Sarah McGarvin Intermediate School

I noticed one of the school highlights is 'band', and thought I had to share. Let's just say it wasn't the best experience I had ever experience. For a while, and probably still going on, female students aren't allowed to play a tuba or any percussion instrument. (This had happen to me, my director claimed I wouldn't be able to support a heavy instrument.) Also, last year, parents of band members donated over thousands of dollars. Where did most of that money go? Orchestra.

It was my first year in the school and district, when I transferred to Mc Garvin my 8th grade year. I found the students to be very hospitable and teachers very helpful. The principal and assistant principal are both great as well. The office staff, however, isn't the most organized, helpful, or pleasant staff to deal with. The academics are great and well-thought out for any average level student who plans on staying in the district and abiding by GGUSD's own academic standards. Coming from the Saddleback Valley District, I was brought back several chapters in each subject and am now trying to catch up with my former classmates to stay up to speed. Although the academics aren't as challenging, the band program at Mc Garvin is terrific and an overall great experience.

This is a great school and offers many good programs as well. But I was very disappointed when I heard that they cut there choir program.
--Submitted by a parent

I love McGarvin school because the teachers are smart, the school is new, the students are respectful.

This was my child's first year in the Garden Grove School District. I heard great things about the District, and looked forward to the new experience. I was pleased to know that McGarvin had a full-time Counselor on staff to assist Parents/Students. My child had challenges adjusting academically and the Counselor stepped in to help address the challenges head on. The Counselor took a proactive approach to identifying my child's challenges, and implemented several ideas to help us find a solution. The Counselor made herself available anytime we needed her assistance. My experiences with the Counselor made a great review excellent! Thank you McGarvin for having a quality staff, but most importantly, a quality Counselor who truly cares for her students!
--Submitted by a parent

McGarvin is an outstanding school with a highest API ranking among top middle school in Orange County. Students are marvelous!
--Submitted by a parent

I needed help with my son getting his homework turned in to the teachers. I saw him do it at home, but the report card would come back and say missing homework!!! I was completely frustrated with my son! I called Mrs. Bartlett who worked with my son and me. I could e-mail her and ask for updates and she would collect information from the teachers to help me stay on top of the situation. She would check my son's agenda daily to ensure that we would not fight we he got home and said there was no homework because the teachers were signing it!!!! Mrs. Bartlett helped me connect with the teachers and the teachers would stay after school with my son.....he was to pick a different teacher each day for that extra help. Thank you teachers for caring about my son!
--Submitted by a parent

In response to the parent or maybe the parents of McGarvin students who seem to be having difficulty in getting assistance....maybe a call, letter or email to the principal or vice-principal would be helpful in making the concern known and addressed. All school personnel (teachers, office personnel and administration) are accessble via email on the McGarvin website. I hope this information will assist any parent and or student in need.

I'm unhappy with this School. My son has ADHA and the they have not helped my son. They can't even keep their appointments with me or even get back to me because the school counselor says she's to busy. I think their is only one Teacher that has updated me with my son's school work and I thank her for it other then that I dont see this school being a 5 star.
--Submitted by a parent

THis School is the best! It has everything my child needs to succeed in life and in school. THis school has a great disipline system. The counciler, well she's not the greatest..but other than that.. PERFECT!! Ever since my child has gotten into that school I've seen A's and B's on her progress reports. The vice principle trys her best to get a long with her students. McGarvin is the best!
--Submitted by a parent