Terrace Community Middle School

Let me start off by saying that we had high hopes for this school based on small class sizes, hard bullying rules and a focus on education. They tell you to expect 2 hours of homework per night and no late papers accepted. This is a major understatement! Many, many projects would take entire weekends with the entire family helping. You will not be able to participate in extra activities like sports. Some of the teachers are great and some of mediocre. Homework, projects and scores are posted on Edline. Expect to print lots of paper. We went thru 2+ ink cartridges a month. It's a challenge to find what is expected because teachers don't follow standard process in posting. Projects and homework are submitted, but no feedback except score, no returned papers/projects to help improve. Don't submit your rubric and lose 20%. Academically a lot of the expectation would be college level work and textbooks don't support. If you child is average or slightly below, or has any kind of special needs, they will struggle to succeed at this school. It has been the absolute worse school year we have lived through. A major regret is not pulling out at mid-year.
—Submitted by a parent

This school mistakes information overload and overtesting for academic rigor. (Content, classroom discussion, higher critical skills like analysis matter far more in intellectual development than rote memorization.) Likewise it mistakes harsh and disproportionate punishment for strictness. The most recent case I m aware of is a student who was suspended, stripped of her honor society title, and barred from extracurricular activities, field trips, and future honors all because she ate 2 bites of another student s lunch! (The accused is a sweet, conscientious A student.) This is not punishment, it is bullying. And it illustrates a general tendency to overreact without properly investigating, giving far too much credibility to mere tattling peers. Unlike others here I find the email response of teachers and administrators spotty and selective. Parental input is supposedly sought, but the annual survey with check boxes includes little space for actual comments. Volunteer hours are too high: many volunteer opportunities are created artificially so one can fulfill the expected 10 hours: but one arrives and there's nothing to be done! A waste of good time.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our 6th grader mid year to TCMS from Williams IB. It was not an easy decision. Williams IB is an impressive school and has an incredibly challenging curriculum. But TCMS is closer to us and ranks number one in the county so we moved her. I also have an older child who attends Bartels Middle School. So I have a unique perspective on public, charter, and magnet middle schools here in our county. We have been most impressed with TCMS as a whole. They have excellent teachers, supportive and knowledgeable staff, and a nice campus in a nice area. The school is very well organized and ran, staff respond to questions via email lighting fast! My daughter thrives in their meticulous, academically driven environment. I know getting into this school is tough. The lottery is huge and only a fraction of the applicants get spots.I highly recommend trying though. I would also recommend putting in for the Williams IB lottery as well. We loved Williams IB and would have stayed there if our TCMS number didn't get called.
—Submitted by a parent

I would beg to differ with the reviewer who says that the arts are marginalized. On offer are band, chorus, drama, and art. Next year they are adding a show choir and possibly some music history type course. That seems like an arts-heavy set of electives to this reviewer! Space and resources are limited at a school like TCMS. Fundraisers are not just for extras, they are for things like computers so that students can all take their mandatory online FCAT testing. Parents should be aware that charter schools do not receive the same amount of funding that "regular" public schools (including magnet schools like Williams), and depend heavily on their fundraisers. If every child donated just $100 per year, (and those that can afford to donate a little more), the school would be in great shape and possibly able to offer more options for electives.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is use to working hard or academically inclined and wants to excel in school, then they would like TCMS. My daughter was only able to go to this school for the the first 6 month of 6th grade before making the difficult decision of dropping out to pursuit her sport full time and supplement it with virtual school, but she loved the school and her teachers. My daughter tends to be an overachiever and perfectionist, and has always made straight A's in elementary school. This school is not recommended for every child, but if your child wants to excel in school and is willing to work hard, then I would recommend this school. This school will give the child a great education and discipline, that they will be able to use for any higher education successfully. There is a lot of homework, rigorous learning and strict discipline. No bullying policy and uniforms does keep the kids in line and focus on education more. Be prepared for high parental involvement in your child's school and their schoolwork if you want them to maintain straight A's, because not only does your child work hard, so will you, especially the first year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to TCMS for 3 years had good grads and great teachers. Now in high school the teachers do not have the time, too busy breaking up fights and do not pay attention to the kids who need attention. I wish this school had gone on to high school. I sure miss it.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was only able to get into TCMS for eighth grade, but that one year was enough to redirect him back to the high achieving student he was before traditional public middle school killed his spirit. For those bemoaning the lack of a comparable high school, cast your eyes down Fowler to BROOKS DEBARTOLO; it's much better than you may assume. My rising junior has already completed his first Dual Enrollment class, and is challenged by teachers who actually know him.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

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

TCMS is the most amazing middle school. I believe it is the best education you can find anywhere at any price. I really wish the school would extend to high school! The school truly prepares students to succeed in whatever they choose to do.
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent school that offers a high level of academics with a great environment. The student body and staff share good values and have a mutual attraction for their school. Best School!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Wonderful teachers, administration and students.
—Submitted by a parent

TCMS is an unbelievable school with great administrators & staff. This school provides quality education and is bar-none the best granted the 8-time AYP award
—Submitted by a parent

A school that changes lives. Incredible teachers and administrators.
—Submitted by a parent