Howell L. Watkins Middle School

Our school has an outstanding staff and administration. We have two wonderful choice academies. These academies are both honors programs and are taught from 6th to 8th grade. We have small class sizes and offer advanced classes. Our Math Department offers high school Algebra and Geometry. Our extra curricular activities range from debate to chess clubs. We offer all the major sports including flag football.
--Submitted by a teacher

Most Teachers are concerned for students wellbeing.
--Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from this school. After going here for three years I'm really going to miss it. I've dealt with having to let go of one principal and having another. It turns out that the principal we had before was ten times better than the one I had this year. Now they have a new principal, and hopefully she'll make the school better. Yes, the school went through a few things- such as violence, and horrible teachers, yadda, yadda, blah, but it really is a wonderful school. At first, I had my doubts, but now that I'm leaving I realize it's a great school to be at. As long as you concentrate on the work, you'll get by. This school has prepared me for High School completely. I'm positive that if I were to go to any other high school, I would'nt be as ready.

the school will be a little better now that there is a new principle. just give it a chance. and now that assistant principle richard brown is there, the kids will be alot better
--Submitted by a student

I wish my daughter never had to go there. They teachers are incompetent! The children skip classes have no respect. They might have a new principal but how long will it take he/she to clean this crap up. My child should not have to be afraid to go to her on school. So therfore my child should not go there. J.F.K is way better!
--Submitted by a parent

I think H. L Watkins rocks. i attended to this school 3 years. And the teachers are so kind. especially mr. keppler and dr walcott. they are the best teachers eva...
--Submitted by a student

Help is on the way! Finally, after incompetent, ineffectual, and 'invisible' leadership, a new principal will take control. Teachers at this school are extraordinary, but due to this mis-placed principal, and her total lack of leadership, knowledge, and committment, they have had to work to control discipline without support.
--Submitted by a parent

i have gone to watkins all three years or middle school. We are not the best school. We have our problems, but what school doesnt. Some of the teachers are great, others not so much! This year you can deffinatly tell that they are working to make it a safer and more comfortable school for students!
--Submitted by a student

As a parent, I am terrified to drop my daughter off at this school in the morning. The only reason we agreed to let her attend Watkins was because of their Medical Science Academy. They have no control of thier students, you hardly ever see parent participation in any after school functions, and the teachers are not as good as everyone says. Bottom line is that my daughter will be going to a different school next year, one that I will feel safe leaving her at.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school rocks! I see that the teachers are able to work with and/or control the students more in the aura of the 'Horse Whisperer', using positive words and encouragement rather than punishment. I see almost every student at this school being respectful and generally trying their best to perform scholastically as well as community-wise.
--Submitted by a teacher