Chain of Lakes Middle School

The teachers are engaging, the principal involved and active and the staff is friendly. My child gets what she puts into her learning career as it should be.
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty at COL does an excellent job. Breaking up fights and getting hurt in the process should NOT be a job requirement. COL has one of the most caring staff members at COL, and he has to break up fights on a constant basis. Did anyone ever think about not blaming the SCHOOL, but instead keeping your kids in check?? If you live in the "WINDERMERE" area, put your child in Gotha Middle School instead. My child is thriving at COL, sorry about those of you that are not. My child, fortunately, is not being bullied there, either. Parents always like to place the blame on someone else. Your child's ability to cope starts at the home.
—Submitted by a parent

PLEASE READ - As a parent living in the windermere area, this school was the closest school so I had to send my child here. I thought the students will be decent and the faculty will be strict and caring. NO THOUGH. It has not even been 5 months since the 2011-2012 sy started, & there have been 3 fights already, & in 2 faculty has been hurt. When fights are happing, only about 1 or 2 faculty is there, & when the rest come, they just stand there & watch. The bullying is also a big issue in this school. switching my son back to SWMS! The academics in this school is the only thing that is good.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School.. My child is a Honor Roll Student (Straight A's). I moved here from an excellent school in New Jersey and I can not complain about this school. Students are polite, well mannered and bullying is not tolerated. I am a proud parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I am happy my kid is not there anymore. My kid is a 9th grader now. Her honors Algebra class was a joke and did not prepare her for HS Honors Geometry. The gifted teacher rocks! The drama teacher is awesome. I was told by the last vice principal during her 7th and 8th grade year that I was too involved and my child who has an "A" is not doing enough. The english teacher in advance 7th grade is adversarial and detached. They would not show up to conferences or respond to e-mails. The 8th graders do not get a graduation. But my kid did because of the honor awards. We see the difference in the level of quality teachers now and when my kid attended. They do not care at COLM. I work now at another middle school and also see a difference in the level of education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school and overall it has been a positive experience. The new principal has made a few positive changes and it seems that parent involvement is more welcome. The orchestra teacher is very impressive and gets his students to progress. The overall Arts program has improved this year. Academic classes have been a mixed bag, as I would imagine it is at most schools. My 6th grader has not particularly enjoyed electives, however. The gifted teacher is phenomenal and has been the bright spot for both of my kids. It is good mix between challenges and letting them grow in their own way. Overall I am very happy with the situation at this school and expect it to continue.
—Submitted by a parent

I had heard wonderful things about this school, but quite honestly, I haven't experienced any of it. The majority of my son's teachers have definately 'checked out'. The progress book is a big joke in my eyes as teachers 'don't have the time' to enter homework, notes etc. onto it. I have had parent/teacher meetings with absolutely no follow-up from the teachers. Parents can only do so much, we need the teachers help.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my sons 2 year in this school, and i think it has helped him so much, i would not change at all if it was to come to that....
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is aboslutely amazing! Granted it might not be the greatest school in Orange County but it has other qualitys that make up for those rough edges. For one this school has the most sophisticated Gifted Teacher ever! Who teaches his class what they need to learn but in a more comforting way that allows the students to actually learn something. The school also has many other extraordinary teachers who give their time and effort to help those students in need. There are many extra-curriculum activites after school, such as the National Junior Honor Society,the YMCA after school program and much more! This school has great facualty too. The principal is very kind and is always there if you need to have a meeting with her. The Administrators are also very kind and are always there to help you. Overall this school is Extraordinary!
—Submitted by a student

This is my daughter's 2nd year at COLMS and it may have improved in some aspects. But, the school still lacks in quality leadership. The administrative staff are rude and disrespectful to all. The principal is never available and stays in her office allday. My child too has all advanced classes , but some of her classes do not challenge her at all. This is due to it being FCAT driven, except for the gifted program. He is a wonderful and brilliant teacher!The orchestra teacher really cares about his students and program! He encourages them to step out explore different avenues of music. Discipline of some students are below average and the focus needs to be more on the safety of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Chain of Lakes for 3 years, and I love it. He is in all advance classes as well as the AVID program. The level of education recieved there is great. I can not wait until my daughter gets there.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. What a great environment for my child to be in! i'm so excited for my child's future. Thank you chain of lakes middle school, thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

My son had a bad experience at this school, so much so that he moved to TX to finish Middle school and returned for High School. Unbalanced in discipline and unbalanced in educating. They should have more parent involvement, that is the only way the school can have as many eyes on the kids as possible making it safe for all!
—Submitted by a parent

I ove chain of lakes middle school nice safe envorment to learn and hang with friends
—Submitted by a student

I am disappointed in this school. I have a few problems that I have emailed staff/admin on and never received an answer. The night we went to pick up the schedule and such was completely unorganized. I don't feel they care.
—Submitted by a parent

The PTSA and SAC meetings are held during the day. How is a parent, teacher,Student, supposed to attend if the meetings are held during school hours.? This school is terrible. I did not expect the school to have terrible leadership and staff. i thought the Gifted program was great until I got to know the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible leadership at this school. This community deserves better for our children!
—Submitted by a parent

My 8th grader has been challenged by teacher turnover in 2 of her academic classes this year. 8th Grade Asst. Prin. and Safe Officer handled my specific needs with urgency and effectiveness. For persistent parents who take time to be involved the school is responsive. School does a poor job engaging students in social clubs or community service opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

This shcool is good. The gifted studies program is excellent, as is the music department. The communication is not very good, though. The staff and faculty are helpful and supportive.
—Submitted by a student

I think this is a very good school the level of parent involvement could be improved , the extra activities are great, and the academid programs are also amazing. i am a x-student i moved to another town and was upset to leave such a good school
—Submitted by a former student