Camden-Rockport Middle School

Great school! The teachers work very hard to develop a rich curriculum and do a splendid job teaching it. All three of my unique children have had the very best teachers. Not one of those dedicated teachers stopped to try to figure out their learning styles. I was able to ask questions and respectfully got answers and help that was required for my kids! Thank you all-principal, teachers, and ed techs.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started at CRMS at the end of the school year during her 6th year. She is now entering grade 8. We are extremely happy with CRMS. The staff was very helpful in helping her adjust to a new school and state. Her language arts teacher recommended her for Horizons (gifted and talented) within the first few weeks of attending CRMS. I feel that the teachers care deeply about their students. So glad we made the move to Camden!
—Submitted by a parent

Poor leadership and administration. The teachers run the school, create havoc and the principal has to go in to clean things up...which is also not done well. Have had two kids go through the school. Absolutely agree that you have to push to get your kids in the gifted classes but once they are in, the teachers are amazing. Kids are so micromanaged down to what kind of holes you can have in your jeans and if they can 'high-five' in the hallway, the administration has no idea what it is like to manage in truly challenging situations. The teachers hold 'class meetings' during which they address the whole grade at one time. Both kids have been part of meetings in which the kids are told they are the worst class to ever pass through the school. The definitely focus on the negative rather than the positive.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is well intentioned but focuses more on enforcing rules than innovation. Conformity is valued above anything else. Good teachers, and there are quite a few committed ones, have less space to be innovative. The music program is excellent and computer use seems good as do efforts to help those kids with learning challenges. Any who think the gifted kids get special treatment would be surprised -- they do if they tow the line and don't challenge anyone's thinking. Bright kids that dont 'make it' into the gifted program are not well served. Middle school grades are tough years for kids, this place doesnt make it any easier on them. Quite frankly, we cant wait to get our kid out of this place.
—Submitted by a parent

Stagnant curriculum. Minimal computer usage. Sports are too important. Administratively top heavy both in personnel and procedures. Same curriculum for years. Still showing 1980's films. Minimal science.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children go through the middle school, and I have been pleased with what the school has to offer. There are a lot of programs that cater to a wide range of interests and needs. The school leadership and teaching staff is excellent. The school is continually looking for ways to improve in the areas of curriculum, assessment, parent involvement, and school climate. The atmosphere is friendly, safe, and nurturing. I always found teachers and administrators to be approachable.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is not one of the gifted students. My child requires extra attention and so far has been given this attention. My childs needs are great and they have been addressed so far with the staff at CRMS. I feel that they are willing to work with the me to get the educational goals met.
—Submitted by a parent

CRMS is a great place to be as a student. The teachers make you feel welcome and secure. Thumbs up, CRMS!
—Submitted by a student

There is a great principle-as well as wonderful teachers-at CRMS. This school definitely caters to gifted children, and offers wonderful programs and extracurriculars for everyone. I'd definitely say that CRMS has a very diverse community, and is learning-not teaching-oriented! A wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed in the academic standard set for the children.You literally have to push and push to have your children in the high/honor programmes.They don't care if your child is an A student they don't encourage reaching for the stars. If anything they take from one's confidence by not letting children who are well able for the higher programmes into them.They certainly don't instill confidence in these children. I also feel politics plays a big part as to who gets in and who doesn't.The discipline is good and has much improved over the last few years.I pulled both my children out and now they go elsewhere.They both are doing very well and are automatically put into the higher classes as it's based on ability,grades and motivation. No more pleading with teachers to give my kids a chance even though they have shown their true colors over and over again.
—Submitted by siobhan gilmore, a parent

The schools want no part of parent participation. If you have a daughter entering middle school watch out.. The cliques are the worst; the school is well aware & offer nothing to help your child deal. Therefore, no matter what you have done to build up your child for all these years just one day here can destroy your efforts. Sorry,, just the truth. They are very sports oriented & if you are not in the clique, you really do not count. & If you are really good & have something to contribute, they are all threatened. It is heart breaking. You need to push hard to get your child into the upper classes that they belong. I just want you to know , you are on your own! & Your child, too..
—Submitted by a parent

This school system caters to the upper academic ability students and places other children to the side. They are all about the testing. Good teachers, poor leadership. Fancy looking schools with little vocational direction for kids. Heavy in administration lacking student support.
—Submitted by a parent