Albany Middle School

I would have put zero stars if i was allowed to. I am a student currently attending this middle school, and I must say, I was very disappointed. I found that the teachers provided an overall uneducational program, and the students seemed equally lazy to contribute. The basic rules every school has were not enforced at this particular school, such as dress code and language. I was often bored during class and spent my time doodling during class, despite my eager wish to expand my knowledge. I wouldn't recommend this school to any friends or family, unless they wish to practise doodling.

We love Albany Middle School! My daughter is a 6th grader and loves her teachers, she is filled with love and pride for her school and speaks daily of how great the other kids are. The safe school ambassadors program is great, the music program is fabulous and the sports (she did cross country) is wonderful. All of them have contributed to her sense of belonging to a community, her sense of personal accomplishment and her courage to take on something challenging. Her main teacher gives the class engaging assignments that my daughter gets really interested in. How many middle school parents hear their kids spontaneously shout out "School is AWESOME!!"? I never thought I'd hear my child say that, but I've heard her say it more than once...and I wasn't even asking! It just came our spontaneously. Weird, I know! Who would think a middle schooler would just blurt that out? I'm from a family of educators. We sit around and talk about pedagogy, intercultural awareness, development of children and youth...I know an incredible learning community when I see one, and I see one at Albany Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't believe the hype. Albany Middle School has alot of internal problems. It's like an abused woman who covers her bruises with makeup so that the outside world doesn't know what's really going on. Parents buy into Albany School Districts reputation of being a "good " district. After their children are enrolled and attending classes, they find that its all a farce. If you enroll your child in Albany School District, really "LISTEN" to what your child is telling you. The administrators have become experts at hiding the truth.
—Submitted by a parent

THIS SCHOOL ROCKS!! 1. KIDS ARE POLITE. 2. NUTRIOUS LUNCHS 3. BATHROOMS ARE SUPER CLEAN 4. THE TEACHERS ARE NICE. 5. THE PRICIPAL CARES. 6. VERY SMART KIDS

Albany Middle School failed my expectations and was a disappointment, as a result, my child will not be continuing in the Albany School District. Unfortunately, some of the negative things I'd heard about Albany Middle School from parents whose children attended Albany schools since elementary school, and from an interim administer, were true. There is a lot of drama, not related to academics going on within the school, which is a determent to learning. The administrators seem to be at a loss as to how to handle various situations. The grading scale is tough. A child can miss a day of school, and their grade for the class will be reflected as a "F" because of the missing classwork for that day. If anyone I knew said they were considering enrolling their child in Albany Middle School, I'd advise them against it, and to look elsewhere. Albany Middle School does not live up to its reputation. Very disappointed with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Albany Middle School feels safe, organized, and well run. Thanks to a dedicated community, many of the extras (sports, music, clubs, etc...) are available, despite the economic crisis.
—Submitted by a parent

AMS is a great school. The teachers are very kind, and try to make you feel welcome. If there were more sports for girls, that would be good, but other than that, its great! I'm very pleased with lunchtime, because the food is great and the lunch shelter is great. AMS is awesome.

As an 8th grade student attending Albany Middle, I think that this school is very good compared to others that I have gone to in the last 2 years. The extracurricular activities are especially good here and they really do a great job at making middle school a fun experience.
—Submitted by a student

I think that Albany is a great school because of the diversity
—Submitted by a parent

It has dedicated, professional teachers and staff, and the students are the best in the county!

We love the school. The teachers are the greatest and it definitely shows that they care about my child (6th grader).
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, wonderful environment. P.E. is hard if you're not used to it Watch out for the cliques though. There are a lot of nice kids though. Safe neighborhoood. Beautiful city.
—Submitted by a student

At Albany Middle School, the teachers and administrators are available to talk with parents/guardians about the progress their student is making. The students are encouraged to be more responsible for their homework, belongings, etc., but there is still a support system in place. Each student has a planner to help them keep track of what they need to do each night. There are a variety of activities offered both at lunch and after school. The campus is safe, and parents are working to make it more attractive. Parental involvement is high, providing 'extras' that the District doesn't cover. There is a volunteer-staffed program that matches every 8th grader with a writing coach for one-on-one coaching sessions during their English classes.
—Submitted by Karen, a parent

Due to the high enrollment of special needs kids, there is a long waiting list for kids who test high but are struggling academically.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a new school, big and clean classrooms. The teachers are very high quality and students should take advantage because the teachers are very willing to help.
—Submitted by a former student

Middle school can be a tough time for many young teens and I think AMS succeeds in providing a safe learning environment where a diverse student body can explore and expand their skills and interests. Academic programs seek to inspire interest in learning rather than sticking to rigid programs. My son, a lively 'athletic type' was never interested in Science before but now sees it as one of the 'coolest' subjects, thanks to his teacher. Art, drama, dance etc. are available to all students and the quality of the arts teachers is first-class. Parents are well-involved without being hyper-pressurized, and there is a regular program of free seminars that approach subjects of interest to parents like pop culture, drugs, academic excellence, learning styles.
—Submitted by a parent