Washburn Rural Middle School

Striving for academic excellence, caring staff and great students:)
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at WRMS, and I believe the Gifted Program to be marvolous. As a response to one of the below Reviews, the Gifted Program is far from pointless. I learned more in that class than I ever thought I would by the end of the first semester. If you get failing grades in your classes, but continue to do gifted, that's an Individual Education Plan problem, and you also need to do your job in working with your grammar and spelling. But you cannot blame that on the Gifted Program. If the projects were pointless in your opinion, you should have dropped out. The facilitators make it very clear that school work comes first, then Gifted. And time is not taken out of the day, Gifted occurs during Study Hall and during Lunch (you eat while the facilitator gives a lesson). Gifted is a wonderful thing at WRMS.
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at WRMS, and i love it. This school has a very good gifted program, and has very little problems. We have the best, and nicest teachers in the state.
—Submitted by a student

This school is unfair to smart kids. Instead of a gifted class incorporated into the English or math class, students had to take time out of their day to go to the gifted classroom and do pointless projects that didn't have anything to do with their normal classes. The teachers just wanted everyone to pass. I felt they did not worry about bright students being challenged. All the attention was given to the students who didn't want to work and usually got failing grades anyway. I was impressed by the school at first but as the year went on it I saw staff had nice personalities but they were holding me back from my full potential. At the end of the school year I felt my 8th grade year was a total waste and my spelling and grammar was worse at the end of the year because I did probably a third of the work at Washburn Rural as I did at my old school in 7th grade. As for middle schools in Topeka I would say it is one of the best, sadly.
—Submitted by a student

This is our first year in the Washburn Rural School District. Washburn Rural Middle School makes it a priority to keep parents informed as to the child's progress on a weekly basis or more often if there are issues. I appreciate this effort very much. Because of the constant and timely feedback, we are able to help our student remain on track with the best grades he has ever earned.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at this school at this moment. Honestly, I really enjoy going here. The school itself is a great learning environment, and my teachers have really helped me aquire and interest in what I am supposed to be learning. Parents are strongly encouraged to take a hand in their child's schooling, and there are many clubs for students to take part in. It is a promise that no matter what sport or activity you want to do, you will be able to take part. There is a no-cut philosophy for the teams, so if your child just wants to learn the ropes of a sport, there are instructional teams for them to take part in. All in all, I have lots of faith in this school. I have more right to say anything than any parent.
—Submitted by a student