Cesar E. Chavez Middle School

Excellent teachers, but horrible administration. Both principal's values and morals in general are all together degrading. Absolutley cannot stand the school because of them.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is boring the some teachers dont know how to teach! there are too many rules. They give us a rule book and when we use it against them, the principles they get all mad and still punish us for no reason. we do have okay field trips but we always have to pay just to go to them. they expect alot out of us when we are just kids. we have 2 security guards and they pepper spray the kids when they get into fights. i don't think they should pepper spray them unless they are going out of control. We do have a big mu room and field though. If you are considering your child to go then be my guest but make sure he will be ready for all the work they will give him.
--Submitted by a student

This is coming from a eighth grader who has been attending this school since 6th grade. First I will address the problems being addressed by the lovely parents who sat down to write their own review that they have based on the information they have witnessed and/or been given. It is true that a small percentage of the student body is of a delinquent posture, but I strongly disagree with the term 'bullying' to be a reference for these students. Furthermore I do not believe these students as a good influence no but I think if anyone were to be influenced by them are weak and lack will power. These years make the students into what they will be in the future. If any parent thinks this is a bad school trust me if you have taught your child to have courage and resist peer-pressure they WILL succeed. This school is like any other, for no one can tell me a public school is not poisoned by peer-pressure. Also, I am familiar with the office issues but let me tell you if you show up and act stubborn you'll get your way and if there's a mistake c'mon who hasn't made a mistake? The teachers are great and really want you to do well if grades are low they're always giving opportunities to do well. If there are any issues the staff isn't the problem. Even my own grades are my fault( I still have a 3.0). Trust me it's a great school and gives students opportunities that are unavailable anywhere else. Thank you. Im in IB and learning Spanish!!!
--Submitted by a student

My son is in the IB program, and is doing very well, he is an 8th grader now. 7th grade was a little hard for him, as kids now have no respect for others. It all starts at home! we as parents need to show our kids respect. CCMS teacher's are doing a great job with our students. Im very pleased with the school. Its a beautiful school.
--Submitted by a parent

i love this school it has been the best for me
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is in the 7th grade and in her 2nd year at CCMS. I like the school, I feel like some of of the front office people need more training on how to deal with issues and parents, Instead of just saying 'I'm not sure'. The majority of the teachers are awesome! I have no complaints about them, except for the amount of homework my daughter gets. I guess that is all part of the IB program. I think that if you are active in your childs education and progress you should have no problems. There is organization and communication. What more can you ask for!
--Submitted by a parent

At a glance Cesar Chavez appears to be a good school. The great neighborhood is a cover for a failing school. My daughters first quarter was interrupted by three schedule changes without even one valid explanation other than their incompetence. My daughter was not informed by the school that she had a 2nd schedule change and was repeatedly marked absent. Her academic progress has been hindered by inconsistent teachers and administration. Bullies run the campus and the classrooms. The caps program has also proven to be nothing much more than a hall of hooligans to hang out until they are bused out or picked up. The school lacks discipline and control of their student body. Granted the school does have a few quality teachers, but hardly enough to make the difference this school needs. I could go on, but seems my opinion has been stated in brief.
--Submitted by a parent

I do believe CCMS is a great school and is a very beautiful school as well, but the level of safety is what I am very concerned about. I feel something needs to be done at the school to prevent this... I do believe awareness starts at home but what of the parents that are not teaching their children about better choices in life why should my child be subjected to this? I am very concerned about this issue!
--Submitted by a parent

I chose to send my 6th grader to CCMS instead of leaving her in elementary school. I felt that the MYP (IB) program at this school would benefit her. She loves her Spanish class and her T.V. Journalism class, neither of which are offered at the elementary school level. She recently made the dance team (another activity not available at her other school) and has become a straight 'A' student. I am happy with my decision to send my daughter to CCMS. The school itself is brand new and she is lucky to attend such a beautiful school.
--Submitted by K. Finnigan, a parent