Jefferson Middle School

My son attends Jefferson, this was his first year and I have been debating about sending him back. It's just a few things I don't like about the school, like poor communication with parents, rude to the students and a little racism. They have some great teachers, I really like Mr Talacko & Mrs Fury awesome teachers. I like that they are strict with not letting any type of students attend the school with their school records & suspensions background check. They have alot of cuuriculms that most school don't have to offer, I also like the Parent Portal where I can check my son's grading daily with email notification as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Jefferson for 2 years. We are Eastpointe residents. I could not be happier that she had her middle school experience there. The staff was always available to parents and students. Student behavior was monitored closely and no serious problems were encountered while we were there. Technology and school improvements have blossomed and they would rival any public middle school. Strongly suggest you attend orientation if you are looking for a great middle school for your child. They also have Powerschool that allows you to know your childs grades within a day or two. Only improvement I would like to see is class size reduced to 25 students per room. Some classrooms are small. Mr. David Lavender is an outstanding leader. He has a clear vision of what is takes to educate our students. He values input from teachers and parents. Only had problems with one teacher and she was retired last year. I sat in as a parent rep. when they hired several new teachers. We interviewed many teachers and all new hires were outstanding. The sense of community has been wonderful and wish all parents the satisfying experience we had.
—Submitted by a parent

They have a lot of good activities for the kids. The teachers really care about each and every student.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is entering 8th grade. We have had a great experience at Jefferson Middle. He has excelled and I think the teachers are awesome. We only had one teacher in 2 years there that wasn't amazing. The teachers will communicate as much as you want, I emailed everyother week to check in and always got quick responses. My son has carried a 3.5 GPA the entire time.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, there are a lot of school of choice students but that is the case with all schools. One good thing about Lakeview...a parent was telling me that it is hard to get your child into our schools...her son had to have a clean record or they would not accept him. Thank you to that. Our school of choice requirements are strict.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is changing alot. Lately there are so many school of choice students that the school is getting rough. I am thinking of taking my kids out.
—Submitted by a parent

The teaching staff is very good, lots of communication. Students are always doing something, relay for life or other events as well as lots of sports and clubs.. Well rounded school. Their scores are good and the electives have really been good for my son, especially art and band.
—Submitted by a parent

Jefferson Middle School is a great school. The staff is great and the students are just as awesome. My son will be entering his 3rd year in fall of 09 and he has kept an 3.20 GPA or above the entire time.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to Jefferson. I love it there! The teachers are the best! And everyone is REALLY nice, I would NEVER want to go to another middle school!
—Submitted by a student

not many parent sget invole,saftey is hardly there,not many estracurriculars for 6th graders and not many teachers will keep up with parents after speaking with the parents and setting goals for thier kids,principal needs to keep up with what the parents and teachers and counslers say and do so less kids will fail!go to the school any give time to see failure
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student here and this is my 3rd year here. It's really not that bad, and there are a lot worse schools out there. There are some really bad teachers though. But some I really like.
—Submitted by a student

I had attended this school and I actually liked it alot. It had some poor and good teachers. I liked my teachers overral. The conferences drove my parents crazy. We didn't have much time to see all my teachers but its not their fault how many students they have. My mother had arranged meetings with my teachers the next morning and got questions answered and such. I was pretty pleased with this school and overrall liked it.
—Submitted by a student

I have a student at this school. After, having such great experences at the elementry schools I am disappointed with the middle school. The teachers barely communicate with the parents unless there is huge problem and this happens a little late. Conferences are a joke. There are way too many parents and not enough time with teachers. It's like a race to see how many teachers you can see. You will never see them all and it feels like a waste of time. E-mailing the teachers is the best form of communication. It's not very personal but you can get all your answers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school. The level of parent involvement is lower than elementary school, but the PTSO is quite active and supports the student and staff with numerous activities. Recently, elective offerings have been increased with the change of schedule, and new and more challenging courses have been added. Many folks may not agree with the way discipline is handled, but the school is not overall unruly or undisciplined. Of course, folks may feel their child is being singled out but in my experience discipline is fairly and firmly handled. The school offers students opportunities in Band, Orchestra, Choir and Performing Arts, as well as sports and numerous clubs (writing, reading, chess, etc.). Academic rigor could be more stringent, but efforts are made to accommodate each students' needs. JMS has undergone significant remodeling and has updated labs and technology. While there's room for improvement it's a quality building.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no tutoring available for kids unless they are failing. My child needed help with some math concepts that I could not help with. I talked to his teacher about this and was told there is nothing that can be done because he is passing with C's and D's, he needs to be failing to qualify for tutoring. I was very upset.
—Submitted by a parent

my child attends this school and I cant believe how overly sensitive the teachers/admin are there but yet they treat these children like 4 year olds! They need responsibility and discipline!The principal well lets just say I'm not sure there is one.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a current student there and i am not happy at all about there principal who doesnt disipline other students and there parent participation is not very high. I would not recomend going to this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent