Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Ron Watson Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 398 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

18 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted September 28, 2012

I was recently told at a parent teacher conference that my student was failing because there are too many trouble makers in his class and the teachers do not have time to help him. This is bull....my child suffers because they administration will not do anything about those few who are causing problems. There is also a lot of bullying at this school and the principal HAS AND WILL set up children to be bullied....my child is one who spoke up and told the truth about an incident that happened and now has been cussed at daily and called a snitch, he was also assaulted on the bus. I am going to transfer my child as soon as possible.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 24, 2012

Is luck on your side? My student was lucky to have nice teachers. Although having some nice teachers isn't what it's all about. I'm sure the teachers do their best with the resources given to them, but overall the quality of teaching is less than par, sorry for the few teachers that know how to teach! The office staff changed and too bad their Vice Principal has moved to another school. He was a good one, the backbone of this school, but now he's gone! The counselor needs to be replaced, period. Less important, but still needs mentioning is the sports program. It is there, but basically a big disappointment. Instead of feeling like a winner, kids will feel the opposite. Some coaches have the best attitude, but lack in coaching skills. Some just should not be coaching anything. Thank goodness for the few parents that tried to help. On a positive note, high school is just around the corner?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2011

Hi im a stundent at ron watson i am a sixth grader i really like the teachers there they are really nice and also the do very fun educational stuff and its very big school i guess there is a sixth grade building a seventh grade building and a eighth grade building i like ron watson middle it is an awesome school i cant wait to finish this year.


Posted June 5, 2011

I am sooooo disappointed in this school. My student needed help I had meetings with teachers and the principal, I was assured they would test her and also provide help with the math. None of that happened and my student failed Math. She went from 5 yrs of honor roll in her elementary school, to failing classes. This is awful. I do NOT recommend this school to anyone that has students who might need help as they will not get it at RWMS. I hope moving her to a school that seems to care about their students will help her get back on track. They have caused a huge concern for us as now our daughter thinks school is boring and no fun and no one cares to help her. Good idea to think about a different school. Understandable why Arizona has such low ratings when you have teachers that don't care about the student.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 24, 2009

Best band and great councilers, dedicated instructors ad alot of parent involvement
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2009

This is an excellent school. Administration and staff strive to make student success their number one priority. The principal is always available to meet with parents to address any concerns appropriately. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2008

Ron watson, im a student here and i have onlie 3 things to say against the school.Showers,We need school showers its discusting that we have to be swaety pretty much all day.We also need gym clothes,i cant go around running in skinney jeans!Another thing is that classes are so boring,and im falling asleep! And no! its not beacuse i dont get enough sleep its becuase some of the teachers do not make it fun to learn and that makes it even harder to learn and gather the information that we need to suceed!
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 11, 2007

Their PTO strives to do everything they can but desperately needs more parental involvement. Officer Caylor is friendly and visible allowing for regular school function to continue. Mrs. Marron the school secretary is always professional and will do anything in her control to assist students, teachers, parents or the community. It is nice to see that there is finally grass, trees are growing though they need more, and much needed athletic fields are finally in place. This school is finally coming full circle due to limited funding. The students have been patient and for the most part a great crop of kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 11, 2007

The 7th grade teachers in particular are dedicated to ensuring that all students at Ron Watson have a diverse academic experience both inside and outside the classroom. Yes they are strict and have high standards, but this is a refreshing dose of much needed structure in most middle school student s every day life. Yes there are troublemakers, and they are dealt with accordingly. We really like the blue behavior card policy that calls for student accountability. The students may find it tedious, however it has made a large difference in classroom behavior according to my children. They are glad that there are immediate consequences for troublemakers allowing classroom management to focus on student needs and allow the lesson to continue without distraction. The principal and vice principal are swift and judicious in dealing with discipline related issues.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 6, 2007

We recently learned that due to boundary changes, our child will be attending this school in the fall. The staff have been more that welcoming and very helpful to us during this period of registration and transition. There is such a difference in the attitude of the office staff compared to her current school. We are looking very forward to attending this school in the fall. Thank you so far. From a new parent for next fall.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2007

My son is continually complaining about this school and some of the teachers. Not all of the teachers are bad but a good few are.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 31, 2006

I love the school there is some trouble makers. but they keep to themselves the kids are nice the teachers are outstanding and great they really teach . the curriculum is just awesome especially honors this the best school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 30, 2006

my son hates this school becuse of the teachers
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 22, 2006

Both my chidfren are at Ron Watson each of my children are encourage to do their personal best. Teachers are highly skilled and word hard,the principal takes the time to know each student. My oldest child graduates this year and I want to say thank you for bringing the best out of my kids and confindence they need to go out into the world. Priscilla Smith
—Submitted by Priscilla Smith, a parent


Posted August 31, 2006

I am so happy to see so many parents wanting to enroll their children in our school. I believe that Ron Watson Middle School has set the bar for academic excellence and faculty teamwork. We have a School Resource Officer that is actively involved with our students and is pleasure to work with. Our PTO is second to none. We are the best Middle School in the district.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted July 29, 2006

The best middle school my kids have been to. With the awesome office staff and teachers, Ron Watson Middle School makes up for the size of the school. I am confident the school will improve even more as the years continue. The only recommendation I have is for a shade to be put up for the students. I really like this school, great job staff.
—Submitted by Gabriel Rubio, a parent


Posted March 15, 2006

I chose to enroll my child in this school mainly because it was the closest one to our home. We just moved into town three months ago and I noticed the lack of parent-teacher communication and extracurricular activities. The school is new and so are the facilities, thus I gave a 4. Other than that, they still need a lot to improve on.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 25, 2005

This school is the best, I feel the quality of the office staff, the principle and the teachers is beyond compair. My son has been to many different schools due to our military involvment,and having to move so often. This is our last move and this time he is adjusting well (finally)in no small way due to the help and care of the staff at this wonderful Middle school. Here they take the time to work with my son and his special needs. A small school it is, but a blessing beyond compare for sure! Way to go Staff keep up the Fantastic work, we sure are proud to have our Jonathan as part of the student body at Ron Watson!
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
41%

2009

 
 
58%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
62%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
86%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

144 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

144 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
72%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

141 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
81%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

138 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
40%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

138 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
59%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

138 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
39%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

163 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
84%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 50% 41%
White 45% 45%
Black 3% 6%
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Asian N/A 3%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 58%N/A51%
English language learners 10%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 100% 81%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 19N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

9851 E. 28th St.
Yuma, AZ 85365
Website: Click here
Phone: (928) 502-7400

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT