William Mendenhall Middle School

As a parent whose oldest child began at Mendenhall in 2006 and youngest will promote this year, it has been amazing to see, in the past few years, the level of student learning and achievement increase; observe happy, well-adjusted students who are motivated to learn; find enthusiasm and great passion for teaching among the staff; and especially a principal and vice principal who are willing to do what it takes to ensure every student gains the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in high school and throughout life. The principal has not only tackled new student programs, which have lead to increased test scores and student success, but she has also motivated staff and given the parent community an avenue to thrive, to name a few. I am thankful my children have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful middle school and look forward to seeing all student's test "above average" and succeed in life in the years to come!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a happy, well- rounded student at MMS. Coming in I heard the stories about things that happened on campus and that parents were not welcome. I can say that this has not been our experience. We ve had a fantastic 3 years. My child feels well -prepared for high school and that is a reflection of the great work by the entire community at MMS. The staff, parents, and students work together to make MMS a great place for our children to learn. In response to the post about grade inflation I could not disagree more. While my child has always been a strong student we had some struggles this year. The teachers provided support but did not give unearned grades. One trimester of less than fabulous grades has inspired my child to return to habits of organization and dedication. There have been changes at the school. The staff is working together in new ways. Homework now meets district policy. And new approaches to intervention with struggling students are helping to close the achievement gap. This paradigm shift takes time and is beginning to bare fruit. I believe that this is only the beginning of great things to come.
—Submitted by a parent

Mendenhall is an excellent middle school. I was worried before my first child entered middle school. I had heard about all the bad things that can happen to kids when they enter 6th grade. None of my fears were realized. In fact, my children enjoy school and do well. The students at Mendenhall are encouraged to reach their individual potential. If they are struggling with their studies they are given tools to help them succeed. If they need more depth and complexity in their studies opportunities exist to satisfy those needs as well. The community at Mendenhall is also wonderful and supportive. Parents, teachers and the administration all strive to make Mendenhall the best middle school possible so that the students can excel in high school and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

"Caveat emptor" I do not accept that 75% of the student body is on the honor roll and 50% is on the Principals Honor Roll (3.67+) without grade inflation. This is my second child attending MMS and I have seen very little homework on a day to day basis. My eldest child was in 8th grade 2 years ago had courses that were of higher quality and rigor. The "Buzz" from the students is that the principal will side 100% with the student /parent by bullying the teacher into reducing coursework to a basic level that most of the class is getting 100% on tests and HW. The Principal came from Junction Ave MS which under her leadership was to total academic disaster. Why the school district is allowing her to destroy MMS as she did to Junction Ave is a mystery to me. Do not be surprised if your "A" student scores a "Basic " or worse on the CST/STAR testing.
—Submitted by a parent

I had one child already go threw this school and a another there now. It has been a great experience for both my children to date. My first was extremely prepared for High school and beyond and my second is well on the way, We have been very happy with our middle school and are glad we made the right choice with Mendenhall.
—Submitted by a parent

My younger sister is an 8th grade student at Mendenhall. She has been very pleased with all of her teachers. The curriculum is quite challenging which strongly allows her education to progress. In addition, the sport programs at Mendenhall are extremely organized. I feel that Mendenhall has fully prepared my sister for high school. I definitely plan on having my children attend Mendenhall someday.

I have two children attending Mendenhall Middle School. I have been extremely impressed with the communication between school and home. I feel very connected to what is going on. Also, the teachers are very invested in the students. I enjoy seeing teachers at many of the events sponsered by the school such as concerts, sporting events, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in eighth grade and we have been very pleased with her education at Mendenhall. The challenging curriculum has prepared her for high school and beyond. My daughter's needs have been met by her teachers, the administration and support staff. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at this school and have not been very impressed. There seems to be a huge problem with bullies and the principal has no clue how to handle it. I do not recommend this school to anyone who does not have LOTS of MONEY.
—Submitted by a parent

Dedicated teachers and staff, awesome students, and support from great parents
—Submitted by a parent

I've been going to this school for 2 years now. I am going to be an 8th grader this coming fall. All I have to say is that Mendenhall is a great school with amazing teachers and office staff. I am looking forward to this coming school year.
—Submitted by a student

We moved here from out of state and really love this school! My child is in 7th garde this year. Yes you have some good and some bad teachers but overall it is a good school and you just need to be sure to sign up on school loop so that you can stay up to date on assignments and grades!
—Submitted by a parent

Considering its demographic mix, Mendenhall is a average to good school. The vice-principal is great. The principal is rarely seen. There are issues with some staff and burnout. I had an issue with a teacher which was basically unresolvable. She would not make any accomidations at all for my daughter, who was struggling. She would not meet with her outside of class and had the attitude that if she'd just do her homework, she'd pass. Nevermind that she'd turn in completed assignments, done to specifications and receive an F. But a burned out teacher can be found at every school.
—Submitted by a parent

it is a very good school to learn at and great techers
—Submitted by a parent

My son also just finished his first year at Mendenhall. I am very impressed with the teachers he had. The homework load (in Core) was an adjustment after elementary school, but he made the adjustment by the second week and it was smooth sailing the rest of the year. The Math Dept. provides very differentiated instruction, which is wonderful. We are looking forward to the next two years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished his first year at Mendenhall. We were unimpressed by the staff, the principal and the schools attitude. I felt the school did not care about the kids at all. Too much homework, burnt out teachers, and arrogant staff. We do not look forward to next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Mendenhall for 2 years now. There are good and bad things. Way too much homework. My child does nothing but homework on weeknights, which leaves hardly any time for anything else, even dinner. If a child falls behind, and the parent is unable to be a classroom parent or scrutinize their progress, the teachers give up and focus on the other kids who excel. They treat the kids like their in college, not middle-school, in my opinion. I'd love to see less homework, and more teaching in the classroom. The music program, however, is exceptional. Their art teacher/program is pretty amazing, as well. There have been some problems with overly-involved parents causing problems - but, I guess that happens at any school. I wish there scheduled parent/teacher conferences, and less of a focus on homework.
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't disagree more with the previous review. I am sure that all schools might have a teacher or two who are burnt out, but the entire staff at Mendenhall is not that way. We have also had turnover in our administration since prior reviews and they have had a very positive impact. While I am not saying that Mendenhall is perfect, far from it, but I think that it is a good school and we are moving in the right direction. It would have been my wish that this parent brought their concerns to the PTSA at Mendenhall, because both the Principal and Vice Principal attend all meetings.
—Submitted by a parent

Thank Gosh my child is only here for 1 year! The staff is horrible, inconsiderate, rude, and extremely unfair to the kids. The kids have no direction. The schools scores may be high but the staff is burnt out. Good Luck
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to Mendenhall several years ago and I was not at all happy with the administration. I felt that they singled out students and picked on them. The school catered to the elite and had no tolerance for the average child.
—Submitted by a parent