Joan MacQueen Middle School

Teacher invalidated my child's skill level, this left my child academically underestimated and bored in class---- resulting in inattentiveness and underachieving. I am very disappointed with this schools overall performance and ability to foster my child's success.
—Submitted by a parent

My Son goes to this school currently(2012). I find their disciplinary actions harsh. The Aids are very rude to both my son and myself. The do not listen to the child's side of the story when looking to punish him. The hand out pink slips and referrals like Hotcakes. I am the first to admit when my kid has done something wrong but punishing him for something he obviously did not do its ludicrous. I am Looking into charter schools for my son at the moment. I can't wait to pull him out of Joan MacQueen. They do not handle issues well at all. In my opinion if you can't handle kids you shouldn't be working at a school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, but it has lack of the entire school being involved. Also, the school aids are not all that nice, also if the entire district would of thought of a way on how to spend money. Many teachers are being layed off and there are only about three groundskeppers to not only keep this school clean, but three other schools in the district. But, not to forget the hundreds of other schools facing this same problem. Other than the entire school working together and aides being more respectful to students, and students being truly saddened by there teachers being layed off, Joan MacQueen Middle School is a great school for learning. -Jmms 8th grade student

This school has been a very positive experience for my 7th grader who is in honors. The kids seem positive which is needed for all schools. I like the way the school communicates by voice mail when their is a school-wide message, keeping the parents informed. Getting in and out in the mornings and after school seems to go pretty quickly even though it's very busy. There's been lots of activities to make the middle school experience a fun place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

thank you for looking over my child and trying to find a way to comunicat with him and making it your priority in finding away to pass the 8th grade and finding a positive way for him to study and learn with your efforts being highly comendable I thank you Hal and Brian
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at JMMS during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years. I thought the school was okay. I'm a pretty average student that comes from a pretty average middle-class family. The courses that I took were alright. (Very easy homework load in grade-level courses, compared to high school classes.) The dress code was heavily enforced, and sometimes it got a little ridiculous and pointless. The teachers were thorough but really fast paced (which I liked). I enjoyed my time there but I always remembered I wanted to switch schools because the kids that attended JMMS were brutally rude.
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a 7th grader at Joan MacQueen middle school. My daughter transferred from a private school to JMMS.At first I was very nervous about the transition. My daughter has always excelled in academics. JMMS has given her more opportunities than a private school did. Her teachers are great, anytime I have had a question they are very helpful . The office staff is wonderful, and Mrs. Firth is outstanding. When I first visited the school I felt welcomed. My daughter has made some really good friends. I like the discipline and dress code. I also like the fact they hold the children accountable for their actions. Unfortunately that doesn't always happen in private schools. We are very happy at JMMS we would never go back to private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Joan MacQueen is a great school I learn so much there it's kind of scary. My test results raised by alot
—Submitted by a student

If you don't mind your child being bullied and having a miserable year, send them to JMMS. Some of their rules are ridiculious and the ones that should be inforced aren't always addressed. Extra curriculm activities are a joke, and you won't find quality education here, yes it's all the states fault, no budget, I have to wonder. I actually have a difficult time getting communication from some of the teachers concerning home work. I have one child doing well and the other is suffering and has been. I removed my child from JMMS only to let them come back to graduate with peers. What a mistake! Unfortuneately, unless we move we do not have a lot of options. We are considering some for our other children. Not my favorite school!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has had an overall good experience at JMMS! I think that homework is too much and takes away from family time! I really like there PE program. The teachers have been great! I love the E-mail communication I find it very easy to reach his teachers. This will be his last year, and I think he will go into high school prepared!
—Submitted by a parent

The sixth grade teachers at JMMS are really nice like Mrs Asfazadour and Dr Lancaster.
—Submitted by a student

I a student at jmms in 7th grade, I am in the honors classes so we are pushed a little bit more than the other classes, but Mrs.Hohimer makes sure homework can be completed in class and really makes math/science fun. Unfortunally, the principal does not do much except sit in her office, but the assistant principal is very inlvolved. The schol also needs to create more elective chocies, and let 6th graders have elective too. elective is a fun time to hang with friends and have fun. but deciding is hard because of the very few good elective classes, and almost all of them cannot be retaken, leaving the students to take unwanted electives, but i dont blame them, al teachers dont want to stick around for an extra period. Otherwise, the school is very fun and enjoyable.anyway, i cant wait to be an 8th grader!
—Submitted by a student

This school is the worst ever. Teachers are not on track and they have some of the most rediculious rules. Not my favorite in the Alpine district.

I am a student at JMMS. This is my last year I really enjoy this school and most of its things to offer. I believe this school is above average in every subject. I'm in honors classes and they do help me reach the level of difficulty I like to be at. All teachers would jump over backwards to help any student that needs help... in any subject. Most teachers are very personable and fun to be around. The only thing that could be a little better is all we do has to do with academics. I would enjoy if we had to do art and music. They do have electives though. Also, I believe, that 6th graders need electives, or a down time just like 7th and 8th graders have. Yet, over all, this school is a wonderful school for learning and for friends.
—Submitted by a student

It's a great school. My 6th grader loves it. The teachers are supportive and communicate well with the parents. The programs are wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

The academic program is good. The music, art and sports, etc., are insufficient. Parent involvement is good. Principal leadership is very poor. Teacher quality is satisfactory. Some are excellent, but more are very poor.
—Submitted by a parent

So far (this is my student's 6th grade year), this school's special programs and special education services are fantastic and have exceeded my expectations. The principal and teachers are innovative, responsive, and genuinely invested in equipping students for success. I hope to see a continuing trend in structuring classes and programs that cater to students' varied learning styles and academic needs. JMMS has done a superb job in identifying students with alternative learning styles, and optimizing the delivery of the standard curriculum for broader achievement. I would love to see the elementary schools in the Alpine district follow suit...
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! My daughter has had an awesome experience! She raves about how great it is (I can't get her to stop!) The academic programs are excellent including advanced work for advanced kids, the sports program is great (my daughter lost 10 pounds!) and parents are very involved. The only bad thing is disipline. Overall, this scool is great!
—Submitted by a parent

This school lacks tremendously in the communication department. Very poor communication on the part of the teachers. Not all, but most. The result of that is your child suffers.
—Submitted by a parent

JMMS has offered my daughter a quality education, with a great emphasis on a positive learning environment. The school allows children to progress at various paces, dependent upon their strengths & weaknesses. They offer a great deal of after-school sports programs. The school library is quite extensive. Music and art aren't their strong points, but I believe that is dictated by the lack of overall interest by families in the community. Overall, our experience with Joan McQueen Middle School have been postive.
—Submitted by a parent