Hoover (Herbert) Middle School

My daughter is about to complete her first year in Spanish immersion at Hoover. The two Spanish-language teachers (Spanish and Social Studies) are new(ish), and there are disciplinary issues that sometimes disrupt class time. I'm unimpressed with her Science teacher, but that hasn't held back her progress. Otherwise, our experience with Hoover has been very good. My daughter loves band and has gotten a lot out of the program. Her English and Math teachers are first rate. One of the reasons we chose Hoover was their adoption of ALEKS, a terrific math software program that adapts to the individual's grasp of the subject matter. I always get prompt response from her teachers when I contact them via Schoolloop. I've been happy with the social aspects as well. There are lots of clubs and sports available, and from day one the student body was welcoming to the incoming sixth graders. I haven't had direct experience with the discipline problems other reviewers mentioned, so I can't speak to that. But I am impressed by the principal's commitment to the school community, and the positive social and anti-bullying sentiment school-wide.
—Submitted by a parent

II work for the SFUSD and have substituted at Hoover in the past. My family lives in the attendance area that feeds into Hoover. It's hard to believe what has happened to this school under the current administration. Because of a lack of discipline for the chronically disruptive students, the entire school suffers. There are no consequences for behavior which is totally unacceptable. The last time I filled in for a teacher, I was verbally abused by some students, in front of the entire class. I reported it to the office. (The rest of the students were fine, btw) When I returned the following week, nothing had been done. I found out that I was not the only member of the staff who had experienced the same type of "verbal bullying" without any consequences. I love teaching, but, will not send my 2 sons to Hoover. If this can happen to me, I do not want my sons to experience the same thing; disrespect, verbally bullying, and allowing a few kids to disrupt classes, while the administration closes it's eyes.
—Submitted by a parent

Have had 2 kids here . Good teachers, but the administration (the principle at the head) do not handle discipline issues, turn their backs to it, no consequences and pushes a policy of inflating grades. No wonder the grades are meaningless and the teachers demoralized. My last child will go into private school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

There are bunch of thieves in Hoover Middle School. What a shame! My daughter's iphone and her money got stolen and she also found out her friend's iphone got stolen not long ago. It's a place of education for their future but they're learning to be a thief instead!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a review of the Spanish Immersion Program at Hoover Middle School for the 2012 to 2012 school year. With the departure of Ms Garcia this program has been left in the hands of two young and inexperienced teachers, both are very nice young men but neither seem to be effective. My 8th grade student can't focus in either his Spanish Language or Social Studies class as the classes are out of control. The program is not well organized the work is not interesting or challenging and English is spoken in the social studies class. Don't come to this school for Spanish Immersion.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm kind of sad to know that I'm leaving this school in maybe 8 months. Hoover's stuck with me for the past three years, and although the quality is not all great, I have been so proud to be a hawk. Go Hoover Hawks!!

IMy child just graduated 8th grade. If your child is not interested in the music program, there is no particular reason to send them to Hoover. My experience is administration hides behind teacher union rules to avoid any extra work and the (non music) teachers are mostly average to awful. There are a few gems but when your child has core teachers consisting of 1 gem and 3 clunkers, the average isn't pretty. The administration does care about safety, but, not about academics for non honors students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at this school 2 years and it just keeps getting better. The principal is working with the staff to make an inner city school become a better place for all kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Because it has helped my two children grow into two mature caring young ladies that enjoy learning.
—Submitted by a parent

The counseling staff at Hoover has exceeded my expectations for over the past 3 years. Joanna Wardell, is an amazing leader and advocate for our kids. She has always made herself available for my daughter. She is well organized and likes her job. The counseling staff should be rewarded because they do an outstanding job, I consider them the backbone of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great community builder school. Great teachers & counsulers.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school although there are sometimes fights and the lunch isn't that good but everything else is absolutely amazing. P.S. I'm a 6th grader attending class of 2010~2012
—Submitted by a student

I attend and am currently an eight grade student at Hoover, and I must say, the school is excellent. Many of the teachers at the school get along with the students just swimmingly and the G.A.T.E program helps above-average students get ahead and beyond of their fellow classmates. I can see, however, why some parents would be somewhat disapproving of the school: some teachers lack the need to communicate with their student's parents. I can assure you, from a student's point of view, most teachers love to talk to parents. If your child does have a teacher who doesn't enjoy communicating with you- don't let one quiet teacher ruin your and your child's experience; many are very easy to talk to. I believe the school is a wonderful environment to ready your child for high school, and I full-heartedly recommend the school. :)
—Submitted by a student

Wow the teachers go above and beyond, we are new to San Francisco, and I have never met such wonderful 7th grade teachers, they call me on the phone with any concerns about my childs grades..thank you all schools should interact like this..
—Submitted by a parent

I attend Herbert Hoover Middle School and I love it. I don't understand why so many parents disapprove of this amazing school...The music program is the best in the district, according to the staff. And because I play in band, I am offended to learn that parents do not like this music program. Teachers here are great with students, and some offer at lunch tutoring and some after-school as well. The classes are awesome and I admit not everyone gets along, but I love this school, and I really don't want to leave.
—Submitted by a student

Hoover is a good school with really friendly kids. Some of the 7th grade teachers are really funny and very eduacated. This school offers a lot of athletics and clubs so the students never get bored. I recomend this school from a student who goes there. Only problem is the lack of communication with parents and kids.
—Submitted by a student

hoover is a very goo school. all of the teachers are efficient and nice. two math teachers are especially good. the library was open during the 2007-2008 school year. the school has great clubs available, including the rocket club named Hamr(hoover areonautica modeling rocketry). are twotwo lunch period
—Submitted by a student

hoover is a outstanding school
—Submitted by a student

Hoover is the coolest school ever! I love the teachers! It also has a great Music Department.
—Submitted by a student

Unless your kids are Gate, they will simply get passed over just to graduate. The counselors/admin only call parents when there is a problem. Not a lot of positive interaction. No tutoring or 'free' after school opps - I questioned them about this several times w/absolutely no help/concerns/recommendations. No library! I don't feel this school has properly prepared them for high school. I feel the school or district should have offered me help to increase grades. Mine graduated, but barely! I don't recommend Hoover - it's not necessarily better than AP or Aptos. If you have $-send them to private-I definitely would have, but I wasn't able.
—Submitted by a parent