Durham Middle School

I am a student at Durham Middle School. I have not once witnessed drugs or back talk. Our school has some fairly bad systems in place for getting to class on time. Everyone is way to rushed. Often times the teachers will not allow you to use the restroom in the middle of class, although you only have 4 minutes inbetween class (You have to go to your locker and go to the restroom in this time). Other than that I beleive I am getting a great education here.

This school has no idea what is going on within it's own walls...there are kids who bully and even punch kids and nothing is done, the administration is just marking time and do nothing to insure students safety. The teachers give grades based on personal feelings rather than academics and when questioned about it the grade mysteriously goes up the next day. I have been involved with Cobb County schools for 30 years as a student myself and with my other children but no more, this school changed my mind and I am pulling my Daughter out and homeschooling her. You can believe what you wish but this school is out of control and very dissmissive to parents and the issues going on here, it gets worse every year. Please keep an eye on your child if you decide to send them here.
—Submitted by a parent

Durham Middle School is so insane. Kids back talk, people are passing drugs around behind teacher's backs, and the classes are so huge! Theres about thirty kids in each classroom. The teachers are rude and never are able to keep up with grades. I hated the three years ive been at Durham. Worst years of my life.

Durham is a great school its principal Georganne Young is soooo funny, I feel safe in the classroom, it is cool that every class has a smartboard

It's a really good school, the teachers are very nice, and you learn a lot in a fun and easy way. There are also tons of events that you don't want to miss whe you are there!
—Submitted by a student

This is probably the best school I have ever attended! The technology is so cool! Keep up the good work Durham!!
—Submitted by a student

The principal loves to come to work. Her inspiration trickles down and is infectious. Our teachers care and are friendly. My kids actually, all 3, like school. We feel privileged to be here.
—Submitted by a parent

Durham is very technologically advanced. We were given a multi-million dollar grant to install interactive white boards, student response systems, projectors, stereo speakers, and 30 laptops (in a cart) that are shared by 4 classes. Our school is the only middle school in the county to have this technology. We helped develop the software SMART Ideas using our SMART boards. I have seen a huge advance in learning since we got the technology last year and I love that we have it. It makes learning fun, interactive, and easier. We can do so much that it will be hard for everyone to go to high school where they still use computers from 1995!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter attended 6th grade for part of the year. While her teachers were excellent, the other girls were down right brutal. When I brought it to the attention of the admin, it was never resolved to my knowledge. I agree that the kids jusdge others by the clothes they wear and accessories. I think Mrs. Young is trying to do a good job but perhaps does not have the administrative staff to back her up. I sunsequently pulled my straight A daughter out before the end of the 3rd nine weeks to homeschool. She will not attend Durham again if I can help it.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school my 6th and part of 7th grade years 2003-04 (?) It had been a fairly new school and it was very hard to get accepted anywhere. It was the most clique-ish school I have ever attended. The teachers get frustrated easily, the class sizes are enormous (my first day some people had to stand until they could get more desks for all the students). The school was divided into sectors like '6-A' etc making it very difficult to make multiple friends. The students mostly come from upper class white families and have a very snobby side. In fact, I can remember at least one time I went home crying because a girl was making fun of my glasses because they weren't a main stream brand (like Calvin Klein). The students are cruel and they are aware of it. I would not send my child there for anything.

Parents at this school are snobs, and it reflects in the kids. We moved into this area in the last year and our kids have had great difficulty becoming accepted. The teachers seem nice, there's a new principle who's competent, the kids can be downright mean, and judge others by their clothes, ipods, and cellphones.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm in eight grade at durham and the school has gotten better since mrs. young became principal
—Submitted by a student

I am a 6th grader attending Durham Middle School, it is the best! The amount of HW can be lowered if you just try in school, plus they offer FREE tutoring in the mornings for students who want to catch up. Teachers are way concerned in how the kid is doing both education wise and social wise. The teachers will do anything to make sure that you are just making what you want out of the class. I will admit that some kids choose to speak in curse words and make horrible choices.
—Submitted by a student

I am a sixth-grader that is currently attending durham. I am pleased with the good education, but there are some factors that lowered this school's star rating in my opinion. 1. THe homework level is overwhelming and I am slowly losing my bond between me and my parents because of the little time I have to spend with them 2. Teachers mostly show videos and let the computer do the work for them 3. The amount of kids going against the rules is so high that wherever you go a curse word is to follow. Don't get me wrong... I learn alot here but I would prefer another, more sutible school.
—Submitted by a student

I am a seventh grader new to the school of Durham this year and I would like to say that with a new principal (Ms.Young) our school is spectacular. we see ms young more times in one day that ms. Clark in a whole year. I am in running club at the school and mr.sinco the teacher in charge is very nice and helpful to students in running club. in my perspective the school is doing very well and although parent involvement could be higher I am not complaining.
—Submitted by a student

Overall I have been pleased with DMS, although I think a lot of that is because my son has had some very good teachers. The Advanced Content program is quite rigorous, and my son has learned a lot. The music program is exceptional, and the extra-curricular clubs always seem to do well in regional and state competitions. Class sizes are much more manageable now that McClure MS has opened. With the blogs, parent-teacher communication has definitely improved. My only complaint is that I would like to have more opportunities to volunteer at school.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to work at durham and let me tell you that we are not allowed to teach the children like we want. Test scores are shoved down our throats at every chance. Classes are too big to do much in (32 plus 8 or more special needs students is allowed per class). Administration is very unsupportive of the teachers and they do not discipline the students at all. Planning time is taken up for meetings three or more days a week. The parents in the community would rather be their child's friend than parent. They do not discipline their students nor teach them right from wrong and the teachers are left powerless. Parents have several forms of communications available to them-on line grades, free student day planner that we write notes in.
—Submitted by a teacher

Presently, I have a son in the 6th grade at Durham. Overall I would give the school an above average rating. I believe the quality of education as well as the overall security is good. I do believe, and this is typical of government education, that there is poor communication or interaction from the teachers / administration to the parents is poor. If they could vastly improve that point, the school would get an overall A grade from me.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a 6th greder at durham middle finishing up the year. I am verry pleased with the exelent extracurricular activites! I am a very luckey student, for that I am in student council. I am in also in the yearbook club. I really love my pod and my 6-3 teachers. I have never had a behavior or a learning issue with the teachers. My sister is going to be in the school next year, she is thrilled. I really think some parents should talk to their children about what they do, because of some of the rude comments. I do not believe there is anything wrong with the staff of Durham.
—Submitted by a student

I must agree with the majority of the posts. I am a 7th grader and I have been at Durham for 2 years. Durham is an amazing school, but it cannot be any better with Dr. Clark as principal. There are barely any extracurricular activities, and virtually no downtime. I think Dr. Clark needs to go but other than that, Durham is an exceptional school.
—Submitted by a student