Wilde Lake Middle School

I am a parent of a student that will be progressing to high school from WLMS this year. I love Wilde Lake. The teachers and administration really care about the children. There have been some social issues just like in other schools; however, they were all immediately addressed. My daughter did very well at this school, and the diversity is awesome. I see the Great School score is a 6 and this is based mainly on standarized testing. Now, that's another topic of discussion by many. My child, as well as her friends did quite well at this school and their test scores were above average. We are preparing for WLHS in the fall. I believe that WLMS gave her what she needed to be ready for high school and layed the foundation for college in 4 years. This school is not a bad choice. Raise your children at home, and stay involved with the administration and your child will do great at WLMS.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is new to Wilde Lake and is on an IEP for a previous ADHD diagnosis and mood disorder. The Special Education staff are very involved and the teachers very supportive of his educational needs. We did not experience much bullying either which is a plus given the population they serve. I feel my son gets the help he needs and would recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

The problem at WLMS is more the student population than the teachers and administrators. I have met many very dedicated and hard working teachers at this school. The principal and vice principal and guidance counselors are all doing their part to try to make the school a positive learning environment. Unfortunately, we do not feel that the school is a safe environment for our children. Our child was the victim of bullying at this school and was choked by a peer during a class activity. He has also witnessed violent attacks on other students and overheard a lot of language that made him feel uncomfortable. This papast year a girl was expelled for beating another girl with a belt- it was at least her 3rd attack on another child during the school year.
—Submitted by a parent

I love WLMS my teachers are highlariouse they make me understand. WLMS also has super kids my friends all make easy to make 8th grade next year I enjoy wilde lake and I DON'T want to leave
—Submitted by a student

I have to be honest I went to the school when it was going through its rough times and I am now in the 8th grade with the new principal and I can say to anyone the it is a safe good and well put together school. Students including parents cannot decide that it is a bad school based on the actions in the past. We are working to exceed the low expectations that were set on the school by others. You now cannot not judge the school without seeing the steps we are taking to come out of the bad times and finally get the respect that the school now deserves.
—Submitted by a student

I have just moved to Columbia. I have been very impressed with the staff and administration at this school. I would recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As all schools in Howard County must try to reach the high level of excellence that is expected from reputation, Wilde Lake will continue to struggle until parents dedicate themselves to be more involved with their child's education and insist that needs be met. There is a great amount of talent and dedication in the staff that combined with parental involvement is invaluable to educating in this age group.
—Submitted by a parent

WLMS is an excellent school, with a talented and dedicated group of teachers. I have sent 3 children through the school, and if given an opportunity to chose an alternative school, would decline. Every school has specific issues to be addressed, and WLMS is no different. The diverse population has been a tremendous benefit to my older kids, who credit WLMS and the high school with affording them the opportunity of learning to work and relate to those with different backgrounds. The students are challenged and encouraged on a daily basis.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school needs lots of work. The principal leadership is poor, as well as student behavior. There is also little discipline
—Submitted by a student

I am a student that went to Wilde Lake Middle School last year and I miss going there SO SO SO much! The teachers are VERY friendly and the school is WONDERFUL. I thank the world for having wlms with out that school I would be going to a bad school somewhere else. I LOVE WLMS! oh p.s. the classes doesn't have packs of kids in one room so that is good you learn faster :) and you get help when ever needed.
—Submitted by a student

My son attends Wilde Lake Middle School and he is in the IEP program. He was diagnosed with emotional disorders before moving to Wilde Lake. My son previously attended Clarksville Middle which is a great school. However, after enrolling my son in the Wilde Lake Special Needs class, he excelled. He made new friends and has come out of his shell. He even joined an after-school program for the yearbook. The parents are wonderful and the school is very supportive. This has proven to be a wise move for my family and my son loves the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school I have ever been to.
—Submitted by a student

For a child that's just starting out in a middle school, and wants to get a great experience....I would highly recommend Wilde Lake Middle School! The curriculum is challenging and the opportunities are out of this world amazing!
—Submitted by a student

This school simply has a bad reputation. In reality it's a great school and surrounded ith wonderful people. A a student, I was involved in some wonderful extra curricular activities in which I found great interest in and I am sure will help me later on in life. The only con I have for this school is the principal. He is not as involed in the school community as he possibly could be. He needs to apply himself more. Otherwise, this is an excellent school any student should consider.
—Submitted by a student

i go here and i love it. its so fun and the teachers are so nice. who cares about test scores..
—Submitted by a student

Thanks to the dedication of the 6th grade school teachers. Me and my wife were glad that the teachers have time to communicate with us via email about projects/homeworks that greatly improve our son's progress in school.
—Submitted by a parent

My family I moved here to Columbia, Md last year and my child attends WLMS, I must say I am very disappointed in the quality of education my child is receiving and the 'Girl fights' are out of control. This school does not have their priorities in the rigt order and their lack of concern for the safety of their students is unacceptable. I would never recommend any parent to send their child to this school. As much money has one pays to live in this area this school needs to shut down. WLMS is not a safe school and I am sad to say the teachers really don't care.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is a very nice school and all of the students there try and put 154% into all of their work!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have recently come from a private school in Chicago. I have had the luxury of comparing private vs. public and Columbia vs. Chicago, IL. At this point in time the education and attention that my children and myself have received from WLMS has exceeded my expectations, as I compare WLMS activity to a private school in IL. I have received information from teachers and feel that I am being properly informed. Like any school, there is room for improvement, so far I am pleased. For those reading this, it is important to note that I have experience in education for I work at a University in Maryland and I have been in higher education for some time. This school is culturally, economically and ethnically diverse. I feel that this is a positive for my children and allows them the opportunity to experience the real world in a controlled environment of education and supervision.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was truly a disappointment. The principal is not really concerned about the children's education, the sole concern a principal should have. Also, many of the teachers were not very good. This is difficult for my child since she is now far behind in high school because of the things she never learned here. At WLMS, my child often complained of fights between kids, which, despite rumors, still happens. I feel bad for my child, since we were supposed to be districted to Lime Kiln, and I know if she had gone there she would have received a much better education than she did at WLMS.
—Submitted by a parent