Oak Park Middle School

Coming from a student, I will say right now that this school is truly over the top. The teachers, staff, and DCS itself make this school the best middle school in Decatur and possibly the county to go to. Despite the fact that the school is very mixed as far as students, the school exels in safety and discipline. The school continues to get the best test scores, proving how good the staff simply are. The school offers many activities, with highly dedicared and caring teachers. The principal himself is very nice and kind, but contols the school well and puts up with absolutely no non-sense. He gives the students motivational activities witch no other middle school in Decatur has, as rewards for behavior or scores. I always feel very safe at my school, with cameras lining the hallways, teachers on every corner, and an SRO often patrolling the halls. A+++
--Submitted by a student

Oak Park is an excellent school. They are truly focused on the child and what they need to succeed. The teacher are wonderful. They really care about their students.
--Submitted by a parent

I was told by another parent about this website. I have carefully read the information contained within. This site seems to have a goal of promoting charter / private schools. If not for the great respect that I have for the teachers and administration at Oak Park, I would not trouble myself to post. I have found Oak Park to be a great school. Indeed, the school is culturally / socially diverse but it provides excellent academics in a safe and orderly environment. I could not ask for better communication concerning my child s education from the school. Yes, I can afford to send my child to a private school. I have the education and the ability to home school, if needed. I will never regret sending my child to Oak Park. Thank You, to all of the hard working teachers and Mr. Satterfield for the tremendous job that you do.
--Submitted by a parent

My years spent at Oak Park were horrendous. I don't remember EVER doing homework and I was in advanced classes. By eighth grade the teachers had given up on the students; I spent four out of seven of my eighth grade classes playing cards instead of preparing for high school. By the way, the school safety award is a joke. It does sound impressive but the standards are low.
--Submitted by a student

This is our second year at Oak Park. My son is doing great. I am very pleased with the education he is receiving. I am especially pleased with the emphasis that is put on the children really thinking for themselves and digging deeper. We recently had Open House and the opportunity to meet the teachers and hear about the classes. The teachers were all dedicated and excited about the new year. I was amazed at the volume of material that they are going to cover and feel that they do an excellent job.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my second year as a parent at Oak Park. I love Oak Park, the teachers and the administration. Mr. Satterfield is top notch as he makes sure our children are well educated, motivated and safe. What else could you ask for? The communication between home and school is second to none. Teachers check in with parents all the time about assignments, weekly plans and tests. My son loves school and NEVER complains. I am proud to send my children to Oak Park!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a highly educated school and that is why i give five stars to resemble the students and teachers that give so much to
--Submitted by a parent

Through my two children, I have been involved with OP for the past 5 years. The faculty is extremely hard working and openly available for parents and for students. The robotics program is outstanding, as is the music department, both band and chorus. Their test scores are gaining every year, and the two state safety awards are spectacular. The principal is widely respected and the students appreciate the extras he provides in the way of student motivation. I appreciate OP!!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Decatur, from Metairie, Louisiana, after hurricane Katrina. I have a senior and sophomore at Decatur High School, an eighth grader at Oak Park Middle School and a disabled 3 year old at Somerville Road Elementary School. My senior at DHS was failing miserably in the Jefferson Parish school system, and my sophomore and 8th grader were not challenged at all. In our opinion, my youngest child would have never received the support and services in Louisiana that he has and will receive here in Alabama. My senior, along with my 10th and 8th grader, is on the honor roll.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the 6th grade and I was concerned with the transition from elementary to middle school. Most of my concerns were answered at orientation(teachers were available and very helpful)Oak Park won the state safety award for the 2nd year in a row. The teachers have been very helpful and make themselves available(most send out E-mail's weekly detailing what my daughter will be doing that week)There are cameras all around the school that help me feel confident about the safety of my daughter. The IB emphasis is wonderful and I feel my daughter is learning more than is in the books. The last PTA meeting we were treated to a grill out and then go to go to all my daughters classes and meet all her teachers. The use of technology is very apparent throughout the school. I am very happy with the school so far.
--Submitted by a parent