Chestnut Street Middle School

I had to teach her for a year. It was an awful place to work; I cannot imagine being a student forced to attend this school. Fights daily. I was assaulted twice. Lockdown (students not allowed to leave classrooms except to be escorted by a teacher to the bathroom or lunchroom) was in force constantly. Terrible language from the students and terrible attitude by the majority of the staff. Several teachers are strong, committed, and excellent, but are stuck in a terrible situation with awful, weak leaders.
—Submitted by a teacher

Chestnut is the newest middle school in the city. The school is definitely not rundown. Would you rather have it housed at one of the 50 - 100 year old middle schools? The school has lots of issues but that is not one. The lack of parent involvement is systemic due to the lack of partnership between educators and parents. The administration does not value parental input unless it is inline with the Central Office and administration. That is why most parents that do care about their children's education will not get involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school as a student in the TAG program. While I appreciated the opportunity to study challenging material, it was a rough trade-off: an excellent curriculum for a generally run-down and hostile environment. I asked myself at the time, and still wonder, why is the TAG program run in possibly the worst school in the city? To bring up average student scores without real holistic improvement of the school? It seems a rough trade-off for all of the students, doesn't it?

This is my childs second year at Chestnut and I am unimpressed and argue that the faculty and staff do not work with the parents and keep them informed. This school seems to not be invested in the students and as stated by another parent in a previous review we need all parties, parents ,teachers, and students to be doing their part. I would not recommend this school and am considering going to the superintendent of schools to voice my concerns that have not been responded to by the on site faculty or principal. If you are sending your child to this school be prepared to fight for supports and advocate for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school as of now, my son who is going this year to HS was here and now my son and daughter are as well.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as the parent reviews go, schools can only do so much. The atrocious behavior of CMS students is a result of what they learn at home and bring to school. Where is the ownership for the parents?! CMS is sub par, average inner-city school at best... all Spfld schools are. What do you expect these teachers and principals to do with no resources, $ or parental support?
—Submitted by a parent

My older daughter attended chestnut in the TAG Program. this program was excellent. It more than prepared her for high school- she is graduating central with a 4.6 GPA- she credits her success to the TAG program at Chestnut. My middle daughter, is currently in the TAG program at Chestnut as well and is also doing great. I plan on sending my third daughter there as well. I found that the school has a wonderful curriculumn and they do have high expectations for the students in the TAG program which I like because I have high standards for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Lots of kids with discipline problems. Sub-par curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent! My child went to this school and is is opening so many doors for her. Now my other child is going to go there and i hope and know that that school was the right choice for her.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awful. My kid gets bullied everyday, with no help from administrators. I have caught incorrect facts being taught also, & this is in their Talented & Gifted Program! Other parents I know with kids here hated it too. I'm looking to move to the 'burbs, as I've heard these complaints for all Springfield middle & high schools.
—Submitted by a parent