Terrace Community Middle School

I'm certain TCMS has its problems like any other school, but this I know: My son was on the waiting list for all of 6th grade and half of 7th. When he finally got in during the 2nd half of 7th grade, I asked him how he felt about the school 3 weeks in. "Mom, it's like a dream come true" is what he said. His intelligence and character are valued at the school, not just by the teachers but by the other students. Imagine going to a school where being a good student is COOL. I can overlook a lot just for that!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is carefully run and the teachers are focused; the academic content of some classes is very good. (We find language arts to be particularly strong.) There is an overemphasis on testing and rote learning, however, and the school policies are rigid, even authoritarian at times. Little access to teachers (except via email), no parent-teacher conferences on a regular basis. Oddly for an academically ambitious school, there is no regular foreign language instruction at all! (Only Spanish is offered as an elective.) Due to the accountability movement (FCAT), the arts are completely marginalized in the curriculum, as in many schools. Parental volunteering required, but parental input is mostly discouraged. No school buses, resulting in hour-long waits in car lines at the end of school.
--Submitted by a parent

Considered the finest Private middle school education for FREE in central Florida. Parents are committed, students are respectful and eager to learn, staff cares about each student and has high expectations for every learner. Every teacher is required to have a master's degree, gifted teaching certification as well as yearly reading in-services. There are very few discipline challenges and so many extra curricular opportunities for every interest.
--Submitted by a teacher

Phenomenal school. My son's work ethic has become second to none. The academic program is superior to any school in the district. The only slight negative is communication. I have only had to send 2 emails in the two years my son has attended the school, but each one took me sending repeat emails and waiting several days for a response (both emails were about edline discrepancies..
--Submitted by a parent

TCMS is an exceptionally well organized and educationally focused middle school. This school exemplify all the great quality to produce present and future academic superstars
--Submitted by a parent

It is a sad situation in our great nation when you have to win a lottery to get a quality education like this; that is you literally have to be one of 200 students picked out of 2000 applicants, afterwards you have to communicate with school via email every month, volunteer and participate as a parent, or your space will go to the next family on the waiting list. My son was dropped the first year because I did not respond quick enough; he went to a school where there was a revolving door for troubled kids, and I wish he was never exposed to that at 11 years old. All I am saying is that none of the trouble makers would take the time to keep there kids in such a challenging school, so this place is a haven for high achievers. Both of my sons are AGP and honors students, they find the curriculum challenging and engaging. Please contact me if you have a high school that measures up to this within 100 miles, because I am struggling to find one anywhere near Tampa unless you consider the IB schools that require the same lottery ticket. Pray that God saves our children from the educational system.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school. The only problem is - is there is no high school like this middle school. A school that cares about each and every student. They work hard have friends and study hard. Too bad high school does not do the same thing.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended this school and it was the best school she attended , I hope my son can get in next August.
--Submitted by a parent

it is my first choice for middle school. i hope i get in. my good friend goes there and loves it.

This is an excellent school! It is a challenging curriculum, but the kids are learning so much!!!!! TCMS challenges each child to do their best and the school offers support when extra help is needed. We love everything about the school and the staff!
--Submitted by a parent