Ellender Middle School

This year the school became K-8th grade. The only good thing about the school is that the students are well separated. The school is a train wreck. The Principal & Asst. principal do not get along. One wants it ran like an elem. school and the other a middle school. The discipline is NOT there - the students do what they want and only get a slap on the wrist. - The reason why is because they dont want to suspend anyone because there scores will go down. - It really is ashame. This school has also had alot of problems with teachers leaving. They should have 3 - 3rd classes but since a teacher quit and they never bothered to fill the teachers job- the class was split and put in the other classes. So now the class room are packed. - Teachers are leaving for long periods of time(to have babies) and the school won't keep a long time substitute. So they kids are losing out on learning. Children in special ed should not be at this school. They do not have adaptive PE and the teachers that are there for special ed classes are often pulled to cover other classes when teachers don't show up. Then they kids in inclusion classes are left without a teacher or para. - I pulled my kids out!
—Submitted by a parent

The truth about this school is that it was HORRIBLE!!!! I was an honors student was was not that bad but those teacher did not really care that much about my well being and the students are so stupid at times. I wanted to be in Ellender's band, but when I got to the school in 2006, I found myself having to take P.E. classes because the band teacher left and they canceled it. One of the ONLY good things about this school is that the P.E. teaches were so cool with the students and we learned about different sports as well as played them. I liked P.E. a lot, but I wanted band! Ugh!!!!!

It is a great neighborhood school with a teaching staff that truly cares about the education of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the spirit of the school. The students here are fun and imaginative. They enjoy learning and being engaged.
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers at Ellender Middle School care for the students as if they were their very own.
—Submitted by a parent

Im a student at Ellender. i love it so much. the staff is so nice
—Submitted by a student

I love thisschool my kids did wnderfulhere I would tell anyone let your come hereIts great
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very fun and has lots of activities. You won't ever be bored because they always find that little push you need to make it through the day. Since I have been there which is only two years, I am in honors, GT, library club and the 4-H club.
—Submitted by a student

My son has been at Ellender for two years now. I am very satisfied with the school and their staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I was blessed to teach 6th grade English at Ellender for the 2004-2005 school year. I was not only impressed by the leadership by the administration, but also the academic capabilities of the students. The entire faculty tries their hardest to challenge those kids to succeed. I, in no way, 'taught the LEAP' nor did any other teachers. Ellender is full of professionals who simply want their students to become educated individuals. I had a wonderful year at Ellender and think it's a great school in Jefferson parish! JH
—Submitted by a teacher

This school has produced the 2004-2005 Louisiana Principal of the Year and the Jefferson parish student of the year. What a great accomplishment! continue to fly like eagles!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best on the westbank. We have the Lousiana Principle of the year...the faculty is wonderful and the students are offered so much encouragment.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have concerns after attending the parent-teacher conferences held last week. It disturbs me that less than 100 6th graders passed into 7th from last year. I also found the school in need of repairs and all teachers should have basic computer skills. I think more attention should be focused on education NOT the LEAP21. You are only teaching kids how to pass the test. They need to understand the material. A dog can be trained to do tricks. In comparison to other states, it is embarrassing how far we really are behind.When an English teacher tells me that punctuation and grammer is not the primary area of focus, putting the words down because of the Leap--That scares me. Please consider changing the criteria. I now understand why Louisiana schools are made fun of.
—Submitted by Marcelia McIntosh, a parent

I now have two kids in Ellender Middle School. My oldest graduated from Ellender and is now a Senior in High School. I think Ellender is the best middle school in Jefferson Parish. My kids are both in honors classes and are doing great. The faculty is great and helpful. The principal is great at his job. My kids feel safe when they go here. I would not send them anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I requested a meeting with the principal regarding an assignment that she had given to my daughter. I left messages everyday for her, she never returned my calls. I had to get the pricipal involved to meet her. She gave my child a report to do on a well known rap artist 50 cents, I protested it;50 cents was shot 9 times, sold drugs to get what he wanted and talked about how to rob in his lyrics. I did not allow my child to do the report, as a result she gave her a failing grade. The principal was no help he agreed with his teacher. He stated that this should teach my child a lesson. I got no satisfaction from either. My child passed the leap test both parts with basic. I am very dissatified with the leadership of this school. Parents have no voice about their own children. They really don't want us involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My second daughter just completed her middle school education at Ellender Middle School. Both of my daughters were in honors classes for all three years there. The teachers were excellent and the honors programs were also excellent. I had moved to this area for the public elementary school in this district and never thought long term about middle school. When I was faced with this decision, I went to open house at several private/catholic schools in the area and narrowed down to our choice. I then called Ellender and found that my daughter and I could go to tour the school. To our surprise, the principal took us on a tour and convinced me to give Ellender a nine week trial for my daughter who was always an honor student. Both my daughters were honored as Breakfast of Champions recipients all of their years and Ellender had more students eligible than any other school. As you already know, I even put my second daughter there who completed Ellender in the Top Ten of Her Class this year. I commend the teachers, principal, and parents of making this school one of the top middle schools on the westbank. Thanks!
—Submitted by a parent