Northwest Rankin Middle School

I moved here from MO last year and have been in Rankin County school befor I am very very disapointed in this school my child hates it and so do I not what they say do not put your kids here nothing but DRUGS and alot of HATE
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to MS last summer and bought a house in NWRMS school zone since we were told it was a great school. Our son is in the 6th grade and everything that he has learned, is a review from last year. (5th grade, state of GA). The 6th grade consists of 5 classes, two of which are PE and ART. The other classes are Math, Lauguage Arts and the students have Science one half of the year and then Social Studies the other half. NWRMS does not have the AR program nor do they encourage their students to read. I don't know how else to describe this school but to say it's very ghetto. I am disappointed in this school and my son will not be returning next year. I hope we have a better experience at MRA.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been in Northwest Rankin school district for 9 years. The elementary schools are outstanding. However, NWRMS leaves a lot to be desired! Most teachers show very little interest in the students. Problems within the school are 'covered up' quickly and the students are rarely given text books. Most class and homework is photocopied worksheets and more than half the teachers don't keep their websites up to date. Students are required to sign a 'no bullying' contract that is a waste of paper- especially when teachers get away with using humilliation as a way to control their students. My son was called 'worthless' by an obese woman who wasn't even his teacher- nothing was done about it! They spend 2 weeks preparing for MCT's and 2 days (at best) prepariing for final exams! I have heard great things about the high school and only hope they are true. At an age when kids are emotionally at their most vulnerable and need support and guidance from the adults around them, they are treated like garbage by teachers and administrators who won't take their faces out of their ipads long enough to see the human being standing in front of them!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to NWR middle school for 2 years and has been a A & B student since 1st grade never have I ran into any problems untill today I am so upset and do not know what to do. One of his teachers snached his makeup work out of his hand and told him he cannot do his work and the teacher hit his arm where he injured playing basetball this weekend and has a splint on his wrist and I tried to talk to the school office and principal and was told that they do not beleave that any of that happened, I just found out that this school does not care and I am scared that my son is not happy here anymore.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not let my kids go anywhere else unless it were to Jackson Prep or Hillcrest Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended NWR schools for 8 years now. When we were looking to buy a house I refused to look anywhere but this school district. They have always addressed problems within a timely manner and counselors have always been helpful when needed. When my daughter was in 4th grade I had to call her teacher at home. She was very helpful. concerned, and did not rush to get off the phone. The last 3 or 4 years I have gotten e-mails from her teachers to let me know her progress. The office staff have always been nice, helpful, and considerate. I value the strict rules and the fact that students are held responsible for their actions. With a master's degree and career field working with children and adolescents with mental health and behavior issues I understand the problems faced by school staff and officials.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at NWRMS. He loves his school. Academically he is doing great. What I dont like is the principles and the office staff. The principles will not address true behavior problems with some of the students. If they send them to the alternative school it makes them look bad. So that means the entire school population including teachers suffer. The principles are not involved at all with any of the students. The office staff are not friendly, and can be rude. As a parent I have never been asked to do anything and have always gotten the impression that involvement is not wanted. The teachers they have there are great and do care about their students, it would just be easier on them if they had the support of the principles when it comes to dealing with the thugs that they do have there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was the worst. I feel sorry for any child that gets thrown into the masses their. Too large, too disorderly, and entirely too hard to get any assistance when needed. The principals do not want parent involvement, unless its a money donation.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into this school district because of its excellent educational reputation. The boys have gotten involved in extra-curricular activities and have made lots of friends. They have been happier here than at any other school they ever attended. We have been in this district for 6 years now and intend to stay until after they graduate high school. The teachers call the parents whenever there is a particular concern with a student. Individual conferences are easy to arrange with teachers, counselors, or principals. I have never had a concern that was not immediately addressed. Discipline is fair and appropriate. The homework level is reasonable. Even the bus drivers are friendly and helpful. When my son was in second grade and got on the wrong bus to come home because of a number mix-up on our part, the drivers took care of him and made arrangements to get him home safely.
—Submitted by a parent

So far, I have run in to obstacles at the school. Should a parent want discipline from an administrator from this school, you can hang it up. Don't expect anything but the run around when asking for help either.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW,is all i have to say this school is pathetic,I have gone here for 3 years going on 4.There is way to many clicks at this school they're rude and they dont except you for your outside image,The teachers dont seem to care if the kids are happy or not.The office workers are rude to parents inclluding mine,but what hurts most of the kids at this school's feelings is they get treated very cruel by other stuck up students.My parents are so dis-saticified with NWRMS that they have decided to move me to Brandon Middle School and I have heard so many more good comebacks than this school i can tell you that much.I strongly recomend to not go to this school it doesnt matter how many good ratings it gets.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school and I am proud of the progress my children have made. The teachers seem to be well respected by the students and vice versa. I feel confident that my children are safe at school and on the bus. They enjoy both the required classes and the electives. Although my boys get into trouble at times at school, the consequences are always fair and impartial.
—Submitted by a parent

They have good academics, but that's as far as it goes. There is no parent participation in PTO meetings, the only people to show up are the ones on the board. The teachers don't even show up except for the teacher representative (I thought it was called PTO, not PO). While in the 5th grade, my child took the band test and passed and returned the form w/ the choices of instruments. We then filled out another form w/ first choice band and second as art. My child was given music and told you don't get to choose your activity, after looking forward to band all summer. Teachers seem very impersonal and don't seem to want to know the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically a good school. Many of the support staff working in the offices do not seem to enjoy their work and are less than halpful and not friendly. Workers in the office are not aware of school policies and processes. Very unorganized.
—Submitted by Rod Cadenhead, a parent

I actually go to this school. I'm in eighth grade and none of what the rates say are true. The principal has no activity other than telling students to pull up their pants or to pull down their shirts. Truthfully, our principal doesn't know his students. We have no athletic activities. Sixth grade students are required to take PE and music. But further, the PE classes are more like study hall. Dance is fun, but overly expensive. Parents aren't required to do anything, and the only thing that there is to be involved in is PTO.
—Submitted by a student

Academically this is a good school. Have liked the teachers my boys have had. They have good offering of music, art, and sports. The administration seems to be very good. Does not seem to be open to parents in the class room; they do want involvement in other areas. There seems to be good attendance of parents at open houses and other meetings.
—Submitted by a parent

NWRM is a very good school. My son has come a long way, academically, and I feel it is because of the Arts Program. Before he was able to enroll in Theatre Arts, his overall attitude about school was not so good. The Arts program has added to the quality of his school experience and he has applied the same effort that he puts into learning his lines into his other classes. His teachers have noticed his improvements and have commented to me and to him about this. They have been supportive and aware of his development. There is also a new mentoring program called 'Transitions' that parents and community members can participate in. I think it will make a positive difference in the lives of these students who are a very critical age of development.
—Submitted by Ronjanett Taylor, a parent

This is a great school! The extracurricular activities are great, also. Parent involvement is highly encouraged.
—Submitted by a student