Esperanza Middle School

We were not happy with this school and made the decision to pull our child out after one year here. Unless your child is lucky enough to get placed in honors classes then they will not get a fair education. Only kids who are in honors math get placed into classes such as Spanish or other good classes. If you move here during the year they will place them in whatever class they have space for, which means your kid can be placed in lower classes just because that is where the space is available. Although this might be one of the better schools in the area as far as public education goes, that does not mean it is a good school by most standards.
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible, i hate it. i learn absolutely nothing.
--Submitted by a student

My Daughter loves Esperanza! We moved here from Northern Va. Our schools are overcrowded big time! The teachers were overwhelmed and she wasn't doing that well. At Esperanza she is happy! She's making much better grades. The teacher's are great!! They actually have time for the kids!!!!! I'm so happy with our choice to move into this area!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

For those with negative things to say about EMS I have to disagree. My daughter made honor roll every marking period her 6th grade year. Her teachers were wonderful and I've yet to have an issue with any staff.
--Submitted by a parent

One of my children has gone on to great success at the High School level because of the preparation at EMS. My other one is in the NJHS and loves the school. Both were involved in after school activities (mentored by teachers on their own time). I have had all my inquiries and concerns cheerfully and promptly addressed by the Administration and Faculty. Must have been problems with the old administration because these people are great.
--Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the negative comment about the administration. EMS administrators are committed to student success. Policies that have been implemented have all been student centered. Extracurriculum activities have been established based on research that students of this age need to be connected to their school. Instructional programs have been implemented based on student data . Perhaps the teachers need to take a serious look at how they can assist students in being successful, both academically and behaviorally.
--Submitted by a teacher

Unfortunately, the quality of teachers has gone down in the past year. My oldest daughter, who is now a freshman had a great experience at Esperanza. But most of the really excellent teachers have retired. The new teachers who have come in are very inexperienced! It's so disappointing that the quality teachers are now few and far between and that you have to worry whether your child is learning anything at all in certain classes. The principal really needs to take a good look at her staff and listen to the comments she gets from parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I think in order for parents to be able to talk bad about Esperanza they have to attend it. Sure you can make a judgment but you have to actually go in order to know how it truly operates. Personally my 3 years at Esperanza were great. I loved the teachers and the atmosphere. 8th grade year though was probably the best. The honor classes are great. You really get challenged. I worked in the office as an office aide and the people are not rude! You try working with a ton of kids and parents all day and then not be grumpy. Esperanza is an awesome school. The only thing that can be changed is the house thing no one really likes it. At least let us sit with our friends at lunch I mean common.
--Submitted by Donna, a former student

I think that the 8th grade teachers are the nicest and firmist. It is a good place to attend.
--Submitted by a student

The previous posters have no clue about what is really happening at EMS. Academically, the school has been on a steady rise since Miss Mills has arrived. The administrative staff is professional, courteous and very involved with students' welfare and activities. Much is done for their moral in an attempt to keep them intrested in the learning process. Involved parents know the value of 'House' competition. If the staff has a bad 'rap' it is due to individuals that feel they know more about running the system than those that have been appointed to do so. I truly feel my child's education is the number one priority of those running the school, as it should be.
--Submitted by a parent