White Hill Middle School

My child has had a wonderful experience at White Hill. The staff and administration have been caring and responsive. I'm not sure about the previous "teacher's" review - the principal has been there and hasn't changed for three years! I volunteer at the school "walking with wildcats" and the kids are remarkably well-behaved. This school deserves its high ratings. Beware negative ratings that may not be "real."
--Submitted by a parent

I worked at this school on a part-time basis and was placed in a class of wildly misbehaving 7th graders. I did not get any support from either the principal (who has since been replaced), the office staff or the teacher in adjacent 7th grade classroom, who had amazingly little concern for their inappropriate behavior. The students threw food around the classroom, used their Ipods without permission, misused a computer in the room and even left the classroom without permission. The principal actually complained when I sent several of them to the office. It was among the worse behavior and the most lax administration attitude I have seen in many years of work in Marin County schools.
--Submitted by a teacher

White Hill Middle School celebrates mediocrity. Visiting parents should visit an Honor Roll Assembly, where more than half of the school is called up. Like Lake Woebegone, every child here is above average. I just dread when my child faces real challenges. The office staff was notoriously unfriendly, including yelling at my child, but there was never any consequence. My child saw several feature length movies, which seems like a waste of class time. There is so much being squandered at White Hill, including my child's love of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to the school district because of the ratings, but high test scores are not everything and I think sometimes measure the students' background, not the quality of education. White Hill has been a horrible experience for my son. The administration seems much more concerned about defending against their reputation for drugs on campus than they are the actual students. Bullying is often a part of middle school life, but is out of control at this school. My son's friend was afraid to get an average haircut! I was informed by the school counselor that another student refused to go to school because of being bullied. 3 years of teachers...there have been some good ones. Especially a 7th/8th grade History/English team. There have also been many clearly just passing the day. My son's math teacher asked the class what she could do better. The class does the EXACT same thing every day. My son answered that she could make it more fun. She responded that it was not her job to make math entertaining! Really? Because I'm trying to raise a life long learner and feel that is precisely your job. There are many ways to make math fun while practicing and learning the formulas.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a son enrolled at this school and so far him and his grades are fantastic at this wonderful school. Five stars!
--Submitted by a parent

White Hill is an outstanding middle school in every way. Parents who question its quality should spend some time on the campus. The teaching is top-notch, the students are happy, the enrichment program is the best, especially when considering the small size and limited funding the school receives. Did you know the per pupil spending is far below average for Marin County? Did you know that the teacher salary schedule is 15th in the county? This school is an amazing package all-around, and deserves the respect, appreciation and acknowledgment of all that it offers our kids. The only drawback to this district is that a few vocal parents criticize without seeing the staff and students for what they are. My GATE kids have excelled and blossomed at this school thanks to the talented and dedicated staff. I'm proud that my kids go to White Hill.
--Submitted by a parent

The Principal deals with problems quickly and decisively, and keeps the peace. My daughter loves her school and all her teachers, and is doing very well there.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm an eighth grader at WHMS and I've had an over all great three years there. The councelors helped me through the toughest of times, 75% of the teachers are a joy to be taught by, and the kids 90% of the time get along. Sure, there's bumps along the road ith 11-14 year olds, but seriously, what middle school is completely clique and bully free? I've really enjoyed my time at White Hill and i honestly reccomend it to anyone.
--Submitted by a student

The teachers here expect you to bring your grades up with no help. and right when you are getting to the top, the find something to discourage you.
--Submitted by a student

The teachers are excellent. White Hill has great after school programs. At school they have a snack shop(with only heathy food). They have a basket ball team, volley ball and soccer. I would suggest this school to everyone.
--Submitted by a parent