Marco Forster Middle School

I am an involved grandparent of an 8th grader at Marco. Because I am a retired high school math teacher, I know what I am saying when I say that Marco provides an excellent education for its students. My granddaughter has had outstanding teachers during her three years at the school and her overall experience has been very positive.

My two favorite teachers of all time were from when I attended this school.

My daughter transferred in as an eighth grader. The accelerated classes and teachers were good. PE teacher said that she would address our concerns and then transferred my daughter to another teacher. Counselor was condescending. Lack of information regarding special activities. Not a good experience for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is really a great school with all of the after school activities and the extracurricular activities as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My 6th and 8th grade children got into the GATE program at Marco. Before at Irvine Unified, they tested well, but not well enough to place into GATE. The advanced programs make a big difference in the quality of their education, and so I'm for Marco. My son and daughter, esp., have a lot of friends; it's a friendly place too.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading a few reviews I almost feel sorry for the parents who really do not know the true Marco Forster School... Yes it is a middle school and yes it has the best of the best teachers, staff and education that anyone could ever want for their child. There has never been a school that I visited or taught at that I have found more dedicated adults who actually put the child first. I would rate this school a 10++++++++++++ I feel that its to bad the rumors and talk from people who dont really know what they are talking about. I am a very dedicated and involved (picky to) parent and not one day in the past three years did I drop off my daughter did I worry about one thing. The principle is beyond words, she is so amazing. I love Marco !!!!!! CM
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend sending your student here if you want them worked academically. Too much emphasis on ESL and the campus is dirty and the behavior of some of the students is incorregible. This is your child's every day life at this school, really consider other alternatives if you want your child to suceed and be safe.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 6th grade GATE program and we're very happy with Marco. He's been given many opportunities to excel academically and to take advanced classes. He hasn't had any problems with bullying and has made many new friends this year from every grade. We're happy to have him at Marco.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is attending 8th grade in GATE program this year. He is thilled wth a teachers and so am I. The campus is not very clean and there is a bullying as in every other School. Principal and staff will take care of any problems if you complain. Overall I'm happy with the curriculum and theachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My huband and I have been thrilled with the school. The teachers have been wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

our daughter is in the SDC (special needs) i think between all of her teachers as well as the Principal and her staff, Marco Forster is way above average. The teachers and Principal go above and beyond to make sure the children are getting the best experience possible.
—Submitted by a parent

I rate this school, Ms Bertini and all of the teachers as a 10. You can not pay for a better education and more caring teachers
—Submitted by a parent

The other reviews are mostly BS. Check the state test scores. Marco teaches its English-speaking students as well as, if not better than, any other school in Capo Unified--and certainly better that Capo Valley Christian School. Again, if you don't believe it, check the scores. It is a fact.
—Submitted by a parent

As an alumni and a former employee of Marco, I would just like to say that Marco gets a bad reputation. Most of the nearby middle schools have the same amount of students yet they are not trashed like Marco is. It's my opinion that most upper middle class and upper class parents simply don't want their children going to school with Spanish Speaking students. They do not view the diversity as an advantage and would rather place their children in a homogeneous environment. I have only experienced the teachers and staff to be caring, dedicated individuals just as they are in almost every other school... it is sad to see that some parents actually think these teachers simply 'don't care.' Not many people go into teaching for the money. ;)
—Submitted by a former student

I would not recommend this school to anyone. The size alone makes it unwieldy. I have only regrets for the experience of my child at this school. Both of my children lost academic skills that they had gained in private school. The adminstration appears disinterested in the success of individual students.
—Submitted by a parent

Not impressed by this school. Teachers vary widely. Orchestra is 1/4 the size of Niguel's. Nowhere near the challenge or opportunity I want for my advanced student.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm taking my child out of this school. Advanced curriculum here follows the more is better rule - no depth. Dirty campus. Principal is non-responsive to concerns. One awesome teacher out of 6. My poor child has endured long enough.
—Submitted by a parent

Marco is a great school with quality teachers that genuinely care about their students and their needs. Teachers and administrators work hard to ensure that students master the state content standards.
—Submitted by a parent

Not much depth to curriculum. School is dirty. There have been no activities for the kids other than those to get the kids to sell magazines. If my son were not in all advanced classes, there is no way he would be attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

New to the school in 2004. Coming from the midwest where there is a zero tolerance for many behaviors exhibited by students here. Dress code apparently is not enforced. Not too impressed with cleanliness of school either.
—Submitted by a parent