Central Middle School

My third child is a sixth grader at Central Middle School. My other two children were students there for also. My youngest is having a very successful year with teachers that work hard and care about their students. They challenge and encourage and have high expectations. The staff works hard to develop the independence that middle schoolers need giving them more responsibility and accountability. The principal works extremely hard to always put the students' needs first. Truly, if you have any issue, just email or call. If for some reason you are not getting what you need from one teacher, the counselors and principal are quick to respond to your issue. And on top of all this, the school is being renovated so it will be an even better place for kids!!! This is a great place to live with great public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have attended Central Middle School. My oldest is off to the college she wanted to attend this year and my youngest is preparing to enter South River High School. Both of my children have had good experiences at Central Middle School. I believe that the Principal has always had the best interest of the children at heart. The teachers have done a good job with both of my children. We have always been happy with the courses offered. There are also a wide variety of after school activities for them to participate in. My children have been happy and I am sad that this will be my last year at Central Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

My family moved to MD during our son's last year of elementary school. After almost 5 years at one of the top schools in one of the top school districts in the nation, we were understandably apprehensive about transferring to a new area. We purposely purchased in the Central Middle/South River High School district because of both the reputation of the schools and our impression of the administration of each. Our son is half way through middle school at Central and we have not been disappointed. The Principal and her staff have been tremendously forthcoming with information about the school and the teaching staff has met and even exceeded our expectations. The academic standards are rigorous and there are numerous clubs and after school activities to engage the students socially as well. I have found the teachers to be responsive and proactive, reaching out to not only alert us to potential issues but also to make sure we are aware of positive actions and performance by our child. Several of our neighbors have bypassed the community school in favor of private schooling, I am glad we chose Central Middle and know we made the right choice for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

This school used to be a little better, but don't be fooled by the 10 rating. This school gets the ten because how good the elementary schools around here are, not because of the school itself. I'm actually amazed that the school has a 3 star community rating, but it is most likely due to the bias by the parents who have gone there and continue to keep their kids trapped in the cycle. There is no shortage of "I had your mom and dad for students!" in this school. Another huge problem Im having with this school now is what the county is forcing the schools to do, dumbing down the classes so that the county looks better then they really are, much better. The county obviously doesn't have the students best interests in mind because instead of progressing and working on allowing kids to move up even faster and keeping the kids competitive, a healthy characteristic that creates a great school, they want everybody to be at the same level, which I just not how the world works. This school, and the board, have all the wrong ideas about success. If you want your kid to be successful, I don't recommend central, go to a private school.

When we were transferred to DC by the military we chose Edgewater because the schools were rated so highly. We have been sorely disappointed. My 6th grader came here from an elementary school with a small student:teacher, and it was quite a culture shock. He has been mercilessly bullied, ostracized, and had personal items and schoolbooks stolen from him throughout the year. He has excellent grades and scores really high on tests... and yet isn't allowed to read, draw, or fold origami between assignments. He has had his library books confiscated for reading after tests. We have heard NOTHING POSITIVE all year! Let him commit the smallest infraction and we hear about it from three different teachers, his VP, and the counselor. That counselor told my then-8th grader that college was his only option. When he told her he wanted to enlist after HS she told him that wasn't an option if he was to be a "real adult" - this was in front of his enlisted father (who has a Masters). Honestly, I would NOT recommend this school to anyone transferring in - numbers definitely don't make a school great. The elem and HS have been wonderful, but our CMS experience = nothing but negatives.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who currently attend CMS - 6th and 8th grade. I have been very pleased with the caliber and caring nature of the teachers and principal. Yes, they have a bullying awareness program - that doesn't mean there is a bullying problem - but rather a goal to prevent one. Is there bullying, yes, I'm sure there is to some degree at every school - the point is that it isn't tolerated at CMS. It's a big school with over 1,000 students - bound to be a major shock to anyone coming in from a private school. There is also a lot of parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student I'm only being honest when I say this school has quite a lot of problems, and this had a very significant effect on me. This school's student body is entirely run by cliques and there really isn't anything effective being done to at least decrease this; there are punishments, but they are seen by students as a reward for poor actions and a way to get out of class rather than something meaningful. There are a lot of problems with violence and bullying. I can't say the teachers are awful, because they definitely aren't, but I feel like there is often little control in the classroom.

My son transferred here from public school in 7th grade and I wish he had attended all along. The teachers are of such high caliber, and are so caring about the children's progress, both academically and socially. The school community is very engaged and active with one another through in-school and extracurricular activities, that it creates a warm, supportive environment for the kids to thrive.
—Submitted by a parent

My children went to a private Christian school for the first 6 years of their schooling. They transferred to Central Middle School for 6th grade, and have had a successful year. Being a former 6th grade teacher myself, I can say that yes...there is a great emphasis on MSA, but it is how the school gets funding. Yes, there is bullying and poor language from students. Yes, there are teachers who are sub-par. But, you can find poor language, bullying, and sub-par teachers in ANY school. My children are in some of the advanced classes and I am finding they are enjoying their teachers and classes. The foundation their former school provided far exceeded what Central Elementary provided its students, so my children are excelling in middle school. Public school is what a family makes it. Your involvement makes the difference. Know the teachers, their expectations, and have high standards of achievement for your child. The principal at Central is no-nonsense, and has high expectations for student behavior. Sadly, cell phones are a source of distraction for many students and it is silly for students this age to be bringing them to school. Phones should be banned at middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very racist and violent. I can honestly say I don't even know my kids anymore.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, my student has not progressed the way I would hope. Our neighbor sends their kids to Indian Creek, and the kids are much more intelligent. There is also a lot of violence and bullying. I fear that High School only can get worse.
—Submitted by a parent

I maybe shouldn't give this school an average, but the teachers are hit or miss. My daughter had phenomenal teachers and then some who were so uninspiring that they she learned more on days when a substitute was on duty. In addition, the administration speaks to and expects the least of students. All students are treated as if they are all anti-academic, drug-dealing, sex-crazed maniacs. I'd like to see a little more in the high expectations department, especially recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the top learners.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers are nice but to much volger violence and bullying
—Submitted by a student

Central Middle School is devoted to the sucess of their students. The teachers at Central are truly devoted to giving the childern a quality education while making it fun to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Cms is a great school for learning, one teacher in particular made a huge difference on my grades, i went from a Low D, to a B in only 3 weeks. I made a huge improvement on my grades with my teachers help. Thanks Mrs.Grasso! Your a Great Teacher!
—Submitted by a student

this school was pretty good! ihave to say my 7th grade math teacher made a pretty big impact in my school career she was by far the best math teacher i have ever had. Thank you Mrs. Grasso!
—Submitted by a student

CMS has a wonderful Administration and a few good teacher's. Many other teacher's show no spirit in what they do for a living.
—Submitted by a parent

My family moved to the area recently and we moved our children from private school to public school. We are extremely pleased with Central Middle School and Principal Beall is simply outstanding -- she is committed and caring. She has promoted a rigorous academic program and ushered in new initiatives such as advisory classes. She is also working on a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum for the school. She also encourages parent involvement, and the school has a strong base of parent volunteers. I have found teachers to be very committed and helpful. Teachers send home weekly newsletters to keep parents informed about class assignments, tests, and projects. The school has a first-rate music program that is led by an outstanding band director, Deborah Turner. It amazes me that a middle school has five performing instrumental groups that perform in and out of state.
—Submitted by a parent

Central Middle School has been a pleasantly surprising experience for my child. The teachers have been very involved with each child and provide email feedback a minimum of once a week. You always know when tests are scheduled, topics covered and class results... a big plus for parents. Kids are encouraged to work with teachers at lunch or during the after school time for needed one on one help. Even when kids don't tell parents what is happening...which happens in middle school..the parents are always informed. The 2006-2007 year had a new principal who noticed everything and made good common sense decisions that helped children. Teachers are supported and music program is huge. I'm very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely impressed with the visibility of our new principal this 06-07 school term! She is actively engaged with the students during transitioning, before and after school, during lunch and is up and around connecting with the students during the day to day routine. Whenever I visit the school, I get the feel of a Shepard keeping her sheep in a genuine caring manner; as if these were her own children. I witness her asking their opinions and speaking with them as a professional, yet casual mentor. In general, I sense the students are being empowered through such respectful and engaging practices of Principal Beall. Lastly, at our most recent fund raiser, Ms. Beall acknowledged every table during the steak dinner, stopping by to introduce herself and chat a few moments with the very many parents and students in attendance.
—Submitted by a parent