Palmer Middle School

Go out of the way to make sure parents are not involved. Cannot access Pinacle (grades online) unless you drive to the school and request it. I am disabled and work from home, but they refuse to mail, email, or send access home with my daughter. She is failing three classes and when I called the counselor she had never met with my daughter and said she is too busy and that 70% of the students are failing math. Teachers refuse to email me and let me know what that nights homework is and their blogs are never updated. I asked for any help available and the only help is before school and after school tutoring, which she goes to but she does not ask for help in tutoring. The teachers in tutoring do not check to see what work needs to be done and insure that the students do them. I was told the only way we could get any extra help is if she is a discipline problem, taking drugs, homeless, or if English was her second language. I am very frustrated with this school and it's staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The guidance counselors at this school are great but the principal is more concerned with school's image than the student's welfare. Have had bad experiences with some teachers here who really don't care about the students and have actually been nasty. Very disappointed with Palmer.
—Submitted by a parent

The majority of the teachers are great, the band/orchestra programs are strong, and the front office staff is friendly. Unimpressive administration, though.There may be no gangs, but you have kids walking around that think they are in one. Bullying is something that definitely happens and is often not detected or reported. You'd be surprised. A warning to parents that may have concerns, address them via e-mail and keep everything in writing.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a WONDERFUL school! The administration here is on the ball & they quickly address any parental issues. I have been extremely pleased with mine & my child's experience here and would highly recommend this school. The teachers are wonderful, the front office staff is supurb, great PTSA. Best middle school in Cobb county, hands down.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had nothing but great experiences at this school. The administration is on top of a very strong anti-bullying program. When we had a bullying incident, it was handled immediately & the bullying stopped. There are no gangs at this school, as someone previously posted. When my child needed extra help in a class, the school provided a teacher to assist her before school each day. I have seen nothing but positive administration here that stays on top of what is going on at the school. This is a great school with a great staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not do well for any child that is lagging behind or needing additional help. They will not admit that the teacher maybe in the wrong or just lazy. There quick to tell you your child is doing bad .
—Submitted by a parent

Palmer was a well-run school under the previous principal. However, Ms. Wentworth is inexperienced and has run morale into the ground. There is no new thinking, no creativity, lazy teaching, and administrators who can't wait to get out of the door in the afternoon. The office staff is the exception - the are very helpful. Also, there are some special gems as far as teachers - those who can and do teach - Ms. Esserwein, Ms. Antonnucio, Ms. Merrica, Ms. Maer, and Mr. Irving come to mind. The band, orchestra, and chorus teachers work hard and care about the kids. Then there are the others, who throw busy work at the students instead of teaching them. Who yell and belittle. The Principal has no idea what's going on. The kids are not learning as they should be. Dr. Jerry Rae was a fine principal. She is sorely missed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is being overrun by kids how think they are gangsters. My child comes home from school in tears because of the complete lack of supervision at this school. Kids are getting bullied and beaten up and the correct students are not being held accountable. This seems to be an on going issue in the Cobb County school district. If I could send my child to another school I would FOR THEIR SAFETY. Since clearly no one at the school cares about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Palmer is a decent school. It is in good shape. Majority of teachers are great. The administration lacks effort on their part although have gotten better this year with the new principal. They don't seem to help the students if they have problems and they defiantly over do it on their rules. But overall this school is recommended. The students have great school spirit.

The principal and office staff we're poor however they're teachers were excellent with the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my last year at Palmer and I have to say I've been extremely impressed. The sudents have a lot of school spirit and the classes have good teachers who challenge us. Most of the kids are on honor roll, and lots of us take AC classes. There are many clubs and extracurriculars to choose from like the Reading Bowl, the Acedemic Team, The Tennis Team, Chorus, and many others. I was a little worried coming into Palmer because it was only my second year in a public school, and my first year in junior high. There is a wonderful principal, Dr. Ray, and you can tell she really cares about us students. Also, there isn't school violence, because we have a bully prevention program here. Overall, this school is the best and you won't be dissapointed if your child attends Palmer!
—Submitted by a student

I love this school, it has great influence on the us. It encourges us to persue our dreams and stay on task. Palmer is the best middle school I've been to!!
—Submitted by a student

the school is very good the school is always clean and thers never a halway whithout a teacher making sure the studedents get to class on time. im in 8th grade and ive been in palmer for all 3 years. some teachers are exelent and no one fails in their class but then thers ome that care more about wat yur doing than how yur grades are but thes is a very god school
—Submitted by a student

Dress code violations are not handled properly. Kids wearing 'Urban' clothing are not asked to change. Kids with slight 'threading' in jeans are sent to the office. Double standard, this is creating division among the student body . School is full of 'gangsta' want-a-bes.
—Submitted by Parent of two students, a student

I rate this school as a #1 school especially for children with disabilities. One of my twins went to this school and I was amazed at the kids who befriended my child who is blind they treated him like he had no disabilities. The teachers were just as awesome. It's a great school. Sharon
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are hardworking. My evening walk takes me right by this school, and it is not uncommon to see teacher s' cars in the parking lot until long after 7 PM. I wouldn't hestitate to recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I started at palmer last year and it was tied with big shanty for first out of the 6 schools I have attended. It has a gorgous campus and great, hardworking teachers. Though some of the students were less than kind I made many great new friens and am keeping in touc with them this summer.While I like summer break I am looking forward to going back in the fall.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter started Palmer last year for the 6th grade & as she struggled to transition from elementary to middle school, her teachers were nothing short of wonderful! Everyone from the counselor to the lunch room staff were great. I would recommend this school to anyone! Next year, she's going for the dance team, drama club & chorus-thanks to her teachers, her grades were excellent (all A's & B's with only one C). I was a bit apprehensive about leaving the Marietta City School District, but Palmer has laid all of my fears to rest. I couldn't have chosen a better middle school for her!
—Submitted by Monique, a parent

Thanks to the administration and teachers in this school, there is a definitive negative atmosphere. I have attempted to go to the head of administration multiple times and have been unable to do so. Of all of the schools my children have attended, this is by far the worst learning environment I have ever encountered.
—Submitted by a parent

Had to question the schools action on grading test in my sons math class. Son studied for test and was one of only two to pass in his class. Teacher didn't even tell him he passed. Had him stressed all weekend because the teacher dumbed down the test and regave it. When we inquired about the dumbing down of the test we were told he didn't agree with it either but was told to do so by his mentor. When schools lower standards to meet the student are they really doing a good job? Requested to speak to the principal only to be diverted to the head of my son's grade. She only half answered the issue then never called back. Enough happened that I finally pulled my son to homeschool him. If this is the best that Cobb county has they need to get out of the business of education
—Submitted by a parent