Anacapa Middle School

I agree with the last person's entry (06/01/12). My oldest just finished her last year there (8th grade) and during her time we often had "meetings" and it seemed that it was the teachers issues (some personal as well) being taken out on my child. Ridiculous. I am so glad she is done with that school! The teachers critisize and humilate children rather than teach them. Not very organized with their student charts either. I had to fax over my child's emergency card and update it more than once - when it was already done at the beginning of the school year. I started keeping copies to keep track and have proof things were being submitted on my end. They just couldnt get it right. No offense to others that havent had these experiences, but there either needs to be a good sweep of staff there. What happened to back to teachers that want to teach children? not belittle them....
—Submitted by a parent

Geez... I cant even type ... below I meant to type "close" to my work..... And I was going to say that I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT SCHOOL HAS A 4 STAR RATING? REALLY? That is far too generous in my opinion.... and yes, I know that I am entitled to it. I do not mean to offend those who are satisfied with school, or even like it... I just am not of that group.
—Submitted by a parent

EXTREMELY unhappy with this school!!, they think its teaching when they criticize a child, and publicly humiliate them. they don't accept late work, or give test back to correct what was wrong. I give this school an F
—Submitted by a parent

Anacapa has a new, young principal whose lack of experience and judgement really show Many of the teachers and administration are just biding their time until retirement--they assign little to no homework, do not pass back corrected home work or tests so that the student can learn from their mistakes and provide little to no communication with the parents. This is the perfect example of why tenure is ruining the public education system. We received no feedback when addressing a problem with the principal and then none when taking it to the superintendant. Time for new blood top to bottom(including school board). Let's get back to teachers that want to teach(i.e. history) and not those just biding their time to retirement.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is small and the staff is really involved with the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

They really care about their students!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love thi school it rock i would recommend sending your chil to AMS they have great programs live Avid and ASB i love this school
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at AMS and went to this school ever since 6th grade. Thankfully, I will be attending Foothill Technology High School. But sadly for Anacapa, I would not recommend this school for your child because most of the teachers do not challenge their students(except the 6th grade GATE Language Arts teacher who is an excellent teacher). The schools campus is also very dirty. There are trash and gum on the sidewalk, the boy's bathroom smells terrible, and campus beautification doesn't help at all. Although the teachers are not the best, they are very kind and are willing to help you if you are in a tough situation. Overall, if you would like your child to attend a great UC(such as UC Berkley or UCLA), an Ivy League, or college, it is best that you do not send your child to this school
—Submitted by a student

This school can be excellent or terrible depending on what programs you are in and what teachers you have. The GATE program is the best guarantee that you will have a good academic experience at this school and that you will not end up in the wrong crowd (but beware the 6th grade GATE Language Arts teacher he has high expectations and provides a class that is hard to pass. I suggest you take your child out of GATE in 6th grade or just out of his class) . If you want to ensure further that your child will walk the right path, ASB is one way to do it. The Leadership program at this school has only the best role models in the class, but you can only apply to be in leadership in 7th and 8th grade.
—Submitted by a student

this school is very cool and fun. you also can learn a lot from these talented teachers and students.
—Submitted by a student

Had four kids go through. Great teachers..no trouble for us
—Submitted by a parent

Thsi school rocks! There are great staff and high expitation. If you are starting sixth grade this is the place to go! The teacher, students, staff, and everyone else are really nice and helpfull. Oh yeah, and the food rocks too!
—Submitted by a student

My child transferred to Anacapa from Balboa at the start of 7th grade after being physically attacked without provocation at Balboa premises by a fellow student with martial arts training. We wanted a less threatening environment. She had a wonderful experience at Anacapa, which has a progressive atmosphere, with a new IMAXC program stressing academic excellence. The teachers are young and attentive to student needs. She was placed in an accelerated math program immediately and challenged academically. The music program is fabulous and underappreciated!
—Submitted by a parent

Anacapa is now under new and improved leadership. Our last Principal, and two assistant principals have relocated. This school has the potential of being a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was not impressed at all with the campus, the office staff or the teachers. It was a terrible experience for my child's first year of middle school. I do not recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Anacapa isn't the best school around. There are no lockers, like most of the other middle schools, and the office staff are rude, as are many teachers.
—Submitted by a former student