Joseph Stilwell Middle School

No to impressed with this school. They do nothng to solve their problem with fights. very text book procedures. No one going above to care or solve any problems. I wish nothing more than to get my son out of that school.
—Submitted by a parent

New leadership...new school. Thank you for sending a real principal who cares about the safety and success of teachers and students!
—Submitted by a teacher

Keep something in mind; out of the hundreds and hundreds of students to attend this school each year, there are only a small handful of comments. The people who come online to post comments about school such as Stillwell are ones who feel they have a bone to pick, or a need. In many larger cities, some inner city schools receive hundreds of negative comments per year. Stillwell is an average school. Troublemakers will find trouble, bullies will bully, and the week and timid will still be picked on. This is a recurring theme in all American public schools, not just this one. The racial ratio is nearly even at Stillwell, and there have been very few serious incidents over the years. There really isn't a better public middle school on the West side of Jacksonville. If you still fear for your child's safety, home school them, put them in private school, or move. That pretty much summarizes your options.i
—Submitted by a parent

Well I was a student from Stilwell I am now goin to highschool but Stilwell is not a bad school we have some bad students like every other school in duval county stilwell does not have drug activity and there is no bullies at our school almost everyone get along with each other but like every other school there our fights but only a few fights but if your child can stay focus and out of drama then they can go to do this school or any other school

Poorly manged School in dire need of attention. Onging apathy towards parents, teachers, and children. Needs better leadership and organization.

I'm a substitute teacher and I've had the displeasure of working at Stilwell several times. I'm not sure where to begin. The administration is a joke. They refuse to back up their regular staff, let alone temporary staff members like myself. The students are retched little monsters. Their in-class behavior is atrocious. The lesson plans left for me were a joke. Watch a video, listen to a CD player read your history textbook to you, sit there and do nothing while an assistant tells about his glory days. I've had harder assignments in my elementary school classes. Before you put your child in Stilwell, take a good look around to see if you can find a better school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I would give this school a -1. This is one of the worst middleschools in Duval county. The children are out of control, violence is rampant and drug activity takes place. If you aren't with the bullies, you are a target to be bullied. Many talks with the on campus police and the admistrative staff and yet nothing really changes. It's a shame that parents who actually parent have to subject their kids to this kind of abuse. I would suggest you really take a hard look at this school and the type of kids you see running around out of control before you assume your child is safe here or even getting an education. It's pretty aparent this school has issues just by the fact they have a hired police officer on stand by. Parents pay attention to your kids. Facebook is where these kids start a lot of the violence that carries over into the school yard. Teach your kids to speak up for eachother when it comes to bullies. Many of these kids see things and never say a word because the parents don't ask and they are afraid. Get involved and encourage your child to be their own person.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at stilwell and i have to say that while it is'nt a terrable school if you are a priss and dont have friends here it will probably be a rougher experience.There is alot of drama but it if you stay out of it and dont have a big mouth it will be alot easier on you.I love Stilwell and will say that we are inproving.Our new principal is NOT the best but were hoping to get rid of her soon.Your experience with the teachers depends on what teachers you get.

As the parent of an 8th grader at Stilwell, I have mixed feelings about the quality of my child's education. We have a new principal, who is totally inaccessible to both students and parents. Some teachers are very professional and others are totally worthless. As a parent, I would strongly encourage other parents to keep their fingers on the pulse of everything involving your child's education. You should not rely totally on the school to ensure the good quality of your child's education. You are your child's best advocate. Maintain a constant presence with both teachers and administrators. Unfortunately, the current principal chooses not to even disclose her email address. That, to me, speaks volumes. Work closely with the faculty and staff, talk with your child about their day, and utilize "My Grade Portal". Don't look to the school to raise your child, that is the parent's job. Just make sure that the school provides a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Stilwell Middle School for the past 2 years. The principal had addressed the issues causing the school the bad reputation. Most of the teachers have been replaced. I think there needs to be more parental involvement at the school and definitely more representation in PTSA. Unfortunately, we now have a new principal and from what I hear she isn't doing very well.....
—Submitted by a parent

Im a student and its nice...Great learninq program.....You will not like it if you dont have friends
—Submitted by a student

i am a student there and it is not the worst school but it is a bad school if u are veryconsered with your kids safty i think it would not be good to go here but i get good grades and all my teachers care at least a little it is a farly clean school but the prienceable has really changed the school in so many ways !
—Submitted by a student

This school is really bad!i was a student there last year 07-08.& i hated it.The students there are very disrespectful and loud.the teachers dont care and dont understand whats going on.Dont send your child there!!
—Submitted by a student

I was very dissatisfied with this school. All they want to do is suspend kids. The teachers (some) don't care. I will NOT send my child there again.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is definitely unsatisfactory. Only exceptional students can excel here. We were warned, as we left the fifth grade, that if your student wasn't independent and scholarly, his/her needs would be ignored and the student would, ultimately, be left on his/her own and the administration of the school would not care. This was a true statement from someone who knew what the situation at Stilwell was. Ultimately, kids are out of control, due to frustration, and the school only sets students with problems up for failure. No one should send their child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Stillwell and he hates it. The students there need to be taught respect for others. I am certain he will not return next year. Please really think about alternatives if your chils has to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Some teachers are good and seem to care and will work with you. Others don't make any attempt at all to help your struggling child. Get some teachers aides in the school or something. Too many students too little teachers! I would call the school 15 times before I could get a teacher to contact me. My daughter hated the school and felt like it wasn't safe. Of course that could have been just the transition from elementary to middle school. On a positive note, it has improved over the past couple of years.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Stilwell for all three years and will say it's a decent school. It has many problems, but the teachers and staff are trying to put them an end. Occasionally, they go about it the wrong way. If you send your child to Stilwell be prepared to write your child a medical pass so that he or she can use the bathroom, since it wouldn't be allowed by either the teachers or the principal. On another note, while most teachers at Stilwell are fantastic teachers, there are a few teachers there who can not teach very well. If you send your child to Stilwell and they begin to complain about not learning in such and sos class, listen to them. If Stilwell keeps improving, I say it's safe to send your child there. If it doesn't keep striving to improve, I'd look into a different school. - Megan Howell
—Submitted by a student

I have taught at Stilwell Middle School ten years. Like all middle schools we have problems but we also have some great students who come to school to learn and be successful. Parents are always willing to volunteer and help out in any way possible. Teachers, staff and administrators are very dedicated and we all work as a team to make our campus safe and welcoming. We have students who come here to socialize and cause problems and these are the ones that will complain about how bad our school is. Success can only be achieved through hard work, dedication and loyalty. I invite you to be part of our Stilwell Team. You won't regret it. Ms. Arroyo
—Submitted by a teacher

Me as a former student at Joseph Stilwell,it was a ok. This was my first year there as a seventh grader. My whole 2006-2007 7th grade school year was a waste because I did not learn anything here. My parents are taking me out of stilwell. so I would suggest that you do the same.
—Submitted by a student