Coleman Middle School

This school would greatly benefit from character and ethics education for it's students since they don't appear to be learning it at home. There are an abundance of rich, bratty, entitled kids at this school that don't seem to know right from wrong or even care. Academically, it's challenging, but the homework load is ridiculous to the point that it leaves no room for extracurricular activities. This leaves me to believe teachers aren't using their class time efficiently enough. In private schools of equal academic merit, students have a study period to help with the homework load. Coleman would benefit from starting an hour earlier and providing a study period, as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm an 8th grader and having been at coleman since the beginning of 6th grade, i can say it is THE BEST middle school in the county. It has amazing and well educated teachers and a strong faculty and staff. Also, this school has many enjoyable and challenging academic courses, ensuring a spectacular education, as well as wonderful, life changing electives. For example, when i came to middle school, the last elective I would've expected to take was Band and now I'm in the Advanced Band 1st chair out of seven in my section with a new passion for music and a new way of looking at life. My brother (Class of 2005), sister (Class of 2011), and I (Class of 2012) all went to Coleman and i can truly say, we wouldn't be the same people if we hadn't gone to this school. GO COBRAS!

This is my daughters first year and overall I am very pleased. Previously she attended a very challenging private school; she has been given special attention to make sure she is in the program the best fits her needs. She was placed in advanced and the teachers recognized she should have been placed in honors: note, this activity took place without my involvement. I also appreciate the communication is provided and available by the school.
—Submitted by a parent

i go to coleman, and i love it there. its not the same as my elementary school, but will middle schools ever be?i honestly feel safe when i am in the building. bullying is not even seen by students there, and very rarely do students ever get in fights. the principal is wonderful, and he tries to establish personal relationships with each student. coleman is an amazing school, and will always be on the top of my list.
—Submitted by a student

I think Coleman middle is a wonderful place.
—Submitted by a student

my daughter goes to coleman and says the teachers challenge her and it helps her accomplish school work better coleman is a great school and so is plant witch is the school my daughter will be attending next year
—Submitted by a parent

Too much focus on passing the FTAC. Granted it's law, but what are you teaching? How to take a test. This is a money hungry school in which parents are forced to purchase class specific materials and school specific lesson/assignment planners. Stop nickel and diming the parents...not all can afford this material. Too many little cliques are in this school more worried about going to high school rather than enjoying the grades they are in. Extracurricular activities: When is the school going to inject school money into the football field? Rather, the school relies on a private youth football team to keep the grass green and field clean.
—Submitted by a parent

I guess it's the great thing about opinions are that they're just that. I have to disagree w/a previously posted review. My daughter attends Coleman and she has homework every night. She has weekly tests, reports, and teachers who are in constant contact. The principal replies to my emails immediately, and no, I do not serve on the PTA, I'm just a mom. As parents, we need to get behind our teachers and make our children accountable for their actions..when's the last time they clicked to Discovery Channel, History Channel, or Animal planet on their own.. Teachers are not the only ones required to broaden our child's mind. Responsibility and accountabilty are lacking in the home. I have found that a friendly email to teachers every few weeks gets me an 'indepth' overview of my child's performance..in addition to the progress reports that are sent home. Start knowledge at home.
—Submitted by Helen, a parent

It's my daughters first year at Coleman and so far I am proud of what she has achieved in this 9 weeks, it has not been easy for her. To those parents who rate the school poorly, may I ask, how much time do you really give to your kids and support them with what they need? No matter which school your kids go they will be who you(parents)guide them to be. Proof of what I say is what I was told when I went in for a meeting to exit my daughter of a program for kids who speak other languages other than English as a first language, out of twelve parents requested only one parent came in. Yes, knowledge does start at home it starts with us!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a student who attended this school I can say that the students are not prepared once they enter high school. Do teachers not want to give assignments that will stretch a students abilities because they don't want to grade the project, do they just not care beyond their classroom or is it the student? Teach the students how to study, make the student stretch their mind beyond the simple multiple choice...is it not an educators job to educate?
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a student that has attended his first year there I have had the most negetive experience, poor leadership by teachers, unorganized, and poor communication with the parents and the fact that a majority of the school year the children are only learning how to pass the FCAT, the children are given numerous 'practice' FCAT tests so that they may pass with high scores for more school funding...This is no way to run a school, the children are there to learn and children that may have any difficulties will never get the help they need! Also I find it important that children get the proper amounts of exercise with no breaks, and no gym class for the younger students is terrible, children acheive better when they exercise, its a proven fact. Very poor quality school!
—Submitted by Tami Young, a parent

Over all it is a really good school, the administration is awesome and they really care about the school. Some teachers lack the caring of students, but are great teachers in itself. The variety of students there is wonderful, and almost every type of child could find a group to fit in with. The reputation for the school, I can't say is the best, but if you see the school yourself I'm sure you will love it.
—Submitted by a former student

I am sad to say that we will be leaving Coleman Middle School. We have totally enjoyed the school's leadership and academic accomplishments. Their Ophelia Project program for young ladies is exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has gone down since our new principle has taken over. The moral of the students has fallen greatly. She came into an 'A' school where most kids felt excepted, and started changing things around, and now the school is soooo much more devided into clicks, exceptance and tolerance is gone and $$$ rules.Such a good lesson for our kids to learn. I've had children in this school for over 11 yrs. Our oldest just graduated college. What a shame to watch this happen so quickly.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have gone to Coleman, both are over the top with their writing and reading skills. 8th grade English teacher (Mrs. Cas) is absolutely the best there is, bar none.
—Submitted by j long, a parent

I am a former student to Coleman. I never knew I could learn so much in school. The faculty at Coleman made me feel safe and comfortable. I enjoyed all 3 years at Coleman. They were the best of my life!
—Submitted by a former student

This is my son's second year at Coleman. I am also a substitute teacher at the school. The overall learning environment is excellent. The office staff is genuinely caring and willing to help. The teachers are tough, but fair and try their best to motivate each and every student to achieve high goals.
—Submitted by a parent

My son, who had only been in private school, spent 8th grade here at Coleman. It was a great experience for him, and as a result he got into a great private school for high school. The teachers are attentive and helpful and the administration is superb and warm.