Mandarin Middle School

I wouldn't listen to the parents, they have no idea how great the school actually is. I was in the top classes, on a sports team, and in several clubs and I had an amazing few years at this school.I have NO idea what parents talk about 'bullying' there was NO bullying at this school. There were fights, but they were broken up winthin a minute and both student were fighting. I havn't seen any bullyng at the school and I won't. It's a great school and perple who say it isn't are just listening to their whiny kids complain.

My son was there for 3 years. My son has ADHD and a short term learning disability with an IEP. He is main streamed and has a high IQ. He was in advanced classes and doing pretty well. The home page was always up to date. They were also always there if we need to ask something or get verification, emails usually returned within the day. That was a huge PLUS! However with that being said... His spelling is actually atrocious! We work with him at home but got no help at school. I was told that this is what spell check is for. That the FCAT is what they have time to teach and unfortunately do not have time to spend on that.
—Submitted by a parent

Bullying is rampant in the school and no one recognizes it. The so called "good" kids are the worst but they are too smart to get caught. Teachers are so-so with some teachers that are biased towards certain students. P.E contains no actual physical education just the students sitting in lines waiting. The food is excellent though. I dislike the higher up staff (principal,vice principal) for being unhelpful and uncaring. Certain kids are picked out by their peers for bullying and some have been forced to drop out and become home schooled. I disliked my experience there and I will remember it as one of the worst times of my life.

The new principal is awesome! She actually leaves the office. She knows what is going on.
—Submitted by a teacher

We had to make the hard decision to leave a smaller school population and our neighborhood school zone was Mandarin Middle. It turns out we were blessed to be living in this area as the progress of this school conveys. It would be nice if it there were more middle schools for the area because it is very large, but students adjust I think better than parents to that reality. The band program is excellent if you want music education for your children. Would be nice to see more parents around is my only complaint.
—Submitted by a parent

I too moved to mandarin so my son could attend Mandarin Middle and I have to say our experience has been excellent. I was worried about the sixth grade shift and my son absolutely loves this school and was 1 point away from straignt A's this last 9 week period. He had great teachers some kept me informed more so than others - but I am extremely pleased with my son's prgress this year.
—Submitted by a parent

I actually moved to Mandarin specifically so my son could go to school at Mandarin Middle because I've heard it was such a great 'A' school. Honestly I've had nothing but disappointment with this school. Everyone from the front office staff, to the guidance counselors to the teachers just seem to have an uncaring and an 'I don't want to help, just do my job' attitude. I've left messages w/ the principal who couldn't even bother to return my call when I've had a problem. I know a teachers job is hard but that's the profession you chose so do it to the best of your ability and stop giving up on your students.
—Submitted by a parent

Was very happy with the elementary school. When our children moved onto the middle school, it was quite a different story. Lack of communication between the school and parents. Most teachers did not seem to take the interest in their careers. When something arises and a parent should be notified, no phone calls are made. If a child gets hurt, the parents are not aware of a situation until after the event. Very sad indeed. Very disorganized school. Our children now are much older and glad middle school days are behind us. Our children are so much better off in a school with faculty and staff in a wonderful atmosphere. Parents are kept up to date, phone calls are made, everything is up to par, as should be! Hoping things get better for a future generation of Mandarin. Good Luck.
—Submitted by a parent

the excel teachers r spectacular in the seventh grade my child loves them. but she has been bullied at bus stop and school and none of the teachers reconize it. It's an A school but not when it comes to the 8th graders this year they pick on the kids and my child has thought of moving schools evry day
—Submitted by a parent

Mandarin Middle is okay but sometimes irritating. Some teachers teach fun with games to study, others will be incredibly old-fashioned and boring, which loses their students' attention, and occasionally makes them sleep....... They're usually great, but my biggest problem is their last minute information they send in the mail not even a week before school begins for some students. And that's what irritated me more than anything bout MMS. School begins in almost less than a week, and i don't know what school supplies to get.
—Submitted by a student

I love mandarin middle its such a great skool and the teachers ae great they take care of the students and do there job
—Submitted by a student

I love mandarin middle so much because it it the coolest school in the world and u have so much fun there i hate summer because i miss school and the amazing teachers i cant wait to go back
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school for all of my middle school years, it's a great school. I am now a freshman, so I still remember what it was like. They have great programs, would recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a student

great school/safe neighborhood/no violent crime/good gifted program...comp. to charter schools
—Submitted by a parent

Just a typical Jacksonville school. It's too bad they don't have neighborhood schools anymore. My child did not have a good experience there. You have a faculty that for the most part is just lame to say the least.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school!!!! This is my second child to come thru Mandarin Middle and I have nothing but the highest praise for the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

As a mother of a 6th grader, I am very disappointed with this school. They have a very bad bully problem and the teachers are never around to stop it. When I call or go into the office, they just give a bunch of lip service and NEVER follow through. I will never put my child in this school again. I can't wait for this year to be over. It does not matter that the school is an 'A school'. It is overwhelmed with bullies and lack of concern from the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Mandarin in sixth grade(2006-07) and was apart of the Kota team. i had come in the middle of the year so I had some adjusting to do. The students are generally friendly. My favorite teacher was Ms. Albert. She really improved my learning experience there. It was fun school.
—Submitted by a student

i am in the 8 grade there have been there since 6 grade it is a good school just not the food flavor
—Submitted by a student

Mandarin Middle is an excellent, education school.I am proud to have my child attending the school.It is safe and secure, they have recently installed school cameras for observation of the school, which I believe is great. Thank you Mrs.Joy Recla and all the educating teachers.
—Submitted by a parent