Clearwood Junior High School

The first thing that one notices of this school is the outside appearance.... The first impression in not a good one as the adjacent lot is over grown with weeds, a dumpster is in plain view right smack dab in the middle of the parking lot, broken mini blinds and/or windows are visible and in general this school looks as though it is severely lacking and on the verge of being unsafe. Considering that this is a St Tammany Parish school and millions of tax payer dollars are being pumped thru the schools, this one has been completely over-looked and it is completely (as well as embarrassing) obvious. Now, to the most important issue: This school has, for the most part, caring teachers who do care about their students as well as the school. The principal is in-tuned to what is necessary to make the school run smoothly and he seems determined to keep this school as close to the top as he can. In any jr high school there will be obstacles, but I feel as though he is not afraid or unwilling to remedy any issue.
--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