Northport K-8 School

Good luck getting people at this school to call you back.... Never leave a message, you will not get a return call....
—Submitted by a parent

I had read the bad reviews of this school but I figured it was just a bunch of angry people so I took a chance on the low rent in PSL and enrolled my kids here. We could not get out fast enough. While my 6th grader got along fine I had a special needs 8th grader and he was tormented at this school! Thug kids would bully him until the point he would act out and then he would be the one in trouble. The staff would never take into account his disability. Luckily I was able to move south to a 9 rated High School south of PSL and everything has been fine for 2 years now. These ratings this sight puts out will make all the difference for your kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school for 2 years now. She has done awesome at this school. She has gotten the best grades that she has ever gotten. The teachers help her anytime she needs help. She has been on the honor roll every nine weeks. The principal is so very helpful and nice. I give this school a 10. I really think that the strict dress code is great.
—Submitted by a parent

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd have to say I'd give it a 4. I understand that there are standards set by the school board that the schools have to follow, but I do believe that because of the importance placed on the "numbers" in rating, the students are not getting the old school teaching that makes a real difference in the additudes reflected in the student performances. To much time is spent by the staff complaing of "budget cuts" and not enough time on teaching. I have seen posters around the school about "no bullying" and yet it still goes on....at a quiet level BUT still on going. Plus, I feel when a teacher crumbles up a students paper in front of the student and other classmates and states that they dont want to hear what the students has to say, and goes on to state that this will follow the said student for the rest of their life , with out gettting the full story, this constitutes "BULLYING" What kind of example are the teachers setting?
—Submitted by a parent

I MYSELF ATTENDED THIS SCHOOL AND I HAD THE WORST EXPERIENCE AT THIS SCHOOL. I USED TO DO THE READING PROGRAM (READ180) WITH DR.STEIN. THAT PROGRAM MADE ME FEEL AS THOUGH IM NOT CAPABLE OF DOING WORK AT MY AGE LEVEL! COMPLETELY INSULTING! IM GLAD I DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL ANYMORE! BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNN! :D

I have had only good experiences with this school and reccomend it! My son transfered from private to public in fouth grade and has not only been challenged academically but has done well in the process. The teachers and principal do care and know him by name. Our family have enjoyed the activities and programs put on by the teachers and school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is aweful. My son attended for 7th grade. He was put on the Northstars so called college prep team. He has been a straight a student til this school. Some of the teachers seemed like they were not on this planet. He didnt learn much at all. papers weren't graded. The principal was almost impossible to get ahold of. We moved for this year to start a new school and I can't even get his records. I am told they do not have access to them. This school was the worst school I have ever seen and I am glad he will not be attending this place ever again and that my daughter will not be going there either.
—Submitted by a parent

Like any school there are great teachers and then those who show up. My child was on the Clownfish team for two years and these teachers helped and educated my child. The Clownfish teacher showed a genuine interest and want all the childern to be successful. Thank you Ms. Dehart, Mrs. Mann, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Burdge.
—Submitted by a parent

The Special Education Department in this school lacks knowledge in every aspect that its insulting. They do not know how to do evaluations on time and I will say they do not have any empathy for any of the special needs students. Those parents who have children with special needs please beware and RUN RUN RUN AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE! <--- Can not emphasize that enough.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a terrible school, it has teachers who curse at students. They also call the students stupid and pathetic. They do not teach the students very well as well. This is the worst school that my children have ever been to.
—Submitted by a parent

Northport was the best school I've ever been too. The teachers are so helpful.
—Submitted by a student

I started my childern here when the K-8 started. I just knew it would get better. I held in there. I ask for help on every level . There are teachers thier that really want to see the childern advance. There are others who are just therer for a job or so it seems. My childern suffered more than words could say in thier time there. I have moved them to another school this coming year of 08-09. I pray this will be a positive expereience for all. This is my last attempt before just homeschooling them. One positive note is the parents I meet there have been wonderful friends.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just graduated 8th grade at Northport and the relief felt by my child and our family is enormous! That school is lacking a professional standard. Phone calls are not returned by guidance, tem leaders or principles. They lack consitency. One star of teaching here or there should not be the exception, it should be the rule. There is a negative, punitive, and immature affect in many of the teachers. There is little praise and much critizism. They need to re-evaluate what there mission is. Childrens' young egos can suffer much, as they are still in their formative years, in an environment that is oppresive, uncaring, and unfair.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the first yearmy daughter attended this school. She is in 6th grade. I think that most of the teachers need a psych evaluation. The principal hides in his office and wouldn't even come out to discuss a complaint I had. The so called Teachers are negative and never give any positive rienforcement. I can not wait to get my child out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been attending northport k-8 for 2 years now and i think its a fairly good school. They are very strict with there discipline, but they have every reason to be.. I mean if they have rules why not inforce them? But the teachers are either too hard on the students or too easy.. I only have two teachers that actually know how to teach.. The rest of them are only there to collect there paycheck & arent worried about the students at all. As for the students behavior.. Well it is not uncommon to see a fight once in a while.. But I have enjoyed the last two years that I have been at this school!
—Submitted by a student

Northport is now a k-8 and the Administration, teachers and staff have done an outstanding job with the transition. I am a very active parent at the school and have 3 children there (K, 3rd, 7th)so I have a balance view of the school. Top quality admin. and teachers from k to 8. Very active dedicated PTO and lots of volunteers. Strict school but focuses on positive reinforcement not punishment. K-5 are seperate from 6-8th with their own cafeteria, playgrounds etc. Administration is always open to constructive feedback and respond with action, not afraid of change and growth. My 7th grader was there for 6th grade and came from private school. Any concerns we had the school has responded to. I think it is the best school in the county. Parents who are unhappy are usually the ones who don't value education and don't get involved.
—Submitted by Beth Oreo, a parent

This school is very good.I go there I would know.lol Great teachers(some) very strict, doesn't tolerate any bad behavior.
—Submitted by a student

This school is horrible and so is the administration, I wouldn't put my child in this school ever again.
—Submitted by a parent

The school does not seem to have programs in place for students that need help and that are struggling with the whole middle school transformation.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Northport Middle school for two years and he is now in his third year (8th grade). I have observed many positive changes over the years and there is still room for improvement. By far, the principal of this school is one of the most dedicated educators that I have ever come across. He has worked very hard to improve the academic performance and is still striving for that goal. The band instructor also provides her heart and soul into the program and has motivated many students throughout the years. The caliber of teachers are improving as well as the academic requirements. I continue to recommend this school due to the committed administration. Keep up the great work and let's strive for at least a 'B' fcat score this year!
—Submitted by a parent