MacArthur Middle School

I see fights a lot, constant bullying and the teachers don't pay attention. once, i got shoved into a locker because of a girl not paying attention, elbowed because they weren't paying attention. I am a 7th grader, going into 8th grade, and my mom said that i could go to CSP and i would be glad to go. Parents: If you want your child to feel unique, this is not the school. 99% of the boys have their boxers showing and the girls are just plain mean. Don't be fooled that it's a "safe school" just because it's on a military base. Many kids get into fights daily. Also, if you want a strict uniform policy, this is not the school.

MacArthur is indeed a very unique school,it had quite more to offer,I'm an 8th grader here and this is our last full month of middle school,and I admit,some of the teachers are kind of starting teacher bigority at our school,and the voilence dosent occur that much,but it does in some occasions,but its mostly a voilent free school =D,I recommend you send your child here!,they have a uniform policy so your child dosent have to worry about what he/she wears,and there is diffrent cliques wich can be good and bad at the same time,the good is that,your child will fit in no matter what =D,the bad children can feel left out,well go macarthur we won t forget you at meade and arundel next year,and I want to thank you for the nice expirence there,God bless everyone there!
—Submitted by a student

My children attended macarthur and it is one of the worst schools ever. Teacher bigotry, one of the worst schools...Stay away from this school..Bad,,,bad.,,,Bad
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very poor in test scores & has alot of bad behavior students, & teachers that are raciest and dont care about the stundents and that mess up the whole school
—Submitted by a student

My child went to McArthur Middle for the first time this year, 6th grade. She struggled for 3 months while I pleaded with teacher/admin for help; no one told me there was any such thing as an IEP or 504 program. I had to pay Sylvan Learning Center $500/mo to learn everything the school owed me when a child is struggling. I finally got approved for a school transfer after they agreed to test her for a disability (another 3 months). By the time we got help, it was 4th qtr. In addition, there is an extremely low grade of discipline and student control in the building. My child never felt safe, had a hard time concentrating, and making friends due to uncontrolled fights, bullying, teacher bigotry, and acceptable foul language. Do whatever you can to stay away from this school. Horrible!
—Submitted by a parent

Kids try to make son be in a fight because he has never been in a fight, he says no, so they try to make other kids fight with him. My sons see fights there weekly, no wonder! The school work is too easy, my children learned this material back when they were in elementary school, my sons are in 6th and 8th grade. They are beyond bored and in the honor classes. What a shame, we are moving to a better school district, I highly recommend that families stay away.
—Submitted by a student

This school did change my life--to be stronger, defensive, and focus more on academics (English was very tough in 8th grade). However, the school's behaviour was ridiculously out of hand. There were fights probably once or twice that occurred each month, and it actually takes a while for the staff to break it up. I was able to tell the teachers were even afraid of some of the students. I guess MacArthur is a good experience to build up courage/deal with the real world, but sometimes, it's too much to handle. From so much disrespect in this school, I've had depression problems, to be honest. Just giving a warning to your children/you.
—Submitted by a student

I am a Myp student from Glen Burnie and im in my sixth grade year. MacArthur Middle School is not bad at all. The teachers work very hard and things are very productive. I woould just say that they need to work on building appearence and parent notifications on activities. As long as you stay focused, there is no problem with getting honor roll. I havent gotten anything less than a B on my report cards. I even started out the year with straight A's. Parents should come and visit before they make up their minds that our school is bad. Go 6th grade class of 09!
—Submitted by a student

anyone that put more than one star on this survey need to open there eyes and be aware of the behavior going on in this school. I am even black and i Am saying that this school needs major improvement. I feel as if this school needs to close and never open back up until it is ready to cahnge majorely. It is an embarassment to our new president Obama and all black people who want to succedd in life every where. I strongly suggest that you do not send your child here and this is coming from a someone who has seen and experience dit all.
—Submitted by a parent

I hear horror storys of MacArthur..I was terrified for my son going into 6th grade..I raised my son to be a leader not a follower..He is a honor roll student n by far this has been the best school year of both our lives..Parents hear stories of Macarthur n are so quick to judge. The littliest thing that happen with their child they say Macarthur is a bad school..Go to some of the middle schools off post n then judge Macarthur..Just because this is a school on a military base they think their child is protected..Get over it parents..Raise ur kids to be leaders n not easily influence..My son handles his self as the young man we are raising him to be..It starts at home..From a military spouse who dont allow the miltary life to influence her judgment..
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will graduate from MacArthur this Spring...Thank God! She transferred in from a prominent district in the region. If I could do it all over again, I would've home-schooled her. The past two years were difficult with the bullying and soft bigotry of low expectations but there was a quality administrator/dean that was respected and to some degree feared by the students. This year she moved on to become a principal in DC. If it were up to me, I would fire the principal and shutter the school for a year. It is run down, it lacks the amenities that most middle schools have such as a auditorium, a track, etc. The tennis courts have patches of grass growing in the cracks. There are some quality, dedicated teachers at MacArthur but as an engaged parent, it is obvious that they are not supported by the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe the bullying and fighting is continous and is starting to get ridiculous. Thet teachers offer a decent academic profil but...
—Submitted by a student

I believe that those teachers who posted lately good ratings only did that to save thier jobs. This school has been bad for many years. I have two that attend now and had one who attended years ago and he is in college now. He had issues going into high school because he thougth it would be just as bad as McArthur and it wasn't. He went to Arundel High however not on base. Some of the teachers listen but only after there's a problem, I should not have child get near a D when I've told and told them to contact me if it gets to a C and my child is normally an honor roll student. I get emails if I email first not the other way around. It takes maybe 1 min to email that your child is having issues. We spend that much texting/ email friends/surfing.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers are great to students and students go through a real educational experiance with a college level of work
—Submitted by a parent

Parents should read the research about what makes a school strong before placing blame. You will find that the success and climate of a school is driven by the strength its leadership above all else. A uniform policy that can only be addressed by teachers during a 26 minute time frame, that occurs 86 minutes into the school day is ludicrous. Unless you are active in the school, you may be unaware of the many demands made on teachers daily. There are dedicated teachers at this school who give more than a parent could ever imagine to ensure a quality education is provided for ALL students. Ask to see a teacher's MSA stats before judging them. Being easy and giving little work does not make a good teacher. Expecting students to master required materials and giving them the tools they need are what makes a good teacher

I am a current staff member at MacArthur and we contrary to what many parents have stated on this site, we DO NOT have fights daily in the hallways. The term bullying has been over-used, we do have kids who are picked on and mocked, and although this is not appropriate, this happens not just at our school but at h8undreds of middle schools in Anne Arundel County and across the country. MacArthur does lack a cohesive staff however, it is not a dangerous school and you should not feel intimidated about sending your child here. As a parent and a staff member, like in any situation, parents need to carefully research schools prior to enrolling their child. Instead of reading all of the negative comments, as a parent you should visit the school, meet with administration, counselors and teachers then make a decision.
—Submitted by a teacher

MacArthur is not bad at all...i would just say it needs work on the staff members and the building its self! CLASS OF 09!
—Submitted by a student

I think MacArthur is a great school with great teachers! :-D
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent/teacher at this school and I would rate this school between a 2/3. MacArthur is a good school however, it could be much much better. I agree with parents who state that there are issues with administration and not backing their staff. I agree that some students do attempt to run the school and that some teachers need to be replaced however, we are striving to do the best that we can with what we have. What I do encourage is that students as well as parents to write the school board as well as Dr. Maxwell - School Superintendent and Dr. Ciafrani-Area Director and voice how you feel about your school. That is the only way changes will be made. Parents if you want to see changes made within your child's school, my advice is for you to get involved, get involved, get involved.
—Submitted by a teacher

i am a graguate of macarthur and i would have to say that it is a very wonderful school.i say this cause it is true.the staff there is great.there were a lot of fights though and people did get expelled but all in all i would have to say that macarthur is an excellent school to attend.so i recomend macarthur to all parents if you want your child to have a good education.so now that you know how i see this school...Stop saying bad things about it!!!!
—Submitted by a student