Margaret Brent Middle School

Our son is new to the public school system and I heard lots of horror stories regarding MBMS. So far, none have come to fruition. We've had our issues with teachers and administration this year, but so far the good teachers have outweighed the bad. I do have an issue with homework. There virtually is none, which is not the norm nor the recommended by the Maryland Dept. of Education. When addressing the principal regarding this, he stated it was too much of a burden for the teacher to plan. Basically, typical liberal weak jargon. However, many of the teachers are beginning to step up to the plate and assign homework on their own after myself and some other parents voiced our concern, as well as backing up our concerns with state funded research. MBMS typically teaches to the lowest common denominator, which I'm finding is the case for most middle schools in St. Mary's County. Hence, as a parent, I am supplementing at home in the science class he has, which is taught by a teacher that would rather talk football than astronomy, by his own admission. The counseling office is outstanding as well as the liberal arts teachers. Science department is weak, but we are coping.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a bit apprehensive about my son starting school at MBMS this year. I had heard the communication was nil. So far, I have found that to be anything but the truth. All but one of his teachers is really great at putting up the homework on the HAC website. His social studies teacher even called us to say she was proud of him for being one of 4 students who made an "A" on his first test. Other teachers have been highly communicative as well. One teacher and the counselor were very kind regarding our son's sensitivity to noise when the teacher picked up on it during class. Our son struggles in keeping track of things and understanding assignments correctly, yet we've managed pretty well and we're into October already. He loves Marg. Brent and says the teachers treat him like he's "not a little kid". He loves the independence and responsibility. Now if I can just figure out how to get that one teacher to communicate and to follow her own policies....
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher, I love this school! I have been teaching for 6 years and am new to this school and I really like it. Despite the usual stresses that come along with being a teacher, I feel that the administration really tries to help out their teachers when they are in need. The discipline is strong and the students learn early on the consequences of their actions. I used to teach at another middle school in the county and I love this school much more!
—Submitted by a teacher

My son attended MBS from 2005 to 2008. Sixth grade was rough but I think most was due to making the adjust to middle school plus he was one of the sixth graders that went from the trailers to the new school after the addition was done. I was thrilled with the teachers he had every year and the school itself. I would highly recommended this school and look forward to my other son attending here also.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a wonderful school. I love everyone one of my teachers!
—Submitted by a student

We are trying very hard to move to get our son out of this school. He has been bullied, and was in a fight last week with a kid that we have constantly complained about. The school has a practice of punishing the victoms, and letting the bullies slide because their popular. The school has outdated materials despite the recent face lift. My son has dislexia and last year had a great special Education Specialist, but this year is a different story. We are constantly having to fight for our son's rights and that is not fair to us.
—Submitted by Paul Dempsey, a parent

i love the renovation alot. the school is very nice. the teachers are awsome. my favorite teacher would have to be mrs. hart. she has helped me so much. she completly goes out of her way to help me in any way. she helped me be able to pass, no just her class but others classes. thanks for all you do!
—Submitted by a student

I think Margaret Brent Middle is an excellent school. They just remodled the school and it is not crowded any more. The only thing I am worried about is the fact that it is so wonderful that it will get over crowded because so many parents want their kids to go there. It is the next best thing to private school but it is not snobby. The teachers are laid-back, and very responsible.
—Submitted by Chandra, a parent