Jay M Robinson Middle School

Horrible! I am a former student at Jay M Robinson and went there from 6th to only a half of my 8th grade year. The school is not very welcoming and the teachers don't use student feedback on surveys to appeal to all students at their pace, skill, and learning standards. My 6th grade year was fine but the kids are NOT WELCOMING to people who are new and starting their first year. It is sort of like a challenge as the students in the upper grades are "the top" and "the boss". The teachers also won't take the time to help you understand a subject. I have been to all my teachers' tutoring and all they do is give us review worksheets instead of teaching us. Most of all, the students are OVERALL VERY RUDE. There was recently a new student in my 8th grade year, I payed close attention and it was obvious that no one helped her around. No one pays attention to student talents or other features that make the students unique. The principal isn't involved AND THE BULLYING GOES WAY TOO FAR! I hated it so much I switched schools during the year to a CMS magnet school and it is way better. Popularity showdown + major bullying instances + no interactions = Jay M Robinson Middle School.

My child "graduated" from JMR 6/2012. JMR is a tough school aimed at preparing kids for high school. My daughter has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan due to diagnosed learning disability) and the staff worked with her to meet her needs to be successful. She is now at a charter high school because of the overcrowding in classrooms in CMS. JMR prepared her for the level of high school work and she is ahead of her peers in her study skills and abilities such as writing an essay. The high level of parent involvement in this public school and their children's education makes for JMR generally being a satisfactory and safe learning environment. The vast majority of capable teachers are truly interested in seeing their students excel.
—Submitted by a parent

My son goes to jm is a honors student there for 3 years in his final year is a honor roll student a and b student the school is really a good lower end middle school not all but seems to me teachers are paycheck hounds not all but good amount of older staff there.But then again the administration will not change this maybe if they could they would but not likely.The old line is you get out of school what you put in not what the teachers are putting in
—Submitted by a parent

Wow!! The previous poster is way off base about this incredible school. JM Robinson is not an unsatisfactory school. The teachers and staff go out of their way to meet the needs of all students. It has not been easy these last few years in CMS...budget cuts, new teacher appraisal instrument, Pay for Performance, etc. The teachers at this excellent school focus on student success and create a nurturing environment for the entire school community.
—Submitted by a teacher

looks like most of these reveiws are dated, time for an up date. JMR has some fantastic teachers, unforunately they are under an adminstration that couldn't care less if they tried. The general strategy is to simply push the kids through with no regard for personal needs or learning styles. Parent engagement is 'encouraged' until a true issue needs to be addressed then they simply delay dealing with the problem or try to brush it under the rug. If your child is highly motivated and would be a high achiever in any environment, you may find this is the school for you, otherwise be prepared for 3 years of disappointment. The local demographics have more impact on how this school is rated against others than anything the adminstration is doing. If you are looking for a school that excells in getting as many kids through with little concern for personal differences and needs, JMR is your place.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with JM Robinson. The teachers are engaged and enthusiastic. The physical plant is outstanding. The students are hard working and generally nice kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved from Florida and my son was in a private Catholic school in an upscale area of South Florida. He just started 6th grade and let me tell you, this is no joke. The teachers are great, the workload is plenty and he is working hard to keep his grades at the honor level. I am so happy we picked this school and hope to have a wonderful three years here!
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone works as a team!
—Submitted by a parent

jay m robinson is an amazing school!!! i mean the teachers are great and make learning easy for us students!!! but now im not a current student in jay m (sadly!..) because i have moved here to to florida. and trust me the middle schools in florida are like trash compared to jay m, and other middle schools in fl. so all u parents out there who have ur kids going to jay m thats the greatest dishison u probably made for them! oh and by the way i used to be excited to do work in jaym and go to school but over here its all just so wrong!!
—Submitted by a student

its just an amazing school evryone is so friendly and is always happy to help!
—Submitted by a student

I can not say enough good things about this school! The teachers are unbelievably dedicated and kind! They truly make the children enjoy learning in a very challenging environment which amazes me! My normally very shy child is excited and happy to go to school ,has made made many nice friends,and doesn't even stress about getting up in front of the class for assignments! We were so worried about the middle school transition but it has been seamless...actually it has been better than elementary school ever was! Three teachers have truly been more than fantastic and need to be mentioned...Mr. Vanderhill,Ms. Merkle,and Ms. Klingler!There is not enough space here to to speak the praises they deserve! Feel confident if your child will be attending this school.You will be more than happy!
—Submitted by a parent

I take exception to the statement of Jan. 6. As a parent who has had one child go to Robinson and one currently attending, I find the teachers there and the administrative staff to be very friendly and helpful. Teachers really go out of there way to be helpful. The adminstrative staff, especially the principal, are very approachable and available.As far as parents being welcome, I feel that parents are encouraged to be part of Robinson . Parents must check in and receive a visitors badge to be in the school. As a parent, I am glad to see that. It dicourages anyone from walking around at will and is one thing that keeps Robinson safe. There is excellnt education at all levels. I am most pleased with he quality of education at Robinson, and I feel that my children have been and are being given excellent preparation for the future.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has had one child go thru Robinson and has another child there currently I have found the school to need improvements in several area. The administration and some staff members are not helpful, friendly or even interested in children. The principal is so busy with politics downtown that she is rarely at school and certainly not engaged. Parents are not welcome in this school. On the other hand, the teaching staff for the most part is outstanding and inspires the children. I know there are several who have made life-long impressions on my oldest. The course work is tough but prepares the kids for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school! The Principal and administrative staff are top-notch. The teaching staff is highly qualfied, with close to half the staff having either a Master's Degree or their Board Certification. Overall the students are well-behaved, and come to school ready to learn. There are numerous activities in which students can become involved. In short Jay Robinson Middle is one of the best schools in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg School sytem.
—Submitted by a teacher