Explorer Middle School

I am confused and dismayed at the negative reviews posted regarding bullying at Explorer Middle School. It simply doesn't go on at Explorer and I am pretty sure the reviews below are from one or two disgruntled parents. I have been an EMS parent and volunteer for 2 years and am extremely impressed with the quality and dedication of the faculty and the variety of programs that are offered for the students. As many have noted, the technology classes are exceptional and the growing music and drama departments are the best of any middle school in the district. About 1/2 of the students at EMS have open enrolled which means that they choose to go to school at Explorer. EMS also has the highest test scores of any middle school in the district. There are numerous opportunities to volutneer and you can get involved as much or as little as your schedule allows. The PTO is active and very supportive of the staff and students. They also have a fabulous fall festival that this the talk of the community every October.
—Submitted by a parent

The bullying is out of control at this school. Something needs to be done. I am removing my child.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my 1st year at Explorer and my husband and I are happy with our choice. My 2 older kids attended Mountain Trail Middle another good school however, this time we allowed our youngest child the opportunity to choose for himself. He came home yesterday beaming as he told us he got straight A's this time. He's had to work hard especially in English Honors but the work has paid off! The leaders and staff are all hard working and dedicated. As a member of the PTO and district Rep -- this school has a very active group of parent volunteers and we work closely with the administration to provide the best learning environment for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We open-enrolled our daughter at Explorer this year like 400 other families, and have been more than impressed with her experience. Not only was she able to make wonderful friends (after not knowing anyone), but her teachers have been very kind and helpful with the transition. Her counselor, Nicole Hansen, has gone out of her way to make sure she felt comfortable in a new environment even having a girl's lunch bunch once a week for the first few months of school so the girls could get to know each other. Our daughter's favorite classes have been choir and drama. Both teachers are young and energetic. They make learning fun. My daughter has learned more in choir this year than she has by taking private voice lessons. Ms. Burdick, the choir teacher, is outstanding. The variety of electives offered at this school far exceed what I've seen offered at other area middle schools. Although this school prides themselves on being a STEM school and has 75 minutes allocated for math as well as English, there are lots of options for kids who's interests lie elsewhere. The staff and administration treat the kids like young adults yet still allow them to be kids. We are glad we chose Explorer.
—Submitted by a parent

EMS is a great school. The classrooms and buildings are top notch in the area. The teachers and quality of education is exemplary. They work together to achieve high education goals and standards. There is always an open door policy. If there is an issue, you can go to the very approachable Principal, Ms. McMurrin or one of the counselors, Nicole Hansen for direction and resolution. We are very pleased and happy to be here!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Explorer for both 7th and 8th grade. She was in Honors English both years and was very active in the extra curricular activities Explorer has to offer. Not only was she well prepared for the classes at Pinnacle and had a positive experience, but she continues to volunteer and assist with the after school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. The staff truly does try and take care of everything that goes on. I recently had a problem with another student, and I reported it to my teacher. She sent me to the vice-principal where I told her about it and she was understanding and in charge of the situation. By the end of the day everything was sorted out, and this happened in 6th period. This school also offers a variety of electives and extracurricular activities for students. The technology use in the school is phenomenal as well. The only problem is the dress code isn't enforced harshly enough.

I removed my child from this horrible school where bullying is rampant almost a year ago and my child still has not recovered (and that is a medical diagnosis - not my opinion). Thank you to all the teachers, students and leadership for giving my child PTSD by not controlling the "lovely" kids who attend here.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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.

We're a bit less enthused than some of the others here. Mostly quite good faculty, but that's not the case across the board. Some years ago this school suffered from severe front office staff dissension, but that appears to have subsided. Nurse is great. One of our children had an entirely goofy honors teacher last year. Tried to be involved in PTO several years ago but it only did the one fund-raiser. So, mixed review.
—Submitted by a parent

We arranged a tour of this school and were treated wonderfully. We had to wait quite a while for a response, but when the principal finally had time, she spent it generously on us, giving us a comprehensive tour. We were very impressed and plan to open-enroll our son there.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves Explorer Middle School. The teachers are fantastic and the principal and vice principal are great.
—Submitted by a parent