Isaac J. Gourdine Middle School

i go to isaac j gourdine and i do not like it because i have been bullied alot and all they did was speak to them and say not to do that but yet why did they say that it is an automatic phone call and or suspension but all they do is say don't do that and what of a group a kids jumped me are they just going to say don't do that i never want to see isaac j gourdine again

I was a student at IJG and honestly I really hated this school. For starters, I didn't learn anything, most of te teachers at this school can't even control their students, and it seems like most of the teachers and staff only care about punishing students more than helping them learn. I hate this school. Only reason I gave it two stars is because of the friends I had there. I honestly didn't learn ANYTHING. What's the point of going to school if you're not learning? I'm so so glad I left this school.

I have a son that attends the 7th grade this year at IJG and he has an IEP. I am always at the school, and I applaud many of the teachers and staff I have worked with to get my son the assistance he needs. However, I sat in on every one of my son s class and was horrified. The class was overcrowded, there were too many distractions from other students, and the students are mainly out of control. Learning about other issues from the teacher, too many kids have IEP's, many kids were on medication, and the teacher was not a special education teacher. There was 1 teacher and 2 co-teachers in the class and the class could not be contained. Kids were playing with trash on the floor, walking around the class, laughing out loud, banging on the desk, throwing paper balls at each other, one student took the screws out of the leg of the desk, and another student was reading the newspaper. How are the students that want to learn going to learn? I felt so bad for my son? I didn't realize what he went through on a daily basis. I also observed that there were too many students roaming the halls. IJG could be one of the best schools in Prince Georges County, if the administration would listen to the teachers and parents. Down size the classes, get more specialists in the school to work with these kids, be more disciplined towards the students, and let them know this kind of stuff will not be tolerated. Because in the end, the kids are the ones to suffer as they transition to high school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a student at IJG and I think it's completely incompetent. Only a few teachers are actually trying to help the students and while the administration is working hard, they're stretched too thin. I feel as though I'm missing out on opportunities that kids who aren't any smarter in other counties get. The advanced students in this school ar more of a minority than the Aborigines. Mind you, I didn't learn about the Aborigines at the school. That, my fellow web-a-holic, was all me.
--Submitted by a student

I love the school im in the 6th grade and I came from a private school but the only thing i can say is that they are behind because what i was learning in 5th grade im learning now in (honors) that is suppose to be 7th grade math but im taking 8th grade math but i just wonder am i going to have to go to friendly to take math
--Submitted by a student

I have had three children attend this school over the pass 4 years. And this school definely rates at the bottom/below average. they punish children so severe for the smalless infraction. But, don't put the same energy into the education of the children. This is our last year and we can't wait.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Isaac Gourdine Middle School and can honestly say that if I had a child in middle school, I would not send my child to Isaac Gourdine Middle. The morale amongst the staff is beneath the sea floor. The administration is diverse, you have some administrators that have a genuine interest in helping the staff and keeping the students in line while other administrators just send students back to class after being sent out for disciplinary offenses. I won't say names, but many of the teachers do not teach like they should. Some are because they lack the knowledge, some just don't care, and some are burned out. I don't think it will get better.
--Submitted by a teacher

Look directly at the leader and you ll see why Isaac J. Gourdine Middle is one of the best public schools in PG County. Her leadership, her administrators, staff members and teachers shine bright! ISG Middle does a great job challenging students to learn and stay out of trouble. In short, they teach and discipline well, which is a must in P.G. County. I feel Isaac Gourdine Middle School is getting my honor student ready to excel in high school and what more can one ask of a middle school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not a real good school!All parents you should make sure you put your kids in Mr.Stephens class he is a very nice man.But I dont think you should send your child to this school!
--Submitted by a student

There is a definite problem with the administration and many of the teachers. I believe that some of the teachers are genuinely concerned about the children and their education, but the administration certainly does not set that precedent so it can be difficult for the teachers to respond appropriately. There have been several occasions that both my husband and I have tried to contact teachers and the principle and not once have we received a return phone call. Some of the teachers also give out excessive homework but do not collect or grade it on time or according to the deadlines that were imposed. So what is the use? There is very poor planning and organization on the school s part and I wouldn t recommend any parent who cares about the quality of their child s education enroll their child here.
--Submitted by M. Johnson, a parent