Challenger Middle School

i am currently in eighth grade now and attending this school and over all this school id an okay school. most of the teaches help you as needed and others just blow you off and make you feel like you are in kindergarten. as far as the people go it is very hard to find good true friends allot of people are just all talk and the kids that are in my grade are not he best examples of our generation so i would suggest this school but there are some teachers that you should stay away from.

I arrived at this school my eighth grade year and i think that a good amount of the students are rude and inconsiderate to the teachers. The students act entitled, and sadly, many don't seem to care about anything but their friends. Some of the teachers are good, while others seem to care less about wether students pass or fail. Some teachers are rude and almost bully-like. Many teachers seem to have a specific group of students who they really like, and if you are not in that group don't expect to be a straight "A" student. I was a TAG student, and I had teachers who seem to like to unfairly treat the overacheivers, but "accidently" forgeting to give credit for certain assignments, or lowering test scores because of ridiculous reasons. Nothin but positive things to say about the TAG program. Great extra Curricular activities & sports.

We have a student that just finished 6th grade and is about to move on the 7th, we had an issue with one teacher here and anyone that goes here I am sure will know which one that one is. She would like to choose her own in group of students, and if the other ones would ask questions she would scoff and ask the class if anyone else could answer that question, or just not answer it and say things like "moving on" etc. I brought this up to the asst. principal and nothing happened. Mind you my child received A's in every other class besides this one because she was not on the in crowd list with the teacher. Social status and pecking orders are bad enough among the students, teachers should not do the same
—Submitted by a parent

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

I have only great things to say about Challenger. I have had two kids graduate from there and one currently in 6th grade. The teachers are caring and go the extra mile for students success. They have high expectations for all kids but provide supports so that all kids can be successful. There is a real sence of community when you walk in the door. I have volenteered there often and have found a real positive climate. Being military, we have lived all over the country and have found Challenger to be one of the best middle schools that we have seen. I have found that Challenger has prepared my kids not only for success at higher school levels but in life in general.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a technology school were some classes require computer and internet access for a passing grade while others don't require a computer at all. There is a variety of electives to choose from including 2D and 3D art, Drama, Spanish, French, Choir, Study Skills, Computer class, and Tag classes. There is also always an after school activity going on with activity busses available afterwards. The teachers know what they are doing. You have to work for your grade but hard work pays off and there are reward after every quarter for grade improvement and 4.0. By the time you hit 8th grade even if you have not attended the school before, the teachers are teaching at a high school level. The only downfall is the make-up work policy for some classes. If you ask for help though, most teachers don't have a problem helping you during the lunch hour.
—Submitted by a student

Mediocre in quality. Homework policy sets children up to fail rather than win. No sense of community at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Moderate. Seems like gifted and or problem children in the school get all of the attention and support while the average student falls behind. Not impressed with our experience
—Submitted by a parent