Exploris Middle School

Exploris is an overall great school. I enjoy going there every day. It is so unique in the way it teaches and shapes its students. The teachers are so much fun and involved with their students. They offer excellent academics. This is a small school, with a small student body. It is so much fun because you become friends with everyone. The only tiny flaw I have noticed (coming from a regular public middle school) is that there are a few gaps in the 'social studies' and science curriculum. The classes are different from a regular school. :)

No school is perfect and Exploris has its flaws but it is better than most schools and does a lot of great things. They need to learn more flexibility and trust students with more freedoms. The hands on learning experiences have been great. My son really learns best by doing rather than sitting and listening as he has ADHD and he is certainly exposed to more active learning at Exploris than he would be at a WCPS. He still isn't that happy with the school because he desires more freedom and flexibility in expressing himself, for example being able to quietly talk to friends before school or wear a hat. On the whole, it has been a much better fit than a public middle school. And there is a dog there everyday, which he thinks is really cool!
—Submitted by a parent

When my first child got into Exploris, I was delighted.Little did I know that he was in for one of the greatist experiences of his life. We have been blessed to have been part of this unbelievable, hands on, caring, no nonsense environment. The teachers are wonderful,energetic,and on top of all that goes on every day. The kids learn by doing, by walking around town, by being encouraged every day to ask questions and to always look at the big picture. They engage the kids in all kinds of activities and trips during the entire year. They promote community service from the moment the child enters the school. They prepare the children for real life situations. I am grateful that my second child now attends this school. We will always be grateful for all that this wonderful environment has done for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The hands on learning has made the educational process fun EVERY day. The teachers are work to teach the children that to think, identify their opinions and share them.
—Submitted by a parent

I've never seen a team of teachers so involved in the student's success. They do an amazing job of getting kids to work with their strengths. The school is also connected to the community in many ways. Interviewing citizens for a wisdom project and choosing citizens from every demographic of Raleigh; volunteering with the Natural Science Museum, walking to the capitol and listening to our lawmakers. In so many ways they are learning to become responsible, connected citizens as well as great writers and thinkers.
—Submitted by a parent

Particularly noteworthy about this school is the way it fosters independence in the students. They seem to acquire at a relatively early age 'ownership' of their own education; it appears that they are taught to manage their assignments, study, and homework. Also, they develop a thorough Global Awareness which I think is very important in today's world; it is heartening to see a group of young people not taking their blessings for granted, and being encouraged to develop their compassion for, and desire to understand, other people, other nations and other species!
—Submitted by a parent

Exploris is a really good school. I am currently in the 8th grade and I have been there since 6th grade. The curriculum is different but you learn the same things as regular schools. At Exploris you do hands on things to help you learn better. I think it is the best school out there. Everyone is nice especially the teachers. We do not have the problem with bullying like other middle schools. Exploris is top of the line.
—Submitted by Jessica, a student

I am a student currently enrolled at EMS. I will be going into 7th grade in the fall and I just want to say that it is a great school! Everyone is pretty nice to one another. We call our teachers by first name only and no 'Mrs., Ms., or Mr.' before the names. Since it is a very small school, you know everyone in your grade, and a lot of people not in it. The teachers are all really nice, exception for... well, I shouldn't mention which one isn't. But hey, that's only one! (And it's not one that you see a lot.) I would really recommend applying.
—Submitted by a student