Clifton Middle School

My child is a special education student who needs a little more attention than most he was put in rsp classes and the teachers have no patients what so ever. You would think a special education teacher would be very patient. My son hates going to school at clifton and begs everyday to go to another school. The teachers are rude and have made my son who at one time loved school hate it with a passion!!!! Clifton is a horrible school for children with learning disabilities ........
—Submitted by a parent

Clifton is a wonderful middle school. There is something for everyone. The teachers/staff are very supportive. The library is fully stocked and the librarian is the best around. You feel welcomed the moment you step on campus.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child had a wonderful experience here when Deb Rinder was the principal. Now that Traci Gholar is here, the experience for my youngest is less than stellar. Ms. Gholar has never answered an email. The teachers are focused solely on state test scores. During parent-teacher conference week, it was impossible to see his teachers -- even though he was failing two classes. Why? His state test scores were Advanced, so he wasn't on the list of kids who could be seen.
—Submitted by a parent

My child came to 6th grade at Clifton after going to private elementary school. We tried to register in the spring for the following fall, but were told that they only accept registrations two weeks before school starts. We registered in August, but were told that 2 out of the 3 of the honors subjects our child qualified for were completely full. The Principal never seemed very sympathetic and just said that our child would have to wait until someone dropped out of honors. Be warned if you're thinking of transferring from private school.... you're in the back of the line. You'll only get into honors classes or anything else only if there is space left after the kids that are already there, irrespective of your child's qualifications. Unless they change things to accept new admissions when they do their class planning in the spring, you'll only get into honors if there is already an extra seat.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and after school programs are awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

Clifton Middle School is one of the greatest middle schools in our Monrovia District. The parent involvement and the great teachers help made this possible. I like the participation of the parents and the awesome involvement of our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school because my kids feel safe and they get a great education .
—Submitted by a parent

Traci Golar, the principal, is absolutely outstanding. Leadership starts from the top down, and you can see the results of this new leader already! The support the Clifton provides for students amidst a devastating budget crisis is commendable.
—Submitted by a parent

Our girls have been at Clifton for 6 years and it has been a great experience.Wonderful staff and families -- Go Cubs!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school that has gone through an incredible rebirth since our oldest started there 7 years ago. The CA Distinguished School award was only the start on the path to giving our kids a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

What I love about Clifton is that it provides such a great opportunity for kids to excel academically but to enjoy their middle school experience. They have the right balance of activities and events that keep the love of learning alive. Thanks Clifton staff, you're the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Provides Students with a good education. Prepares well for Highschool.
—Submitted by a parent

My nephew does very well at Clifton. It seems the staff keeps the kids engaged in learning at every level.

Great teachers who take the time to help the students and the principal and other administrators really care about the kids education and well being.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the way all of the teachers make each student feel valued and take the time to meet the individual needs of each student. The staff strives to help each student reach their full potential. Both of my sons love Clifton!
—Submitted by a parent

We love the teachers and the challenges and support that they provide for our daughter. It's a great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Good programing. I love school loop keeps me informed
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Clifton are very dedicated to the students and go above and beyond every day.
—Submitted by a parent

The reason why I love Clifton , it offers so much Love their extra curricular activities.. as well as all their teachers and staff .. Great school
—Submitted by a parent

Perhaps this school deserved the high ratings at some point, but not anymore. I currently have two children there - and this is the worst school experience I have ever had. My oldest daughter went to a different middle school in another city and it was wonderful compared to Clifton! With few exceptions, the teachers are unavailable to assist the students outside of the classroom. They don't give the extra attention needed to actually help students learn. I've even written letters to teachers for clarification on projects and assignments and gotten no response. On one occasion my daughter waited patiently after school outside the teachers office (as instructed) to get some tutoring on a subject she was struggling with. After waiting for almost an hour, the teacher told her he didn't have time for it and blew her off. Some of these teachers need to reevaluate their profession.
—Submitted by a parent