Tortolita Middle School

Very pleased with this school's understanding of what middle school kids need. The admin is fantastic and sensitive to the unique needs of this age group. The teachers seem to truly LIKE their students (tough to find in a middle school IMO). Parent involvement is still encouraged and respected at an appropriate level for this age group. I never felt my input or involvement was unwanted or underestimated. One negative is that as a spouse of an educator in the High School this school feeds into, is that students are too easily promoted, without all the tools and preparation necessary for high school. As a parent, I also was surprised how little homework my student had. I don't believe he was challenged to meet his academic potential enough, or held accountable for his slip-ups in his school work. All in all, I feel confident in this school and would send my kids there again, without hesitation. I have always felt that any serious problem I had would be heard and dealt with effectively, which is very reassuring.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two students so far go through Tortolita Middle School. My children enjoyed TMS and so did I. I think it is wonderful how they have the teams set-up so that a parent may meet with every one of the teachers at the same time. Ms. Johnson in the front office is wonderful! She always has a smile and greeting no matter how busy it is in the front. She is a wiz at remembering names, so it is a personalized greeting! My children's teachers and the staff at TMS are so caring and work together with the parent to address any issues. Wonderful school...I have one more student who will be attending and she can't wait.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student and i am a straight A student. There are only a couple of DECENT teachers and the rest are horrible and dont even care. They are un organized and lose homework often. There is too much bullying and they make the bully apoligize to their "victim" right infront of eachother in a room. They dont offer a lot of activites or sports. They dont spend money well on the school. They spend it on like doors and gates. They only offer math that is two years ahead of what is normal in MUSD. The GEM program is very bad to. It is just Enriched Language Arts and that teacher is HORRIBLE. I dont want to say too much, but dont send your kid to this school!

If your a bully then welcome home to tortolita, cause they will not punish you at all and you can find out whos telling on you cause they'll sit you guys in same room for the apolagies to be said. My child was bullied at Ironwood Elementary and then here, different kids even. I will not trust another MUSD with my children. Bullies need be locked up and kept from our schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree bullying is a big problem at this school, they made my daughter have to sit in same room with the kid who was bulling her, and made the bully apolagize, then of course she became bullied way more after.
—Submitted by a parent

Bullying is a big problem at this school. I am looking for another school for my child. Music program is great though.
—Submitted by a parent

this is an amazing school. they are always on task and always is calm cool and collective. i love this schol and will recomend this to all of the parents who are fueding about which school their child should go to. go tortolita COUGARS!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school because it feels homey and it is a comfortable enviroment to learn
—Submitted by a student

All around I was never impressed with Tortolita. The principal is decent, however only a few of the teachers here are decent. About a third of the teachers being new seems to be the norm per year. Many have the 'I don't care' type of attitude, or are at least too busy for basic communication between students and parents about progress. There are few extra activies, usually two or three sports per quarter, not much else. The school is a bit rowdy at times, but so are all middle schools of its size.

Good school; excellent teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

Academic programs seem to meet the requirements of Arizona. There is not an art program and sports and extracurricular activities are limited.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters have went to this school.I think it is a good school, I was never worried about their safety.As far as being informed about grades, violations, etc, this to was top notch. My only complaint is that I feel they don't offer much for extra school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Tortolita is a good school. I feel most of the teachers are good educators. I do not agree with there approach on discipline and behavior issues. The school seems a little out of control.
—Submitted by a parent