Challenger Middle School

Overall, we've been pretty pleased with the school. There are some teachers they need to get rid of.... we had one or two that were horrible. This is coming from a parent of an 'A' Tag student. Complaining to the school administration does nothing. The kids just bad math these teachers behind their back. Pity, because the kids are justified in their comments. Other teachers know these folks are horrible and just laugh it off. No one does anything about it. If you can avoid the few horrible teachers, you should have a good experience. I don't know why they don't get rid of these folks.
--Submitted by a parent

Positive experiences all around at this school. Teachers are experienced, helpful and care about their students. Administration is open to parents and really wants their students to succeed. Plenty of after school activities and help for those who seek it. Part of the technology strand in the Distict Twenty school district. I noticed many of the negative comments made here (homework, discipline, etc.) also state they were ready for high school. Isn't that the point?
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from being stationed overseas. My dad is in the military. I have lived in Canada, the east coast, Germany, and in Hawaii. I have been to all kinds of schools, from DOD to public to private. As an 8th grader I began Challenger. Friendships were formed for the past 2 years. What I liked about the kids at CMS is how they helped me by letting me into their social groups. It was way cool. Teachers are strick and you lose points if you turn in work late, especially in the 8th grade. I really liked the conversations we had in classes. The Broadcast Journalism class was the best. If I had a bad day, my teachers, friends, and counselor would help me out.
--Submitted by a student

Challenger has experienced teachers who really are supportive of student who want to do well in school. The Success Maker for Math and Reading are programs that have helped my child improve several grade levels in one school year. I absolutely think the counseling staff is very supportive and the overall school is safe and friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

My two daughters both went through Challenger. We found the school to be excellent. The school has a very supportive environment for students to acheive. Very caring teachers go the extra mile for students. The administration has been responsive to our needs and the leadership from the top sets a positive climite within the building.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has very high standards for both academics and discipline. The rules and expectations are clearly communicated, and our child has not experienced any undo stress while attending this wonderful school. It has a reputation for being a very strong prep school for the local high school (Pine Creek).
--Submitted by a parent

When I arrived at this school in 8th grade, I was not welcome at all. The teachers were unnecessarily strict- I couldn't bring a lunch I bought into lunch detention... I had to throw it away and have the one provided, and I also got in trouble for sitting on my foot at the lunch table because i might 'fall.' These circumstances and countless others made me hate going to school since I felt more independent in elementary school. I can say that academically, I was ready for High School but socially, it was a whole new world that I think they could do a better job in with preparation. I pity those who spent 2 more years there than I did.
--Submitted by a student

i do notlike this school there is very little help for students who fall behind and teachers are very preasuring exept for ms hanson but i do belive they over work us even saying they challenge us more than 9th grader i feel that you are set up to fail
--Submitted by a student

It's all in the name. Challenger was definitely challenging for me when I was an 8th grader in 2004-2005, but that's all it was. I would have to say that it was not a very enjoyable experience. They got a lot of me in my education and I was more than prepared for high school.
--Submitted by a student

If your child is in the 'grey' area or the middle don't expect any help! If you go to the principal for help this is what you'll hear.....' Maybe you should try another school' We have even had teacher an student bulling issues at this school which were never delt with and at this point a year and a half is enough. We are looking to homeschool until high school. Would not reccomend.
--Submitted by a parent