Madison #1 Elementary School

I used to attend Madison #1 and I like to go out of my way to give it negative reviews just because of the horrific one year I spent there. I'm a senior at Xavier now, and I chose to attend Xavier after 8th grade because of how badly I wanted to avoid the people I dealt with at Madison. The coursework was weak and students were brought down to the lowest intellectual level so that everyone did well and received "good grades" to take home to their parents. The library hadn't been given new books since the 1980s and the science classes were practically Bill Nye every day. I was in the honors program, which actually had a few excellent teachers, but unfortunately they were stuck on the school's lowest denominator policy of pandering to the plebeians. It's straight-up Hughes film-style isolation: kids throw fries at you in the lunch room, they shove you in the hallway, they "accidentally" step on your feet. And, last but not least, let me touch on the lunch menu: a variety of cheap "chicken" products that never changes. No healthy choices to be found. Do your kids a favor and send them to MTA or Meadows.

My daughter is in her second year at Madison #1 and we continue to be so grateful we live in this district and have the opportunity to send her to a school that is so committed to excellence in education, providing opportunities to participate in band or art or theatre or sports, and yet doesn't forget the basic building blocks of character. I find the teachers to be very accessible and responsive. The office staff seems very caring and kind. The principal seems very active in curriculum and testing and is a very present part of campus life. He seems to have a good rapport with students, teachers and parents alike. In her "guided study" class she is having the opportunity to do many different creative, educational & experiential projects with a variety of instructors. I feel she is getting an exceptional education from this public school. I have and continue to be impressed with the Madison School disctrict as a whole, and in particular with Madison #1 Middle School. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a very involved parent at Madison #1 for the past few years. This school is incredible in so many ways because of the wonderful teachers, administration and students. They are rated an A school and I do think this is the best middle school around. The teachers are very involved with their students' achievement. My children's AIMS scores went up after transferring here. Every year they have more and more students going to Brophy College Prep, Xavier and Honors programs at the public high schools. I cannot imagine being a part of another middle school. My children still thank me for switching them to Madison #1. We have watched them develop into excelling and confident individuals. We are completely satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! My older brothers originally went there, now I am going there it's a very nice school the teachers and really nice. When you are absent they give you the work you missed while you were gone. But last year there were some issues on the bus, with kids acting up, not listening, and getting in trouble over and over. There are lots of kids so it won't be too hard to make new friends. Overall this is a great school.

I went there for 5th grade for about 5 weeks. It was TERRIBLE! I had friends from Madison Heights come there but I only had 2 new friends. I had a hard time in Math and the Teacher never helped me. I missed alot of days and they never gave me the work untill my Mom talked to them. So if you want to go to this school and only make 1 friend, I suggest you don't go here.

I am considering transferrng my daughter out of MTA and into this school. I am not sure after reading the reviews~ however it is between Park and Madison number 1 . Please help. I know number one has been AIMS scores . I have heard horrible tales about both schools.. I know the MTA principal is moving the Madison number 1 this year and he has a history of turning schools around...Please can parents of this and Madision Park respond?
—Submitted by a parent

You are wrong Miss Leckman is great! She always answers my questions and tried to make algebra easy. She is one of my favorite teachers.

I was in honors English for 8th grade and may I say it was the WORST year of my life. Kids threw rocks at me, pushed me down the stairs, took my money, and said very rude and mean things to me all because I was in honors. I'm a pretty shy kid most of the time, and I didn't even know half of the kids that were bullying me. The teachers say me being picked on and never did anything. I hated Madison #1 and I hope no parent ever sends a child here!

I'm a student in the 8th grade Honors program (both Language Arts and Math) and I like being challenged, but it seems like they're just giving us work, hardly explaining what to do, and mainly leaving us to figure it out ourselves by reading the 'directions or instructions.' If our assignment doesnt have directions, they write a broad sentence/paragraph on the board. If you need glasses, they say, "Go to the front of the room." They treat you as a whole class, not as an individual. They don't recognize when someone is trying to do good, in fact, they make it hard for students to try an excel above others. It seems like all they do is give work, and a LOT of it. It is VERY time consuming. It can take me up to my whole day at home to try and finish it all. I hate Madison 1... :(

The last couple of years there was a change in leadership, Mr. Flynn anfd Mrs. Warren, and the school has seen a dramatic turn around in attitude of students and structure. I hesistated about sending my grandchildren to #1 but it has been a positive experience. What they would be able to do with $20,000!!! They should be given a reward for the turn around.

Great school spirit, enthusisatic teachers, a very well run administration staff, good parent involvement. High standards expected of all teachers and students. A very safe school, comfortatble and well maintained.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to school here at Madison #1 Middle School for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2009-10. Her grades went up from A's, B's and C's to A's and A+'s. Her teachers at her old school used to tell me she needed to focus more, but here they tell me she is one of their most focused students. She likes this school and so do my husband and I. If Madison #1 went through 12th grade we would just keep her here. Thanks to all the teachers, office staff and principal for A+ work!!!
—Submitted by a parent

i love the school it meets the standards and has a great curricular plan
—Submitted by a parent

yes, some of the rules are a bit ridiculous with having to have our teachers walk us to every single class, but you have to know that it is only for our safety from the past. im on the schools varsity softball and volleyball team. let me tell you, madison #1 teams dominate. the teachers are great, always coming up with fun new ways to help us learn. the girls p.e. coach is the best of them all. she is always pushing you to your full potential and loves seeing you succeed. she has been a big influence in my life. this is a school that would benefit your child.
—Submitted by a student

as astudent some of the rules are horrible but the teachers are okay some teachers dont allowus to talk about questions durinbg class!!!
—Submitted by a student

The main thing that Madison #1 has on it's side is it's previous reputation. Teacher turn over rate is still poor. Kids are given unearned grades. Kids' homework is largely ungraded and looked at primarily for 'effort', rather than being correct. Despite much effort in dialogue with school administrators, little has changed. Sadly, my child's education has suffered. If you are seriously concerned with the value of your child's education...please keep them away from Madison #1. You will be given lip service only and your child will suffer. Don't let the 'Madison' name fool you!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My children's last 2 years at No. 1 were dismal. Teacher turnover was high,adminstrators were not supportive, discipline was lax, curriculum was weak. Luckily, they went on to a strong high school honor programs were they caught up and flourished. I hope things have improved, but if I had it to do over, I would have sent them elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison School District is OUTSTANDING. My son attended Camelview and is now at Madison #1. The professionalism of the staff is superior. The caring and kindness is outstanding. My son receives speech therapy and the whole education team has exceeded our expectations. Staff & adminstrators work as a team as well as including the child and caregiver. We are always able to communicate and get feedback immediately. Our son LOVES going to school-the variety of courses is wonderful; he repeats constantly various lessons learned in history and science. I highly recommend the Madison School District. They care.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school - good honors program. Quality teachers.
—Submitted by a former student

Schools counselors and staff are great. Truly seem committed to helping the students. Surprised by the lack of homework but happy with what my daughter seems to be learning. Too bad that the schools have to cut their budgets and offer fewer programs but there are some good programs in the school.
—Submitted by a parent