Maranacook Community Middle School

We live on the dividing line between this school and another. I wish that our daughter could have gone to this school as many of her friends did. But, we lived on the wrong side of the line. This school is not the typical school. It uses a different curriculum and teaching philosophy than most found in Maine. Therefore, it is not liked by some who want a more traditional focus upon reading, writing, math with some sports thrown in for the sake of community spirit. This school seems to try to improve a child in every aspect of their life that can make them a better adult. It doesn't matter if they are a "special needs" or a "gifted" kid -- the question is what can they do to push the kid to be a better human being. I've seen special needs kids go on to being self-sufficient adults when few believed that they could. I've also seen kids with promise accomplish amazing results when it might have been easier to settle for something less. While this school is not right for everyone; it is a great place for kids who aspire to be better. That is why several educational organizations have recognized Maranacook Middle School as a model for others to follow.

I'm an honors student at Maranacook Middle school, and it is not hard to be one. Maranacook classes are very easy and they teach you stuff you have already learned. NO one pays attention in class and yet we ace worksheets easily. People think Maranacook is a smart school, but really we just have easy work.

I am a teacher who has experience in other schools and work places. My family moved here in part because of the excellence of this school as a place for students to excel and as a place to work, if a person is willing to work harder them most any school. The level of comment here is very high. The looping and teams greatly adds to the well being of the students.
--Submitted by a teacher

Unusually committed to the well being of students. The looping with students helps to build trust and I think makes for a health climate. Most of the teachers make a great effort. Some great material allows for kids to be challenged at whatever level they are at. I have never seen a school where teachers work harder. The principle is very open to input.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughters have made great gains at this school! Math instruction filled in the holes that they came with from elementary school. The integrated instruction was engaging and the project work incorporated many great skills from research and writing to presenting. I am very happy with their middle school experience!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent. I do not understand the Great Schools rating of 3. This school has been singled out by a national middle school association as a 'model school'. It's been written about in several middle school teaching books. So, what's up? Is it because Great Schools does not use any criteria other than state test scores? That gives you a narrow view of this school. You need to realize that this school is a magnet for 'special needs' kids. They perform better here than they do at most other schools in the area. But, because the school attracts so many special need kids, it tends to have lower average test scores. Thus, at a disadvantage for the Great Schools rating. Now, if you take into account that these kids are performing better here than elsewhere ... I've got to ask ... 'Where would you rather send your kid?'
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been in the Maranacook school system since Kindergarten. Elementary School was wonderful. High School is sufficient. The Middle School however was, and still is, lacking in many areas. This wouldn't be as much of a problem, if the staff, principal, superintendent and school board were willing to engage in an open dialoge with the community about the positives and negatives of the school and then be willing to make changes that reflect the values of the community. This middle school reflects the values of the principal which is very different from what the majority of the community want. I moved into this school system because of the wonderful elementary school and I stayed in the school system becasue I did not want my child to have to change schools (I had that experience and it can be very difficult). However, I would NEVER recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that the school is really good, and any parent that doesn't think their kid is learning enough isn't involved. The kids who do badly don't try or care about school. The teachers (at least on my team) are really involved and it's really hard to fail a class; they try to help all the kids, giving them more challenging assignments if they need it, and vise versa, and the sports are really good, even with the budget freeze. I have had a really great time in middle school, which is supposed to (or so I hear) be the hardest part in a kids life.
--Submitted by a student

As far as extracurricular activities they are very good. the school does not fund them hardly at all until u get to High School. If your child has any behavioral problems at all do not send them to this school, they will have a very hard time. The 'positive learning center' isn't actually so positive.
--Submitted by jared, a student

It is nice to see how someone got the students to write great reviews, someone was clever. I am unimpressed with the structure of the curriculum and how unorganized assignments are. I find my child not learning the skills needed for high school. What happened to the basics? This school is too liberal and does not prepare the kids for high school or college curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent