John Burroughs Middle School

Although they pride themselves on their reputation, the staff is rude, lazy,apathetic, unqualified and indifferent. They are big on rules, but not on anything else. The staff sneaks to their cars to use their cell phones. I can't stand this school and it is a far cry from what it once was. Too bad.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, great staff! My experience with JB is that it is an excellent school with a very caring staff. I am amazed at the extra curricular activities the school is able to offer in lieu of the dismal budget that all schools need to contend with. I had one child attend as part of the Magnet program and another child is currently attending the regular program. Both children received the same high level of instruction and more importantly support. Like every other school in the district; it is over crowded but the staff at JB do not use that as an excuse to let children fall through the cracks. Keep up the great work!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is being run on favoritism. They have unqualified and inexperienced staff in positions they shouldn't hold. For example, Special Ed. Coordinator, does not have the credential necessary to hold an out of classroom position yet holds it. School safety officer and campus aides do absolutely nothing all day other than fraternize amongst each other in what appears to be a day long lunch for them. I am glad my child is leaving as it is apparent that children with special needs are some kind of dark secret to the administration at JB.

Terrible School, tons of racism and fights. Staff are uncaring and lazy, and do not help students. If you must send your kid here sign them up for the Magnet program, if not, avoid at all costs

I am currently an 8th grader at this school, and I've really enjoyed my few years here! I've made lots of new friends, since there are over 2000 different students here! There are rarely any kinds of fights here, and the campus is pretty neat and clean. I've been in the SAS program ever since 6th grade, and I really like it! Some of the teachers here, however, don't teach properly, either because they can't handle the big classes or because they are too lazy. Overall, I'm really glad to be in this school!!

This school was a great school when I attended here and my siblings also excelled but sadly all good things come to an end. I enrolled my daughter at this school due to my fond memories and sibling encouragement. I regret my choice. I have paid private lesson in music for my daughter since she was 4 in the violin at Colburn. Last year she auditioned and requested orchestra with excitement that was short lived. Her teacher informed her that she was too young to join the senior orchestra and that he didn't care if she could play better than half of the class. He advised my daughter to help him teach and administer to the students with less experience. I spoke to this teacher and even offered a recommendation letter from her private violin teacher and he just ignored me and said that i can't always change things. He is the teacher and the school follows his decisions good or bad. I then spoke to my child's counselor and requested a transfer of class with no success. Within that year my child and other parents and students were informing me of bad language the teacher used with the students and his yelling. This teacher was fired but re hired due to lack of music teachers. Bad......
--Submitted by a parent

This is a REALLY good school. Most of the teachers are up to scratch, and it has a safe environment. Speaking as a student I can say that I've never seen a serious case of bullying at the school, and I have it was stamped out quickly. The drama program there is especially professional.

My Son enjoys this school. He is a magnet student, doing exceedingly well. I am happy I selected this school as his middle school. I really pray his 7th and 8th grade years are as successfull or even grander than his 6th grade year. As a 6th grader, he shared with me how much he adored and learned much from his magnet teachers. He is looking forward to his remaining years there...:) Go BEARS!!! :)
--Submitted by a parent

This is really a great school. Not only is it located in a safe area, but it has great academics, especially with the science teachers.

"Tell me who you hang out with and I will tell you who you are." Words uttered often by my parents and now that I have two teenagers one that is attending J.B. I often utter those same words as often as I can. Fortunately my children and their friends choose friends based on character rather than by their physical appearance. This review seems to show the individual's bias towards different ethinicities and only a person with the same mentality would agree. My daughter is in the magnet program and is concurrently enrolled at a Community College where she also holds a 4.0. Not bragging, just making a point. Because of J.B. my daughter is one of the few seventh grade females at a public school who has flown a Cesna. Perhaps what this writer is looking for is a narrow minded private school. Thanks J.B. for the quality education.
--Submitted by a parent