Clearwater Fundamental Middle School

While I absolutely love the principal and the philosophy of the fundamental school, the children I have encountered here are worse than any of the students we've dealt with in the public middle schools. My oldest son went to Carwise middle then on to Palm Harbor IB and is now leaving for Cornell University, my daughter went to Tarpon middle and is now a sophomore in IB at Palm Harbor on the same track. I felt my youngest needed a little more structure so elected to try fundamental. He has been exposed to more junk through those kids than I ever had come home from the other 2 schools. Sex, drugs, fights, and bullying. Yes, the principal addresses it after the fact, however I thought the occurrences would be less when in fact, because the school is smaller, all students are more aware of everything that's happening so there is no sheltering. The other schools are so large that if they have a good peer group & stick with those kids, the other junk is not so "in their face" as it is at the fundamental. I have found some parents to feel that just because they are attending that school and go to a few required PTA mtgs, they are doing their job well & that is concerning!
—Submitted by a parent

We are entering our 3rd & final yr. @ CFMS. Although the beginning was a bit rocky, we never 2nd guessed our decision. We were commited to a philosophy lost throughout the yrs.; that school is for education, comradery & leadership. Children spend more time at school than at home. Peers can affect their decision-making regardless of upbringing For this reason we felt an environment that builds on character & integrity was cruicial. That is exactly what we found at CFMS. Academic excellence, responsibility, honesty & "Do the right thing" are consistently reminded as well as enforced. There will always be certain areas which may not be perfect but overall it is an excellent school! My daughter is a proud Trailbrazer and we will both miss it dearly when she graduates this year!
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome faculty & staff! This school has a great sense of community. Even after moving and doubling in size, CFMS students & staff maintained their integrity. I very happy to have a kid there.
—Submitted by a parent

Coachmen is ok. academic wise its good. social wise is good but coachmen can be a bit boring. some teachers are strick while others are alright. the food is pretty bad! but over all the school is a 3.9/5.0
—Submitted by a student

My son didn't go to a fundamental elementary school, so it was very hard for him to decide on Coachman Fundamental three years ago, because most of his friends were going to Oak Grove Middle. But then Coachman has good kids and nice teachers, my son made new friends fast and was happy to be there. He and his good friends will go to Palm Harbor University HS this fall. Thank you Coachman teachers and staffs for the good work, special thanks to Ms. Underwood who cares so much about our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of our children have went to Coachman. I would recommend this school to children that need a more structured learning environment
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a 7th grader at Coachman. My older sister is in 8th. I LOVE Coachman and easily will give it five stars. Coachman focuses on educating the kids, but also expresses freedom for the students. Some courses offered are Gifted for advanced children, as myself and my sister, and Media Productions, where we film the morning announcement (my sister is in the same class as me!). I am very proud to say that I am a Coachman student and a future graduate of 2009-2010. See ya and for anyone who can GO TO COACHMAN FUNDAMENTAL! And by the way, say hi to the AWESOME principal (and my pal) Mr. Dave Rosenburger.
—Submitted by a student

Focused on academics, with an emphasis on respect and responsibility, Coachman is a safe haven in a time when other public schools struggle with violence, low standards, faculty frustration, and parental indifference. Coachman's focus on family involvement and communication makes it easy to keep up with your child's progress. The small student body (around 550 students) makes each child feel like an integral part of the Coachman 'family.' Coachman is simply the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Coachman is incredible! The best thing next to private school...may even be better! If you are lucky enough to win the lottery to get in, you should celebrate because is better winning a money lottery. You don't have to pay to go there and you child will receive a great education. Good luck to all that try to enter.
—Submitted by Diane Waldron, a parent

I think Coachman Middle School is a great school and is in a great location.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of everything that Coachman has to offer is fenominal. There is a wonderful balance between the arts and academics. The sports are somewhat lacking, but then again it is a fundamental school, and therefore not a compeating school. Of course also being a fundamental school, there is an extremem amount of parental involvement. That is the best part, from monthly SAC meeting, to PTSA and then signing every piece of paper the children bring home, there is no better was to be involved. I would definatley recomend that you apply all of your children, there is no better middle school for them to attend.
—Submitted by Crystal W., a former student

This is a great school - very much into academics! If you want your child to be ready for high school and college, you want your child to attend a fundamental school.
—Submitted by M Ryan, a parent

Great!I love this school!
—Submitted by Loer Petson, a student

Wonderful School! Parents and staff really care about the students
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Lots of enthusiasm. My daughter really enjoys attending.
—Submitted by a parent