Arbutus Middle School

I can not say enough about how impressed I have been with Arbutus Middle School! My daugther came there last year, from a private school that had closed. It was the BEST thing we could have done for her. The staff could not be more welcoming and comforting to her and us, her parents. She has done fantastic there, gotten straight A's, and is in GT classes! She is involved in the music program and Mr. H could not be a better teacher! She has developed wonderful frienships! The teachers and staff are really involved with the kids and I couldn't ask for more postive energy then we get from there. The principal is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I can honestly say that I will miss being involved at AMS after my daughter graduates this year! I pray that the staff is similar when my son gets to AMS a few years from now. THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE AMS!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I wish to admit my son in Grade 6 this year. Hope to get cooperation from all corners to improve the quality of my son and to interact with all parents to get the community involvement in near future.
--Submitted by a parent

Love this school!!! My daughter have thrived in all areas. I have never been so impressed with the staff and dedication to the students.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been a special needs student for two years and has had a great time. All the teachers have been helpful and supportive. The administration has also been supportive. Communication with the school is open and I hear from the staff regularly about both problems and successes. My daughter starts in the fall and I know she will have a good expereince as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Arbutus Middle School and have been thrilled with the quality and care of teaching. My children were challenged academically and had a number of assignments that required creative and integrative thinking. The Principal is supportive and friendly and sets a terrific tone. I think Arbutus is a hidden jewel in Baltimore County. The teachers really care and do quite a bit with the resources they have. They also have some great afterschool clubs. Overall I think the strength of the schools is the teaching and administrative staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Have had three children go to Arbutus and have the same issues with faculty. Teachers are not interested in helping children when they need help, it's up to the parent to push for help when needed! And teachers don't let you know ahead of time that your child is having any problems until you recieve their report cards. Guidance is no help at all in follow ups with teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

The administration leaves more to be desired. Bullying is a tremendous issue at this institution and begins with the teachers, faculty and administrators to trickle down to the students. I removed my child from this school mid-year due to the lack of support and leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has had a very smoothe transition from Fallston Middle in Harford County to Arbutus. I heard many warnings about the school, but did my own research. I walked the halls with my daughter and the children were fine. The staff was professional and the guidance counselor was very kind to my child. The work load is no different than HCPS. Take time to investigate Arbutus for yourself. I am sure you will see the evidence of Principal Johnson's hard work and accomplishments.
--Submitted by a parent

Everyone who is saying Arbutus Middle is a horrible school really needs to do research. I am a freshmen in Highschool and im in all gt and honor classes. When i was in 7th Grade there was a student right in my class who scored a 100 on the Highschool Assesment. There was about 30 kids who graduated with 3 or more highschool credits, and already had their70 hours. Also the class of 2009 basically pulled ams out of school improvement. Ms.Johnson is amazing, she may be tough but she is leading ams in the right direction. Part of the reasons students don't suceed is because they dont try. And not a single class i was ever in was mixed, it had all advanced students or all lower student.
--Submitted by a student

Been there 3 years. I have learned so much. For the people who say the teachers don't do anything- not true. Every day I see all my teachers periodically checking their e-mail and answering parents. On the morning announcements, there is always something new happening. Every day, a new club is up, or there was a bus change and we need to know. Everyone is committed to helping the students succeed. As for the people who say that the 6th grade teachers are horrible, yeah I know, it's rough. But, middle school is a big change and I learned all the rules in 6th grade, which was a big help. I am in all GT classes and have honor role, all because of the teachers and staff of Arbutus Middle School.
--Submitted by a student