Willow Glen Middle School

There are many problems at WGMS on many levels, but the core issue is that the school draws from both the local area and from downtown, so there are two very diverse populations - one which needs one set of supports, and the other which needs a different curriculum. The behavior problems are rampant and seem to be intractable. (Not much positive "social learning" going on apparently) The administration is difficult to reach and not open to suggestions. Teaching quality ranges from excellent to absolutely awful - and the administration doesn't want to hear if your student has had a bad teacher experience - their attitude is "Oh, well..." Send your student anywhere but WGMS!!
—Submitted by a parent

The administrators here do not communicate will with each other. I have requested meetings for my son's teachers and the principals they notified the other parent but did not notify me at all. The meeting was held without me. I met with the one teacher and reached out to her but she was not helpful to me at all. However another teacher was very kind and did provide the help I asked for and helped my student out a lot. I have struggled for two years with this school and feel they communicate with the other parent and exclude me. I cannot even get mail from the school or district even though they have my address and I have requested the DO to add my address. They have yet to do this. I suppose if your child does well in school and does not struggle the school is appropriate. However, I have had very little support.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just completed her 6th grade year at WGMS and I have been impressed on so many levels. I work in education and feel I have a good understanding of what's important in a school (it's not just the API score - what is often referred to as the Affluent Parent Index) and this school has it! The communication is excellent, curriculum is targeted to state standards with lots of project based learning, teachers are kind and caring, discipline is good and bullying is NOT tolerated. This is a public, city school so it's not like Challenger or Valley Christian where you can kick anyone out. This is an environment of learning but also social learning, being with a diverse group - that's life. Additionally, extra-curricular activities are amazing - more choices than most middle schools in the county.
—Submitted by a parent

They didn't include my son in his graduating year yearbook. All we got was a "sorry" and a refund. Besides that, it has been an ok school. Changing principals a lot.
—Submitted by a parent

ilove willow glen middle school im currently a student there all the teachers are nice the administration this year is strict and this year is going very good if you do not do your homework assignments they give you f's . so look at this middle school best middle school ever so i dont agree with the 2nd to last comment that is so not true SO LOOK AT THIS SCHOOL EVEN IF YOU COME FROM BOOKSIN OR ANY OTHER SCHOOL.!

I completely disagree with the previous posts regarding WGMS. This is a supportive, neighborhood school where bullying is not tolerated. PBIS, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports is a system created to create a positive environment for all students on campus. This school challenged my child to obtain all A's in 6 semesters allowing her to sign the Golden Book. With 3 full years of science, she left middle school scoring advanced on the CST state test in math, science and language arts. Choose WGMS for the programs, stay because of the positive community involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last two reviews wholeheartedly. My child was not just bullied when she was in 6th grade there, she was grabbed by a girl in a crowd of girls surrounding her. The discipline was not there. I had to go back and forth and still nothing came of it. It IS the parent's responsibilty to instill tolerance and confidence, but why should the kids who possess these qualities have to fear school because other parents do not? Is school not supposed to be a safe place for children to learn and grow? It is appalling to hear that some parents excuse the school for being unsafe. My child did receive attention and nurturing from her teachers. There was no true preparation for high school and when she went on to high school, she said she felt like she was tossed into the ocean with no life raft. Academic preparation is important, but it is also important to give the 8th graders a more accurate portrayal of what demands high school has on homework, personal accountability, lack of teacher support and expectations from administration.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has rampant bullying issues. The problem has existed there so long that the student culture is broken and needs a major "reset". I would definitely NOT recommend sending your 5th grader to this middle school, especially if you are coming from a really nice, neighborhood elementary school, such as Booksin Elementary. You will be horrified and your student will be abused. The contrast is that sharp. Aside from the barbarous culture, our child tells us that most students in his classes don't bother turning in homework and still get 'C' grades in their classes. The teachers seem to "look the other way" at classroom discipline problems. In two words: Look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that I had absolutely no issues with sending my 6th grader to WGMS, and I have not regretted it one bit. My son has had a great experience thus far, and has adapted to the culture well. His teachers appear responsive and he has been involved in leadership and school sports. I have heard of none of my child's friends complaining of bullying, as they all are used to diverse environments. It is the parents' responsibility to teach tolerance and instill confidence so the student optimizes his/her educational opptys. I have another child going to WGMS next fall, and have no problem recommending the school to others, My son plays sports with kids from Booksin, Schallenberger, and Willow Glen Elem, and I have heard none of them say a negative word about the school.
—Submitted by a parent

great for training us to study for tests. My favorite teacher here at WGMS has been Ms. Garcia. She goes above and beyond in everything she does. She set up her classroom with amazing lights in her classroom with vases of flowers on desks and snacks for all to enjoy while we did the poetry slam, inpiring students to enjoy and appretiate poetry. The poetry slam was after we finished our poerty anthologies. We wrote about 15 poems about one subject (examples: lyric poems, elegies, sonnets, concretes, etc.). I also had an amazing social studies teacher who showed great videos and DVDs in relation to the subject. I was amazed to see all the citizens who perished during the civil war. That class inspired me to collect many of the state quarters - I now have the full collection. Thanks Willow Glen for all the great life lessons I have learned!

The cheerleaders at willow glen middle are absolutely not racist and have become positive role models. Willow Glen Middle has so much to offer it's students. Teachers really do make an effort to offer extra help to their students.
—Submitted by a student

I think this school is amazing it teaches you al lot principal malina is the best and so is mrs.Saldana I think kids looking for a school to go to should go to WGMS
—Submitted by a student

Willow Glen Middle School has provided excelent and creative opportunities for my child to grow and learn; and the teachers seem to really care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Willow Glen has a handful of teachers that are really excellent, but too many teachers teach at an excruciatingly slow pace. If your an overachiever or or excell in academics, I warn you that the only advanced classes this school are those in math. However, willow glen is an overall good school. There are a multitude of different, engaging electives and a good sports program. There is a small problem with swearing and bad behavior among the student body, but there are almost no violence issues. I can't understand why any student would not feel 'safe' at this school.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school. Recent changes in district policy have made this a 'neighborhood school' that now draws on highly-ranked elementary schools Booksin and Schallenberger. Watch for rapid growth in test scores. Lots of parent involvement and committed teachers. I am very happy with this school, have sent my daughter and will send my son.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is much better than its local reputation. Because of the advanced math program, my son was able to take 3rd year high school math in 9th grade and he is currently getting an A. The foreign language program is excellent and he is in 2nd year high school Spanish. My wife who teaches advanced High School Spanish at a different school was very impressed by Ms Undeen's performance. My son previously attended a local private school and the students from that school that joined him in HS are far behind him. The instrumental music program under Mr Williams is outstanding and the robotics/technology program is also outstanding. The campus is well managed and the principal is very approachable. It's no wonder the API is growing.
—Submitted by a parent

WGMS is making great gains. They raised their API 22 points this last year. This year they are focused and doing fantastic things for kids this year. The staff is awesome, and the new members this and last year had added to the school climate. We are excited our two boys have another year at WGMS. We are looking forward to even better things to come!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent and teacher at WGMS, I was surprised in reading the school deserves and F posted 5/21/2008. The school had approximately 400 sixth graders in the 07/08 year. All the 6th grade teachers I interact with are teaching to their respective 6th grade standards. You may find the CA Standards online and confirm this fact. Teachers do not have choices about the grade level standards, only how they are presented and taught.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the school is getting way better. The track coach is awsome. The PE teachers- outstanding! School has uniforms, free dress days every two months (about). The Language program is great. You can take French, or spanish. I took the intermediate class in half year spanish half year french, and was really fun, and I learded a lot. Yes, I have to admit, there have been about a fight every month, but my friend who goes to Vally Cristian says thesame thing happenens @ her school. I take 7th grade math, when i'm in 6th grade, and that works out wel.. There are 4 other sixth graders in my class, the rest 7th graders. Overall: Teachers are great, I learn a lot. Homework - usually a good hour a night. Sports - Excell!
—Submitted by a student

I am in shock that someone who has stayed at WGMS for any period of time is giving the school an F. The staff and administration have been very open and engaging. I know any parent had expressed this to the administration, they would take this very seriously and work with the family to make the child's experience a positive one. I have met several times with the administation regarding my son and have always felt satisfied with their prompt actions and intervention. If we work together with the school as team, rather than against them, our children will be the ones who benefit. And really, it is about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent