average came up to 93%. If you are willing to put forth effort and really want to learn, the teachers and staff will do everything they can to help you. My children live for the engineering and robotic classes. The emphasis on engineerng is why Clark was our first choice of magnet school. Other schools emphasize humanities or performing arts, but our kids have always loved taking things apart and seeing how they work. They study harder because they enjoy the lessons. It's not work, it's play!
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVE LOVE LOVE Clark!! Great school with really good teachers. The students have lots of fun. They are have to meet grade requirements and the school is strict and I think its great. It pushes the students to do their best. And they WILL absolutely help if you seek it out.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great. It teaches good discipline and work ethic. I do not reccomend Causey or Phillips. If you find this school too strict or too "spirit breaking" you should try Dunbar. I honestly believe this school is great and the teachers are the best. They will help your child if your child is failing. If your grade drops below a 60 then you will have to leave. But, of course, it is a magnet school. I think that this school is worth your time. You should check into this school or at least read some more reviews on other sites.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters attended Clark and did well. I read all of the negative things that was said about the school. We have to teach our children that they are going to have rules everywhere you go. That's life!!! I am glad that they were strict and had high standards for our students. It's going to take that and more for them to make it in this world today. Right now you may/may not appreciate it, but one day you will.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes they do kick your child out for their grade dropping and they will say they wish they new their grades were low she would have sent them to saturday school but this is after they tell you to pull them out they dont care about the kids no love there and very prejudice
—Submitted by a parent

I went to enroll my child for school and after talking with one of the employees that worked there i changed my mind. The employee used intimidation towards me and my so that I wouldn't want my child to attend clark. She literally broke my son's self esteem by potraying clark as being so hard that he felt as if he couldn't do it. I decided that my child would not be another number or statistic because all they care about is a pay check how could they look as far as numbers. They don't really care about the children at all. They basically told me if your child drop his average he will be kicked out. They will not help your child at all. I will not reccommend this school but i will reccomend catholic schools because they show they care. Magnet schools are just public schools that teaches at a faster pace. No different. Catholic schools pray and teach religion and have way more to offer and more one on one. I would not reccommend this school, you get what you pay for. That's why im paying for my child to be where they show they care. I can tell that my child was not wanted. Catholic Schools are the best !!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Some great teachers, some very BORING teachers. Schoolwork isn't very hard, just advanced. Too strict with the uniform. No hats, scarves, non-uniform jackets, no nail polish, etc. etc. Should be more considerate with those type of things.

This school is one of three magnet middle schools in Mobile. My oldest went to Phillips, which yes it was hard but do able. My second child is at Clark, and oh my goodness, they are so picky... They have the A-Z of detention, and I'm not kidding, they will not allow the children to wear gloves, scarves or hats!!!!! Even if it is 25' outside!!!! And unfortunately I believe some of the teachers that are not Math and Science teachers have a chip on their shoulders!! The math and Science are not that hard just advanced. My child has not gotten into trouble or had a detention so I am not upset with the strictness of that, there are just some teacher there that do not need to be teachers:( Especially to some of the younger grades!!! Clark is a nice school, they just really need to think about the priorities of what is important and a lot of that in a student is self esteem which some of these teachers forget or leave at home when they get there :(
—Submitted by a parent

clark is the worst school ever if they don't like you they put you out and they are trying to make the school white

Clark-Shaw is an amazing school. After moving to the new facilities, the school has even more technology and wonderful resources. My daughter is in the 6th grade and she is learning a lot. She is challenged and she has to keep up with her work to be successful. The discipline policy is upheld and students are expected to follow the rules. We are very thankful to be a part of the Clark-Shaw community.
—Submitted by a parent

Clark is a great school, but it is not for everyone. Students who go there without basic skills will not make it. It challenges students and engages them in learning. The teachers truly care about each child.
—Submitted by a parent

Clark is okay, the work load is hard, I think more teacher interaction is needed. They take weeks to respond and it is impossible to meet with them. I know I went to school when I was young and not Clark just a normal school and the funny thing is it was 20 years later and I am a 4.O average at the university and I watch the high school kids struggle so go figure is it the School or is it the Teachers?
—Submitted by a parent

Mary Weeks Burroughs Elementary School is awesome!
—Submitted by a student

My 3rd son started at Clark this year and we couldn't be more pleased. My oldest son started at Clark in 4th grade and when he graduates from high school this year, he will have 18 hours college credit thanks much to the advanced classes he was able to take at Clark. My middle son is in 8th grade at Clark and, again, we are very pleased with his total academic experience. Yes, there have been a couple teachers thru the years who didn't quite measure up....bad teachers are in EVERY school but Clark has much fewer than the average and the good teachers are OUTSTANDING! We have never had any concerns about our children's safety while at Clark....the students are there because their parents WANT them to be there and it shows!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been a big disappointment because of Teachers not meeting/talking to parents about their child's daily progress.You should not have to wait until report cards to find out your child is failing when you have been sending notes,talking to the teacher, sending treats. Talking to the principal about a teacher also falls on deaf ears. No concern at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Clark Magnet School is absolutely the best school that any parent can send their child. The teachers and principal are all great people and they are all interested in your child's education. I went to Clark and am now in my first year of high school, and because of the high school classes that are offered at Clark, I am taking classes with 11th graders! Clark really prepares you for high school. It is a wonderful school and every child should attend.
—Submitted by Marla York, a former student

My son has enjoyed his first year at Clark. He is invoved in he Chess team and the math team. Soon he will be going to space camp! Good for the teachers at Clark for keeping the children interested in school. Good job Mrs. Tharp
—Submitted by a parent