Vandenberg Middle School

The comment of December 2, 2011 could not be further from the truth. Vandenberg Middle School is known throughout the community as a place where academic excellence and high expectations are the norm. Discipline is a top priority and per 2011 student survey responses, the vast majority of students feel safe and believe VMS adults care about their well-being. There have been incidents with regard to bullying, but they are investigated and dealt with swiftly by administration. In a middle school of over 800 students, one can expect that there will be some incidents of this nature. Bullying is a zero tolerance offense at VMS, but it is unreasonable to think that it will not occur. This is a public middle school with children from all demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. The school's API of 818 is a reflection of the quality education that is available to students. A robust elective program rivals any in Santa Barbara County. In an era of reduced California budgets, this reflects Vandenberg's priorities. As far as the long lunch lines -- NOT THE CASE. I am in the lunch room almost everyday and students have their lunch in plenty of time.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is absolutely terrible. Bullying is definitely an issue for students. Horse playing around and disrespecting others in the process is the number one preferred actively. There s a new slapping game going around and a lot of students are participating. Some students are being approached and asked to participate in fighting. Students need to be reminded about school policy on harassment and bullying. Reporting incidents is highly discouraged amongst student for fear of retaliation with their peers. Some students fluent in other languages tend to challenge the teachers authority by using inappropriate language in a language that the teacher isn t fluent in. Lunch lines are long and some students aren t able to eat due to long lines. Students resolve the issue by cutting in front of other students patiently waiting. Teachers aren t observing the lunch lines properly so disrespectful students aren't unpunished. The buses are always late to and from school and school officials appear to always be uniformed and out of the information loop. Whenever a transportation employee providing busing services for the school is late the school should request to be immediately.

My daughter moved here in time to start 8th Grade. I have to say, she did much better than I expected and loved her teachers. Only being there a year, and the fact that she is a good student who never gets into trouble, didn't give us a great deal of insight into the administration and we only got to experience a few teachers but over all we were highly impressed with what we experienced. We were very happy with what she accomplished this year and she loved her teachers and that is what really matters.
--Submitted by a parent

VMSis a strong school with rules that apply to all of the kids. They get more than their share of kids with problems due to their moral standards, ground rules, student involvement and oversight. Parents who feel a loss of control send their kids there for a fighting chance. This does impact the students who work hard and believe strongly in what's right...it also gives them a chance to learn and practice skills they will need in real life, but with a later of safety. We alk have bullies and jerks in our lives. Their honors programs and school activities are too notch. VMS has every race, creed, color, religion. They have our future warriors, doctors, nurses, chaplains, agriculturists, artists, and council. The staff is as tough as they come, but don't think they don't weep for every injured or heartbroken child. our daughter will remain at VMS because they don't quit and we don't quit!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a pretty good school. It's certainly not the best school I have went to, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. Although the honors classes are very easy for me, the teachers are really dedicated to making sure we have all we needed. I like the PE class and the electives the most. One problem they really need to fix, is making the rules clear to us. One time they say that doing something is just fine, but when you do it, you get in trouble. Also, they should learn how to problem solve better. One example is: They had to fix a water pipe in the front of the school, which made us have to split up, and half of the students had to wait to get onto a bus, while the other half has to wait in the cafeteria for about 25 minutes, standing up in a line, doing absolutely nothing. Overall though, this school is okay.

My son received an excellent education at this school in the honors program. The teachers are dedicated and caring and after two years at VMS he has gone on to succeed in a new district. The guidance counselors really look out for their students and the principal is very innovative and strong. Overall leadership at the school has improved greatly under her watchful eye and disruption was minimal for my son. A great education is possible at VMS for military and non-military families alike.
--Submitted by a parent

While the overall behavior climate at the school could improve, in the honors program our son is somewhat isolated from many of the students who are choosing to make poor choices. In this program he has had some FABULOUS teachers who genuinely care about the students and are passionate about their subject of expertise. This is especially evident in the higher end math and history classes. I had reservations about sending our son to VMS, but have been pleasently surprised.
--Submitted by a parent

vms. were do i start off? administration is out of control ! they base decisions off of what other kids say. we have had drugs and fights alot this 2010 year.
--Submitted by a student

I'm not thrilled about this school. Every week it is a different horror story from students. My son was a gate and honor roll student last year. Now he is in detention all the time. I heard them bragging about their counseling department, better bring some more counselors, because the school is making these students pretty miserable. Too bad they don't spend their time and energy doing positive things.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is excited about learning and loves all of her teacher!
--Submitted by a parent