Magothy River Middle School

I have a 6th grade son. PROS- Great Kids- great parents- good peer group- great teachers and academically high most of the time. Some new classes have no experienced teachers, but I think this is isolated. My son has adored language arts and social studies, his teachers have been exceptional. Math has a new curriculum for STEM which is very difficult and kids are struggling. CONS- School environment is depressing, no windows, no outside time, no recess, enormous school and class sizes, so very hard for a child to stand out or be encouraged to do something because they are one of thousands. It is sink or swim for 6th graders and no sympathy for what an adjustment it is from 5th to 6th. It is a real shame that no foreign language is available for 6th grade, only a strange quarter of the year class with 3 languages which teaches them nothing.
—Submitted by a parent

As a retired classroom teacher and volunteer at Magothy, I have observed a high level of both academic and personal concern for students at all levels of school operation. There is a wide variety of activities and opportunities for students of all interests. I'd like to give a special nod to the music program.

I have two sons attending this school. My oldest is an 8th grader who has Juvenile Rhematoid Arthritis. This school has been wonderful in spupporting my son in very way. With their help he has succeeded in maintaining his 4.0 average, become a member of the National Junior Honor Society and a Carson Scholar winner. He has also become very involved with the Arthritis Foundation helping to raise funds and spread awareness. Without the school's support none of this would be possible.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, alot of after school activities, always available to students. They keep the parents informed and the principle has open forum meetings with parents. Fantastic school and faculty.
—Submitted by a parent

Though test scores are great here the atmosphere for students is stifling. The administration is strict and punishes the whole student body for the actions of a few. My child was unable to flourish and grow because she was so afraid of breaking a rule. Security and safety of the students is important but this school has gone overboard. Very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a wonderful school! I dont have to worry about my son because I know he will be safe at this school, and that is a great feeling. I am also apart of the parent and involvment and there are many other parents with me that put so much effort into making the school the best! And for the extracurricular activites, there are many clubs and organizatons the kids have to option to do. There is also activity buses that provide a ride home.
—Submitted by a parent

Way too strict of an administration. Nice teachers, but the actual teaching could be much better.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter went here for three years. They have great math and science programs, but they need to work on their language arts and social studies programs.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with the teachers, less so with the Administration: in my opinion, it is very strict with good kids,but rather weak with the real bullies.
—Submitted by a parent

Nice teachers, but the administrtion is way too stict.
—Submitted by a student

Bad administration.Building old and needs work.Spend way too much time preparing for tests. overloads of homework.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is terrible. Support for individual students is non-existent. Teachers do not return letters, phone calls. Most do not help children who have been sick and need to make up work, instead they simply fail. If your child can survive in this atmosphere they will do fine in life ! For MRMS is the toughest test so far. Be prepared for major surprises at report time, for you will receive no communication about your child's progress until it's too late to help their grades. My experience in PA was like night and day to this school. No excuse for the lack of support. Get a sign outside the school like SRMS, it might just start improving some communications with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is weak - teaching staff is strong and superb. Math department excels.
—Submitted by a parent

I was not pleased with the atmosphere at Magothy; I did not find the administration (under the former principal) to be student friendly or helpful to new students. I asked the guidance department repeatedly to include my child in a buddy program, but did not receive any assistance from the guidance counselor. When calling the office, I always felt like my calls were an intrusion on the secretary's time; I did not feel like my child's welfare was a top priority. Standardized test scores, and not student welfare, seem to be the primary concern at MRMS.
—Submitted by a parent