Patapsco Middle School

Patapsco Middle school is very good. I was initially concerned because of redistricting. I have a 7th grader who has had some struggles adapting. The school worked with us to help him get on track. They have a very caring administration and teachers. We LOVED the 6th grade team. The 7th grade team has been very good as well. Some teachers are inconsistent or not yet using web pages for homework but most are. Communication with teachers is encouraged and they respond and partner with parents to educate their children. Academically the school has programs for those struggling. It also has many advanced classes. There is a larger portion 7th graders in GT classes than regular classes. Books are sent home to stay home for homework. Scholastic Saturdays are offered for children to receive free tutoring and other help from Mt Hebron students. The principal is wonderful and continually seeks improvements.
--Submitted by a parent

This school lacks administrative experience and leadership. It does not provide a friendly environment and ignores the bullies among kids. Moreover, instead of helping children who is challenged by the school environment, they pressure and isolate them. They handled student s incidence unprofessionally.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the school. The teachers have took tome to help me and to understand me and the ways I learn. The teachers are nice, funny, kind. and helpful. I verry happy I moved here last year.
--Submitted by a student

i t does great with learning just take more time on going over questions they dont get or all questioons
--Submitted by a student

I have a 7th grade boy at this school and we have had a great 2 years here. We were apprehensive about middle school in general, but my son only knew 7 other kids when he came in as a 6th grader, but had no problem fitting in, and he's fairly shy. We loved all of the 6th grade teachers, very committed and supportive and enthusiastic. I love the new principal. 7th grade has also been excellent, I find the teachers in this grade to be on the ball as well. I would definately recommend Patapsco Middle school. There's also lots of extra-curricular activities, and a strong community with parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Having a student begin middle school was traumatic! However, we found Patapsco filled with great teachers & leadership. My son was challenged to his potential and rewarded for his accomplishments.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Patapsco for 2 years. I am thrilled with the new principal, who joined the school at the beginning of the 2006-07 academic year. She seems interested in parent feedback and seems to run a well-organized office. The major weakness I have experienced is a lack of adequate and prompt parent-teacher communication. For example, it wasn't until I received a quarterly progress report that I learned my child wasn't turning in assignments or wasn't completing assignments according to the teacher's instructions. Also, even though my special needs student, who is in GT classes, gets good grades, she could be doing much better and needs a little help in the classroom. When I talked with the guidance counselor about related issues, I felt that she just didn't 'get' the problem. I'm not thrilled with how students who are not on an IEP or 504 plan are handled there.
--Submitted by a parent

Patapsco is a school with much potential, except that it lacks competent administration. Although this school has a handful of teachers which are excellent (whose skills would be best placed at more 'progressive-minded' schools), that is not enough to give a 'thumbs-up' to support registering your child.
--Submitted by a parent