Palm Harbor Middle School

My son has been very happy at this school. He has asperger's and tourette syndrome and is treated very well by all the teachers and students. He feels loved and accepted by all! He even had kids from this school ask to come to his birthday party. The teachers all tell me he's a wonderful boy. They have wonderful programs for kids with Autism and kids with Aspergers. They are separate and offer appropriate classes and help for each group. I love all the teachers and most all have experience with special needs kids. I am blessed to have him in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an exceptional school! As an educator myself, in another District, I know first had how effectively it performs & how dedicated is the staff in this middle school . They have very high standards & an incredible staff! This school has been consistently high achieving-I've watched it since my own children were too young to attend (neighbors/relatives told me of its successes) and I see it now with my 7th grader attending (& a 10th grader who went through it & is now in an Engineer high program.) What troubles me is that this rating is based reviews dating back to '03 & '04-penalizing Palm Harbor Mid. for class sizes- which is not a fair accusation . Our "class size amendment" was not in effect until 2010 when it was decided 22 students was the class cap & PHM did EVERYTHING is had to & is currently in compliance in all its 'non-elective' classrooms. In response to the parent saying the school was crowded even w/ "Choice"...the fact that this school is so coveted & popular is testament to how great it is! Just like a crowded restaurant is usually indicative of how great the food/service! Kudos to all the PHS staff-keep up the great work! Thank you!
--Submitted by a parent

My daugther love it, that is enough
--Submitted by a parent

PHMS is a great school. They offer a great variety of programs from the Autistic to the AP & gifted. Megsss/Imast and are also under the same roof. The comparison to the Fundamental schools is unfair because they have half the gifted and twice the reduced lunch population at PHMS. They also have three time the population. Overall PHMS is better learning place and preparation for high school, college and the " real world "..
--Submitted by a parent

There are excellent teachers at this school, however not a great place for children with medical concerns or 504 plans. The 504 plan was overlooked for 4 months and it has been difficult to get the necessary people on board. The school nurse was excellent in helping with the medical issues once she was involved- it took a while to get the right people in place and was frustrating and exhausting for me as a parent.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of three children who have attended this school. I can say that the music program and particularly Mrs. Cavanaugh, are outstanding. The advanced classes they have taken are challenging and fun so thank you to those teachers for all you do. As with most schools in Pinellas county, the teachers and administration only want you involved when they want you involved, otherwise they want you to butt out. This is understandable since many parents don't know there should be respect and boundaries with teachers and school administrators. On the other hand, some teachers don't even use parent connect so some parents are left in the dark about their children's progress. Part of a child's education includes learning how to deal with different personalities and becoming responsible and sometimes parents get involved when they should let their child handle the situation. I would recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in her second year at PHMS. Unlike the previous reviewer, I have found ParentConnect to be very helpful and the teachers responses very timely. I also work full time and have to do most of my communication this way. My daughter is in 3 advanced classes and this is the only way to keep her occupied. I'm happy that these courses are available for her. The choral and Ms. Cavanaugh are stellar. I have has some issues with the way they grade P.E. and the lack of understanding when a student isn't feeing well. Other than that.... definately an A!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school. I am very proud of the success she has been able to make while here. The staff is always willing to address whatever issues are brought before them..
--Submitted by a parent

Great school and the majority of the teachers are great too. The Music program is the best I have seen. Lots of opportunities for kids to get involved both in school and after school. The PTA is very involved which is nice to see. My only issues is with some of the teachers. They hold the students to a very high level of accountable; which is great; however, they (the teachers) are not held accountable for what they should be doing. A perfect example is keeping ParentConnect and SchoolNotes current. Returning emails and/or phone calls from involved parents is also an issue. If you are an involved parent, you are viewed by a threat to some of the teachers which makes for a tough three years for your child. Once you get past the few 'bad apples' the school and the majority of the facility make this a great place.
--Submitted by a parent

palm harbor is a great school and my daughter feels like the teachers encourage her to try her hardest to do well in school.
--Submitted by a parent