Ballenger Creek Middle School

My son has been at BCMS for 2 years and I couldn't be happier that we are moving so that he doesn't have to go there any longer. The 6th grade teachers were awful. Some of the most uncaring and mean teachers I have ever seen. My son was found as dyslexic while he was in elementary school and the BCMS staff did nothing to help him. Instead they let him fail test after test, leaving entire assignments blank, and never doing a thing until I contacted the Superintendent about the way they neglected him. Luckily much of the 7th grade staff is different and he has different special ed teachers now. There are a few teachers that are really great, who obviously care about the students, but overall it's obvious that most are just there for the paycheck. There are also a number of bullies, and fights on a daily basis, and the students vandalize the lockers constantly by getting the locks off lockers and putting them on other ones.
—Submitted by a parent

I attented this school and it is very cooperative and fun. The teachers are nice and well educated. The principal is very strick but fun. The girls bathrooms are bad because of the never filled soap and the writting on the stalls. The students are disiplined and very smart and they listen like grown adults the teachers have done a amazing job. All the kids that I know that go there know have all A's or B's. Overall this is a very nice and cooperative school.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended BCMS for only one school year (2003-2004), but in that time I didn't have a wonderful experience. I remember having extremely easy assignments and becoming bored during the school day.
—Submitted by a student

My child has been going to this school for two years and I have to say that I am quite disappointed. The majority of the teachers could care less. The organization and communication at this school is another big problem. It is like pulling teeth for information. The lack of organization is noticed on all levels from the Open House to getting on the bus at the end of the day. Teacher quality is the worse issue I have with this school by far. It would be a wise idea for the principal to do some silent monitoring in the class rooms.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is just 'okay.' We don't have a great Math department. Our bathrooms -well the girls bathroom- do not have great soap dispensers or stalls (most of the locks are cut off) The Language arts and science departments are excellent! The teachers really want to get your students involved in the curriculum.
—Submitted by a student

I have been going to this school for 3 years, and I love it. There are rarley any fights, the staff is cool, and the students are nice. They are very good with safty. There are also alot of vary smart kids there. One person I know of takes classes at a colledge. So don't let anyone tell you that it is a bad school, because it isn't.
—Submitted by Sam Kahan, a student

Other then that I do think that the school is very nice. But the teachers could make learning alittle bit more interesting for the kids. Right now my daughter and her friends claim that 'it is so boring in class that it's hard to keep my eyes open.' Hereing that makes me very somewhat worried for them. Mr. Philips though, I think is doing a wonderful job. He is interacting with the students as I saw and my daughter seems to really like him. I recomend Ballenger to other parents who have children with good self-belief.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal created very warm climate in BCMS. There is really tactful approach to every student, focusing on individual needs. Very good system of the support of students with disabilities. It is great pleasure to study in BCMS !
—Submitted by Olga Tolskaya, a parent

This school is belong to that small part of Frederick Co. schools, where foreign (ESL) student is given every warm encouragement and help. First time a huge team helped my child to adapt! (We have bad expirience in previours schools)
—Submitted by a parent

Although the Principal is African American, the staff as a whole don't understand how to deal with diversity and the front office staff is just plain 'Rude'. Frederick, MD is generally a very 'Hick' and small-minded town, I would not recommend enrolling your student of 'color' in this school. If you want your child to excel in school and develop a life-long love of learning, take my advice move out of this school district! I know of many Parents and Children who are living horror stories everyday in these schools! Their children are being assaulted, spit on and called the 'N' word everyday...Especially at the High Schools! The Superintendants have no 'conscience or self-respect' and are doing nothing to stop this victimization! We had two children in the schools here and I also taught School here, so I know of what I'm speaking! Move elsewhere...we have!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been going to BCMS for 3 years. The teachers do expect a lot from them. I don't believe that that is a bad thing. There is a very high concern with safety and any issues that we have come across with other students have been dealt with diligently. I would recommend this school to everyone. It was a great transitional school from elementary. Most of the teachers seem genuinely concerned with the students education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the type of school that works well for those who are self-starters and are motivated to do their school work. They dont look out for children who need more encouragement and help to make it. They tend to do things 'the way they have always done it' regardless of the outcome. The principal tries to address concerns brought to him, but the end result is the same, nothing really gets accomplished. The child who needs that 'extra' and is not labeled with a disability should not go here.
—Submitted by a former student