Tappan Middle School

We started out excited about sending out 7th grader to this school. Unfortunately, it was a less than positive experience. Academically she fell behind and we needed tutors to get her into a good 8th grade school. The social experience is that of kids that are beyond their years, and very distracting. When I tried to talk to the advisor about issues related to my daughters academic performance, I was met with a very disinterested teacher. There were a few good teachers, but the majority were not interested in the students as individuals at all. While the discipline is strict because it has to be with all those kids, at times I thought it was rather unfair as well. The vice principal is fantastic, above and beyond, but he cannot make up for the other shortcomings in the school. Unfortunately, the crowding of the school is a big part of the problem, so unless the state provides more funding for more space and teachers, I don't see how it can improve.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say we started out with high hopes for this school and been rather disappointed. The academics are at best mediocre. But the major issue is that some (not all) of the teachers are not interested in the kids at all. The vice principal is excellent, but unfortunately he can't make up for the other problems the school has. I am not re-enrolling my child next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Tappan! All of the teachers a supportive and encouraging to students. The students are pretty nice and ready to learn. The activities are amazing! There is a wide variety of sports to choose from including soccer, volleyball,basketball,track, etc. There is a suitable and creative environment for students to learn in and is also a great place to meet new people and try new things. Overall Tappan is an amazing school!

My daughter had a horrible experience at this school and left after 6th grade. A great deal of bullying and physical contact (hitting, fighting,shoving) are the norm here. I have witnessed teachers turning a blind eye to this behavior. No one is even trying to pretend that there is any teaching or learning going on at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Tappan has many dedicated teachers and counselors. Band is incredible. Many parents are disappointed as there has been a recent change in leadership that was instituted without community input (Interim Principal made permanent). Students say that she is neither engaged with the students nor visible in the hallways. This has caused many families to leave the public schools for middle school. Hopefully AAPS administration will look at leadership more closely before assigning people who do not have the skills nor training.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, Tappan is a good school. There are really great teachers and not so great teachers. If you have a motivated, disciplined student, they can do well and have a great academic experience. The counselors are also wonderful and really try to smooth the transitions between elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school. I haven't had any experience with the principal, so I can't really comment. The only negative point I would make would be in regard to the physical education program. Specifically, one teacher in that program. Both of my children disliked him intensely. I have heard this repeated by many other parents and students. If your child is not a "jock" then they will definitely be second-class citizens in his gym class. He makes rude comments to children, divides team sports into jocks and non-jocks, and basically projects an unwelcoming and demeaning environment for those not into team sports. It's a shame that Tappan can't provide a better physical education experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter barely passed. The teachers did try to keep up with emails etc but the school is very large and it was hard to keep up with all the students. Papers were lost and I had to resign even basic forms several times. The school is very pretty but my daughter felt bullied and lost most of the time. For our family it was not a good experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the education my child receives at Tappan. The languages, teahers, spirit of the school, everything is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great, I've learned so much. The teachers are really nice.
—Submitted by a student

The principal is hands-on and is visible and engages with the students. Discipline is fair but firm. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities. Academics are solid.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal has exercised solid, caring leadership by hiring conscientious and thoughtful staff and providing a secure, challenging learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Tappan is a terrific middle school. It's a tough age for kids, but most teachers do a great job with these students.
—Submitted by a parent

Tappan is a wonderful school. All the students are very smart and social. I personally love the school and there activities are fun.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is a great school, and I had many good teachers who were happy and ready to teach me, including Dr.Kelley and Ms.Raymond. The only thing is waiting out in the cold every morning, if you are going to this school be ready to freeze. Another thing, the principal is a little harsh, I know from my experiences, so try to avoid getting on his bad side, he won't go easy on you, even if you're new. Well altogether I think this school is pretty good and I would send my children here in the future.
—Submitted by a student

Tappan middle school is one of the best schools of Michigan. I appreciate the committment and the sincerity of teachers and the staff shown here. They pay adequate attention on extra-curricular activities as well. The overall the quality of education being imparted here is outstanding.
—Submitted by Surya Singh, a parent

This is a great middle school. Many quality and dedicated teachers. A wonderful and attentive administrative staff. I am extremely pleased with this school. And would highly recommend it to any parent concerned about their student getting a topnotch education. I would like to see more in terms of extracurricular activities~more variety.
—Submitted by a parent