Skyview Middle School

My 8th grader switched to Skyview Middle School after a semester at Falcon Virtual Academy. The change was due to the fact that I was unable to continue homeschooling. My child was excelling at FVA and made the honor roll every quarter at his previous schools. I was shocked to find out after one quarter that my child was failing or performing poorly in most classes. There was absolutely no teacher communication. I initiated contact with teachers and the guidance counselor several times, and he still did not get the help that he needed. He also experienced bullying at the school. Teachers and administration seemed responsive after I brought it to their attention, but kids are allowed to be vulgar and aggressive unless a parent or student complains. I was initially impressed with the extracurricular offerings of the school, but it falls flat when one's student is struggling academically. If I had known that my student would have such difficulty at this school, I would never have enrolled him here. Parents do your homework, because it can make for a miserable school year for both you and your student when communication issues affect your child's success.
—Submitted by a parent

Verbatim from the D49 official Falcon Flyer received 8/30/2011: "Overcrowding has been a hot topic in District 49. Falcon continues to be one of the fastest growing districts in the state. We currently serve about 14,000 students. This is perhaps the first year that our overall student population has not increased, but that does not change the fact that overcrowding continues to plague our district. Eight schools in District 49 are currently over-capacity. They include Woodmen Hills Elementary, Falcon Middle School,Falcon High School, Evans International Elementary, Springs Ranch Elementary, Odyssey Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, and Skyview Middle School. Of the remaining schools, not a single one of them is less than 75% full...Teachers struggle when thirty or more students outnumber them..."

Two of my sons have attended this school. My older son had to fight a bully in the bathroom on the first day of 6th grade. He had no other problems with bullying after that. His grades were a lot lower than in elementary school, but we receive no communication until it's too late to fix them. My son decided to put a lot of effort into his science fair project to get his grade back up, and his teacher accused him of cheating. When I sent an e-mail to the teacher to vouch for him, I got a response back accusing me of covering for him. My younger son has been bullied for 2 years at this school, and we are pulling him out and sending him ANYWHERE else next year. I have gone to the school about the bullying numerous times. Each time, I'm told the same thing... They will deal with it and make sure he is safe. My son tells me the teachers are too busy chatting with each other and texting to bother paying attention to anything going on in the halls or the lunch room or even in their own classes. I have placed calls to his guidance counselor stating that there is a bullying situation going on, and I have to wait 3 days for a return phone call.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year in middle school so I don't have another school to judge it against. There are teachers who really care and communicate when there are issues. I like that! However, there are plenty who will treat your child like a number and not communicate until there is a problem. I'm not sure why the district thinks this is a good policy. By the time there is an issue, it's usually too late to turn it around before the end of the term! My advice is to check the parent portal regularly and review it with your child. They do offer programs like Homework Help and Saturday school but they are just a teacher watching a group of students. There isn't a whole lot of helping going on. This might be fine for 7th and 8th graders but I feel 6th graders need more structure. Skyview does offer some nice programs like archery. Some programs, like band, seem to be randomly assigned. Overall, the fact that my son has two teachers who really care and really exemplify what teaching is about keep me satisfied. I hope next year we will have teachers just like that.
—Submitted by a parent

Communication with teachers is non-existent. They have a policy of NOT contacting parents unless a student receives a D or an F on their final grade for each quarter. THIS IS INSANE!!! If they dip that low and it gets documented on their report card, it's too late. Good luck with the teachers. They do have good teachers, but they follow the misguided policy of NO parent contact unless the kids have already failed. Some of the teachers don't return phone calls or respond to e-mails.
—Submitted by a parent

While this school is challenging, there is only sporadic communication. There are a few teachers who actually care and contact parents, but the rest leave it up to you to figure out what your child is doing in their class. If you can't afford year round volleyball and basketball club teams for your kid, forget making a sports team. We moved this year and out of twice as many girls trying out here, my daughter finally made a school team. No clique coaches and her hard individual work paid off.
—Submitted by a parent

Skyview Middle School, is a school that challenges kids if they are up to working hard if not then what kid will ever be challennged! The programs are limtiless from thier new brodcasting club to honors choir! They have basketball, softball(girls only), football, track and field, cross country, and many more! Not to mention the National Juniors Honors Society! I love this school and it's staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I come from a family of educators and I'm very familar with GT and honors programs. My son has always been in accelerated programs and it is fair and unbias to say Skyview's program is impressive and challenging. It's a very good school!
—Submitted by a parent

Phenomenal teaching staff, creative, and they challenge the kids with positive reinforcement. The complete opposite of Florida public schools
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Teachers and admin are truly there for the kids. Extracurricular activities for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very helpful! At me school they came to the school to talk about year! I love this school!
—Submitted by a student

My child has always been an A student until this school. The principal is totally unresponsive when issues are brought to her attention. We come from an excellent elementary school, so I find it very disturbing that the middle school is so disappointing. Plus, 6th graders can't participate in sports at all.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from California last year, so this is our first year experiencing District 49 schools and we are very disappointed. My son had always received A's & B's inschool with many friends and teachers at his previous school made sure to get to know the parents. At Skyview there is no communication between teachers & parents, many times I have tried to get information from teachers or the office and I do not get a response. My son has been receiving lower grades, mostly B's and D's, and by the time I find out there is a problem it is too late. My son is bored here, he is not being challenged. People talk about California schools but my son had received a much better education there.
—Submitted by a parent

So-So. Although the teaching staff is great, I do not feel like my child is challenged enough.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not impressed with this school whatsoever. My children have attended school in four other states before moving here and this is the worst. My children have not been challenged by the curriculum at all. I ask that something be done but only get excuses. I wish the housing market was not so bad right now so I could move. I do intend to move my child out of Skyview to another district.
—Submitted by a parent

This school and district is a money eating corporation. They charge for every little activity. There is not much parent involvement. They do have good activities available and a high test performance rate.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with this school. Upon enrolling my child mid way through the year we were given a tour, met with the principle, nurse, counselor. Her teachers have been very helpful in making her feel welcome. They have been quick to respond to messages via phone and email. The staff acts like they have a genuine interest in my child. They have never treated us as if we are just a number. The grades are all kept seperate for the most part. The staff has been very helpful with questions. The work has been both hard and easy, but we moved from out of state.
—Submitted by a parent