Junior High School 167 Robert F Wagner

Both my sons attended Wagner Middle School. One is going to Brooklyn Tech and the other will be starting at Frank McCourt this year. The school is well run, the teachers are approachable, helpful and they respond when you email them. The administration is equally responsive and approachable. I have nothing but praise for Ms. Torres, Mr. Eldridge and particularly Ms Renn-Losarda.
—Submitted by a parent

What a terrible school. My son and daughter were both victims of bullying at this school. Bullying seems to be a great problem at this school for many children. If you don't want your son or daughter to become a victim of bullying, I highly recommend that you avoid sending them here. The school also only seems to care about the honors classes and no effort is made for the regular classes. I am greatly disappointed by the school's lack of commitment.
—Submitted by a parent

My son entered sixth grade here recently and was the victim of a bullying incident almost immediately. The school's response was slow and lacked transparency with the Dean of Students trying hard to discredit my son's story and shield the bullies. The principal, Ms. Losquadro, only took part in the investigation on my insistance and threat of applying for a safety transfer for my son. Send your kids to East Side Middle School if possible. Avoid this place.
—Submitted by a parent

The building looks like a jail. Some students have behavior issue that administration can't control. The administration seems to be overwhelmed by the situation and does not aggressively address the problem. The information from school to parents are not always transparent ( advanced program, music program, other activities .. ) Thanks to its diversity (mostly Asian), the school is academically well performing in Math/Sciences. The school is mostly over rated above but better than many middle schools in the city.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school that is incredibly well run. Wagner in NYC's largest middle school but it doesn't feel that way. Ms. Lasorda nee Rehn has organized the school so that each grade maintains the same Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor throughout the students career at the school. We now have our 2nd child at the school, in the 7th grade. His older brother attends Brooklyn Tech, one of NYC's specialty high schools so the education he got was also done well. I can only sing my praises for this school. We are very happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

This school made me feel right at home. I am in 7th grade now and in the academic classes. If your in SP/Honors it can be more challenging. But if your in the academics, the teachers take their time to explain things that you don't understand. You can also ask for help afterschool or in the morning and they will be there. This is a great school with great teachers and staffs.

THIS IS A GREAT SCHOOL. My son is in the 8th grade . The principal, Jennifer Rehn is the best . You will never see such an involved person. Her door is always open. The deans are great. High school placement in this school is excellent. This year 90 kids were excepted to Specialized schools. The honors math program is out of this world great. The music program also great with 34 kids accepted to Laguardia. Some kids got into Laguardi and Bronx Science. This is a real school -no baby stuff. Your child goes with you to parent teacher conferences. After school activities offer tons of sport programs. My son is now ready for high school because of the teachers at Wagner.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school if you are in one of the special (SP - Honor) classes. YOu will get a great education and will make lasting friendships. If you are in one of the lower or average classes then good luck to you. You get bullied and picked on and the teachers would care less. They also seem to care less about teaching better materials to these students. Mainly because students in these classes don't pay attention and are disrespectful. I was in the average classes my first two year. I hated going to school and feel like I have a second rate education. Then begged to get into one of the top classes my last year. What a difference. I finally "enjoyed" school and put in an effort to study. My classmates are not rude like before and the course materials are more challenging.

Enthusiastic teachers, wonderful programs & after school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a seventh grader @ MS 167 and I have to say, you end up feeling anonymous in such a big school. It's really hard to distinguish yourself from others so people don't lump you into groups. But they have great support groups for children of divorce, and kids feeling insecure about their ethnicity.
—Submitted by a student

Very impersonal school. I am very disappointed in Wagner. I expected teachers who are concerned about their students. Instead, most of the teachers don't notify you in time when you child is in trouble. Their attitude is one of 'sink or swim.' I removed my child in the middle of the school year because I was so appalled at the lack of caring - with the exception of one teacher. If your child is an independent worker who does not mind an impersonal environment, then Wagner is a perfet fit for your youngster. Kids who need more attention, should be placed in another more suitable setting
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Wagner. Unfortunately this is his last year and its off to High School. This is the best of the best schools. Principal, Teachers and Staff are all wonderful. I wish it went straight through High School. Teachers are truly dedicated to there students and extemely helpful to the parents. If there is any concerns, the school has an open door policy. Principal and Assistant Principals are remarkable. My son is getting the best education ever in Wagner. This is an Upper Eastside Gem. Love the school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Wagner Middle School because it is filled with incredibly dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting our very large and very diverse population of students. Our students and teachers are faced with issues from challenged learners and the seriously gifted to serious family traumas and emotional concerns. Our committed administration has taken the largest middle school in Manhattan and through endless hours of hard work have made it a lovely place to work and to go to school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, assistant principal and the principal treat my daughter as if she was there own!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated from 167 and now my daughter also attends 167 so I have quite a history with the school and I absolutely love it. For a big Middle school they are so well organized and on top of things. Each grade has an Assistant Principle that knows your child and are well connected. The school based support is top 1 as well. They do a fabulous job with keeping parents informed and up to date through e-mail blasts. Also, anytime my children needed extra support they were right there to work with me and support my childs needs. Plus I love the fact that Wagner is a no-nonsense school, they mediate any problem right away.
—Submitted by a parent

Each grade has their own assistant principal and guidance counselor allowing the children to form a meaningful bond and trusting relationship. The faculty extend themselves and take a personal interest in every child. I know that when I send my daughter to school she is in great hands.
—Submitted by a parent

JHS 167 is a great and safe school. The teachers really take time with the kids. They encourage the kids to do well in life. My daughter love this school. I am blessed to have my child attend JHS 167. I know she will get into a great HS once she graduate from JHS 167. Thank you all
—Submitted by a parent

Big middle school opportunities with a small school attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshmen who is now in High School and graduated from Wagner in 2009. The school is really nice and you can make many friends here. There are fun field trips such as the Senior Cruise.. They recently took away out lunch privileges. I overall enjoyed Wagner the only few problems I can probably find is that book bags can get heavy especially since there aren't lockers available for students to buy books in. The other thing would be there is bullying from time to time though you can avoid this once in a while by staying away from the bullies. Also that I never really got to know my principal well. The teachers there are great though and the students can talk to them. There are Excellent Guidance Counselors at Wagner. Overall I enjoyed this school.
—Submitted by a student

My grandson just graduated from this magnificent school. Though there is a large student population, it never feels that wasy. The staff, teachers, leaders are all exceptional. The guidance counselors and dean are truly caring individuals. They help the students and are always giving advice and guidance. I was truly very happy with our three years there.
—Submitted by a parent