McKinley Class. Leadership AC.

I am a student at MCLA in 8th grade. I have seen so many teachers in my time here, but i am very disappointed from the teachers this year in particular. I have noticed the decrease of teacher involvement and that has affected ALL students. I am now considering not going to a public school in the city. I recommend checking with teachers BEFORE you decide that this is a fit school. I regret ever going to this school. I suggest going to a Charter school, i was there all the way up to 5th grade and the teachers are ALL 5 STARS! Please tour both schools before making your next move!!!

My child started at McKiney in 6th grade and is now in the 8th grade. During the last few years, I have seen a decline in several areas. For example, the school has hired a few new teachers. These teachers lack basic skills required to adequately teach this population of children. The teachers do not allow the children to ask questions and do a poor job of providing feedback. In addition, if there are children that require more time or additoinal examples in order to understand a concept, this is not provided. The teachers simply move on to the next topic with little to no regard for class understanding and comprehension. In addition, when these concerns are presented to the Principal the issues are not addressed. I wish I enrolled my child in one of the county schools upon leaving Kennard. I sincerly regret the decision to continue in this district and my child has suffered the consequences of that decision. If you are a current Kennard parent, please talk to the Mckinley parents before you make your final middle school selection. What you hear may surprise you.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a high school student and have been attending McKinley for 3 years. Honestly Mckinley CLA isn't the 'best' choice for a teen to attend high school. Sure the gifted program is great and there is a great family environment, but there are absolutely no programs or classes to help us suceed or make it to college. There is a very negative aura with the high schoolers there because 95% of them honestly don't even want to be there. I am one of them. I'd rather attend a school with more oppurtunity and where the students have more say in their education. Overall Mckinley is just about the basic academics that you need to graduate and not about the life skills and support you need to make it in life. It's a cozy place to be, but i definantly wouldn't recommend it if your looking for success in life.
--Submitted by a student

I am a student at McKinley (a 7th grader) and I think the school has a great gifted program. There are issues like short passing times and locker times. Also, some of the teachers seem to give a lot of 'busy work' and we students don't interact with the lesson much. The school could improve but is overall a great school.
--Submitted by a student

I love the school. My daughter just started 9th grade and the teachers are involved and there's tons of volunteer parents. The academics are great i would reccomend this school to anyone!
--Submitted by a parent