The Steam Academy of Winston Salem

My son has enjoyed DTMS, 6th and 7th grade. The teachers are great and create great opportunities for learning. The teachers make the difference! They think out side the box/book and teach the concepts using what the kids like. The teachers hooks them in and Volia! they are learning! Excellent administrative staff that welcomes parents!! They love to see parents - if you are looking for a school that pays attention to the individual child and not to an overall AYP please come to DTMS.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have really enjoyed DTMS. They get great one-on-one attention and it's like one big family there. Both have excelled academically and grown as people too. I highly recommend DTMS as a great alternative to the crowded, impersonal middle schools in Forsyth County.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent that had a great experience with my first son going to Downtown Middle School and contuing on to West . My second son started in the 5th grade program and is looking forward to a great 7th grade school year. I would recommend this school to any parent who wants to be involved with the teachers and your child, volunteering is a plus at this school. I am looking forward to all the positive changes including the new Principal who is so nice. If you are looking for a different kind of learning atmosphere that goes beyond the book concept, DownTown Middle is a great alternative. It is a charter School but no tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school and curriculum. New principal stepping in with many new and exciting ideas for the school. Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. Convenient to many areas conducive to learning, such as Old Salem, The Children's Museum and more. Very large hands-on learning and 'think out of the box' teaching. Downtown Middle school follows the Winston-Salem-Forsyth County School curriculum and also allows my child to critically think. Excellent environment for my child to think, learn and express himself as an individual. Smaller classrooms which invite participation, thinking and learning from the students and the teachers alike. Would recommend this middle school to anyone looking for a tuition-free education with a private school feel.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very safe and orderly.It is one of the safest middle schools in Winston Salem.Great teachers and principal.

My child has reported on a daily basis about the numerous substitutes, behavioral problems, and overall disrespect from students. It has been a nightmare. If educators are in the business of providing a safe foundation for success with our students, this school is failing miserably!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent leadership at this school.The new principal is making a tremendous difference with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has completed the sixth grade at DTMS. It is a terrific learning enviornment for children who are self-motivated and disciplined. The classes are small and the teachers are knowledgeable and caring. But it is not a good environment for families who expect the school to do all of the work, and who are not themselves committed to participating in and monitoring their students' academic and extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her first year at DTMS and I have found that the teachers are awful at communication with parents. Written and verbal requests for conferences are ignored. Also, the teachers don't seem to develop their lesson plans based on the individual needs of the students. Sort of a one size fits all phylosophy.
—Submitted by a parent

Downtown Middle School has gotten progressively worse academically and socially for my daughter. The teacher's are mostly clueless and seem underqualified. Test scores are suffering and funding for technology seems low. Class sizes use to be small but that is not the case at all this school year. I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his third year at this school. We are extremely disappointed at the lack of communication from adminstrators and teachers. I don't think the teachers use any varied teaching methods and we have tons of worksheets to be completed for homework. There seem to be no material and equipment for students to stay up to date with technology. I don't understand the reward system put into place, and neither does my son. As an 8th grader, he has no scheduled field trips that I am aware of. Students are never taken outside of this dingy building during the school day, even thought Old Salem, Salem College, and downtown Winston-Salem's cultural offerings are a short walk away. There is no ethnic diversity at this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent

My son also started in 5th grade at the DTMS. At first it seemed like a good school, but as time has progressed each year things have gotten worse. This year it seems like the teachers have no clue. It seems the good students get punished for the bad students behavior and bullying is all time high. There once was diversity now theres not and its just sad to think that this school which at one time had alot of potential now has little. I hope if you choose this school you happy with it. I could not recommend to anyone at this time
—Submitted by a parent

My son began DTMS in 5th grade, and I am moving him to another school for 8th grade because I am concerned for his safety. It seems to me that each year has gotten progressively worse with bullying. My son is an honor roll student, and is not a behavior problem, but there are few opportinities for rewards for students 'doing the right thing' consistently. A Positive Behavior Support Plan was put into place this year, and my son was very excited about it initally, but his excitement quickly faded because the program was not executed properly. On several instances, I emailed administration about bullying concerns, but I did not receive calls back. I could not recommend this school today. In addition, this school does not have a diverse population.
—Submitted by a parent

Since my daughter has attended Downtown Middle School she has progressed in every academic perspective. She does not have any discipline problems. The parent involvement is encouraged and highly successful. They try to accommodate any working parents schedule by scheduling other volunteer activities that will give you those hours for your child attending the school.
—Submitted by Unieca Richardson, a parent