Templeton Middle School

As a parent, I am extremely disappointed that the honors/GATE program at the middle school level has been virtually eliminated. Students who have shown that this is where their learning lies deserve a program that will meet their needs. Elimination is not in the spirit of the of their mission statement which clearly states " We believe that all students in Templeton schools will develop to their fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. We are committed to providing all our students with a high quality, rigorous instructional program that includes a comprehensive curriculum within a safe and caring environment. " While this may be true of other students, it is not for those who are deemed honors/GATE. These students deserve to have a program that will challenge them to the best of their capabilites, as we would expect them to do for every other student in Templeton Schools. At one time, Templeton schools were sought out by parents looking for quaility education for their children. We are now seeing parents drive more than 30 miles one way to meet their child's academic needs.
--Submitted by a parent

The Templeton School District has had a reputation as THE district of choice (in the no. county) for the past decade. It was known for its academic rigor & outstanding academic programs. In recent years, several families decided to pay the big bucks and moved their high ability children into private schools. They believed the district no longer was interested in serving the needs of the gifted and high ability students. Beginning in the fall (SY 2011-2012), there will be no honors or accelerated classrooms at the 7th and 8th grade levels. GIfted/ high ability students will be clustered (5-8 students) in regular ed classes of 32-35. Studies support having these kids grouped at least one period a day to meet their academic and social needs. The catalyst of this paradigm shift was the middle school administration and teaching staff ; in 2008 they began actively pursuing the elimination of honors classes. The newly hired superintendent is supporting this revision. Elimination of honors classes is not what the honors kids desire or deserve. What these kids deserve are teachers who are passionate and trained to guide them to their highest potential academically and socially.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm afraid a few of the parents are right in regards to the social environment of TUSD in general. The reason one of the parents disagreed, I believe, is because they grew up there and the children have as well. In other words, if you are coming from outside and not starting the kids off in elementary, good luck. The middle school and high school environment is extremely tight and not welcoming to outsiders. The athletic system appears to be the same as well. Kids of lesser talent and attitude have seniority. Its a shame, the academics are fabulous, the teachers fantastic but socially the environment is close-minded and insular. I guess that's just the result of being such a small town. I can't imagine it will stay that way, with this region being one of the fastest growing in the state. I just don't see it changing anytime soon.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great! I have no problem with the academic part of the school. In regards to the other half of the school experience. If anyone has ever seen the movie Mean Girls , I believe they got the idea from Templeton Middle School students. The dress policy seems to be tossed aside for some and not others. In regards to the school sports; I watched students that were not even at the tryouts get picked for teams, while other students showing great skill and potential showed up every day with great attitudes get passed over. How wrong is that? Students are not treated equally. I expect more from a school that is rated the top school in our area. An overall good school experience is what students need to succeed. They don't want to be there if the campus is a place of torment outside the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

Moved to Templeton in 2001 and have been very satisfied. TMS is a great school! Best score (API) for a public middle school this year in the whole county. The school band is even going to Disneyland next week!
--Submitted by Sean, a parent

That is really too bad that these people had a bad experience with Templeton Middle School. I have not had any problems with Templeton School District. I attended Templeton Schools K-12, my siblings and now my daughter. All of her teachers have been extremely helpful & understanding. The teachers are willing to take time out of their lunch for students to come in whenever they have a question. The principal Mr. Lorimer has a great system going and really listens to his students. The School loop web site that was started has been so easy to use and wonderful for parents & students. Very smart. I believe that the teachers & school staff are genuinely interested in our children's well being and middle school experience. Thank you for the opportunity to rave about the best school district in the county.
--Submitted by Bethany Colwell-Grimes, a parent

My comments about this school would well exceed over the limit of 150 words. I'm not impressed at all with Templeton Middle School.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm not at all impressed with Templeton Middle school. I has been a very unpleasant experience for my student and family. Not every student is treated fairly at this school.
--Submitted by a former student

This school has been a big disappointment. It is probably fine for most kids, but our middle school age student as well as many others it was not a good experience. In fact many families have sought after alternative education for their child(ren). The caliber of the principal very unsupportive and most of the teachers has been shockingly poor. It has therefore given none of the advantages of a small school, with all of the disadvantages. I can recommend it only in contrast to most of the other public schools in the district.'
--Submitted by a parent