Mattawan Middle School

This is a bad rating...but it is the truth, My son is considered an "Outcast". He has learning disabilities and the other children in this school are not friendly to him, nor is the staff. He is very loney and feels very stressed at this school. Mattawan wants achievers....students who excel !!!!! They want children who can excel in sports, academics, and make the school look good, If your child needs special help, I would look at thier programs very closely. They do not follow the state laws concerning Special Ed. We have decided to change schools. Mattawan has thier priorities, and we have our;s. The education of our son in a relaxed and welcoming atmospere.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great, I am a student and I am the class of 2016. The teachers really do want to help the students out, along with the deans, councelors, and the principal. The school does not tolerate bullying. The school also has a great discipline program, and academic schedual. We also have great encore programs. Our music department is amazing, we are involved in choir and band festivals. Your child will likely find a group of friends because it is such a big school, and even though it is a big school you do get a lot of individual attention.

I was a student here one year ago, and I can honestly say that it was the best time of my life. The school is top notch and safe. The academics are challenging and aggressive, but it prepares you for college. The programs offered for just the middle school rival those of other high schools. The music department is Mattawan's pride and joy, it is constantly rated in the top three in the state. The teachers are great, they are entertaining and caring. They want you to succeed, which is why they go to great lengths to make sure that you understand. I love this school and if I was given the chance to do it again, I would.
--Submitted by a student

Most teachers in the middle school are wonderful! There are a few that you may want to look out for. For the most part the school is great at being sure the teachers are helping the students feel safe. They have a strong discipline which is good. Bullying and teasing is NOT tolerated. It can actually lead to suspension. The school has great support. They have counslers for those studants who may be suffering from depresion or are having problems. The deans are wonderful, they help with conflickts and all. I would recomend this school but watch out for the drama also be warned that there is a lot of out casting that can hapoen due to the popular people. All in all a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a student in the middle school and I'm in the Class of 2013. I felt over all that these last 3 years are the years I will never forget. The kids are incredible, the teachers are respectful and the atmosphere is very safe. Everyone might not like you but the lest they will do I respect you. There is no 'bully cats' around because thats how much respect everyone gives each other. The extra curricular activities are great and each and every person that are included in any of those things and make the staff there just drop there jaw and look at what some kids can do together and it just amazes everyone. This is a Great school to go to and I would love it if you are reading this to respond in your own words about this school.
--Submitted by a student

I am a grand parent and I have 5 grands in your school. (The Darren&Abbie Maracin family)One of my granddaughters is a special needs student and I am so blessed to see your teachers and classes are so kind and informative for her. She has learned so much and I believe its mainly because of the wonderful and diligent Staff that you have at Mattawan. I look forward to encouraging you all any way I can. I visit up there about twice a year.I live in North Carolina but have yet to see any schools here with the quality of teachers and parapros that you have in your school Thanks and may God bless you all and keep your strong and full of vision for this next generation of children. Sue Fowler, mother of Abigail Maracin, who is one of your assistants with special needs children.
--Submitted by a parent

I guess rating two stars is very harsh. It is not necessarily the school that is the problem. The kids are just horrible. If you don't belong to the cool kids groups you are treated like crap. We decided due to the EXCELLENT acedemics that we would send our children to Mattawan because both my husband and I graduated from there, even though we knew that we weren't part of that higher than though Mattawan society. After 7 years of torturing our oldest son we are moving our kids to the Schoolcraft district after this year as school of choice transfers. My middle school son is so stressed out when he comes home and he ends up with hours of homework. That is the worst thing about Mattawan. The homework load on all levels is just TOO much. My 3rd grader has homework every single night also. It is just ridiculous
--Submitted by a parent

This school is really good, other then the fact there is a lot of drama. If you pick the right friends and do the right things you are still bound to get drama. The teachers a great. I have been a student there for 3 years a next year I'm going to the high school. There are a lot of fun programs they have you do in 6th you get to go to Sherman lake camp, in 7th grade you go to Michigan Adventer, and in 8th grade you go to the near by park Formula K.
--Submitted by a student

I have gone to this school all my life. They have a great motto throughout all 4 schools and I personally have enjoyed my time at this school
--Submitted by a student

As a father of 5 whom all attend Mattawan, a wife who teaches special needs children at the school, and myself who sub-teaches throughout several Districts in the Kalamazoo area, I can say that hand-down Mattawan is the best in every category. Their philosophy of teaching includes the whole pupil-super! excellent academic instruction, but realreally
--Submitted by a parent