West Jefferson Middle School

West Jefferson Middle has undergone a significant change in leadership, the effectiveness of which is still undetermined. The Elementary and High Schools that it is sandwiched between are excellent, making the expectations of parents very high to start with. Many of the community organizations in a "rebuilding" phase as well; PTA, CDM etc. As is probably true of all schools the staff cover the entire continuum from fantastic to marginal. The Special Ed staff is very lacking and in need of turnover. As with any school, parental advocacy is critical to ensuring your child's needs are addressed. The good news is that current leadership is responsive to input. Definitely a school on an upward trend.
--Submitted by a parent

I am giving school 4 out of five stars. As far as public middle schools go, this is one that stands above the rest. Not only do teachers genuinely care about the academic and emotional well-being of every student, tWJMS also has a great electives program that is designed to get kids excited about High School and possible career options. Keep in mind that the middle years are arguably the toughest on kids. WJMS has peer mentoring, and help for many kids after school. My kids went to WJMS, and my youngest just finished the 8th grade. My only criticism is that there are kids who hold classes hostage. they constantly interrupt their teachers, and are discipline problems (bullying, skipping class/school), almost every hour of every day. The rest of the kids miss out on the quality education they deserve, and WJMS can not meet the academic and emotional needs of troubled kids. These kids are socially promoted, and the administration is convinced that recommending an alternative school for them is "giving up" on those kids. I disagree, as my kids missed out on countless hours of lessons, labs, and other learning experiences due to their learning environment being disrupted a lot!
--Submitted by a parent

We took our son out of this school - actually, he begged us to get him out of there - the staff is very rude and condencending to their students - our son is an A, B Student - and the type of person that holds the doors open for others -- naturally polite and has a great demenor -- this is a terrible school
--Submitted by a parent

If it were possible to give a school ZERO stars, I would. This school claims they are anti bullying etc., however the bullying that occurs is not only between students, but also occurs when teachers bully students. The principal lets the teachers do anything they want, and there are no consequences when a teacher treats a student unfairly. I would love to speak to the person who wrote the last review as her description of the teachers being full of their own self importance makes me think our kids had the same teacher. My child is now withdrawn from the school......GOOD RIDDANCE. If you are considering enrolling your student at this school, save yourself and your child a lot of heartache and DO NOT DO IT!!!
--Submitted by a parent

As a middle school teacher myself, I am appalled at what happens at West Jefferson Middle School! The teaching staff, and I mean solely the core teachers, were very full of their own importance while maintaining an apathetic attitude. Granted, my son was not a scholar, but he was NEVER a discipline issue. When we withdrew him from the school due to bullying issues (and him being falsely accused then questioned by a SRO--without in locus parentis), not one person in the school inquired as to why he was leaving. I'm not sure why this is...apathy seems to be my only consideration. The supposed group of friends he hung with were "Awesome", but the moment his back was turned he was lambasted. When withdrawing him, his core teachers never bothered to say goodbye...good luck...any even PLATITUDES to make him at least feel like he was cared about....guess they have enough students, mine isn't necessary...but it was a shame. A teachable moment for him, however, as I let him know that REAL teachers will demonstrate compassion to children....at the very least providing the dignity of saying goodbye to someone they had such close contact with. They may rate high as per CSAP, etc..hmm???

This is a great school particularly because of the great academics and nice and caring teachers. They give you lots of help when you need it. This school is overall the best.

This is a great school! My daughter attends this school and absolutely with out a doubt loves it! They have the best leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been happy with the education at WJMS. I have a 7th grader and he has had good relationships with all of his teachers. I love the fact that 6th graders are at this school and they are in elective courses.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and the academics are mediocre. I attended as a student for 6-8th grade, and this school is pathetic. A lot of classes I was in was just chaos, the teachers were completely unaware as far as I know about what goes on. Kids with lots of potential never really get to show what they are really capable of doing academically.

I believe this is a well balanced school. I have heard negative things in the past & think maybe they may have been true.The school has changed starting from the principal. The staff at this school has been attentive.My daughter has really enjoyed this school so far even though she is only in 6th grade.They do care about your childs learning.The key is to get involved no matter which school you choose.You will have a better understanding of everything you need to know.Communication is important.Be available when needed that's key.
--Submitted by a parent