Utterback Middle School

Unfortunately, the 8th grade class this year, will not be ready for high school. Poor leadership, and lack of effective teaching greatly contributed to Utterbacks D rating. The performing arts program is adequate, but the academics fall far below what is expected from any middle school. The school needs much improvement. The district really needs to change the principal if they have any hope of helping the incoming students.
—Submitted by a parent

Utterback has some fantastic teachers but the new principal needs some serious help! The previous principal retired after 29 years at Utterback and the school has gone down hill. This is my child's second year at Utterback and so far has had to deal with bullying by not only the students but the teachers as well. Academic wise..yes, they are struggling but i do believe that the teachers really stress the importance of learning in a group setting instead of individual learning. The amount of math omework given is outrageous probably due to the fact that they are failing in the Math scores. I am not sure if will send my child back for 8th grade due to the strong fact that he does not feel safe at Utterback. The school is in a very bad neighborhood infested with known gang crime and the neighborhood kids go to that school. That said, if a "clean up" were to take place, Utterback would be thriving and vibrant once again but alot of work needs to done and i hope it is!!
—Submitted by a parent

I completed my student teaching at Utterback. I was thoroughly impressed by the collaboration between teachers and the high caliber of projects students were producing. I enjoyed the diversity. The project based learning helped the students develop problem solving skills, learn to work together in a team, and use their creativity. There is a lot of emphasis on multiple intelligences, so each student is able to learn in the way that works best for them. The band program is amazing!

Utterback Is A Wonderful School ! Yeahh Every School Has Mean Teachers And Mean Principals Its Just The Life Of School There Isnt One Pefect And Nice School,, But Utterback Is Really Dope ! Like It Is A Fun And Interesting School , I Can Count On This School Because Its The Bombest School Ever ! Dont Ever Say That Utterbacks Dumb Or Utterback Is This Or That Because Literaly Every School Is The Same Yeahh Utterback Can Be Annoying By The Teachers And Stuff But Their Just Doing There Jobb ! And No One Can Judge A School By How They Act ! Its Just School And Your Gonna Have A Tougher Life And School As You Get Older So Yupp Thankss ! :D

Utterback is a really bad school. Every thing good they say about the school is a lie! They don't care about our education(students) they only care about making the school look like it's wonderful and all the kids are happy and that all the teachers and the principals are nice. But that's not at all true, teachers don't even have respect for the students and they give up on them eaisly. Also the principals are very rude and they don't let the students defend themselfs because to them they are always right and your very wrong! I've been at Utterback for 3 years 6-8 and the school has gotten worse. I really think that the school should get new principals because the current ones are very bad leaders. If any parent is thinking about sending their kid to Utterback i suggest you think again because your child will not be happy!
—Submitted by a student

Utterback is a wonderful school. They incorporate aspects of art and creativity in all of their courses. Students are challenged to 'think outside the box'. We move frequently, so my son has changed schools almost every year. He has been enrolled at some wonderful schools. However, this is the only school he ever said he liked. The music and visual arts programs are extraordinary. The academics are on the weak side, but motivated students can get a very solid education.
—Submitted by a parent

Utterback is a great school. It is the only school I would ever want to go for middle school, the academics are great. But the performing arts is amazing. I am in dance and drama and I just love them. This school teaches you that not only academics are important, but that performing arts is important as well.
—Submitted by a student

Utterback has a beautiful campus. It also has a wonderful magnet program in fine arts. My best years have come from that school, because of all the different types of students. The Staff and administration are very friendly and start to become family. I will never regret going to Utterback. I never got homework and that was a problem for me because once I hit high school I was not prepared for the homework, test, and notes. Give this school a chance I loved it.
—Submitted by a student

This school has wonderful teachers that dedicated there lives to the education of the students. The Performing Arts teachers are one of the best ive ever seen. This school teaches students things that the wouldnt learn untill high school. There are some flaws in the system but this school is safe. They have round the clock school security and they have cameras. If anything ever happened they would know what to do. The colorfulness of the walls in the school is excelent children who want to succeed in Arts can learn how to do it before there evn ready
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at utterback it is so awesome even the education its a great school u get to play all kinds of sports after school and meet new people. There band is awesome to and i was scared that i was not going to meet any people.Some people say that utterback is a bad school but its not.If i could go any were i would go to utterback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

Utterback is a great place for kids and is working to get better! The arts programs are excellent and the academics are getting there. If you would like your child to learn how to think and problem-solve beyond what is on a multiple choice test then this is the place to be.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child is in the 6th grade, what a huge mistake we made, when we selected Utterback! We are going to let him finish the school year, but he will not be going back. Teachers are absent on a regular basis and do they do not have substitutes to cover for them. They just put the kids in other classes which are already to full. Think long and hard before you alllow your child to attend Utterback Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

My son currently attends Utterback Middle School. I was initially very impressed when I toured the school, but am extremely disappointed in the experiences I've had with this school thus far. Huge safety and discipline issues at this school! Also, overall there is very poor communication! No PTA and none of the core staff is willing to participate in Site Council meetings. No interest in parent involvement at this school. Band and some of the other encore (elective) classes seem good, but Utterback is lacking academically. This school had the highest expulsion rate last year in TUSD (500 kids!) and is currently an underperforming school. Definitely wouldn't recommend and am looking for another school to move my son to.
—Submitted by a parent

This School is a discrace to T.U.S.D it is a very unsafe school. Its Location is bad and the principles are very rude and do not listen to parents or students. This school is not good on acdemics and teachers dont take the time to speak to the students and make sure they understand everything! I Took my child out of this HORRIBLE School after first quarter and i strongly reccomend sending your child to a different school
—Submitted by a parent

Academics are not the greatest here, but it's a performing and creative arts school. The Bands are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school because it lets me express my feelings in dance or in other ways for other kids!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

This school is horrible in all levels. There is no communication among parents and the principal. I would never recommend this school. Just horrible! I do not feel my son is safe in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Availability of music, art.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to a dance performance here the other night and I was highly impressed. The hallways are beautifully decorated with student's artwork and bright colors. I'm seriously considering sending my daughter to this school. Carol Lee Sausa
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids loved attending this school. Great fine arts school, great teachers.
—Submitted by Michelle, a parent