Ponus Ridge Middle School

Horrible horrible horrible. The principal runs it like it's her own private kingdom and has made WONDERFUL teachers so miserable that they quit. The ONLY discipline they seem to use is suspension - there is no effort made to assist kids having problems. I filed a complaint with the CT Board of Education, who sided with me. My son's guidance counselor was practically comatose and since they move with the class, he had three years of her. I feel bad for the good teachers who endure this environment. The happiest day of my life was my son's graduation day in 2011.
--Submitted by a parent

After the first year, my overall opinion that the school is good but not great. The 6th grade orange team teachers were excellent and gave my child the challenges she needs to excel. However, the principal is clueless and seemed to lack control of the students from the first orientation we attended. My opinion has not changed from that first meeting. Drugs and alcohol have been known to be present on the grounds with little disciplinary action from the principal.
--Submitted by a parent

Ponus is a great school. I am particularly impressed with the seventh grade teams. I have had a child on each of these teams. While every teacher is different, they continually strive to challenge each student. It was a positive experience for both my children and my husband and me.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific school. The fights have decreased significantly in the past 5 years or so due to a positive change in the student body. The academics are also great and fully prepare students for high school. The faculty is very willing to help students with problems they have, even if it's not related to school. There are also several events throughout the year for students to attend. I highly recommend this school. to school.
--Submitted by a student

I love this school I think that I is the best school in the world but its very strict thought.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is a student at Ponus Ridge, and has been on High Honors since the beginning of the year. If you pay attention in class, and don't get caught up in everything, they will do fine and achieve well. She likes all of her teachers, and can't wait to go to school everyday. Overall it has been a great experience for my daughter.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been trying to get an update on my child's grades and it has been 2 weeks! I just get shifted from this one to that one, they don't seem to care!!
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Ponus and while overall it has been a good experience, 2 years out of 3, the quality of the school fluctuates wildly from year to year and class to class. 6th grade Orange Team was a fabulous experience, they helped to make the transition to middle school smoother than I would ever have imagined for my child, who is usually quite resistant to change. 7th grade Red Team, the teachers are just going through the motions and biding their time until retirement, they just really couldn't care less. 8th grade Blue Team, absolutely amazing. The teachers on that team are great at keeping the students motivated, and they are very communicative with parents, with positive feedback as well as any concerns that arise. The school is very diverse, about 1/3 each White, Black, Hispanic, small % Asian. My son is racially mixed and got along easily with everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter went to ponus ridge middle school for grades 6-8, and take my word for it, academically and educationally, ponus ridge is by far one of the best middle schools in the norwalk public school system. Their teachers are excellent! sure, some fights may break out ocasionally between students, but where are you not going to see that happen? If you are thinking about sending your child to a middle school, i think that pinus is the one. You must be a hard working student to achieve high standards, so if your child isn't doing so well in school, it's probably due to a lack of concentration. Sit down with your child and talk to them about how school is going. Join the ptso, you will get more involved than you think, and then you will really be able to tell how school is going!
--Submitted by Millie Pardo, a parent

Not a very good school, lots of drugs sex and violence! My child went there and failed. Teachers dont help out, they are scared to. Principal just wants her paycheck and doesent seem to care. School needs major renovation, physically dirty and unsafe. Also my daughter went to roton middle school which in my opinion is the best middle school in norwalk, passes all classes with fliying colors. Ponus is just not good!
--Submitted by a parent