Price Charter Middle School

After hearing and reading the glowing reviews about Price, I was eager to have my child attend here. I was extremely disappointed, however once she started. Since day one (freshman orientation) I've seen disorganization and 'passing the buck' which I attribute to the ongoing inconsistencies followed by the school administrators and teachers. There are typos galore on the weekly newsletters that, while trivial, is ironic given the correspondence is from an educational institution. The teachers here are either hit or miss. My daughter had 2 excellent teachers who inspired her, but there were several who seemed to be there just for the pay. Homework assignment list tend to not be updated until one to two weeks later, so good luck if your child was sick and you need to see what homework was missed. Another irony, given they stressed turning in homework on time - no excuses. Also, one teacher here likes to bury his students with homework, often assigning 2-3 assignments per night. His rationale was to 'expose them to the what high school would be like' - in the 6th grade. I am relieved that my daughter survived her middle school years here. She can't wait to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very good. While there are some bad teachers, the eighth grade teachers are superb. The only complaint is strict rules and lots of fights happen

Ida Price is the best place to go to school,I'm a student attending now in 8th grade and I'm sad when I'm not in school. I've had the time of my life at this school, great teachers, great education,great people. Yes, they do expect highly of their students,but i greatly appreciate it now that i look back at previous years. The school takes bullying very seriously and I've never been insulted,in a fight, or teased. The upside to this school is also that there is a 7 11 and starbucks down the street for students to go after school. By far if you are looking for a safe,great education,and awsome teachers Ida Price is where you should be.

I'm in 8th grader in Price and so far it is the best! I love most of my teachers and will miss them. I do agree, that in 8th grade, they do control most of our lives, but are preparing us all for high school. Why I rated it 4 out of 5 stars is probably because there is a bit of bullying in the school, and I won't be afraid to admit is that I have been bullied more than three times that year.
—Submitted by a student

Wonderful school! I was amazed with the efficiency and responsiveness of the Principal and staff. Very good experience to start with the new school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Price is a wonderful school! Teachers and staff at Price do have high expectations for our kids--and isn't that what we want for them? Both of my children have gone through Cambrian schools (my oldest graduated last year and my youngest will be an 8th grader this year). The teachers are not only motivational and skilled, they are also compassionate and kind!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely disappointed with Price. The administrators and teachers expect every sixth grader to enter the school as a self-motivated, mature, responsible eleven or twelve year old. They have ridiculously high expectations of every student from the moment they enter middle school. Why not just skip middle school then and go straight to high school? Children are not taught to learn from their academic or social 'mistakes;' mistakes are not tolerated here and are punished too severely. My child cannot wait to leave Price and move on to high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, very involved with parents. They will keep you informed of all activities -what papers or grades your kids are bringing home for review, what projects they are working on, school activities- everythin! Something very valuable when kids enter teenage years and don't communicate with us parents too much.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have a top-notch student who is responsible and self-motivated, and/or who is involved in extracurricular activities, Ida Price can be a great school. I say 'can be' because it greatly depends on the teacher your child gets--some of them are fantastic, while others are utterly horrible. Academic expectations are high, and there is no tolerance for any sort of failings on the part of the students whatsoever, particularly by 8th grade. They fully expect 13-year-olds to be as responsible as adults. In my opinion, there is no acknowledgement that these students are human beings, not little robots who can be told what to do and expected to perform at 100% at all times. And no excuses! That said, the available extracurricular activities are extensive, and they do a lot of 'school spirit' work. If your child is a great student, and gets a good teacher, you'll be pleased here.
—Submitted by a parent

Price is a excellent school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The school has really turned around since a few years ago (i.e. Teachers assistance, Deans and Principles awareness).... Office staff you have always been super! All a Big Kudo!!! for all involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Price and they were some of the best years of my life! Great teachers, great atmosphere.. just great!
—Submitted by a former student

This is probably the best school in the South Bay. I've rarely seen such dedicated teachers willing to go the extra mile for all of their students. The climate at the school is exceptional, too. There doesn't seem to be the bad attitudes and slack discipline I've seen at other middle schools we've checked out. They do have very high expectations regarding behavior, learning and dress codes, which I think is the reason the students do so well. The teachers I have met are all very involved in their students' well-being and success. There is also very high parental involvement. I'm really thankful that despite the waiting list for charter students my daughter was able to get in.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible school. No follow through with discipline. It does not matter if it's quality work or not. No accountability. It's very difficult for families like ours who try to teach their children responsibility for their actions. If I could move I would. Pick another district or go private.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved price, and I miss it dearly. Anyone who is thinking about sending their children here definatly should because they will have so much fun, gain amazing knowledge from the great teachers and move on to highschool with a lot of experience ad confidence.
—Submitted by a former student

Strong quality of academic programs. Strong Choir program and activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Although I am only a nanny to a student who attends Price, I was astonished at the procedures the school takes in student services. Being that I am still very much a young adult, I understand the difficulties that middle school children go through during these tuff years. With all the social pressures, pressures at home, and pressures to succeed already existing, sometimes when it rains it pours. I have watched first hand a kid go from struggling to now succeeding in every possible way. However, nature can't be fought, and this school has a terrible system to help students recieve missed work, even if it's the day of an absense. Furthermore the administration was rude, unhelpful, and careless in efforts to help these 'precious' students. I suggest the school take more action in assisting student/parent homework awareness.
—Submitted by Maureen Wheelehan, a parent

My son was a graduate of Ida Price Middle School and received an incredible education two years ago. Even though I do not live in the Cambrian attendance area, we chose to attend Price because of the great programs available. And as superintendent, I have a pretty good idea of the high quality of the teaching, activities, programs, and administration.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a great school with a variety of electives to choose from. The electives are better than some high schools. The teachers are very nice. Although the school could be a little more spirited.
—Submitted by a former student

Ida Price's vice principal is one of the most helpful and accomodating people I've met yet in my quest for a private school. I have heard nothing but positive things about Ida Price and this all comes from parents whose children have/are attending.
—Submitted by a parent