Daniels Middle School

I am very disappointed with my son's first year in Middle School at Daniels! I have always been a very involved parent since my kids started school. When I first walked into the front office at Daniels it was so cold and the front office person was not friendly at all. I understand that in 6th grade the staff expect the students to be more mature and independent, but there is almost no contact with the teachers unless you initiate it. I emailed my son's team leader about scheduling a conference and it took almost a month to get it set-up. I can honestly say that I am not at all thrilled with this school so far this year.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a ITB, clicky school, and huge so for someone that needs a smaller community and surrounding i do not reccommend this school but overall, the teachers are okay, could be a little more challenging, the electives are great along with sports, but the surrounding of people is definately not the best..

I have had two children at Daniels, which is best characterized as an elite, inside the Beltline neighborhood school. (It is no longer a magnet.) We transferred in at 7th grade and found the school to be superior to our other magnet choice. Our child was challenged academically and given support when struggling or challenged to take more advanced classes without our having to ask. Classrooms are orderly. Problem students tend to be removed from class so learning can continue. Quite a few male teachers here, rare these days. Teaching expertise varies here as anywhere. Our second child has had engaged teachers with high expectations and at least one who gave credit for merely turning in homework regardless of accuracy. Counselors have been accessible and excellent, although I can say that transitional counseling to high school is heavily weighted toward Broughton, for which Daniels is a feeder school. Overall, Daniels is a superior learning community. An involved parent can advocate for their child and get results. Extracurricular activities (sports, fine arts presentations, student recognition programs are high quality. Your experience here will be what you make it.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school for sixth and part of seventh grade. The low academic expectations, poor administrative leadership, and lack of respect adults showed children of all backgrounds was very disappointing. We have since moved schools and the curriculum is a good year ahead of what Daniels offered (despite my child being in the top academic courses at DMS). We are surprised that an Inside the Beltline school demonstrates only mediocrity at best.
—Submitted by a parent

Great adminsitration, excellent teachers, overall good functioning school for many years.

We moved here from NYC. My oldest daughter was entering middle school and we found Daniels. This has been a really positive experience overall. My daughter made friends easily and continues to build friendships at Daniels. The teachers provide ample means for communication and offer help when needed. Some of the classes could be a bit more challenging, but I have enjoyed watching my daughter really put effort into her work at Daniels. My youngest daughter is looking forward to being there next year!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school my time here could not have been any better I will be sad when I have to leave.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school. I have made great friends with the kids and the teachers. I love it, everyone is nice and no one will leave you behind.
—Submitted by a student

This is the last yr in middle school for my oldest child. We have loved Daniels. It has been the most positive experience a parent could hope for. We lost our magnet status last year and then we were redistricted as well. We will be relocating to a node which falls under Daniels when my others arrive at middle school level. Dr. Battle and staff are the best you could ask for!
—Submitted by a parent

It's such a wonderful school. I lovE it there. The teachers there are excellent.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child has been very happy at Daniels Middle School. School to parent communication has improved tremendously this year thanks, in part, to a very competent PTA board. Discipline problems have been dealt with promptly. PTA attendance is low, but that is usually a sign that everyone is happy. Issues still to work on: technology use, including better design and use of the school website, and challenging gifted students academically.
—Submitted by a parent

My child had really enjoyed middle school. Daniels has a great group of caring and highly educated teachers. This year there is a new principal who is very good for the school! Parent school communication has increased- a big help!
—Submitted by a parent

The parents here are highly involved with their childrens education and dedication to the school. They spend a lot of time making sure their children have the best possible education facility they can get. The availability of arts and sports is just amazing. Daniels is well known for having great athletic teams. Anything you want to do outside of school, is availabile. All of the teachers there are very high educatated people and take pride in their students and love to teach. As a student for 2 years, I have witnessed all of this first hand, this is a great school and if you are wondering about what it is like, just call them, they will lend a helping hand anytime! GO BLUE JACKETS!
—Submitted by Joshua McGee, a former student

Daniels was a nice school. I was a student so I know first hand. When I was first there everyone greeted me and help me around the very large school. Teachers would stay after school for a long time to help. Even at 6:00am there would be teachers there. All work was easy and teachers helped me a lot. I only been at that school for 1 year and the whole time there were no fights and if you were a problem they would handle you before anything got out of hand. I was there during the gas leak and one was hurt and they did a good job making sure we were safe. I loved that school very much, I recently moved out of the state, but I wish I could go back just to be at that school. Daniels was great! In fact I love all of raleigh schools!
—Submitted by a former student

Students have a good time at Daniels. Parents focus more on athletics (team uniforms, condition of the football stadium, basketball court) than on the academic program, condition and of computers, science labs, test scores, etc. Attendance at PTA Board meetings is shockingly low. Parents are very adept and successful at fundraising - a wealthy PTA. Communication from the principal's office, (especially 2-way communication) and from school to home is very poor, and often last minute. Daniels was recently designated an IB magnet. My students/children enjoyed their 3 years at Daniels, but they were not challenged academically.
—Submitted by a parent