Rogers Middle School

As a parent of an 8th grader I have seen the "boring" assignments aka worksheets and copying definitions as well as many opportunities and even requirements for creativity.. There are many projects which allow for individualized work. We are in he GATE program so I can't speak for the whole school. In GATE there are often options for the way the child wants to learn. I believe it is usually the class size that inhibits individualized teaching (and sometimes even teacher grading-- I understand having your peers grade your paper in math where there is one right answer,. But in english to have a weak writer critique a strong writer's paper?). Like any school there are some stronger and weaker teachers and some that are a good fit for one kid and not another. And even a good teacher can have a bad year (ever had a parent with cancer? Kind of affects your work). I have found the teachers to be VERY open to my questions and concerns. Except one....who is (drumroll) now gone. Yes, parent concerns were addressed! I have also gotten immediate action on both academic and peer concerns from administrators who listened very respectfully.they were also responsive to my child.
--Submitted by a parent

After reading the review from 2/21, I felt compelled to respond. I am one of those office workers that the writer thinks is rude. I think we have one of the best office staffs in the district and this is constantly confirmed by visitors. My only advise to this parent is that if you are this unhappy, why are you still here. We have a very long waiting list of students who would like to attend this awesome school, so we could use the space.
--Submitted by a teacher

It's such a shame that more parents don't have time to post reviews here, because one unhappy parent with plenty of time on their hands can completely skew the ratings. Rogers is an amazing school, the administration and staff are very caring, ESPECIALLY the office workers. The teachers work very hard to engage the kids in learning and provide opportunities for creativity and self expression throughout the year. The school's budget has been more impacted than many other schools during this time of crisis because of a loss of funding due to a slight socioeconomic shift in the population, and yet the level of education has remained the same or improved. The music program is phenomenal and a very small portion of the parents work very, very hard to raise the money necessary to provide the opportunities for all of the music students to be able to travel and participate in competitions. Of course, those parents are the ones who are too busy to post here, and those who have enough time to post negative reviews clearly are not involved enough in their child's education to know what is actually happening at Rogers. It is hands down the best middle school in Long Beach.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are stuck with a kid in this school, be assured that it seems not to be typical of LBUSD. The teachers give boring assignments. The administration is uncaring. Even the secretaries in the office are rude to parents and students alike. The emphasis is on discipline, keeping kids in line and passing standardized tests. Assignments discourage creativity; more often than not my kids are asked to do an assignment by filling out a template. Any variation from the template will bring them a bad grade. The music instruction in this school is great, but favoritism, often purchased through an annual fundraiser, is obvious and reigns. So you can have a kid who is talented, but if you aren't a music administrator in LBUSD, your kid will not be in a prominent position. You can buy your kid a good chair in the orchestra by bidding on a day with the music teacher at Disneyland. I have other children in elementary and high schools in LBUSD where there are caring teachers, kind administrators and even coaches who demonstrate profound interest in students. It is very, very hard to find anything like that at Rogers Middle School. If you can, stay away.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student at Rogers Middle school and it is such a wonderful and amazing school! The teachers are so helpful and provide you with a wonderful educational experience! The teachers have so many excellent ways to teach us in a fun, but educational way! I love this school. I wouldn't want to be in any school other than Rogers.

Rogers MIddle School is amazing! I luv it and am currently an eight grader and am so depressed to be leaving this great school. The gate program is awesome and the campus, although smaller than Stanford is acceptable with the huge field of grass. Our girl, boys soccer is the best and so are our girls volleyball. If you are advance in these sports and even track and field than i recommend that you attend Rogers. WE took it to the nationals all three years that i was here. The teachers are great especially the music teacher. All of his students love him and they advance day after day after attending his music class. I HIGHLY recommend him if you are interested in music. The teachers are great although some would need a little more effort than usual, but that is why you have your mates to talk to. :) You will instantly make new friends i guarantee it! The academic program is terrific and the neighborhood is amazing with Lowell Elementary right next door.

Rogers is a great school. i'm currently a 7th grader. Some of the teachers are mean and strict but there are some awesome teachers. they are really good teachers too, i learn a lot. i really hate the uniform. overall i definitely recomend rogers. ive had kinda fun for the 2 years ive been here.
--Submitted by a student

I hate this school it is a horrible enviornment the teachers are unexxperienced and un caring and the uniforms do not allow us to express our creativity i understand uniforms are to eliminate the 'my clothes ate better than yours' but still i think it reppresses students creativity there are also too many chick cliques so rude any way i do not recommend this school dont be fooled by its 'small school charm' that adds insult to injury.
--Submitted by a student

I have just joined Rogers Middle School as a 6th grader, and honestly, THIS SCHOOL ROCKS! We have sooo much fun there, and I highly recommend the school. And if, parents, you have a child who isn't in the age of middle school years, it is literally right next to the elementary school- Lowell. I also went there and it is so cool as well. At Rogers, the principal is so nice and kind, and so is every other staff. This is the middle school you should choose.
--Submitted by a student

I've just joined rogers as a 6th grader, its been truly amazing and fun! I might never want to leave! If you are looking for a good music program, this is the best place! The music teacher this year is the best. He is so funny and awesome! HE ROCKS! I think I've said too much, come see for yourself!
--Submitted by a student