Clearwood Junior High School

I agree with the previous parent about the math teacher, although she will be moved down a grade she still will be attempting to teach our children. She does not grade fairly if she grades your child's paper at all, she is so unorganized that she loses the work fairly regularly then gives you a zero for it. The list can go on and on... Bottom line is this teacher needs to go back to school herself. As far as the administration they need to retire and let someone who is fresh and ready to handle the faculty and students fairly.
—Submitted by a parent

Much improvement over the years. The rude person in the office was moved to a new location in the school. Teachers are excellent and very approachable. Sorry to see my last child leave this year. His test scores have improved remarkable with each year. One of the best PTA programs ever!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent off and on for the past 15 years and have seen the school go through many changes. I think the parent/teacher communication has greatly improved. As for the comments regarding the appearance..it is an old school. I believe several awards have been won for cleanest school. We have had some wonderful and supportive teachers through the years
—Submitted by a parent

There is a SERIOUS concern with the upper grade math teacher. This is Mrs Carter's first year year and the amount of complaints that I have heard from both parents and students is extremely alarming. Students in all of her classes are struggling due to her lack of: communication skills, lack of teaching ability and lack of organization. It is simply amazing that this school is allowing this teacher to remain here. I agree with the earlier posts... This school is in need of updates, yard work, cleaning, etc ~ it is deplorable.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child that has been attending here for 3 yrs now and another that will be going there next yr. My child has to walk to and from school on a daily basis bc there is no bus route for her bc we live so close to school, but is still a good distance for a walker. She and many others have to walk through the school yard to get to school which most of the time is overgrown with high grass or too wet like a pond on rainy days. I have asked and spoke with the principal on many occasions about getting these kids that walk a sidewalk put through the school yard so they can get to and from school without getting muddy and wet or having to walk through tall grass, but nothing seems to help on getting a sidewalk yet! PLEASE HELP!!!!! concerned parents in northwood
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a 4th grader I was very nervous about my child attending school with 8th graders, but they are in a completely different hall. They do switch classes several times a day but the classes are directly across the hall from each other, there are only about four 4th grade classrooms. The teachers and staff care about the kids, they just have a lot more students to handle than in their elementary school. Overall my child likes the school and so I.
—Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a newly enrolled 4th grader, I am sadly disappointed by this school & the faculty. There has been zero communication with the parents from the teacher. We were told we would get newsletters & teacher web sites. These seem to be nonexistent or poorly maintained. 4th graders here are expected to change classes 3 to 5 times a day with little to no help or understanding from MOST of the staff. When expressing concerns to the faculty and administration, I was repeatedly 'brushed off'. These kids are 9 years old and are expected to behave and be treated like middle schoolers. We are looking at private schools for our child & hope the school board takes a long look at how they treat elementary age children while throwing them into a jr. high setting.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves this school. He wouldn't even consider going to another junior high. The only complaint that he had was that the locker he was assigned was too far from some of his classes (on a totally different hall) and he had to carry a large amount of books, etc. in his book bag because he wasn't allotted very much time in between classes. He loves the extracurricular activities. I have never had the front office staff be rude with me or my husband.
—Submitted by kelly, a parent

I have never seen a school where the kids love to be there and participate in activities like this. It is wonderful to have a principal who still prayers before functions and is so involved with the children. When you go into the school you can sense leadership and quality from Mr. Bennet. He is always right there in the middle of everything and acknowledges everyone. He does not put up with misbehavior and has the respect of the children. Every school should have a principal like him. His dedication shows when you walk through the front doors of the school and you will never stand at the front desk without Mr. Bennet saying a kind word to you or asking if you have been helped.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal seems to have a handle on the kids. He does not tolerate misbehavior. So far, we have had great teachers. The office has always been friendly to me. I think junior high age children are tough to deal with and the administration seems to be doing a good job. I think uniforms should be a worn a little nicer but then again--preteens!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree 100%...the office staff is very rude and unprofessional. They are the first face that we as parents see and their reflection on the school is very misleading. The teachers are the greatest but it is hard to get beyond the front office. So sad for the teachers who work so hard and act so professionally. What a waste.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall this is a good school, but there is so much potential here that is simply lost.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and teachers are most efficient. I am pleased with their care and concern for my children.
—Submitted by Lisa Markey, a parent

I totally agree with the parent that wrote in about the unprofessional staff and principal. If you go into the office for help, you stand there for 10 minutes waiting for one somebody to quit socializing and help you. This principal, and many others in Slidell, need to retire.
—Submitted by a parent

My children entered Clearwood this year and we have been very pleased with their performance and the staff. The teachers work with my children and have things pretty much in hand.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and staff are very unprofessional. The principal should consider retiring. Clearwood needs someone with fresh, new ideas.
—Submitted by a parent

My sons are overjoyed by the number of extracurricular activities there are. The teachers do care about thier students and the safety and discipline are two thumbs up. The teachers make it fun to learn. Overall Clearwood gets 4.5.
—Submitted by a parent

As with experience at this school not only with 1 child but 2....whom were not in the 'A' team...my children were treated poorly by teachers and the principal as well...My opinion is of this school is if your child does not meet a 2.5 GPA or above the child is sipmly lost in the system and the child is given up on by all of his peers....