Standley Middle School

I just finished my first year at Standley, and I am very pleased with how the year went. The teachers are outstanding: challenging but offer lots of help when you need it. I was in the GATE program and learned a lot throughout the year. Highlights were English, in which I learned many things and also did nice projects. I also enjoyed having PE every day. The coaches were supportive and challenged you to always push harder, but never forced you to do anything completely against your abilities. I made a lot of new friends, although the behavior of some kids could be better. I am overall very happy with my first year at Standley and can't wait to start again!

best school ever. the band has been an award winning band for almost 10 years and the teachers are phenominal.
—Submitted by a student

There are a lot of racism in this school. Especially its very difficult to meet the principal as a foreign parent. The assisstance of principal is very rude and disrespectful. When asian parents spoke to her, she never tries to listen. Most of the teachers are good.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been to this school for all three years and I have definitely learned a lot. The Seminar, Cluster, and GATE programs are the best opportunities. The advanced classes were tough, but they really shaped the students for high school. The teachers open up time in their schedules for before and after school tutoring. The teachers are very helpful in all of the subjects. Standley has an outstanding Band and Orchestra program. We play very good music and get to play in competitions and special parks, like Disney Land and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
—Submitted by a student

This is my daughters last year at Standley and we couldn't be happier with the seminar program she has been fortunate enough to benefit from. The teachers are exceptional, varied and all bring something to the table at about the right time. The homework load is hefty but seldom busy work. The kids that are attracted to this program are amazing. No school is perfect nor are teachers but I think Standley has the best of the best as far as seminar teachers go, not to mention their music program which compares to none. The P.E. teachers are great as well. Science is weak with the exception of Mr Pearson, he is in a league of his own. Overall, great seminar experience!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My dtr is starting her 3rd year at Standley. I struggled all last year to communicate with her teachers and one of the two counselors at the school, with little effect. I think the teachers are, by and large, excellent and quite committed but the school culture is so very traditional. A small group of very vocal parents seem to be the only input that the administration seeks, resulting in highly performing kids receiving the bulk of the attention and resources at the school. If your child doesn't test well into the GATE program, forget any individual or specialized instruction and prepare for 'teaching to the test. Prepare to provide your own enrichment program at home.
—Submitted by paula g, a parent

I am sorry to say but this school could do so much better. First my child is very smart and they put him in all the lower classes...He also told me that in his English class he has learned nothing! Then the extra-curricular classes/sports are very poor. There is barely any sports in this school. I look at other schools and they have sports but his school has barely over 5 sports. Overall i rate this school a 4 out of 10...
—Submitted by a parent

Could not be happier with the overall program at Standley. Have one child fully prepared to move on to high school after three years at Standley. Second child has completed one year and is very happy and doing well. Principal Higa is highly visible, always out and about on campus speaking with parents and students. He has intitiated activities during the lunch break to keep students from getting into mischief. Only dislike would be the overly competative parents and parents who do not hold their children to the school rules (uniforms).
—Submitted by a parent

I go to Standley Middle and love it! All the teachers are nice, you get a lot of freedom to choose things, and the events we do are very fun. Also with uniforms it's easier to choose what you wear in the morning and it's easier at school because you can't be critized for what you are wearing.
—Submitted by a student

i go there all the teachers are nice and you get to learn a lot. at first it seems like the teachers just don't want you to stop working but that is the point you learn to manage your time as well.
—Submitted by a student

Horrible school. The leadership is very antiquated and wants to run the school like an ant farm. No skills in behavior modification at all. Just horrible, I have removed my child from the school.
—Submitted by a parent

If you don't have a child who is in the GATE program, you are denied access to the GATE classes, which is not true at many other schools. It is a very frustrating experience for parents who have high achieving or highly motivately children. Or for any parent who would like to see their child getting the best education possible. They are denied access to the very classes that they need. It tends to perpetuate elistist attitudes. The music program is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a horrible school!
—Submitted by a parent

It's a good school just I don't think there is enough extra curricular activities. I think there should be more like football, tennis,and more sports like that which they don't have. I also don't like that they put me in all the low classes. They are all so easy,but fun! I also don't like in P.E. I had a swollen ankle and my teacher didn't even notice me limping.
—Submitted by a student

I agree with most of the parents when it concerns about communication. So hard to get in touch with them if you have concerns and want to discuss with them. They should also be a little more strict about the uniform (they just started wearing it this year).
—Submitted by a parent

I am new to the school (6-th grade) and my child has been enjoying it very much so far. He has gotten a new English teacher for the cluster program and likes her although I am unsure about it as it is only 3 weeks into school year.Apparently 2 other male teachers for GATE English are excellent.Math is also great as it offers different levels to accomodate higher and lower achieving students. I don't like uniform policy but I am supporting it as long as school does something about not allowing baggy pants and shirts up to mid thighs on campus.Uniform policy is definitelly too lax and defeats it's own purpose.
—Submitted by a parent

I think standley is a good school, the teachers are willing to help me when I need them. Sometimes they can be a little harsh. I will remeber my language arts teacher, Mr.Weedmark the rest of my life, he really influnced me -Jack Wang
—Submitted by a student

My daughter attended Montessori school for 9 years before starting Standley in 7Th grade. I was unsure if she would be challenged academically and have been surprised at how challenging the work is in Math, Science, English and History.The girls basketball team at Standley has kept her busy after school with practice 3 days a week and games on Sunday. The band program is very good which allows her to continue her music appreciation. The parent group has been very active throughout the year. We think Standley is top notch.
—Submitted by Pamela, a parent

My son has completed his 2nd. week of 6th grade and he loves it because he is engaged by all his teachers at Standley. This school has brought out the best in him and he wants to do well here. This school posts homework on their website which is very important. He is so happy and is learning so much. Plus the teachers have a sense of humor that delights the children. Principal Higo is a very dedicated, sensitive and is extremely polite. He treats students and everyone with respect and I appreciate that so does my son. Melissa Barling
—Submitted by Melissa Barling, a parent

I like the academic curriculum and teacher involvement mostly available to the students. I am alos fortunate that I took the time to research as much as possible about the school before allowing my child to attend. I would recomment this school to any parent.
—Submitted by a parent