Crittenden Middle School

My son is in his second year at Crittenden and we are continually impressed by the dedication and organization of the teachers, many of whom spend abundant out-of-school time developing their professional chops with additional collaboration and training. 7th-grade algebra, Beowulf, dissection labs, hands-on math projects...we feel confident he is building the strong foundation he'll need for advanced high-school work. Besides that, he enjoys band & jazz band, lunchtime intramural sports, after-school speech & debate and homework help...and we didn't need to leave our down-to-earth, diverse community to find these opportunities. Yes, budget cuts have hit the state and district hard, but I'm amazed what this staff accomplishes on a shoestring. The principal's open-door policy means that all parent concerns are heard and treated with respect. Our cadre of parent volunteers is small but growing, and you couldn't ask for a more balanced, friendlier group.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in her second year at Crittenden and we continue to be amazed at the great teaching staff and administration there. I honestly do not understand where negative rumors about this school come from unless it's parents who have no first hand information and are just continuing to pass them around with no evidence. Her teachers have all been excellent--enthusiastic, innovative and understanding of adolescents. Our daughter has had plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, plays in the band--led by an outstanding conductor--and participates in Destination Imagination through the school's GATE program, also led by a fabulous teacher. It really is a shame that this school doesn't get the positive "press" it deserves. The ONLY negative is that parent involvement in PTA could be higher. I guess I should be happy that Crittenden is not overcrowded and we can keep this great school to ourselves!
—Submitted by a parent

I personally think that, Crittenden was a decent school. I really enjoyed the three years I attended, though, it did lack in a few aspects: many teachers were unprepared and just taught as they go. Aside from those unprepared teachers, many were friendly and helpful. Bad influences were also taught from a number of students, and many lazy students weren't moved to try their hardest. Also, due to the budget cut, many activities, field trips, and extra-curriculars were cut, causing many students not be as involved in learning. Overall, the school was satisfactory. This school would be great if your child likes to be involved and active with the sports and activities the school provides.

The teacher worked using a textbook and not with their own knowledge. They had the most disgusting lunch ever and the lines toke forever. i toke 30 minutes for someone in the very back. They had a cheap after school program. Teachers sweared in this school which was a bad influence to the students. i regret going to this school.

I liked this school because the teachers and staff were friendly and it was easy to learn there but, some of the work was not well taught

Awful and so disappointing. Do your research, you will not be happy with this school. Lack of school activities, poor leadership, overcrowded classrooms, poor teaching skills. Overall, a failing school. Poor children that have no choice but to attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I like Crittenden teachers. As a parent if we want to see better results on estate tests, or see the rating go from 6 to 10, work harder with your children, check homeworks, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

In 6th grade when I attended Crittenden it was good enough, but as I wanted to more and more things, it became harder through the years. The sports were limited, and money is always an issue from new instruments to new gym equipment to our annual field trips being cut. The teachers were mostly hit or miss and recently I have had a lot of really unprepared teachers that don't teach very well.
—Submitted by a student

I have a 7th grader, you have to stay involved with the teachers and keep active with your childs progress. Especially if you have a shy child.
—Submitted by a parent

As long as you are an involved parent,it is a great school. My daughter is in the 6th grade and doing wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

i loved that school it was a great place to go for middle school i learned way more than i ever had in previuos middle schools and the teacher are great and allwaycs offering help!!!! it is definaltly and A+ in my book!!

I have a 7th grader at this school and my daughter loves it. Her self esteem is excellent now. She is now on the Volleyball team, in intermediate band and has very hard classes that she loves. The teachers are great and give her help when needed. I am amazed at what she is learning. I recommend this school.
—Submitted by Suzy Gorme, a parent

Crittenden provides an excellent academic environment with an outstanding cirriculum that challenges, stimulates and encourages children of all levels of performance to excel to acheive their personal peak. My daughter has been involved with the music program for two years and continues to enjoy her experience there. Parents, including myself, often volunteer to chaperone field trips, coordinate and orgainze fund raising events, help out in the classroom, perform tasks helpful to office staff and teachers, and other areas that benefit the children and our school. Panther Pride is strong among our families and we strive to do the best we can for our kids and each other.
—Submitted by a parent

Good teachers, nice campus, so-so parent involvement, not much money to fund art and music, very diverse student population.
—Submitted by a parent

Alumi- Pretty good school, the principal was very involved with the matters going on. Teachers were nice, and they actually cared about the kids.
—Submitted by a former student

Alumi- Pretty good school, the principal was very involved with the matters going on. Teachers were nice, and they actually cared about the kids.
—Submitted by a former student

Crittenden has been positive and negative for my daughter. Her best experience has been the interaction and caring the educators at Crittenden have shown. The negative is the disappointing attitude and non-participation of the children that attend.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with Crittenden's reading program and their focus on writing skills. They focus on helping all students succeed by providing intervention programs for students who are struggling, rewarding those who put forth their best efforts and providing extra challenges for students who desire higher accademic challenges. Parent and community involvement is encouraged. They take your comments (parent & student) seriously and address the issues that are a concern. Overall I am pleased with how the school operates and with their accademic program.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a strong academic structure. Great campus and facilities. There is not enough parent envolvement and no extracurricular activities other than after school sports. Not enough money in the district to provide these extras.
—Submitted by a parent