Silver Spring International Middle School

This is our 6th year with a child at Silver Spring International. Our children's have benefited from the dedicated teachers and an administration that works to increase student achievement as well as connectedness for all students.
--Submitted by a parent

There are bad students. Some teachers make the kids late to class. No respect, not very good punishment.
--Submitted by a student

Silver Spring International Middle School is an excellent school. The staff is outstanding, the course offerings are very rigorous and expansive. I would definitely recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience with SSI has been terrific. Many elective offerings and unique clubs give every single child enriching learning opportunities. The student body is remarkably diverse. The principal is involved at every level and dynamic. The teaching staff is amazing -- dedicated, creative, and clued into adolescence. The facility could be better, but the school has such heart, that it's not a serious downside.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two boys that attend SSIMS in grades 7 and 9. SSIMS is a good school with a great academic program and caring teachers. With a strong PTSA and new principal, the school is on its way back to a stronger acadamic standing. There are advanced classes as well as extra help provided if students need it. The teachers are genuinely interested in the kids and take the time out to respond to e-mails and phone calls. I would recommend this school to any parent.
--Submitted by Rhonda, a parent

So much is promised every year and every year the administration fails to deliver. This is still a school in transition; unfortunately, no progress is being made. Don't be fooled by the reputation of Montgomery County schools. The district is divided into a 'red zone--schools in crisis' and a 'green zone--successful schools'. Unfortunately, SSI is in the middle of the 'red'. When calling about schools in this area ask about the 'red' and 'green' zones as these terms were created by the district administration. Most distrubing is the lack of safety in the school. Having procedures for a lock-down, code red, does not make it safe.
--Submitted by a parent

The richness of the diversity of teachers and students is unmatchable elsewhere. My daughter has had so many great experiences here.. Shakespeare monologue contest, softball team, amazing drama class, and on and on. The teacher energy is constant and the new principal is fabulous...and the PTSA and parent involvement is very exciting!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter, who is deslexic, has just entered SSI in the 6th grade. I was hesitant to enter her into SSI. I was pleasantly surprised by the teachers she has and their dedication. I am very pleased, and was somewhat surprised, by the dedication and competence of the special ed team at the school, particularly by their coordinator. I get the impression everyone is working very hard to see these kids do well. There do seem to be somewhat serious social issues, kids treatening other kids, but their also seems to be a core group of kids who support each other.
--Submitted by a parent

This year at SSIMs, with its new leadership and an active PTSA, challenges will be met and everyone will benefit. I have a student in advanced Math and English classes at the school and am very impressed with her teachers and their dedication and desire for my child to succeed. As more parents became active in their children's education at SSIMs, I predict that this school will be the envy of the county.
--Submitted by a parent

SSI is a great school. Period. We have a new principal, wonderful teachers and super students. Parents this school year (2004) have really stepped up and are working on a number of projects (like the renovation of our auditorium) to improve the school. Our test scores are better than Eastern or Takoma Park MS - the two middle schools we are most compared to. We are a diverse, suburban school - with families from many countries. It is a wonderful 'micro' UN and we all draw strength from it. A new IB program will be a wonderful addition. SSI has, indeed, had its problems, and as a suburban school, we are not perfect. We could use more financial upport from MCPS. But we are not waiting for anyone - we expect the best! As the principal at Northwood HS (where most SSI students go) told me, these students are ready for HS.
--Submitted by Dave Ottalini, a parent