East Rockford Middle School

Every teacher has been excellent. Nice Building and outstanding parent support.
--Submitted by a parent

I was only in this school for 1 year, but after moving, it made me realise how great this school is. The teachers are good, the enviroment is good, the food is good, It's almost impossible to find fault with this school. I reccomend it to anyone in the area.
--Submitted by a student

when I first started at ERMS(going into 6th grade), I was so scared that I would get lost or forget my locker combination, or not make friends, my fears were the opposite of what I expected. I absolutely loved ERMS. I am very surprised about what parents are saying about ERMS, ITS AWESOME!
--Submitted by a student

I am new to Rockford school district as of the beginning of this year, and I was terrified to start a new school in the 7th grade. I felt that everyone, in general, was more than welcoming. I have fun, caring teachers, a great group of friends, and a lot of fun at East. I am pretty shocked that the parents are not writing good reviews about it; my mother loves it aside from the parent envolvement, considering there is none. I think that East is a great school district and I couldn't have gone to a better school this year. There's great after school activities, but be warned, they're mostly sports. I'm not a sporty person, I'm much more into acting. However, there are great programs for everyone.
--Submitted by a student

I feel that the guidance/counseling could be more available to the kids. I believe they should seek the kids out. There are a lot of kids who need to guidance at this age but are afraid to ask for it. They probably don't even know they need it. My child felt very out of place when we moved here and was quite sick about it. The school informed me that she was adjusting normally even though I told them that she was writing disturbing poems and hated everything. They did nothing to ease her transition into a new school. A buddy system would be great for this. She ate lunch alone and standing up. She is great now 2 yrs later but I felt very alone while trying to make her feel safe & welcome.
--Submitted by a parent

i'm currently a sophmore at rockford. i attended ERMS for three years (grades 6-8) after reading all of the negative parent comments i'm genuinely surprised. i absolutely loved it. my classes were challenging but good. i had the best teachers. the afterschool activities gave me so many opportunities that other schools do not have. i adored ERMS. it prepared me extremely well for high school and also i believe for life.
--Submitted by a student

The academics in general are very good. Class rooms a little over crowded - kids can get lost in the shuffle easily. The extra activies are fine. My main concern is with how incredibly strict the school is. There is not much opportunity for parents to be involved with the school. The school building is beautiful and well maintained. Seems to be safe as far as doors being locked, etc. Office staff friendly - counselors make matters worse for the kids.
--Submitted by a staff

Beware of using counseling services. I had my son visit the counselors because he was feeling out of place at school. He was having a difficult time transitioning from elementary school to middle school. Very poor communication. Special services is outstanding. The quality and excellence of these teachers are unmatched. My overall experience of this school is moderate.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is now in the 8th grade, so I've experienced all three grades. Sixth grade is too strict, too nitpicky. Good emphasis on curriculum. Teachers, in general, very willing to work with parents & students. Good balance between school work & extracurricular activities. Great parent involvement. School is clean and safe.
--Submitted by a parent

The schools price of food is way to much, to get a chicken combo is 5 bucks, thats 25 dollers a week, witch alot of parents could not offord. The schools principal, does not do anything he just types on his laptop. And hows theres supposedly 18 students per teacher is wrong, the average is 30 students per teacher, and most of the teachers are crazy, kicking desks, making kids give them homework they never assigned. And thats just what I saw while I was walking down the hallways. I'm saying this as a concerned parent of 3, I dont want my children going to that school, I'm going to send them to a privite one!
--Submitted by a parent