Union Grove Middle School

I have two girls that attend and attended UGMS. My oldest had a decent school experience. My youngest did not, she was bullied by other students, to the point of needing outside help since the counselor advice was "she just has to make it through middle school and it will get better".She was a nice person but the school do not step in to quick unless its a physical threat, words hurt some more than others. Luckily she's almost done and UGHS has been positive for my oldest so far.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the second year that my daughter has attended UGMS. She is a good student (A/B Honor roll) but I feel the curriculum is definitely geared toward the standardized testing. She recently missed an extended period of school due to being sick and 3 of her 4 core subject teachers were difficult in working with her to get the materials. She has also had issues with bullying (since last year), which I have contacted various staff (counselor, teachers, principal) from the school directly - with no relief for her. I try to have my kids work on resolving their problems on their own first and only get involved when there is no progress. I am extremely frustrated with the role the staff at UGMS is playing in my child's education and am considering pulling her out of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, academically. Seems to be a problem with the staff adjusting to the changing diversity of the school. And I can't shake the impression I'm getting of some blatant unfairness with the extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a parent

On the surfac the school appears excellent due to testing scores; however, the curriculunm concentrates on testing methods and CRCT subject matter, leaving analytical thinking skills lacking in the core teaching methods. Due to zoning,a large number of forclosures and declining real estate, the schools makeup now includes gang activity which spills over from Union Grove High School.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is really happy about going here.There is a lot of fun things to do.It's I'TS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am not sure what the parent meant in the June 2008 review. I have lived in the northern counties in the past few years and feel Union Grove Middle School is definately devoted to excellence. This goes far beyond 'teaching to the test'. I'm sure everyone would appreciate the fact that one of the things many people (parents, politicians, etc.) look at are test scores. Like it or not, the public has put this pressure on the school. Union Grove does a fantastic job of preparing its students for the test but they also do an outstanding job of preparing students period. Middle school is a tough age to deal with and the teachers and administrators do a good job of helping these students to be successful. Grades are not an accurate reflection of how good a school is. Straight A's should reflect above average performance on the CRCT.
--Submitted by a parent

My child and niece have completed 3 years at this school, and one was in the gifted program. This school and its adminstration are the epitome of 'teaching to the test'. The parents who feel their children were challenged academically may be comparing with other sub-par curricula. The difference between what a gifted 8th grader knows upon leaving Union Grove Middle and what a 'regular' 8th grader knows leaving most schools in Cobb, Gwinnett, Fayette, and North Fulton is wide and embarassing. Every school is unique, even within each district, and if Henry is your choice I implore you to check out Ola or Woodland. If you want your children to know more than what it takes to do well on a test that has been proven to be less challenging than 42 of the remaining 49 state exams, consider another county. UGHS has it together, UGMS does not.
--Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough good things about this school. Both of my children went through and were challanged academically. If either one of them had problems understanding anything, the teachers were more than willing to help by meeting before or after school. They had no problem passing the CRCT, which many students in the state did. I feel they were prepared very well to adjust to going to the high school.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids were in private school since they were 3 years old and started UGMG last year (7th grade). I am very happy with the curriculum and the elective course they offer. I feel my kids are challenged academically.
--Submitted by a parent

I would have to disagree with the previous reviews. I have had children in this school for the past 8 years. The diversity of the school has changed a little bit but the academic expectations and teacher quality have remained very high. I have been to all of the other schools in the county for athletic events, etc. Union Grove is the most inviting as well as the cleanest school in the entire county. In addition, results on the CRCT indicate something over there is being done that is right. They are consistently at the top
--Submitted by a parent