Walter F. Dexter Middle School

Dexter is a wonderful school with amazing teachers who work hard to meet the needs of their students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a part of the Dexter family for several years, and the school just keeps getting better and better. We have a wonderful staff that really cares about the students. Everyone there works hard to make sure students have a safe place in which to grow and succeed. Dexter is part of a great community and has really terrific students. The school offers a lot of academic support resources as well as enrichment opportunities. I look forward to many more years at Dexter as there is no place else I would rather work!
—Submitted by a teacher

My children had a wonderful experience at Dexter Middle School. Teachers were very helpful and helped them reach their potential.
—Submitted by a parent

in regards to post dated 9/28/2012..it is not about personal vendesttas, it is about school accountability. Luckily you are one of the few that have not experienced something negative. Many students have and when parents attempt to address the issues with school administration...parents get no response. I am happy that they have achieved some growth but look at what the Los NIetos school District accomplished within 3 years...It is a shame that a majority of the students do not feel safe and because we as parents speak up ..we are on a personal vendetta. That is the real shame
—Submitted by a parent

So many personal vendettas on this site, what a shame. On a positive note, I wanted to congratulate Dexter Middle School for doing an outstanding job on the CST and raising the API 80 points in 5 years! And WCSD being rated 1 of the top 5 rated districts in the state of CA for academic growth! They say it takes a village to raise one child so I want to thank all the teachers, administrators, and staff for helping my child to succeed!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal was not there after school office, i take my child out of this school after la directora did not help mi daughter after she was bulied for a long time she finally met me after lots of calling and leavingalot of messages becusse i told the secretary I want to talk to the superintendent. secretaria say princpal no there after the school on Monday or Wensdays This is NO a safe place for kids!!
—Submitted by a parent

His mother tells me that he gets good grade's A"s and B's. Now let me ask the Administrations there, Is he prepared to transfer to lets just say, Loyal High school, will he have the knowledge base to be a competitive student at a private High school? I have been to that school and I am not very impress and let me tell you it does not come close to the private school my daughter goes to in Orange County. Believe me if I could, he would not be in any public school, maybe but for a few.
—Submitted by a parent

I really like how Dexter supports my boys. If they do poorly on a test, they are given help and then get a chance to take the test again. They have improved their grades during their time at Dexter.
—Submitted by a parent

Every school has problems and Dexter is a work in progress. With that in mind, the progress is remarkable. There has been a schedule change to assist students who need extra help. Dexter is implementing "Professional Learning Communities" that has been so successful at the high school. The school is huge and so progress is slower than I'd wish. Dexter's primary problems can be put at the feet of parents who raise their children with a poor values system. Most negative comments I've seen on this site are the direct result of poor or non-existant parenting. The people skills of SOME(not all by any stretch) of the office staff could be improved. Something I'm sure will be addressed over time.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended the GATE open house at Dexter last night. I was astounded by the fabulous work produced by the 6th and 7th graders. The most amazing part of the evening was the 8th grade wax museum. Students had extensively researched historical characters and then dressed and played the part of those characters. Each individual performance was well rehearsed and acted. I would guess about half of the 8th grade participated. This is a real tribute to the excellent teaching and dedication of the teachers at Dexter. Congratulations students and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school with issues that need to be resolved. 1, The staff in the student center never acknowledge that your there. Instead of helping you, they sit around-like they expect you to know they're to busy to help anyone but themselves. 2, Some teachers have no control over the class. When the teacher is talking many other students are busy with their own thing. Some even cussing loudly or applying make-up. 3, To me, the principal is just a front. Really, its the vice pricipal who's in charge. this is my last year here. it finally came!

The staff in the front office is very rude and unprofessional. They do not acknowledge you when you walk in the door. Finally when you ask for help, they don't really care and just tell you to go see so and so and they'll send you to so and so. The school nurse will ask students "what do you want?!" instead of trying to be helpful, especially when a student is in need. The campus is filthy, the restroom are unsanitary, as well as the locker rooms. Most of the teachers are unorganized and not well put together. The subtitutes sleep while the class works on a worksheet that a 3rd grader could finish in 10 minutes. The staff talks to students like they are worthless, and theyre more concerned with socializing than helping the school be a better place.

It is by far one of the worst schools I have been to in the area. If you live within the city, it would be best to either send your child to a private school or to a school in the East Whittier School District. The teachers really do try desperately to push their students, but ,honestly, the 7 hrs of teaching can not correct behavior or encourage better study habits in their entirety. A majority of the responsiblity falls onto the parents and guardians. They do offer a number of programs that are beneficial for students looking to excel or work on their studies, but with budget cuts who knows if they'll remain after fiscal readjustments. This really isn't hyperbole. Evaluate every aspect of the school, or any school for that matter, before you decide where to place your child.
—Submitted by a teacher

Amazing school I love it. The teachers well respected; the students well connected. I love dexter it is a very good school<3(:
—Submitted by a student

Great teachers. Beautiful campus. Wonderful students.

The focus is on student learning . . . teachers and administration really show that they care about students!
—Submitted by a parent

We have the best students and a wonderful staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Dexter has a committed, caring staff of teachers who make student achievement and good citizenship a priority every day. There are also many wonderful students at our school who make teaching a real pleasure.
—Submitted by a parent

Dexter Middle School is a great place where teachers care about kids. We have many activities such as Mock Trial, ASB, and the Wax Museum. Dexter has a lot to offer and I really love working there!
—Submitted by a teacher

We have great teachers that make decisions based on what is best for our students. We still have a great selection of electives including Avid. We have some after school programs that are special; cross country and Mock Trial. What is even greater is that the students feel challenged and fulfilled.
—Submitted by a teacher