Druid Hills Middle School

This school is a joke. The administration is ineffective, choosing to focus on minor issues (such as an untucked shirt) while serious issues (bullying, threats of physical violence) go without notice. The principals don't bother to get to the heart of any problems. They simply dole out punishments and try to get the kids and their issues out of the office as quickly as humanly possible. I am taking my child out of this school. He used to be a straight A student who loved to learn. Now he simply thinks there is no point in trying. At first I wondered if it was just a phase my child was going through, but then I heard strikingly similar stories from many, many parents. Keep your kids out of here at all costs.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides great opportunities for students who want to achieve. There is a lot of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity which provides students a real dose of reality. Sometimes that reality is not as pretty as the surrounding private and smaller schools but the teachers are strong and my child has had opportunities to do more clubs and activities that she has time for. The administration is supportive at the school level - Can't say the same for the County level.
—Submitted by a parent

One mission that this school fulfills well is the excellent International Bacalaureate program. They take language instruction seriously (exploratory Spanish and French in 6 with Carnegie in 7 and 8). Diversity and tolerance are welcomed -- and the kids come from all over the world, the US, and metro Atlanta. Other highlights: the excellent music instruction and media savvy librarians. The teachers I have encountered have been competent instructors--many of them go above and beyond in terms of providing inspiration and making themselves available. Sports includes football, basketball, track, baseball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and girls on the run. Other extracurriculars include: chess, reading bowl, academic bowl, improv, science/math clubs etc. There is a strong PTA and opportunities for parent involvement. The administration is usually responsive -- with a very good counseling department. This school has a lot of plusses but you can t see this by looking at aggregate test scores and AYP. Most of all, my son loves his school teachers and students. He s not so crazy about some of the rules, but the school does a good job of maintaining discipline.
—Submitted by a parent

Not allowing students to condiments and other foods to banging on the roof of the parent's car when they're there for pickup... Like one of the reviewers said, this sounds like a prison to me.
—Submitted by a parent

They did not make AYP this year or last year. The leadership goes on emotion as opposed to their own rules and regulations. When I would bring their rules and regs to their attention, they said it was to their discretion. When I asked what is theri discretion, they said it is based on the incident. It just seems as though they do what they want, when they want.
—Submitted by a parent

Shamrock's curriculum is great, but the administration is awful. The pricipal does not listen to the students at all and just nods and pacifies the parent to get them out of his office. My daughter was a straight "A" student, involved in many activities in school and outside of school and Shamrock had a problem with her being too "social" ! They even went as far as saying she had a "gang" of friends. So what!!! They were not bullying, harassing, or hurting anyone. They were 12 yr. olds being 12 yr. olds. If they allowed students to be the children they are and let them talk in the mornings before class and sit with their friends at lunch, then maybe they would not congregate between classes or after school. When did schools become so much like prison? Teachers need to dress like teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

It gave my son excellent preparation for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

The diversity is awesome and the exposure to other international cultures far outweighs the fact that children who are new to the country and speak multiple languages don't necessarily perform highly on the simple-minded GA CRCT. The test scores are misleading for this school because of the international population.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a sixth grader at Shamrock Elementary school and has had a wonderful experience thus far! The teachers are engaging and he is always being challenged. I am very pleased and would highly recommend Shamrock
—Submitted by a parent

i go to shamrock and i absolutely love it.its the most mannered school ever thanks.
—Submitted by a student

My child has learned an enormous amount at Shamrock. Her homework captured my interest and she often learned things that I didn't learn until I was in college. My primary concern with the school is that bullying including physical violence is rampant. Were I to transfer her to a private school, it would be for that reason not the quality of teaching. Teachers and administrators take action when they note physical violence. However, a program needs to be conducted such as that in the Seattle school system on bullying to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Simply punishing students for doing it doesn't solve the problem. I also think that there are inter-racial issues in the school that need to be addressed. My daugher went to a very diverse elementary school that emphasized multiculturalism and there was little if any racism or interracial violence.
—Submitted by a parent

I am glad my children will not be attending this school next year. Too much emphasis on 'tucking in that shirt' and not on finding out how to reach a child and making learning interesting instead of pounding it in. Also one of my child's teachers was constantly making critical and arrogant remarks regarding his work or lack of work which kept him upset and unable to care about what he was learning. I realize teaching is hard work, but at least think of a way to make it interesting.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe Shamrock Middle is out of the top rated schools in Georgia. It has different races and cultures. The school has over 1000 students. I am proud to a student there.
—Submitted by a student

This school to me needs a lot of work. Some teachers are mean as well as the administrators, and mostly you get in trouble for things that are not even serious, and sometimes you get in trouble for things you don't even do, and sometimes when you get in trouble its not even a big thing just a simple warning should be good enough and if they do it again then they have to suffer the consequences. I believe that they give use good work and most of the teachers do good at there job, well Some of my teachers anyway. Some of these teachers need better organization skills but I guess I can deal with Shamrock another year!
—Submitted by a student

I totally agree. Shamrock is a great school -- much better than what its test scores indicate.
—Submitted by a parent

Shamrock cares so much for the students who do RIGHT because they cant help you if you dont want to be helped and thats your choice and you will learn from the mistakes later on in life but everyone else whos goes to shamrock has a good time , they make new friends , and learn alot . I try hard in school and I know all the administration very well. Right now Im in Gifted, High Achiever, and Advanced classes.I play the violin and I have the BEST Orchestra teacher ever,I've learn to speak French and Spanish. Shamrock is a great school and I without a doubt would reccommend your child to come here for 6th,7th,and 8th grade. Thank You! ;)
—Submitted by a student

this school is a bad school. bad classes. the teachers dont care if your failing, and the princaple does not care about anything.... do not send your child to this school! trust me this is coming from a sixth grade student! please if you value your childs education dont do it! bad bad bad bad school. send to a private school where they care
—Submitted by a student

The school barely gets by.... I removed my child after their grades went down, the teachers were not concerned & My child lost an entire year of learning. However my child did learn to fight, lie & curse.
—Submitted by a parent

I surely agree with these comments. I don't think they challenge the students enough and are very institutional in their dealings. They are so very afraid of the students they make them tuck in their shirts when they get to school. Seems like there are more important things to think about. How about dignity and inspiration?!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! Teachers are great!!! If you're out there concerned about bullies at this school- think again. I've been at this school for 3 years now, and believe it or not, I haven't even seen or experienced more than 2 fights. I agree that this school had bullying issues a few years ago, but not anymore! =)
—Submitted by a student