Excelsior Middle School

So glad I got my daughter out of this school. To have a straight A student dislike going to school,b/c majority of students were not there to learn, but to socialize was frustrating. She would come home from class regularly telling me about 30 minutes wasted of not learning anything b/c that is how long it would take for teacher to get class on task.Also, any kids not doing well on tests were allowed to retake to get a better grade. How can they do that! So my daughter worked hard to get her A's, but someone else can get F's and retake the same test to get an A?? This school is setting up kids for failure, by not holding them accountable. The only teacher that holds kids accountable..Mrs. Long.. is the one that gets the most complaints from parents. Wake up parents! She is the only one that is holding your kids to high standards! 80% of kids at this school are rude, disrespectful, and feel entitled to follow their own rules when it comes to education and personal character. Material things seem to be more important than RESPECT at this school. SOOO glad to be out of there!
—Submitted by a parent

Strong principal leadership and group of teachers who lead school ... most impressed with zero tolerance of bullying culture on campus ... truly a positive place for kids with strong support and care ... academics also strong from many teachers though staff also has members who have lost their zeal for the profession but are too protected by tenure and the union for district to be able to act except to work around them. My daughter loves this school with fabulous sports programs, county award winning drama and arts program and looking forward to the new year in the new library, office, theatre and cafeteria with a new classroom building and gymnasium coming soon!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a major bully problem that the administration refuses to address. I have spoke with the superindent office to and they also refuse to look into it stating that those problems are left to the principal yet when I applyed for an inter district transfer for my son to get him away from the problem the district refused stating finacial reasons. Otherwise they wont keep him safe but he cant go to a school that will because they want the money for him. And this bullieing happens right in the classrooms!
—Submitted by a parent

Is it smelly? YES. The gym smells like dirty feet and has since my oldest son started there in 2001 but the programs available (not sure what will be available NEXT year) and the education they get is very good. My 13 year old son can watch Jeopardy and do very well thank you. Are the teachers all equal? Of course not, some are nicer, some take no crap at all, not a word, not a late paper, so there is no 'administrative policy' but if your child does his or her work and doesn't ever speak out of turn, it's a good school. I know because other children (not my outspoken ones) are doing well after middle school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is improving every year, and the teachers are outstanding. There are programs for kids who need help, and the Art, Music and leadership groups are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm going into my 8th grade year at Excelsior and it is wonderful!!! TEAM really helped me and the fun rallies made me want to improve even more....The sports teams are great ive been doing volleyball for 3 years now and it has been great because they incourage you to strive! The teachers are great because thay work with you if you have a grade problem, or even a friend problem...Rumors are just making you think that this is a horrible school but i'm telling you that ive been there and experianced it and it is the perfect school for and student! I'm very happy for next year!!!! Thanks, Ashlee
—Submitted by a student

I love this school. TEAM has really helped my son. His teacher checks his grades with him every week and calls me when there is a missing assignment. He loved the play Annie! He is really becoming a nice young man and Excelsior has made a major difference in his life! I love going to the rallies where they award all of the perfect attendance students and 3.0 or higher kids. He really worked hard to be recognized in GOLD (3.5+ GPA). This school is perfect for us.
—Submitted by a parent

poor facility. few good teachers. run down. dirty. infested. ect.
—Submitted by a student

excelsior middle school is amazing! it keeps improving every year. almost all the teachers make you feel like you have a place at school. i absolutley love it. I am going into my 8th grade year and i am cerinaly looking forward to it.
—Submitted by a student

This school was horrific. While I was being bullied day after day by a good portion of the school I felt as though the administration was doing nothing to help me. It is rare when you find a kind, loving and respectful student in this school; I heavily advise for you to send your child elsewhere.
—Submitted by a student

This is the worst school my daughter has ever been to! Shes had horrible, mean teachers and horrible teaching as well Im so glad my daughter is going to a diffrent school. Shes only in sixth grade!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great. There are only few problems with the teaching staff but alltigether it is a very safe place.
—Submitted by a student

Great school. Being new in this school, they have performed more than my expectation since my kids joined. No regret so far.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had two kids graduate out of EMS, and I'd say that it's the best of the BUSD schools. Very concerned about the kids progress, academically and emotionally. What to do after middle school is really the problem for me. A bit too focused on [state] test scores and test taking, in my opinion. Parent involvement is definitely lacking. A great middle school experience overall.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! Tight knit community, well organized and friendly office staff, outgoing administration, dedicated teachers, altogether EMS is a fantastic place for my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

I have seen my grandson go from above average to below average for his first year at this school. I hope we never have to make him attend school here again. The lack of concern shown for such a talented student is inexcusable. There is no conflict resolution to prevent problems. I have two daughters and a son that never had to deal with the conflicts my grandson has had to deal with at this school. [This] school needs a great deal of improvement for its students. Doris J. Smith

Excelsior Middle School is going to have their best year yet. All of the teachers and counted on some students are forcing the positivity on the younger students and the older. So far there hasn't been any fights and don't believe the rumors that the outsiders say about how the school is bully because it's not all about the bullying. All the students want to do here is hang around, talk to their friends and most just want to achieve their goals weather academically or physically. All we need right now is more cooperation from both students and parents to help keep the school safe like its been so far.
—Submitted by a student

Academically the school has continued to become stronger. As a partn I have been disappointed in the parent support of the school and the students. Parents are more willing to complain than to roll up their sleaves and take responsibility for their children, as well as their own actions. Those students and parents who don't feel school and academics are important are holding back my children and the goals of their teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school I have ever been to. It offers great learnage, gives you a good time, but most importantly, is full of love. The children and it's safety are mind blowingly good. The teachers are always sharp eyed for the students, and fights never break out. The teachers are also very determined on helping the kids. If they see a bad grade or someone in need, they do whatever they can to help. Not only that, but things such as dances and field trips are phenominal. The parents love to help out, and the children really enjoy it too. My favorite field trip, I think, was when we went to the Art Museum Of. Although, the principle is never around which is often quite stinky, Excelsior Middle School is highly recommened, for all ages, if you want fun and learning mixed together in bowl of happiness.
—Submitted by Michael Gutierrez, a former student

My son was a student at Excelsior Middle School during the 2004-2005 school year. I have never encountered such problems within a school in my entire life. My son's grades suffered tremendously. He entered this school with a 3.25 GPA, and left that school failing in almost every class. The administration in this school is horrible. They don't seem to believe in solving problems, but in turning a blind eye to them. If you have a child entering this distict in the 6-8 grades, my advice to you is to run, not walk, as fast as you can to ant alternative school you can enroll your child at!
—Submitted by a parent