C and L McDougle Middle School

My son is in 6th grade and really likes McDougle. The electives offered are great and give children a chance to learn something a little different. My son has taken Latin, "Technology," and Mythology. My only complaint is that there is a lot more homework than I remember there being when I was a kid. But the school does a great job helping the children develop organizational skills, which is something that I was not forced to do until high school. I am a little baffled by the allegations of bullying in one of the reviews. It would be helpful if the reviewer could say when the bullying is happening. On the bus? The children only have three minutes between each class, which my son says makes it difficult to get to classes on time, but certainly cuts down on free-ranging in the hallways. Other children being mean is not quite the same thing as bullying. If your child is truly being bullied, I hope you will keep meeting with the administration until the problem is completely resolved.
—Submitted by a parent

From the previous review, 5/20/13 I see that nothing has changed in the 3 yrs since my child was parolled from MMS. With Warden Scott still at the helm that's not a surprise. What is going on in the superintendent's office, why no action on the countless complaints his office has received about the "leadership" at this school?
—Submitted by a parent

This school leaves a lot to be desired. The impressions is that the principal, Ms. Scott, is just waiting to retire, as she'll do little about complaints. There are some excellent teachers, but they are overshadowed by the several teachers who don't seem to enjoy teaching. It usually take several emails to get a response from a teacher. Ms. George at the reception desk sets a negative tone for everyone who enters the school. She is rude to students and parents alike. If you have a choice, all of the other middle schools in Chapel Hill are much better.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at McDougle for 6th and now 7th grade. She is on team Fortune and has absolutely wonderful teachers. There are many extra curricular activities she has joined and the teachers are very involved in the students doing well. Parents are able to go on line to look at test scores, homework grades etc. My only complaint is that she was supposed to be in an accelerated reading class which they, for some reason, are unable to provide. With school budget issues, I'm not surprised. I voiced this concern and they discussed it with me as well as sent home Duke Tip information and other ideas to assist with advanced reading. I hear kids "get lost" in Middle School. My daughter became organized and is thriving. I believe this middle school provides above and beyond the average middle school. My daughter enjoys, glee club, orchestra, chorus, tennis, drama, and has even learned to enjoy math and love science. The chorus had the opportunity to sing at a Bull's baseball game- they also sang at the mall! Great staff at McDougle and we have a wonderful PTA president.
—Submitted by a parent

My children went to this school for years and I feel that the school provides a good eduction.This school goes out of it's way to make sure that the kids are learning relevant and current subject matter. I eventually moved to Raliegh after buying a house, but the teachers do care about students. I only had an issue with one teacher( Ms. Burns), but lucky for the children she left to go back to school!
—Submitted by a parent

I would rather dig my eye out with a spoon than send another child to this school. Both of my children endured severe bullying at this school at the hands of peers and sometimes even teachers. It is a systemic problem. Don't get me wrong, there are some excellent teachers at this school, but they are greatly overshadowed by poor leadership and some educators who are clearly burnt out. I have experience with five other schools in this district, and this is without a doubt the worst in my opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is like a prison! Save your child the emotional and mental damage they'll have after attending this school and go somewhere else. There is much to much homework every night, and the teachers don't care about the students at all. If I could give this school a zero star rating I would.

The best School in North Carolina. Well organized, no problems. Teachers are really thoughtful, always ready to help. There are enough electives to do.

This is a great school. I am a new 6th grader here, and so far, the teachers have been great about welcoming us. I would say this is at least the best school in CHCCS, maybe better. The teachers have been helpful, and everybody at this school is great
—Submitted by a student

It's the best school in north carolina I goto this school and so far I haven't seen nothing bad happen here.
—Submitted by a student

This is our first year here, & our last. I have a 7th grader with special needs. They're no help to the kids at all. Discipline is almost non-existent. Teachers turn a blind eye to bullying & teasing. Issues have to be reported to the counselor, assist. principal or school officer to get resolved. It's been a constant battle all year to try & get the things our child needs. Admin is very good at blowing parents off. Emails & notes get ignored by many teachers. Other than report cards, communication from school is non-existent. I never hear about events going on at school. We heard CHCS were the best schools. Not true for special needs kids. We're looking into other schools. I'm done with this one.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is okay, but not great. They do offer a wide selection of ellective classes. The school counselors are awesome. There's a no bully policy, but teachers won't listen to the kids if there is a problem. So parents have to get involved for things to be taken seriously. If you have a special needs child, don't come here. This school really believes in homework too, even on weekends. Be prepared to have to help with homework a lot. This school looks great on paper, but not so great once you actually get in it. I wouldn't recomend this school to any of my friends.
—Submitted by a parent