Gardner Middle School

I am a substitute teacher that worked in this school several times- I wouldn't go back for diamonds! The school is just a zoo and the student's behavior there is the outrageous. A failure of America.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am taking my children out of this school next year. There are some good teachers here but they are out numbered by the not so good. I feel that most of the faculty doesn't do what is best for the students. They suspend the students left and right. They seem to have a program for discipline but do not take the time to implement it correctly. Students are not encouraged or motivated to do better. They are just knocked down by most faculty. I know one student that is in all honors classes except one but is continually being suspended. I'm not sure how that happens. They are respectful when they are around my home. It sounds to me that they aren't being challenged enough. This same child was told they could not play on the basketball team because of their discipline issues. Seems to me the school would use that to their advantage to encourage this student along with others to work to improve so they could be involved in those activities. I thought we encourage kids to be involved in extra curricular activities so they stay out of trouble. I have had to intervene when one of the faculty was being disrespectful to my child. I have seen many faculty being very negative.
—Submitted by a parent

I posted in Nov a review..Well here's another, the assistant principal and principal tried to make excuses for reasons why my daughter was being bullied... I was at that school 6 times in just over two wks due to the bullying.. I agree with the teacher that posted about classes being controlled by disrespectful students..Walking in the hall a student ran into me and this boy got mouthy with me telling me to watch where I was going.. I wish I had the resources and ability to take my children to a different school..I am very disappointed in Gardner Middle school, they have no control, when I am there or call there is always some excuse.. This school is a joke.....
—Submitted by a parent

This school is out of control. It is nearly impossible to teach the children who want to learn. The students who don't wish to learn commandeer class time and teacher attention. The discipline system is completely ineffective. I am sad to see so many good teachers leave the profession after spending time at Gardner.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have a 7th grader at this school. They encourage their teachers to use EDLINE which is an online service for parents to track their kids progress in each of their classes. It should be mandatory that each teacher use this!! It is not. My son went from an A/B to E and I did not know it until March! It was because this teacher did not utilize Edline. kIds are wondering the halls during the day. They skip class by hiding in the bathroom. They have 1 principle and 2 assist principles They did poorly on the MEAP. My son passed to 7th grade because I TAUGHT HIM MATH, NOT HIS TEACHER. I give this school 1 semester to see if it's any different than 6th grade or he's out of there
—Submitted by a parent

This school has the best teachers I have ever met. And they are here when I need them. When I go back to visit everybody welcomes me with open arms. I love it. Gardner helped me find myself in me. And I am thankful for that. Gardner has a great education program fun athletics. and fun activites and electives. I personally love this school and all the teachers in it. I Love LOVE LOVE this school. I miss it more and more everyday. I made classes my 7th grade year and by 8th grade i was doing 10th grade work just by the help of the amazing teachers. Now I am a freshmen with chances to graduate early and scholarship offers. I love this school and I encourage you to send your child here

I love it because I was there for a few months for my education program and just had a great time!

I love Gardner and almost missed out. I will admit I was nervous about sending my son there because of negative comments of other parents. I knew my son would excel anywhere, but I was worried about the teachers not caring & the curriculum not being challenging. Was I ever wrong! My son has amazing, qualified, and caring teachers and is challenged daily. I watch him study for tests and for the first time, he's scratching his head because it isn't easy. He's a 4.0 student and is taking honors classes. I realize now, I was foolish to believe other parents, but smart enough to take a chance on Gardner. (Plus those 'other parents' aren't involved with their children's education and are having the same problems at other schools...hmmm, maybe its them). A few weeks after starting school, my son kissed & thanked me for choosing Gardner. ;o)
—Submitted by a parent

I love Gardner. I've gone to other middle schools in the area and they don't even come close to Gardner's greatness. Smart parents choose Gardner Middle School for their student.
—Submitted by a student

Gardner is AWESOME! It has lots of opportunites for all the students to participate. The after school programs offered include; sports for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, Reaching Higher, Equations, Mathaletes, and so many more. The teachers care about the diverse students that attend Gardner. This is the best middle school in Lansing!
—Submitted by a teacher

I love Gardner because we have fun electives to choose from, we have great food that tastes great, we learn so many things I never even thought about that could be on earth. Its easy to make friends at Gardner because they will help you around on your first day. We also have 6 different classes and we have seperate teams. And if you come to Gardner you will meet this funny lady named Ms.Baker who will make you fell safe. And there are security gaurds in the halls,lunchrooms and even when were outside so tecnically you are safe at all times. We also try to raise up money to make are school the greatest we can. But I absoulutely love Gardner and Im in the 6 grade.
—Submitted by a student

Gardner is Lansing's outstanding middle school w/o question. My kids have been to three of them. I know!!! Gardner is the best. It has not always been that way - the staff and principal and his assistants work real hard. These days Gardner has highest test scores, most kids, and best environment. It is the most orderly school you will ever go to. The kids are mostly low income many with trouble at home. Yet they all have a chance at Gardner to be a success in life. Diversity is celebrated with kids and parents from a variety of backgrounds. Sensible policies are apparent, the building leadership makes everyone accountable while making everyone welcome. The principal says 'our door is open to everyone' and he is right. Your kid would be lucky to attend Gardner.
—Submitted by Bob and Betty, a parent

This school has an interesting track record with how they discipline children. No positives are apparent in this school. The halls are dreary, the extracurriculars are non existent, no special programs/classes make the school stand out, no leadership and the wishy washy-ness of the rules makes it difficult for the community to stand behind the school. Liven up the 'playgrounds', hold special events at the school, add some fun after school programs, get the staff involved in the school, endorse the PTSA a bit more, show the parents and community that you would like to turn around the school and make it special. Maybe even being one of the first with uniforms in the area would help.
—Submitted by a former student

My child has not had a good academic challenge. There are limited extracurricular activities and parent involvement is very low. We are now moving out of the district because most of the schools are in need of major restructure in this area.
—Submitted by Heather, a parent