Twin Peaks Middle School

Twin Peaks Middle School has great teachers who have high standards and expect organization and responsibility from their students. The counselors are involved and helpful. The PTSA encourages parent involvement. Whenever someone asks my kids about their school, they always make comments about the school that are overwhelmingly positive!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm underwhelmed. My son is a new student at this school. The staff couldn't make him feel more unwelcomed even if they tried. This is a mis-understood school, it's a bad shool. Don't go there.
—Submitted by a parent

TWIN PEAKS IS A GREAT SCHOOL!!! All 3 of my boys have been through this school. The support that my children and I received from the staff and the administration was outstanding. The kids are great and teachers really care. I am beyond satisfied with our experience at TPMS!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now going into 8th grade and I have been very impressed with the high standards set by his teachers and how he has been guided to be responsible for his own work and to be organized. The rotating block schedule with the longer class periods has allowed in depth assignments in class and group learning opportunities. My son is more of the academic type and was worried about fitting in. But from day one he has always felt safe and comfortable at this school. The parents are very involved in Foundation, PTSA, and Science Olympiad and volunteer to help run events. I think this school is very focused on personal responsibility and high academic standards.
—Submitted by a parent

WHAT EVER YOU DO DON'T SEND YOUR CHILD HERE! This school has known for months that my son has been bullied and has done NOTHING about it. Even when I go to them and tell them that my 12 year old doesn't want to live anymore because of the hitting and name calling they continue to let this happen to him. They don't take care of the kids there and will not protect thier physical and mental state!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, I've been attending for 2 years. I only have one problem, some of the P.E. teachers are totally unfair about how much you have to exert yourself. Other then that it a great school and the principle is really nice.

I am a student in 6th grade here and I came from a home schooled environment (very advanced material) and all I can say is that Twin Peaks has been very frustrating for me. The teachers barely go over lessons in math, they just write it all out and expect you to get it right there on the spot. My grades have dropped tremendously from 3rd grade (the time I was last in public schools) & I just cannot seem do get them up; particularly in math. I really want to switch schools next year, hopefully it will be an easier experience.

This is a great school. It is our first year here and they where so helpful in everyway. Teachers have answered my questions right away. My children are very happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at TPMS and I was real nervous about everything at first. I was scared that I was going to get lost, that I wouldn't know anyone or meet anyone, and that I would have trouble with the block schedule. I was definitely wrong! It was real easy and even though people say that there are a lot of "trashy" kids there with piercings, mo hawks, and drugs, I haven't encountered any. Sure some kids cuss in the hallways and stuff, but you're going to find that at any school! The one problem that I have with TPMS is that some of the staff has been there for a little too long. After a teacher has been there for more than 20 years, they start to hate their job. The longer the teacher has been involved, the grouchier and more strict they are. Overall the school is okay. :)

My child is having a problem with bullies at this school. The staff/administration has been less than responsive.
—Submitted by a parent

This school could do a better job with teachers; I had a recent incident in 6th grade music class where my student got an F for not handing in her signed handbook on time because the teacher did not do his job in giving out the handbook to those students who did not have one it was up to the students to get one on their own, that was alright, however, we had an emergency computer crash that week this was explained but teacher still would not give out this handbook to be signed--I had to call the front desk at school in order to get a copy then I find out there is a deadline and my daughter rec'd an F. Confronted the teacher all he could say was basically too bad.
—Submitted by a parent

What can I say, really. The teachers are horrible and confuse assignments. The school is painted like Taco Bell. And what's worse, there is an extreme bullying problem.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has really worked out a system for transitioning kids from elementary to middle school, the village system and limited number of teachers in 6th grade really does make the shock easier for the kids. I'm really impressed with the way they have the school structured and running.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School that puts the students first. Tutorials offered by teachers is excellent. Newer principal has prioritized learning and safety of the kids. Wonderful after school programs and very supportive Parent groups.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school has greatly improved since I attended 20 years ago. My daughter is in the 6th grade, and her teachers have been very supportive, they offer after shool tutorials for kids who need extra assistance with homework or general understanding of a lesson. They have always made time for me for meetings, they are quick to respond to e-mails and phone calls. I truly believe the staff care about the students and their education. The music program is uotstanding, the director has fun with the kids while teaching them the skills they need to succeed in the program. They even offer 3 opportunities a week for kids to see the director and practice in smaller groups.
—Submitted by a parent

TPMS is a pretty good school but some teachers aren't the best. My child is about to graduate and has liked the school very much. Her 6th and 8th grade teachers were fantastic. Also, Twin Peaks has a really good band program with extremely good teachers. My child has really enjoyed band. The PE program is an excellent one too. In addition this school has been renovated and redone. The campus looks very nice now and really needed an update. In the end I recomend this school because of many outstanding teachers and fun activities for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two kids go through this school. I think the teaching staff has some high points, but most teachers appear to care less about childs education. Many teachers and the full admin staff are very unresponsive towards parents requests for meetings regarding teachers/other issues. If you have a bright student, try to send them to another school as they will be bored here.
—Submitted by a parent

The rotating block system stinks. I would not recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by Terri, a parent

Both of my daughters attend this school which is quite large. The 6th graders are in a village area of their own which is at least something. It has been renovated since we arrived which has meant trailers for classrooms for part of the time. The girls are both in the gifted program, homogenous. (you have a choice of heterogenous also.) It is a good program with the exception of the math program. The band program is excellent with dedicated teachers. Overall, a good school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs at Twin Peaks are satisfactory, though it seems that for children who are underachieving, few solutions are offered. I would say that parent involvement is high, but that is true for most, if not all, schools in Poway.
—Submitted by a parent