Takoma Park Middle School

I am currently an eighth grader at this school and I couldn't be happier with my experience. While my friends have complained about some of the teachers I have never really disliked a teacher in the three years I've been here. Granted some are less than extraordinary but if you pay attention in class you will learn everything you need to know. The classes make the subject actually interesting and the student culture is such that everyone enjoys learning. On the topic of student culture, some people worry about fights and bullying. I've that you can easily avoid this by simply not making an effort to join in with misbehaving students. Bullying has never been an issue for me- as long as your friends are positive influences your social experience here will be great. Takoma really helps you become well-rounded, with a huge range of electives and after-school clubs. The diversity of talent and personalities is amazing. Contrary to popular belief our English classes are generally phenomenal. My current English teacher had previously taught AP English in high school, and he helps us prepare for high school English. After learning here for three years I know I'm ready for high school!

The extra-curricular activities are truly exemplary. While the humanities courses are not particularly strong due to the STEM magnet program, they are not weak either and most of the teachers are superb. The Science Teams and Math Teams are amazing as well. I couldn't have asked for more out of my experience here.

There are some great teachers at this school, and overall we are happy. While the great teachers outnumber the poor ones, there are definitely some poor teachers as well, though that's probably true in any school. Parents are also expected to check Edline regularly, but apparently teachers are not expected to update Edline on a regular basis. Often 3 weeks will go by without updates, and many teachers don't bother to post assignments on Edline, which means if you have a disorganized kid who doesn't get everything down in her agenda then you can't support them as much as you should be able to. The communication is also much poorer than I would have expected. My child was failing a class and I heard nothing from the teacher. In sixth grade, the teacher should notify the parents. Not all teachers are good about responding to emails, and policies are not well communicated. The administration is not as receptive to feedback as they should be, perhaps because overall they do a good job educating their students. However, there is room for improvement, especially in the areas mentioned above, and in the language arts classes. Students are not taught to write effectively.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is fortunate to be in the magnet program at Takoma Park Middle. His experience has been fantastic, from the very first day. The quality of the teaching and organization of the magnet program is absolutely incredible. Prior to his transfer to Takoma Park, my child was attending an academically centered private school. We have found the teaching at Takoma Park to be equal or better than what we experienced in the private school environment. The extra curricular activities are also very good, well managed and expansive for the students. This school is a 5 in my book!
—Submitted by a parent

gives a great transition from elementary to high school; perfect stepping stone; well-grounded

this school is the best! clean, excellent education. great teachers! the first day i walked in as a 6th grader two years ago, i felt so welcomed and relaxed. not like in other schools. i wish i never transferred, especially at the end of 8th grade. trust and believe me, if ur student goes to this school or will be goin to this skool, they might complain that they dnt like it, but you know what? the day they leave they'll be wanting to go back. everyone and anyone will garanteed this to u! i miss it here soooo much!
—Submitted by a student

Principal leadership - 1 Teacher Quality - 4 (most are excellent, but there are a few who should probably not be teaching in middle school) Extracurricular - 4 Parent Involvement - 3 Safety and Discipline - 1 (Fights are all too common and there is inadequate supervision to prevent them. When there is aggression,often the victim and the aggressors receive the same punishment.
—Submitted by a parent

Extracurricular activities are very nice, however, there are many less than perfect teachers, and some of the administrators aren't that great at fair discipline.
—Submitted by a student

Takoma Park Middle School is a rigorous, but highly integrated and diverse middle school. It is an example of the great education a public school can provide when there is community support and concerned parents and sufficient resources to get quality facilities and staff. I could afford to put my daughter in an 'elite' private school, but I cannot imagine she would get a better education than what she is getting at TPMS. Before TPMS my daughter attended Southern Middle School near Annapolis Maryland. This was a far less diverse school (ethnically, racially) in a rich rural area. However the difference in quality of education is stark, especially in math. My daughter was far behind the math level of the TPMS students when she transferred in the middle of 6th grade. Through extensive work and a lot of emphasis on homework, my daughter has now caught up, and is a B math student.
—Submitted by John Rust, a parent