John M Andersen Junior High School

My son is in 7th grade and when i check his homework, i see how bed the level is (its equivalent to 5 grade in other countries). They also almost don t give homework to the students (at least to my son) and when they do, it s one hour max once a week.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student Andersen Jr. High and I love it there. I've been reading the other comments and a lot of them are about how the bullying there is really bad. The thing is, it's not so bad anymore. Andersen is not a bad school. They have an amazing staff. Andersen also recently broke the record for the read words in Arizona for middle schools. ince the Arizona Ed. Foundation has been awarding A+ recognition starting in 1991 only 41 junior highs/middle schools have received it. Of the 41 schools only 5 have received the award twice so AJHS is one of only 5 schools. And since 2003 AJHS is the only jr. high to have received the award twice.

I have been at this school for one semester. The school has a lot of clubs and programs such as MYP/IB. The bad part of AJHS is that the teachers are strict, give a load of homework, and are mostly mean. Never go to this school. PLEASE!

Bullying is totally out of hand here. They do not take my concerns seriously. There has been no response from the teachers or the administration. My son got tackled on the sidewalk by another student who was trying to hurt him. Well he succeed. My son had a knot on his head the size of my fist. When I went to pick him up no one said a thing. They just looked at me when I complained that something needed to be done with the kid who tackled my son. Nothing was ever done and the bullying is still continuing intermittently. On a different note...I signed up for email school updates and have yet to receive one and they don't have a printed newsletter. Seems there are some balls dropped.
—Submitted by a parent

horrible school. bullying, population, mediocrity, you name it.
—Submitted by a parent

I like that it offers free tutoring. I like the teacher-parent communication via newsletters. You can also stay updated through the online posting of grades. (STI) My son was placed randomly with all boys class which he likes because they teach what boys like. No problems with other students
—Submitted by a parent

The school is supose to have a 'No Tolerance' rule when it comes to bullying but unfortionately it's not enforced. Many of my sons friends are scared to go to school because of the abuse. The principal doesn't want to talk about it w/ the parents either. I guess if he ignores it, it will go away? Other than that the teachers seem to be good and my son gets help w/ after school tutoring. It has helped his grades a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

My children and I love AJHS! Although, I have noticed a significant drop in the organization at the school since Chief left. The AD is not on top of things with sports and dates, the website is way off, the front marquee is rrarely updated and wonderful acheivements aren't recognized unless a team takes the EVC championship. Too bad, this school has all the pieces to be the best and no one to put them all together anymore.
—Submitted by a parent

i go to this school and i hate it! They are very unorganized and give to much homework i honestly love homework but not now,i have way to much to keep up. they dont have alot of activites to do for students and you are only alooud to have 2electives!
—Submitted by a student

its a all around great school teachers are nice and have great attitudes towards students!
—Submitted by a student

this school is amazing my teachers are the best. they're there when u need them I recommend this school to any parents. GO GOLD!
—Submitted by Austin Rylander, a student

In reading the other reviews I have to agree with the population issue. To many elem. flow into the AJHS. I have a 7th grader that is contantly bullied by other kids and 8th graders. I have talked with counselors about it, but they seem to only talk to the child not the bullies. What good does that do? So far AJHS is disappointing in many aspects.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at AJHS and I love it. It is so much fun, and I enjoy coming to school. The sports program is great. After transfering from San Tan, I can honestly say that Anderson is much better. The academic program is great, I am challenged for the first time. The teachers are amazing, a huge step up from San Tan. Overall, this is an amazing school.
—Submitted by a student

i go to ajhs and i love it its the best
—Submitted by a student

The student population was what ruined this school for us. Why should the teachers get involved if the parents don't care. The extracurricular activities are great, but there isn't much opportunity for the kids to learn. There are so many kids that try out and only a few get chosen. We are changing schools so our daughter can learn instead of trying to defend herself.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents' involvement is not welcomed. We recently moved back here and I d hoped it had improved. It didn t. It was the same 9 years ago. So we re moving. Overall 2-3 stars.
—Submitted by Liz, a parent

Not happy at all with the involvement and concern of the 8th grade teaching staff. Not happy at all with CUSD in general when it comes to meeting the needs of ADHD kids with learning disabilities...if a child is too bright, they are not going to get an IEP. My child tested at the 4th grade math level while in the 8th grade; and her Andersen math teacher Never responded to any email or request for information.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the quality of academic programs at AJHS are fairly good. Extracurricular activities are very well hosted and planned. I give the level of parent involvement a 3 out of 5.
—Submitted by a student

An okay school, but lg. student body causes kids to get lost in the shuffle. Teachers less caring than in years past.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transferred here at the semester from a charter school. She has had a positive experience so far, from the minute we hit the door. The receptionist, counselors and her teachers have all been pleasant and helpful. The teachers really keep in touch through e-mail or phone when I had any concerns. I appreciated their prompt responses to my questions. This was her first experience in a neighborhood school. We are glad they enforce the modest dress code as well while still allowing kids to express themselves. The kids seem great and fairly well mannered. I hope she has as good of a year in 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent