Marshall Fundamental School

Wow, where do I begin? A few years ago I left a review on this page (I was a freshman at the time) and now i'm a senior. Yes, a senior can you believe it? The years have gone by so fast. Faster than expected actually. I have been here since the 7th grade and have loved this school since. I've met so many amazing friends that have now become family and teachers that all genuinely care about me and my education. It's been rocky along the way but with the help from the Marshall community I was able to get this far. The days are getting closer and closer to the day I graduate, the day that I do graduate I will be proud to say that I graduated an Eagle! We're almost there Class of 2013! Just a little bit longer!:)

Marshall is an amazing school. I am currently going to be in high school this year, and I must say, my middle school experience has been amazing. The teachers actually care about their students and push them to try their hardest. Marshall was the first (and i believe the only) to have and AP Prep class for 6th grade (there are actually 3). The orchestra/band and choir classes are wonderful (I've been in both) the teachers will give you songs that you wouldn't expect to hear from middle school students. The teachers are brilliant. If you are in AP classes, once you start the transition into 7th grade, you get summer homework. It's not always easy, but I like the fact that they give it to us because it keeps you challenged throughout the summer and you continue an education even when you are not in school. The classes are interesting, and the teachers will do whatever they can to help you understand the work that comes along with the class. All in all, I adore Marshall and it's a wonderful school to help prep for college. You don't find "cliques" at Marshall, so being excluded is not an issue, many people are very warm and welcoming to new students. Bullying is scarce. 5/5 stars

The music program at Marshall is one of the most amazing institutes I've ever been in! The leadership in band is like no other! This marching season we sadly lost our band director, leaving us with a substitute Teacher until we were able to Find a new director. During that time the members of the marching band took responsibility of the entire music program, which included beginning courses in band and orchestra, which consists of mainly junior high kids. The band members became stand in teachers and taught the beginning and intermediate classes by themselves for about 2 months. After they pulled off such a miraculous feat, the marching band went off to win 1st place in competitions. The music program is really out of this world at Marshall. Music is considered to be a great asset to Marshall, so it's always appreciated by school officials. I rate Marshall music 5*s

Marshall encourages academic excellence for all of its students. I am proud to be a part of its fine staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a retired teacher from Marshall who maintains substantial contact with the school in both paid and volunteer capacities. The strong academic/AP program, the high degree of parent involvement, and the very active music program all stand out. Underlying all these is the strong leadership (administrators) which took charge about five years ago. What a pleasure it has been to witness a school which has been transformed for the better during the past five years. I would be remiss not to mention the impressively large number of simply wonderful young people who are our students; their high caliber makes the rest possible.

wow! I have a 12th, 10th and 8th grader and one who graduateded in 2006 , as is now attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point New York , Marshall has definaetly been a very big part of our lives for the past 8 years and even to find the right words to express my love and appreciation for the awesome teachers ,and staff and parents that volunteer and not to mention the great students we have from all diverse backgrounds, Marshall has great Teachers that work very hards to help all students acheive their highest goals ,dreams and potiential to get them ready for the real world ,not only acedemecly but socialy as well , my sons and daughter have all been a part of Marshalls AP programs and honor classes , and clubs and even what they Love the most,Sports!Thank You Marshall & God Bless You.
—Submitted by a parent

i went to marshall since 6th grade and i am now an 8th grader attending at a different school because we moved but i honestly would do anything to return to that school. i had very good teachers an got along with all of them. they made me fell comfortable in discussing stuff. i had many very good friends. i love Marshall =]]
—Submitted by a student

My daughter entered the 6th grade at Marshall this year and I can proudly say that she is loving it. She is constantly challenged, and many assignments involve working as a team with other students. I am thrilled at the enthusiasm my daughter has to go to school each day. We did begin in a local private school, but early on found Pasadena schools have far more to offer. We look forward to a great education for many years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 9th grade and has come from private school to Marshal. We could no longer afford private school due to finances. I was concerned when he first started that he would not be challenged enough. To the contrary, he has excellent classes and teachers in the honors program and appears to be blending in successfully with the other students. He has already made new friends. I couldn't be happier with the way things have turned out.
—Submitted by a parent

Although I would rather have given the school 3 and 1/2 stars, I believe that this school has qualities not acquirable by most well-off schools in the higher-grade districts. The relationship between students with each other and with teachers is likely to be found no where. Students are encouraged to be themselves and find their own talents/strengths, unlike many vigorous schools that focus too much on the letter grade and what's on paper rather than on the individual child/student. The reason, however, that it is not, in my opinion, 4 or 5 stars is that some (1/4 of the) teachers simply don't do their job correctly. There is not enough vigor and competitiveness in the classrooms because teachers will often give out easy A's and not push the students to actually learn the subject. There are, of course, many exceptions--some of the teachers are simply brilliant.
—Submitted by a student

I currently have 2 students at Marshall and have been very pleased with the academic rigor to which they are exposed. They are challenged in their AP and honors classes and have had wonderful experiences in band and on various sports teams. Any student who attends Marshall has the opportunity to excel and flourish academically. Those who are the most successful have parents and/or guardians who view their child's education as a partnership so they are active and stay in communication with the staff as well as keep abreast of school happenings. For those who are wondering...I've not once been worried for the safety of my children and I'll happily send my youngest there in another year.
—Submitted by a parent

I been attending marshall since 6th grage i am now a senior for class of 2008. Marhsall is one of the best school ever .Stdent ther have a very safe enviroment and the school staff is the most friendlies.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a 2007 graduate of Marshall. I am now in my plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy. Marshall has definitly help me learn how to interact with different cultures and has prepared me for the diverse ethnicity in the military.

My daughter has attended Marshall since 6th grade and came there with 85% of her graduating class from Dom Benito Elementary. They opened a couple new honor classes for them and she continues to be with many of her peers from Kindergarten. We are very happy at Marshall and much more so than with PHS that my other daughter attended. Marshall is well run with top-notch leadership. My daughter is now in the AP program and we are extremely impressed with all her teachers. She is part of the art club and going on a trip to Europe with her art teacher. Great art, music, and theatre programs at Marshall also! I would definitely reccommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, I do agree with the parent reviews for Marshall Fundamental School. My daughter have attended since 8th grade, September 2005. I do agree with 1 of the parent review about students standing on the corner near the store, dropping & picking up is ridiculous, traffic congestion, staff turnover, better traffic supervision near the school, dress code, etc. This fall, my daughter willn't be returning back to Marshall, she will be attending another high school in the district.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at Marshall's Middle School. The quality of the academic programs continues to be top-notch. We have found that even at the middle school level, Marshall offers many extracurricular activities including band, choir, orchestra, sports, art, Spanish & French, computer, and drama. The music program this year is stronger than ever! In addition to the various electives that Marshall offers its students, there are also several clubs such as drama, film, art, chess, science, etc. that they can join. The current level of parent involvement has grown ten-fold since our first year at Marshall. This year the PTA has enlisted a Volunteer Coordinator that communicates areas in need of assistance and coordinates with the parents to fulfill those needs. In summary, we love Marshall! We look forward to continuing on this Fall in the High School program.
—Submitted by a parent

pretty big,good teachers,as far as i've seen not too bad.
—Submitted by a former student

I was quite nervous about my 7th grader starting at Marshall, primarily due to the combination of high school students, racial issues, dress code (or lack there of) and the lack of 'community' that one fosters at an elementary school. I, however, would like to see six areas addressed: 1)a definite dress code ENFORCED(possibly uniforms); 2)better management of the students hanging out on the corner of that store; 3) better supervision on the street corners, especially w/ regard to crossing in traffic. Students will walk against the light, some very slowly w/o regard to cars; 4)better drop-off/pick-up of students. Some parents will hold up the entire line of traffic to drop off a child. 5) the number of times that 'substitute' teachers are in the classroom is somewhat disconcerting; and 6)the inability of teachers to control the student(s) who are disruptive and thus punish the entire class.
—Submitted by a parent