Mesa Verde Middle School

The teaching here is antiquated. Teachers provide outdated handouts and worksheets on a regular basis, and almost no technology is taught or used in class. Where is the collaboration, problem solving and discourse that these higher level learners are capable of? Why so much rote teaching and rote homework? Why do a majority of the teachers have students grade other student's work in class? Much time is wasted on the great minds in this community. It is feasible to say that the high test scores are a result of the intrinsic knowledge the students bring with them, not the teaching. Ask your child how many hands-on, collaborative labs they complete in science each week, and if they are using multiple sources of evidence to support claims. It is sad.
—Submitted by a parent

In the three years my learning challenged child was there he was never once offered any type of help or service. Instead he was blamed as being lazy. The next school quickly identified a serious learning disorder and provided testing and services. The counselors comments to me and my son were disrespectful and ignorant. The teachers, especially in 8th grade were nothing short of cruel.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately my experience here was unpleasant at best. Daughter's grades suffered and meetings with teachers was not a possibility except with one teacher. Most teachers did not return calls or emails. Sadly the one teacher that did meet with us began accusing my daughter of lying, and then would apologize and say she found the assignment or whatever it was she was accusing her about. The issue with that teacher was so big, I escalated to the principal and we agreed that my daughter should be moved to a different class. My daughter mostly failed 8th grade here. Not for my lack of support and help, but that of the teachers. Some kids were vicious bullies with slanderous rumor-milling and even though principal was brought in on occasions, nothing was stopped.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is truly amazing! I came to this beautiful academy in the 6th and sadly had to leave in the 8th. Those 3 years were the best I had ever experianced. I met tons of friends here and the teachers here are awesome! I love Mesa Verde, the parents, staff, teachers, and students. I greatly recommend this school to any other students or parents in the Poway Unified School District or any where else in San Diego County because, it is worth the drive. Have a thought about joining this school, because this school is wonderful. I cried when I left, 8 years ago.

This school is amazing! I came to Mesa Verde in 7th grade and I loved the experience. I met many good friends here and I had great teachers. I'm currently in 8th grade at this school, and I'm still liking the school. I certainly recommend it to any other students/parents who are thinking about joining this school, because this school is wonderful.

My child attended Mesa Verde for 8th grade only. We moved to this area from another state. My child's experience was less than satisfactory on many levels. The primary issue was that he had been in an accelerated/gifted class since he had been in the first grade at his old school. Mesa Verde had no room, and it seemed little desire, to place him into the equivalent program in CA (called GATE). He was bored in his classes (except math) and never really clicked with any of the other kids. Mesa Verde did offer a geometry class that allowed him to continue his math (he had algebra in the 7th grade). I thought the material was well presented and the teacher appropriately pushed the students. As a final parting shot, at the 8th grade graduation when students with high GPAs were recognized, my child was not recognized even though he easily made the GPA cutoff (he had nearly straight A's at both his old school and Mesa Verde). I'm sure Mesa Verde is a great school for lots of kids, but they didn't seem very motivated to make it a good experience for transfer students. He's much happier in high school now, and very happy that Mesa Verde is behind him.
—Submitted by a parent

A great middle school. I attended Mesa Verde for grades 6-8, when the new campus was first opened. I am surprised to see that most of the original founding staff is still there, several of them even in the same classrooms. I was lucky enough to have awesome teachers, but I know that some of my friends did have complaints about their teachers. I feel that it was an academically challenging setting since I was in GATE all 3 years. The only thing that I feel is a minor downfall was the lack of extracurricular activities. I know that there are more current offerings, but Mesa Verde was lacking some when I was there. Great school, great staff, and the test scores prove it!
—Submitted by a student

Everybody seems to rave about the Poway school district. However, the schools are only as good as each inidvidual teacher. Standards should not be flexible. There is more to a school than state testing. Student GPA's probably reflect more on a school than standardized fill in the circle tests. (Don't forget with these tests that a student automatically has a 25% chance of answering the question successfully). Instead of the schools praising themselves they should learn from both the positive and negative feedback that they receive. An outstanding school is one that does not ignore negative issues, but learns from them. The Poway school district does have positive attributes, but there are many other school districts that exceed this performance level.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter attend here and there is a discipline problem there. The teachers are wonderful, however, and my children enjoy many after school activities, as well. The problem is that school does not have referrals. Yes, a middle school with no referrals! My 8th grade son has reported that students' disrespectful behavior is often overlooked by the principal and at times even rewarded by being taken to lunch? Can this be right? My 6th grade daughter has started reporting the same thing to me. This concerns me. I understand supporting all students, but allowing disrespect? Instead of referrals, when students misbehave in class, they make a phone call home, but there is not even a detention or consequence for the behavior. I want my children to see that school, as life, has consequences for behavior. Mine are questioning why they are not rewarded for good behavior like the 'problem' kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with strong academic program and a 'cool' principle who emphasizes not only 'grades' but 'colorful life' for the youngsters. Band and symphony teachers are dedicated and with a great sense of humor. All the staffs are very responsive to my concerns in no time. I only wish there is a professional art teacher to lead the art program, if there is one. I guess funding is the issue! Many after school student clubs led by teachers with their own time. YMCA also offer free after school program in campus. PTA is strong. My son is very proud to be a student in Mesa Verde.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been an excellent school. The principal takes interest and interacts with the student body. The band instructor is absolutely incredible! The faculty participates and cares about the students. Just wish there could be more sports etc, but the area has great community leagues to play for.
—Submitted by a parent

Mesa Verde is an excellent school with high academic standards and a high level of parent involvement. They do not have sports program however there are ample recreational and competitive leagues in the area. They do still offer band and orchestra for the students in all grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. Facility tries to accomodate the 'unusual' student and provide resources needed.
—Submitted by a parent