Explorer Middle School

My child has been thriving at Explorer. Great school, lots of updated technology, a wide variety of electives to chose from, and a challenging honors curriculum. Be prepared for lots of homework, a bit of a transition from elementary school, but once they get into the routine, its manageable. Very happy with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

best school of technology that i have ever been to they are so kind especially the principal and the vice principal and the counclers are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Explorer has great technology programs, strong & dynamic leadership, and (for the most part) caring and concerned teachers and counselors. One child had some problems being bullied, while the other witnessed some very inappropriate behavior. In both cases, the administration was completely on top of the situation and went out of their way to keep me updated on the resolution. I was very impressed with their responsiveness.
--Submitted by a parent

As the adult sibling of a younger child that tried to attend this school I am appalled at the lack of understanding, caring, empathy and control (by upper level staff) shown at this school. The behavior of the students is inappropriate and as aforementioned, the staff as well, who "cannot promise to put a stop to bullying". There are a group of "mean girls" here who put the movie characters to shame.

I have been very happy with Explorer and the staff. I have found that they are very caring and willing to help, and in fact many have gone above and beyond the call of duty when my child has needed assistance. We did have some problems with bullying (as I am sure every middle school has) but these situations were addressed immediately. In fact I was surprised at how quickly this was taken care of. The school has amazing technology available and some very enthusiastic and supportive teachers. I realize that everyone has a different experience, but I have never had anything other than positive interactions with the staff at Explorer.
--Submitted by a parent

Not a great school. Their anti bullying program does not work, because they don't work at it. The academics are pushed towards high AIMS scores only. Students are not valued. Principal and teachers do not work WITH or FOR parents/students. Many of the students at this school bully, and feel entitled. Although it is required by the recent passage of a legislative bill; it goes unreported, Some of the teachers are great, others are bullies themselves; it's a mix.
--Submitted by a parent

When CCUSD closed the school my child attended late last spring it was sad. But I need to send the superintendant and board a THANK YOU! It was the best thing that ever happened to my child because it forced me to look elsewhere. If I now had to drive my child several miles to the other CCUSD middle school (one with lower academic achievement, etc. than what they closed) I might as well see what else was out there. We found Explorer. The principal is completely committed to her school and to securing top resources for the kids. Classes are comprehensive. The honors English curriculum had just been re-written and it is in-depth and challenging--true honors. The teachers and staff are all committed to the students. The facilities, clean and well cared for (ours were old, severely in need of renovation and smelly). We moved from a school with 15 year old computers to one with BRAND NEW Macs, Google Beta testing, computer labs a television studio, radio broadcasting, engineering, advanced engineering, band, choir, strings, languages...they have it all. I only wish I had found it earlier for my other children.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe my child is receiving a very good education at EMS. I am quite pleased with how the classes are challenging the students to excel and reach for higher limits. The teachers go beyond just "getting the grade" but ensure that the concept reaches home. They answer the whys as well as the hows. I know that the school, teachers, and parent partnership is a key to this school's success.
--Submitted by a parent

The above rating is what I, as a student, believes. I suppose the rating could be a 4 or 5 star...I do think that the school should show more support for their student and realize that they may be struggling. Explorer is a wonderful school, but I am not very happy with it sometimes.
--Submitted by a student

Explorer MS of Technology, is a student-centered environment for 21st Century learners, offering unique exploratory electives and extra-curricular activities that meet the developmental needs of adolescents. Explorer offers innovative and challenging elective courses to meet a wide range of abilities, interests, and talents. Classes are available for gifted, special education, and ELL students. Explorer has a commitment to the Arts and offers band, chorus, orchestra, piano, visual arts, culinary arts, drama, and broadcasting. The school has a comprehensive anti-bullying program and trains students, staff, and parents. The PTO is an integral component of the school's success and encourages parents to get involved and join one of numerous subcommittees that support the school. The principal is willing to take anyone interested on a personal tour of the school, and encourages everyone to visit the school's website created by students in the Web Page Design and Digital Imaging class.