Newton Middle School

My daughter came from Lenski Elementary and she was so well prepared for middle school...and that is where the excellence ended. I feel so disappointed by the lack of academic challenge at Newton. The teachers seem overworked and too busy to address issues, and I have repeatedly tried to get my daughter to be more academically challenged, but I am not getting any dialog going. I am very frustrated and we are looking for another school for 7th grade. This year has been pretty much wasted. They may have good programs for other students, but I would definitely look elsewhere (like Euclid or Cresthill) for GT programs.
--Submitted by a parent

up until recently, newton was an IB school where children are learning more than your average 'bear'. newton is a no-tolerance school when it comes to weapons, bullying and or poor attendance. newton also has an online website fit for students, parents and teachers open streaming communication at all times. poor grades or missing assignments are immediately reported to parents via email that simply lists necessary info. teachers are extremely prompt and welcome feedback, questions and concerns. newton is always simplifying areas that could use work by working out the kinks.
--Submitted by a parent

Let's cut to the chase, if you're reading this, you're probably interested in the 'IB MYP' status. IMO, it's worthless. I have two in school. One is highly advanced A+ student and one is doing great in advanced classes (A to A-). My A+ student is bored. My other student loves how many movies they watch (You Tube). Principal is disappointing and uninformed. Teachers are strong in Science, weak in English. Math is a crap shoot based on teacher. Foriegn language is average. Shop and art are required (drives me nuts). Very safe atmosphere for kids. For a public school, I rate it average, no better/no worse.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has had an excellent experience at Newton. She has maintained an excellent academic record with guidance from an extraordinary faculty and staff. Although she is not highly involved with the new IB program instated in her 8th grade year, I hear great things from parents of 6th and 7th graders in the program. Her humanities teacher, new to the school this year, has created in her a great interest in current events by bringing the workings of government, both past and present, alive in her class activities. The foreign language department is in the process of incorporating additional languages under the supervision of an outstanding, long term teacher. It saddens me to think of her leaving this wonderful school at the end of this school year but she goes out with a solid base on which to build!
--Submitted by a parent