Madison Middle School

I teach a special program at a host of schools in the Tampa Bay area, and have to say Madison has been my most disappointing experience of schools so far. The teachers seem dedicated, but the students at this school are just plain disgraceful. There was your mixture of apparently good kids and bad kids, but the proportions in this school lean towards a bunch of little punks. In my class of 21 kids, 5 of them were in the 8th grade now for the 2nd time. That is horrible percentages. I had 3 students who simply refused to participate, and sat there with their heads down sleeping, even though myself and the teacher tried to engage them and she threatened them with being sent to office. I was not sure if I was in a middle school or "in the hood" by he way these kids were allowed to speak, and act both boys and girls. It was a bunch of little gangsters running around. This type of behavior should be discouraged, yet in this school it seems the culture. My son is in elementary school now, and there would be no way I would send him to this school, good teachers or not, I would not want him with these type of kids and in an environment where this culture was allowed.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have never been impressed w/Madison Middle School. I wish that I'd complained to the School Board about the ineffective methods used by the "powers that be" there b4 it was too late for my son. If more time was spent teaching the kids there than the time wasted on dealing w/petty issues, our kids might learn something.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my second child there now. The teachers are very dedicated to each child. Yes, there might be a few 'issues' now and then, but we are talking about middle schoolers! I guarantee there are issues in EVERY school. When I first looked into all of the South Tampa middle schools, my research found that Madison had the most attentive teachers and adminitrators whom want my input, exciting programs (AVID and STEM), and always a welcoming staff that encourages parents to be involved and are welcome at school. My biggest wish - for more parents to get involved with the students and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

Hello! My daughter is in the 7th grade at Madison. She is in the AVID program, which I highly reccomend. Mrs. Chowning is one heck of a motivator and really loves her kids. Mr Pettyjohn is incredible he really connects with the students and goes above and beyond. I know quite a few kids in the STEM program and they are really challenged to excel. We as residents in South Tampa owe it to our kids to fill our local schools, this will stop the bussing. I have had zero incidents with bullying. There is a HOST aftercare program. I am very glad I chose Madison.
—Submitted by a parent

Um the students r wild and crazy at least 1 or two fights a day I was a student last year the school sports teams terrible I was in all boy sports I think they need to buckle down and control there students better my mom didn't like the school so we moved advise you parents to send you're students somewhere else immediately about 45% of the students are good are great the teachers are extraordinary they really care but again its a terrible learning environment.My favorite teacher is Mrs.Haskins she's an advanced honors teacher of the 6 th grade language arts. I'm not gonna put my name. Sincerely shadow walker

Madison has improved. They have high school credit classes, an increasing number of student are in these classes. We (me, my son and daughter) feel it is moving in the right direction.
—Submitted by a parent

@the person who posted on August 4, 2011 I know Madison may be an ok middle school, but I just have to say Coleman is just as good, if not better so stop walking around saying it was the best decision of your "parent life" to send your kid to madison. All I'm trying to say is leave the words John A. Coleman Middle School OUT of your review. K? If you don't have anything nice to say, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.

I recently transferred my child from a local middle school down the road (Coleman) to Madison and I thank god everyday that I made this choice. The staff at Madison have a true passion for their jobs. They bend over backwards for each and every student. Also, my son is not in the STEM program. There is this rumor going around that the only good place at Madison is in STEM. Well that is not true. My son is receiving and excellent education from highly qualified teachers in an atmosphere which allows my son to be successful. Please do not elect to send you son/.daughter to attend another school, send them to Madison if you care about their future.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison Middle School is an amazing place to be in. It truly doesn't deserve the reputation that it has. Our principal is a charismatic man, the faculty and staff are wonderful to work with and be taught by, and the school spirit during athletic events is almost crushing. I'm a STEM student myself. I've experienced the prestige, the excitement, the challenge that the curriculum presents to you. The technology program is wholly what it describes itself as. The science teacher for STEM is the archetype both a mad scientist and devoted teacher; he makes us all laugh and learn like nobody's business. Math, geography, language arts: I can't even describe what their effect has had on me. And I can't say enough for the jewels of teachers that habit in the traditional side of school as well. You can tell from my review that I'm proud to be a Mustang.

This is such a great school. I had the best years of my life at Madison. There may be some bullying , but what school doesnt have bullying. Mr. Haley , the principle , is so dedicated to his job and the students here. The front office staff is so welcoming as soon as you walk in the door. I love this school and i am so proud to be a Madison Mustang. (:
—Submitted by a student

Its a overall good school, Mr.Haley the principal is a very respectful man, and I appreciate him very much, they are working realy hard to make the school as safe as possible, usually no fights (atleast not everyday) Our old reputation was dont go gang violence and stuff but thats not the case. I love my school, Coleman is for preppy students, The Homework is usually 30 minutes everynight sometimes no homework at all.!
—Submitted by a student

i love this school...itz so awesome...love the ppl,teachers and administration
—Submitted by a student

All the teachers at this school have lowered their expectations to below average and do not push the students enough.
—Submitted by a student

I really don't like this school, there is A LOT of bullying on at this school...
—Submitted by a student

There is still alot of bullying going on in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child goes here and we've had nothing but improving grades the teachers are amazing and ever so nice and when you walk in your always warm welcomed.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a lot of bullying going on at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say the teachers never gave up on my son when he was falling down in his grades. They were always there when I needed to come in to talk to them. They worked with me and taught me some things on how to work with my son to get him through his school year and go on to the next grade. Job well done! Thanks for being there.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids had a great experience here.
—Submitted by a parent