Jefferson Middle School

To the parent from Virginia with a student at Jefferson Middle School: I acknowledge the validity of most of your points (especially the morning traffic -- you need to be on traffic duty to see just how crazy people can be). However, I take exception to your point about the district's choice plan. (You said, "a real lack of diversity" and "letting parents pick and choose their district.") A teacher in WSFCS for ten years and a parent with students in the system for thirty years, I have watched the district move from forced busing to neighborhood school assignment. Overnight the district re-segregated. Then the magnet program was introduced. Slowly and with great difficulty the program has turned into a strength. Plan to attend the Magnet School Fair January 5 at the Benton Convention Center. Depending on what year your student is in at Jefferson, you may want to consider moving to one of the magnet programs. At least you will have a better perspective on which high school your student may attend. All the magnet schools have a liberal visitation programs. You may tour the schools. Your student can "shadow" a student for a day partial day. The options are worth exploring.

Originally from Virginia, we moved to Winston-Salem this summer and the Forsyth County Schools have been a disappointment. At Jefferson, my popular outgoing son from Va is treated rudely or ignored by the students on his AG team. Although the counselor is working hard to help resolve this issue, there is a bigger dynamic going on within this school that I believe is not so easily fixed. In the cafeteria on my son's team, there is a table of all blacks who sit separately from the whites. There is a real lack of diversity at this school and my son is not fitting in with most of the students on his team. Academically, the school is behind his school in Virginia so the the "best" rated Middle School in Winston-Salem seems to be lacking but I suppose if you know no different than you have nothing to compare your experience to. Personally, I have almost been run down by other drivers in the parking lot on several occasions and with all of the problems my son is having with the students, this school is not worth the trouble of the 15 minute or more wait to get my son to and from school. I believe letting parents pick and choose their district is harming students in Forsyth County!
—Submitted by a parent

I am going to this school, and i just moved here and i am a girl, Jefferson is a good place but even though it might be rated very good, its an okay school. There is barely any homework even in the AG classes and if you are in band or orchestra, you probably might be very far ahead because they start an instrument only in 6th grade, which is pretty far behind. Not many people are in orchestra though. Also if you have never heard of Wallabees, you might want to look at them because to fit with more "popular" kids in you have to have a bunch of Wallabees, Uggs, and other expensive shoes. Also Wallabees are quite ugly, and in Jefferson they actually think they look good.... which is pretty weird... but thats just my opinion. Finding friends is kind of hard when there is more than 400 kids in the whole grade. Eh... well the teachers are pretty good, and the kids are not disciplined very well, and the classrooms are very packed full of kids because they have so many.

Jefferson Middle School is awesome! My son started sixth grade at Jefferson this year and has had a wonderful experience so far. The teachers care about the students and help them to be successful in school offering tutoring after school. The principal is great and he keeps parents well informed concerning school events as well as keeping track of A/B day schedule.
—Submitted by a parent

my son will soon start middle school and I have chosen this school for my son to attend. My son is zone for another midddle school, bit I have chosen this school instead. I have done researchs and find this school to be the best school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teacher there care alot about the students and keep parents up to date on everything. They always bend over backwards to see that the children get everything they need to get ahead.....saturday schooling , after school schooling.
—Submitted by a parent

Jefferson is the BEST school ever!!!! when i came to TJMS my grades inproved so much i was so happy.They give us plenty of choices in sports,classes,and if youu need help the teachers are always there for you.Im glad i go t jefferson and proud to say im a patriot!!!! <3333
—Submitted by a student

Excellent school, a little too much testing and homework in the AG classes. Quality work by the teachers, excellent staff and SRO. Glad my daughter is there.
—Submitted by a parent

6th grade at TJMS is the BEST!!! We have some of the highest test scores in NC. I am proud to work here.
—Submitted by a teacher

There is not much homework. Kids are not disciplined well. Also, there is not much technology use at all. It is far from the best middle school in the county if you ask me.
—Submitted by a student

Jefferson middle is a very good school, with high expectations for their students in academics. I gave a four star to this school. Thanks to all the helpful and caring teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent this school is wonderful my son had and grate time there with the hight test scors and by far the best athleatica they win about 9 out of 10 county champs every year. Best school ever
—Submitted by Barbara, a parent

Prior to our son entering middle school, we heard all of the 'woes and cons' of these upcoming years from other veteran parents. We began the year suited in our armor and ready for the challenging battles that awaited us. Our worries have been needless and our concerns few. Our son has been truly blessed with a phenomenal 'team' of dedicated, sincere, and highly qualified teachers who are guided by the most fantastic principal/assistant principal leaders. We have had personal contact with all of these fine people as well as timely, updated,and ongoing progress information. The parent/teacher communication is outstanding and most welcome since our son's ability to convey most meaningful messages to us has...temporarily lapsed! In summation, we are content and relieved, knowing that we have made the best decision for our son's 'transition years'. He feels valued, respected, and challenged. What else could anyone ask for? Heartfelt thanks!
—Submitted by Kathea Semones, a parent

This school has a truly wonderful and dedicated staff. My son has greatly enjoyed his first year in middle school. I give this school a rating of 5. Continue the great work!
—Submitted by Cassondra Revel-Crosby, a parent

Very positive feeling in the school. Good environment for learning. High use of technology.
—Submitted by a teacher